Pokémon X and Y/Species Strategies (Generation I Families)

This page contains information on every Pokémon family first introduced in Generation I, including stats, recommended movesets and evolutionary lines. All evolutionary lines are put together, even if an evolution or pre-evolution was not introduced in the same Generation as other members of its evolutionary family.

Charmander, Charmeleon and Charizard
As the final evolution of Charmander, Charizard is definitely one of the most popular and recognizable Pokémon of the first generation. However, it was always considered mediocre in battle, with a crippling Rock-type weakness and being outclassed by other fire special attackers. In the sixth generation, it doesn't get one, but two Mega Evolutions, not only greatly increasing its viability, but also giving it an element of unpredictability, since foes will never know which Mega Evolution this draconian fire-breather will run until it actually Mega Evolves. Without evolutions, Charizard is still hampered by its usual weaknesses, though it can be a fairly powerful sweeper in Sunny weather with Solar Power.

With Mega Charizard X for the X version, Charizard becomes a Fire and Dragon-type Pokémon and can become a powerful physical sweeper thanks to it Tough Claws ability, which boosts the power of contact moves. This lets it take advantage of its great physical movepool, including the amazing Dragon Dance. After a Dragon Dance boost, Mega Charizard X becomes extremely dangerous and it only takes a OHKO or a few hits to KO many Pokémon who aren't good at being physically defensive. It's Flare Blitz, coming off from a STAB 120 base power, hits immensely hard on anything that doesn't resist but at the cost of some recoil damage. Defensively, Mega Charizard X's Fire/Dragon typing is also a blessing, nullifying its infamous weakness to Stealth Rock as well as removing the Dragon-type's weakness to Ice and Fairy.

With Mega Charizard Y for the Y version, Charizard keeps it's typing but it's Special Attack is now gigantic (even a bit higher than a regular Mewtwo's Special Attack per se). With Drought ability on its side (which makes the weather Sunny), Mega Charizard Y is also a terrifying special sweeper. STAB Fire Blast, backed by a Sunny weather, disintegrates many that don't resist Fire-type attacks, while a Solar Beam, which skips the charging turn and attacks on the turn selected due to Drought, will tear apart Water and Rock-type Pokémon traditionally used to counter Charizard. However, Mega Charizard Y is still extremely vulnerable to Rock-type attacks, including Stealth Rock, so it can be hard getting it in battle without using it as a lead. Fortunately, it can learn the newly-buffed Defog, which lets it clear away entry hazards on both sides, giving it more opportunities to switch in and wreak havoc.