How to get Charmander and Gigantamax Charizard in Pokémon Sword & Shield

You can get a Gigantamax version of Charizard in Pokémon Sword and Shield
Turn Charizard Gigantamax
Pokémon

If you've always wanted a monstrously-sized Charizard in Pokémon Sword and Shield, you're in luck.

Charmander has been in the base game from the start, but you have to clear the game first before you can encounter the lovable fire-type.

The other two original Kanto Pokémon synonymous with the series were tragically missing from Pokémon Sword and Shield upon launch, an issue that has since been rectified this year when Bulbasaur and Squirtle became available.

Charizardcan make use of the game's bizarrely-named Gigantamax mechanic, which turns your Pokémon into gigantic versions of themselves.

Where to get Charmander

Regardless of which version you have, Charmander only becomes available after beating and defeating Leon, Pokémon champion of the Galar region, on return to Postwick Village.

Once there, you'll want to make your way to Leon and Hop's house where you'll find a gift.

The Interact with the gift and you'll receive Charmander.

How to get Gigantamax Charizard

Every Charizard was once an adorable Charmander, which means you'll have to level one up and evolve it.

This Charmander given to you by Leon is capable of turning into a Gigantamax Charizard.

To do this, you need to level it to 16, let it evolve into Charmeleon, and again at 26 when it evolves into Charizard.

Once fully evolved, take your Charizard into a Max Raid, Battle Tower, against another trainer, or somewhere with a Power Spot to use Dynamanx.

You can turn this Charizard into a shiny version as well, just have a poke around special raids at the Lake of Outrage.​

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