If you’re playing Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen on Nintendo Switch and want Charmander on your team, this comes down to your very first major decision in the game. Charmander is not found in the wild, not unlocked later, and not given as a post-game reward.
You either pick it at the start, or you trade for it.
Choosing Charmander in Pallet Town
At the beginning of Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen, you’ll visit
Professor Oak’s Lab
in Pallet Town. There, you’re presented with three Kanto starters:
-
Bulbasaur
-
Charmander
-
Squirtle
To get Charmander, simply select it before leaving the lab. It starts at
Level 5
and will eventually evolve into Charmeleon and then Charizard as it levels up.
Charmander gives you a tougher early game, especially against Brock’s Rock-type Gym. However, it becomes extremely powerful later on, particularly once it evolves into Charizard.
Read More: All Safari Zone Pokémon in FireRed LeafGreen: Nintendo Switch
Can You Find Charmander in the Wild?
There is no location in Kanto where Charmander appears in the wild. If you chose Bulbasaur or Squirtle, Charmander will not become available later in your playthrough.
Your only alternative is trading from another copy of FireRed, LeafGreen, or a compatible Generation III title.
In the Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen, starter mechanics are unchanged from the original release — meaning your choice in Oak’s Lab permanently determines which starter you receive.
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