Getting Charmander in Pokemon Sun introduces you to one of the classic starter choices through island challenges and story moments. This guide walks you through reliable ways to encounter, catch, and keep Charmander as part of your team across Alola.
Whether you are chasing the original starter experience or hunting for a specific nature, the following steps break down encounters, locations, and methods clearly so you can add this fire lizard to your roster.
| Goal | Where | Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obtain Charmander | Hau'oli City starter shop | Buy Poke Ball and choose Charmander | Requires beating first trial |
| Encounter wild Charmander | Poke Pelago islands | Berry throwing and shaking trees | Rare spawn, level 5-6 |
| Transfer from older games | Bank or event distributions | Migrate via Professor Oak's lab | Event or VC version dependent |
Accessing Charmander Early in the Story
Starting Your Journey in Hau'oli City
Soon after entering Hau'oli City, you visit the local starter shop where Professor Kukui allows you to choose a beginning Pokemon. Charmander appears as one of the three traditional options, available immediately once you clear the first island trial.
Buying a Poke Ball from the货架 and selecting Charmancer locks in your fire type companion, giving you a strong early advantage against grass and ice opponents across your adventure.
Finding Charmander in the Wild
Searching Poke Pelago Islands
Charmander can appear as a rare roaming Pokemon on your Poke Pelago islands, where you send your companions to gather resources. By throwing Berries and shaking trees, you increase the chance to trigger a wild encounter at a low level.
These island spawns are uncommon but offer a way to add extra Charmander to your collection without relying solely on story choices or transfers.
Using Transfer Methods
Bank Services and Event Distribution
If you already own Charmander from previous games, you can move it into Pokemon Sun using the Bank system or special event distributions. This option is common for players who want to preserve trained stats, movesets, or cherished nicknames.
Check event schedules around launch dates, as promotions sometimes include Charmander distributions that do not require breeding or long hunts.
Training and Battling with Charmander
Leveling and Move Planning
Once obtained, focus on balanced training across Special Attack and Speed, since Charmander evolves into Charizard with strong offensive presence. Teach moves that cover fire, flying, and coverage options to handle threats in Alola gyms and wild battles.
Utilize TMs and TRs available in the region to modernize its moveset while respecting its natural typing and role within your team composition.
Key Takeaways for Charmander Hunts in Sun
- Choose Charmander as your starter in Hau'oli City for immediate access.
- Check Poke Pelago islands regularly for rare wild encounters.
- Use Bank or event distributions to transfer Charmander from older games.
- Focus on training Special Attack and Speed for evolved forms.
- Plan movesets that leverage fire coverage and flying-type options.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I get Charmander without choosing it as a starter?
Yes, you can encounter Charmander on Poke Pelago islands or transfer it through Bank and event distributions if you already own one from another game.
Does Charmander appear in tall grass in Sun's main story areas?
No, Charmander does not spawn in regular route grass; your main opportunities are starter selection, Pelago islands, or transfers from older games.
Will I lose Charmander if I restart my Sun playthrough?
If you already caught or transferred Charmander into your party, it remains saved with your account, but starting a new game without transferring means you will need to obtain it again through the same methods.
Are there differences between Charmander and Charmeleon stats in Sun?
As evolving Pokemon, Charmeleon gains higher base stats and new move options, so training Charmander early helps you reach stronger forms faster for competitive battles.