Looking to add Charmander, the fiery Kanto starter, to your Pokémon Legends: Z-A team? You’re in the right place. This guide explains everything you need to know — where to find Charmander, how to unlock it through side missions, and how to catch more later in the game. Whether you’re a nostalgic fan or a competitive trainer, getting Charmander is a must for any serious player.
About Charmander
Charmander is one of the most iconic Fire-type Pokémon from Generation I, first introduced in the Kanto region. Known for its small lizard-like body and the flame burning on its tail, this Pokémon has been loved by fans since the early days of Pokémon Red and Blue.
Key Facts About Charmander
- Type: Fire
- Category: Lizard Pokémon
- Weaknesses: Water, Rock, Ground
- Evolutions:
- Charmander → Charmeleon (Level 16)
- Charmeleon → Charizard (Level 36)
The flame on Charmander’s tail is said to represent its life force and emotions — burning brighter when it’s happy and fiercely glowing during battle. If the flame ever goes out, it’s said that Charmander’s life would be in danger, which is why it avoids heavy rain or water-based areas.
Despite its vulnerabilities, Charmander is beloved for its fiery moveset, charming personality, and the fact that it evolves into the legendary Charizard, a Pokémon adored by millions for its immense power and design.
Why You Should Get Charmander in Legends: Z-A
In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Charmander isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s a genuinely strong addition to your lineup. It brings excellent fire-based attacks that can help you against Grass, Bug, Ice, and Steel-type opponents.
Here’s why getting Charmander early is worth it:
- Strong Fire-Type Attacks: Moves like Flamethrower, Fire Fang, and Inferno make Charmander and its evolutions powerful offensive options.
- Smooth Evolution Path: Evolves quickly into Charmeleon and later into Charizard, offering excellent stat growth.
- Charizard’s Versatility: Charizard gains a Flying type upon evolution, making it more resistant and deadly in battles.
- Classic Starter Bonus: Charmander holds sentimental and collectible value — a must-have for trainers aiming to complete their Pokédex.
Where to Find Charmander in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Charmander isn’t immediately available when you start the game. It can be obtained in two primary ways — through a Side Mission and later by catching it in the Wild Zone after finishing the main story.
1. Get Charmander from Side Mission 22: “A Call from Mable”
This is the easiest and most reliable way to get Charmander in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
After progressing through the game and completing Main Mission 8: Reaching Rank V, you’ll receive a call from Professor Mable. This starts Side Mission 22: “A Call from Mable.” Once you begin this mission, you’ll visit Mable’s office at the Pokémon Research Lab, located on the third floor.
There, you’ll be presented with the three original Kanto starters:
- Charmander (Fire-type)
- Squirtle (Water-type)
- Bulbasaur (Grass-type)
You can choose only one, so make your decision wisely. If you’re looking for an offensive powerhouse and a future Charizard, Charmander should be your pick.
2. Catch Charmander in the Wild Zone (Post-Game)
After completing the main story, you’ll unlock Wild Zone 20, a rocky and fiery area where Charmander naturally spawns. However, it has a low spawn rate, so patience is key.
Tips for Finding Charmander in Wild Zone 20:
- Look around rocky dirt patches — that’s where it appears most often.
- If Charmander doesn’t appear, leave the area and return to refresh the Pokémon spawns.
- Flying back to Centrico Plaza and returning to the Wild Zone helps trigger respawns.
Once you spot it, approach carefully and prepare for battle — Charmander can be quick to flee if startled.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Charmander in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Follow these detailed steps to make sure you don’t miss your chance to get Charmander:
Step 1: Progress in the Main Story
You’ll need to reach Main Mission 8: Reaching Rank V. Complete the mission’s first battle to unlock the next step.
Step 2: Heal Your Pokémon
After the battle, head to any Pokémon Center to heal your party. Doing so triggers a call from Professor Mable, marking the start of Side Mission 22.
Step 3: Start “A Call from Mable”
Go to the Pokémon Research Lab in Lumiose City and take the elevator to the third floor. There, Mable will introduce you to the three Kanto starter Pokémon.
Step 4: Choose Charmander
Interact with the Poké Balls on Mable’s desk. Choose Charmander as your starter reward. Once you make your choice, the other two Pokémon won’t be available, so choose wisely.
Step 5: Complete Main Mission 38
Finish the main storyline to unlock Wild Zone 20, where Charmander can spawn in the wild. This area becomes accessible once you reach the endgame.
Step 6: Catch More Charmanders
Once you unlock Wild Zone 20, you can farm Charmander encounters. Use lures or increase spawn rates with weather effects if applicable.
Step 7: Breed or Trade for More
If you want all three Kanto starters, trade with other players or breed Charmander once you unlock the nursery feature.
How to Evolve Charmander in Legends: Z-A
Once you’ve got Charmander, you’ll want to evolve it into its next forms:
- Charmander → Charmeleon at Level 16
- Charmeleon → Charizard at Level 36
Evolution Benefits:
- Charmeleon gains improved Attack and Speed stats, becoming a capable mid-game fighter.
- Charizard adds the Flying type, giving it access to aerial moves like Air Slash and Hurricane, along with a massive boost in power.
If you’re lucky, you might also encounter a Shiny Charmander during your Wild Zone hunts — a prized catch for collectors.
Charmander’s Battle Strengths and Weaknesses
Charmander may look small, but its offensive potential is massive. Here’s how it performs in battle:
Strengths:
- Dominates against Grass, Bug, Ice, and Steel-types.
- Learns strong Fire-type attacks early on.
- Evolves into Charizard, one of the most versatile Fire/Flying Pokémon.
Weaknesses:
- Struggles against Water, Rock, and Ground-types.
- Needs careful play to avoid being knocked out quickly.
Recommended Moveset:
- Flamethrower – Reliable Fire-type move with great accuracy.
- Dragon Breath – For coverage against other types.
- Slash – Strong Normal move for general use.
- Fire Spin – Adds residual damage over time.
Training and Tips for Charmander
To make the most of your Charmander, follow these pro tips:
- Boost Attack and Speed EVs for maximum battle efficiency.
- Equip a Charcoal or Flame Plate to increase Fire-type move power.
- Avoid Water-type areas when training to prevent knockouts.
- Pair Charmander with Electric or Grass-types to balance team weaknesses.
You can also teach Charmander TM moves like Sunny Day and Solar Beam later for advanced battle strategies.
Fun Facts About Charmander
- The flame on its tail changes color depending on its health.
- In older games, Charmander was one of the most popular starter picks.
- It’s said that Charmander’s flame burns brighter when it forms a strong bond with its trainer.
- Charizard, its final evolution, has appeared in nearly every Pokémon game and even multiple anime and movie adaptations.
Final Thoughts
Getting Charmander in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is one of the most rewarding moments in the game. Not only is it a nod to Pokémon’s classic origins, but it also gives you a strong Fire-type companion that can grow into the iconic Charizard. Whether you choose it from Mable’s mission or hunt it down in the wild, this little Fire Pokémon will quickly become one of your favorites.
So, if you’re ready to heat up your battles and relive Kanto nostalgia, go get your Charmander today — and let that flame burn bright!