Charmeleon Pokemon GO sprite
#0005

Charmeleon

Max CP
1,868
Best
Fire Fang
Flamethrower
Sunny

Charmeleon is a Fire-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, originally from the Kanto region (#5, Generation 1). With a max CP of 1,868 and base stats of 158/126/151 (Atk/Def/Sta), Charmeleon has a total stat product of 435.

Charmeleon is weak to Ground, Rock, Water-type moves. It resists Bug, Fairy, Fire, Grass, Ice, Steel-type attacks. Charmeleon is a 3.0 km buddy Pokemon.

Stats

Max CP
1,868
Lv.40: 1,653 Lv.50: 1,868
Attack 158
Defense 126
Stamina 151
Total 435
Buddy 3.0 km Gen 1 · Kanto 2nd Move: 10,000 Dust · 25 Candy

Moves

Fast Moves

Fire
Ember STAB
10
DPS
10.0 PWR 10 EN 1.0s DUR 10 EPS Sunny
Fire
Fire Fang STAB
13
DPS
13.0 PWR 9 EN 1.0s DUR 9 EPS Sunny
Normal
Scratch Elite
12
DPS
6.0 PWR 4 EN 0.5s DUR 8 EPS Partly Cloudy

Charged Moves

Fire
Fire Punch STAB
25
DPS
50.0 PWR 33 EN 2.0s DUR
Fire
28
DPS
70.0 PWR 50 EN 2.5s DUR
Fire
32.5
DPS
65.0 PWR 50 EN 2.0s DUR

Best Moveset Analysis

Among fast moves, the highest DPS option is Fire Fang (13 DPS), while Ember generates energy the fastest (10 EPS).

Raid Guide

Charmeleon as Raid Boss

Not Currently in Raids

Charmeleon is not currently available as a raid boss. When Charmeleon returns to raids, here are the best counters to defeat it. A 100% IV Charmeleon from raids would have 944 CP at level 20, or 1180 CP at level 25 with weather boost.

Best Counters to Beat Charmeleon

Charmeleon is weak to Ground, Rock, Water-type moves, so counters with these move types will deal the most damage.

How to Get Charmeleon

Charmeleon evolves from Charmander using 25 Candy.

A Shadow version of Charmeleon is available from Team GO Rocket. Shadow Charmeleon knows Frustration as its charged move, which can be removed with a Charged TM. Purifying costs 3,000 Stardust and 3 Candy, and the purified form learns Return. Walking Charmeleon as your buddy earns 1 candy every 3.0 km. It also earns 15 Mega Energy per km when you have Mega Evolved it before.

Charmeleon Catch CP

These are the possible CP values when encountering Charmeleon in different scenarios. The range shows minimum (lowest IV floor) to maximum (100% perfect IV).

Wild Catch
Level 1–30
39 – 1,428 CP
Wild (Weather Boost)
Level 1–35
39 – 1,546 CP
Raid Catch
Level 20
909 – 968 CP
Raid (Weather Boost)
Level 25
1,131 – 1,204 CP
Egg Hatch
Level 20
909 – 968 CP
Research Encounter
Level 15
687 – 732 CP
GO Battle League
Level 20
909 – 968 CP

A 100% IV Charmeleon from raids or eggs will show 944 CP at level 20. If you see this number, don't hesitate — it's a perfect catch!

Trainer Tips

Charmeleon is a Fire-type Pokemon with a stat total of 435. With its high Attack stat (158), Charmeleon is best suited for offensive roles in both raids and PvP.

Watch out for Ground, Rock, Water-type moves when using Charmeleon. These types deal super effective damage that can cut into Charmeleon's performance.

Charmeleon's moves get a damage boost in Sunny weather. Take advantage of weather conditions to maximize your DPS in raids and gym battles.

Unlocking a second charged move costs 10,000 Stardust and 25 Candy. With 3 charged moves available, a second move gives Charmeleon much better coverage in PvP battles.

Should I Invest in Charmeleon?

Power-Up Costs

Level 20 → 40 (Standard)
135,000 Stardust
15 Candy
Level 40 → 50 (XL Candy)
0 Stardust
0 XL Candy
Total (20 → 50)
135,000 Stardust

Verdict

Collector's Pick
Charmeleon is a Fire-type Pokemon with base stats of 158/126/151 (Atk/Def/Sta) and a max CP of 1,868. While it doesn't currently rank among the top raid attackers or PvP contenders, every Pokemon has its place in a trainer's collection. Charmeleon may shine during specific events, in limited-format cups, or when new moves are added in future updates. For now, hold onto a good IV specimen but save your Stardust and Candy for more impactful investments unless you're a dedicated fan of this Pokemon.

Shadow vs Regular: Shadow Charmeleon deals 20% more damage but takes ~20% more. For raids, Shadow is generally the better investment. For PvP, evaluate matchups carefully — the bulk loss can be significant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best moveset for Charmeleon in Pokemon GO?
Charmeleon has multiple viable movesets depending on the battle format. Check the moves section above for full details.
What are Charmeleon's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Charmeleon is weak to Ground, Rock, Water-type moves. On the other hand, Charmeleon resists Bug, Fairy, Fire, Grass, Ice, Steel-type attacks.
What is Charmeleon's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Charmeleon's maximum CP is 1,868 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 1,653 at level 40. A 100% IV Charmeleon caught from raids or eggs (level 20) will have 944 CP, or 1,180 CP with weather boost (level 25).
What CP is a 100% IV Charmeleon?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV Charmeleon has the following CP at key levels: 708 CP at level 15 (research encounters), 944 CP at level 20 (raid and egg catches), 1,180 CP at level 25 (weather-boosted raids), and 1,868 CP at level 50 fully powered up.
Is Shadow Charmeleon better than regular?
Shadow Charmeleon deals 20% more damage than its regular counterpart but also takes 20% more damage. For raids, Shadow Charmeleon is generally better due to the higher DPS output. For PvP, it depends on the matchup — the extra damage taken can be a significant drawback in extended battles where survivability matters. Shadow Charmeleon comes with Frustration, which should be replaced with a Charged TM before powering up.
How to get Charmeleon in Pokemon GO?
Charmeleon is obtained by evolving its pre-evolution (Charmander with 25 Candy). Charmeleon can also be obtained through trading with other trainers.

Max CP per Level

L1 23 CP
L5 222 CP
L10 472 CP
L15 708 CP
L20 944 CP
L25 1,180 CP
L30 1,417 CP
L35 1,535 CP
L40 1,653 CP
L50 1,868 CP

Pokedex Info

Pokedex Number #5
Generation Gen 1
Region Kanto
Height 1.10 m
Weight 19.00 kg
Buddy Distance 3.0 km
Tradable Yes
2nd Charged Move 10,000 Dust / 25 Candy
Shadow Move Frustration
Purified Move Return
Purification Cost 3,000 Dust / 3 Candy
Mega Energy (Buddy) 15 / km