Editing Charizard

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{{forfighter|SSBB=y|SSB4=y|SSBU=y}}

|name = Charizard

|image = [[File:CharizardArtwork.png|300px]]

|caption = {{symbol|pokemon}}<br>Official artwork of Charizard from [[bulbapedia:Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|''Pokémon FireRed'' and ''LeafGreen Versions'']].

|universe = {{uv|Pokémon}}

|firstgame = [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Red and Green Versions|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Green Versions'']] (1996) {{Flag|Japan}}

|games = ''[[SSB]]''<br>''[[Melee]]''<br>''[[Brawl]]''<br>''[[SSB4]]''<br>''[[Ultimate]]''

|lastappearance = ''{{iw|bulbapedia|Pokémon Sleep}}'' (2023)

|console = Game Boy

|species = Charizard

|gender = Varies

|homeworld = {{s|bulbapedia|Kanto}}

|artist = Atsuko Nishida

|voiceactor = {{iw|wikipedia|Shin'ichirō Miki}}

|interwiki = bulbapedia

|interwikiname = Bulbapedia

|interwikipage = Charizard (Pokémon)

It is present as a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' (via {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}}), ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' (again via {{SSBU|Pokémon Trainer}}). Prior to becoming playable, Charizard appeared as a [[Poké Ball]] Pokémon in both the original ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' and ''[[Melee]]''.

==Origin==

[[File:CharizardArtworkRG.png|thumb|left|Official artwork of Charizard from ''Pokémon Red'' and ''Green Versions''.]]

Charizard is a dual Fire/Flying-type saurian Pokémon based on dragons,<ref name="Dragon Majesty">[https://drm.pokemontcg.com/en-us/ The Dragon Majesty expansion is loaded with Dragon-type Pokémon, plus many other Pokémon inspired by different kinds of dragons, such as Gyarados and Charizard.]</ref> and is categorized within the Pokédex at #006 as the "Flame Pokémon". It is the final evolutionary form of [[Charmander]], after having evolved from {{s|bulbapedia|Charmeleon}} at level 36 onward. Despite its design basis, Charizard is not a Dragon-type in its base form. However, it becomes a Fire/[[bulbapedia:Dragon (type)|Dragon-type]] upon [[bulbapedia:Mega Evolution|Mega Evolving]] into [[Mega Charizard X]]; additionally, ''Super Smash Bros. 4'' and ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' refer to it and treat it as a dragon on several occasions in spite of its standard typing.

As Charmander, it is one of the {{s|bulbapedia|Kanto}} region's three {{s|bulbapedia|starter Pokémon}}. However, unlike in [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Red and Green Versions|''Pokémon Red'', ''Green'']], and [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Blue Version (Japanese)|''Blue'']], Charmander is obtainable alongside its fellow Kanto starters {{s|bulbapedia|Bulbasaur}} and [[Squirtle]] under special conditions in ''{{s|bulbapedia|Pokémon Yellow Version}}'', and relatively early on in [[bulbapedia:Pokémon X and Y|''Pokémon X'' and ''Y'']]. In [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Sun and Moon|''Pokémon Sun'', ''Moon'']], [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|''Ultra Sun'' and ''Ultra Moon'']], Charizard appears as a [[bulbapedia:Poké Ride|Ride Pokémon]] that helps the player travel between locations, replacing the [[Fly]] {{s|bulbapedia|Hidden Machine}} from previous generations (although it is unobtainable without transferring or trading in ''Sun'' and ''Moon'').

As Pokédex entries describe, Charizard breathes out fire that reaches incredible temperatures, hot enough to melt boulders and quickly melt glaciers weighing 10,000 tons, and it is said the temperature increases as it experiences harsh battles. When expelling a blast of super hot fire, its tail flame burns more intensely, and if it becomes furious, its tail flame flares up in a whitish-blue color.

 

Thanks to being the mascot of ''Pokémon Red Version'' and a member of its species having a major role in the ''Pokémon'' anime as one of {{s|bulbapedia|Ash Ketchum}}'s most powerful Pokémon, Charizard is one of the most popular Pokémon in the series. This was reflected in {{s|bulbapedia|Generation VI}}, where Charizard gained access to new transformations called {{s|bulbapedia|Mega Evolution}}s. Unlike most Pokémon who can also Mega Evolve, it has two Mega Evolved forms (a trait shared with [[Mewtwo]]): it becomes Mega Charizard X while holding a Charizardite X, whereas holding a Charizardite Y results in it becoming Mega Charizard Y. In {{s|bulbapedia|Generation VIII}}, Charizard (alongside all other Pokémon) no longer has access to Mega Evolutions, but it gains a new form, that being {{s|bulbapedia|Gigantamax}} Charizard. During the transformation, it also gains access to the move {{iw|bulbapedia|G-Max Wildfire|move}}.

 

Charizard sports average statistics all around, with relatively high Speed and Special Attack. Its standard ability is {{s|bulbapedia|Blaze}}, available to every Fire type starter Pokémon, which increases the power of Fire type attacks when the Pokémon has low HP, while its Hidden {{s|bulbapedia|Ability}} is {{s|bulbapedia|Solar Power}}, which increases Special Attack under harsh sunlight at the cost of a few HP. Mega Evolution aguments its stats and changes its abilities; Mega Charizard X sports an high Attack statistic and the ability {{s|bulbapedia|Tough Claws}}, which increases the power of moves that make contact, while Mega Charizard Y has an impressive Special Attack and the ability {{s|bulbapedia|Drought}}, which summons harsh sunlight. These changes significantly improve Charizard's performance in battle.

 

Many Charizard have appeared in the ''Pokémon'' anime, but the most prominently featured one has been {{s|bulbapedia|Ash's Charizard}}. This Charizard is well-known for its character arc: having been abandoned by [[bulbapedia:Damien|its original trainer]] as a Charmander, it was adopted by {{s|bulbapedia|Ash Ketchum}}. While Charmander started out as a loyal and shy companion, as it evolved into Charmeleon and eventually Charizard, it developed a rebellious and disobedient streak, and only truly bonded with Ash and regained its loyalty when [[bulbapedia:EP105|Ash saved its life when it was left out in the cold]]. Following this, Ash's Charizard would continue being a sporadic but loyal and powerful member of his team.

 

In other media, Charizard is frequently a signature Pokémon for the various incarnations of {{iw|bulbapedia|Red|game}}, as the mascot of ''Pokémon Red'' and one of the fully-evolved starter Pokémon of Kanto. In the mainline game series, Red consistently uses Charizard on his teams as an NPC, and ''{{s|bulbapedia|Pokémon Origins}}'' depicts Charizard as Red's signature Pokémon. This is reflected in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series, where the male playable [[Pokémon Trainer]], himself an incarnation of Red, uses Charizard as his party's only fully-evolved Pokémon. His female counterpart, {{iw|bulbapedia|Leaf|game}}, has not used Charizard or any member of its evolutionary line in prior media (as an NPC), making her appearance as the female Pokémon Trainer in ''Ultimate'' the first instance of such.

[[File:Charizard SSB sprite.png|200px|thumb|Sprite.]]

Charizard makes its first appearance in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series as one of the thirteen [[Poké Ball]] [[List of Pokémon|Pokémon]] that appear in the [[Super Smash Bros.|original game]]. When summoned, it uses [[Flamethrower]] by rotating its head to the left and right, breathing fire upon any nearby opponents of the player who summoned it, until it disappears. Any character, excluding the summoner, will take damage from the stream of flames, as well as from making contact with Charizard itself. The flames can be reflected by {{SSB|Fox}}'s [[Reflector]], and absorbed by {{SSB|Ness}}' [[PSI Magnet]]. The flames hit consecutively, inflicting approximately 3% per hit, while touching Charizard itself inflicts 18%. Its voice clip used in the Japanese and English versions is from the ''Pokémon'' episode ''Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon''.

 

==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''==

Charizard makes a very brief cameo appearance in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''{{'}}s introduction sequence.

[[File:Charizard Pokeball SSBM.png|200px|thumb|left|Charizard's appearance as a Poké Ball in Super Smash Bros Melee.]]

Charizard reprises its role in ''Melee'' as a Poké Ball, complete with [[Flamethrower]] as its attack. Unlike in ''SSB'', Charizard now uses its 3D model from ''{{s|bulbapedia|Pokémon Stadium}}''. Additionally, making contact with Charizard's body now deals 20% and emits a [[flame]] effect. Its voice clip in the Japanese version comes from a different part of ''Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon'' while the one in the English version comes from the episode ''Navel Maneuvers''.

===Trophy===

{{main|List of SSBM trophies (Pokémon series)}}

Charizard also appears as a trophy in this game, unlocked as one of the trophies that can be collected randomly throughout the various Single-player Regular Matches.

|name=Charizard

|image=Charizard Trophy Melee.png

|desc=It's hard to believe, but this massive Flame Pokémon evolves from the tiny Charmander. Not only can it fly at heights of over 4,500 feet, but its flaming breath is hot enough to reduce almost anything to ashes in seconds. The flames at the end of a Charizard's tail are said to be a fairly accurate barometer of its power.

|gamelist={{Trophy games|game1=Pokémon Red & Blue|release1=9/98}}

|game=Melee

[[File:Charizard SSBB.jpg|thumb|200px|Charizard as it appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''.]]

''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' marks the third appearance of Charizard in the series, and its first as a playable character. It is one of {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}}'s three Pokémon, alongside {{SSBB|Squirtle}} and {{SSBB|Ivysaur}}. Charizard retains [[Flamethrower]], which is used as its [[neutral special move]] and functions almost identically to {{SSBB|Bowser}}'s [[Fire Breath]].

|desc=A Flame Pokémon. Its fiery breath is hot enough to burn up rocks, and its wings let it fly up to 4,600 feet into the air. It's a proud Pokémon that will never use its flame breath on an opponent weaker than itself. The flame on its tail is a barometer of how much vitality it has remaining. Its signature move, [[Flamethrower]], is a reliable technique.

|gamelist={{Trophy games|console1=GB|game1=Pokémon Red/Blue|console2=GBA|game2=Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen}}

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===Sticker===

| {{pkmn|Charizard}}

| {{uv|Pokémon}} series

| {{TypeIcon|Hand|l=Arm}}{{TypeIcon|Foot|l=Leg}} Attack +10

{{StickerPicBox|Charizard|Pokémon series}}

[[File:Charizard SSB4.png|thumb|200px|Charizard, as it appears in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''.]]

Charizard returns in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'' as a playable character. However, in ''SSB4'', Charizard is a standalone character, unlike in ''Brawl'', where it was one of Pokémon Trainer's Pokémon. To reflect this, [[Pokémon Change]] has been replaced by a new side special move, [[Flare Blitz]], while [[Rock Smash]] has been reassigned to being its down special move. Charizard also has a new [[Final Smash]], which consists of it undergoing Mega Evolution to become [[Mega Charizard X]].

The most beneficial change Charizard received in the transition from ''Brawl'' to ''SSB4'' was the removal of [[Pokémon Change#Stamina|stamina]], which came about as a result of no longer being tied to Pokémon Trainer. Rock Smash now grants Charizard [[super armor]], increasing its utility. Becoming a standalone character also granted it a new special move in [[Flare Blitz]]. In addition to being a very powerful KOing option, it can function as a quick and fairly safe horizontal recovery option. Despite being a super heavyweight, Charizard has above-average [[walk]]ing speed and one of the fastest [[dash]]ing speeds in the game, which helps with its approach.

However, Charizard has significant issues. ''SSB4'' removed [[gliding]], which considerably worsened Charizard's recovery in the process. Flare Blitz's utility is offset by its recoil damage, as it deals 5% just from being initiated and another 5% upon hitting something, even if it is an opponent's shield. It also results in high ending lag, making it very [[punish]]able when used unwisely. When used or aimed off-stage, it has a very high chance of [[self-destruct]]ing itself, due to it traveling a great distance and putting Charizard into temporary free fall, reducing its chances of recovering back to the stage - assuming Charizard is not propelled directly into the [[blast line]].

While originally regarded as one of the worst characters in ''SSB4'', Charizard received some helpful buffs in game updates. Update [[1.0.8]] improved its up and down throws by significantly improving the former's KO potential and re-purposing the latter from a KOing option into a very useful combo starter. Most noticeably, update [[1.1.5]] improved its aerial presence by increasing its air speed and decreasing its aerials' ending lag, as well as strengthening its already powerful back aerial and Flare Blitz.

 

Overall, Charizard is noticeably better compared to how it was during the early days of ''SSB4''. This has resulted in it achieving much greater success at regional tournaments, and slightly improved results in national regional tournaments. As such, opinions on Charizard's viability have notably improved over the game's lifespan. This, in turn, has been reflected in Charizard rising from the bottom-tier to its current ranking of 43rd out of 55 on the [[tier list]], which places it in E tier and assesses it as a mid-tier character.

 

{{main|List of SSB4 trophies (Pokémon series)}}

|image-3ds=CharizardTrophy3DS.png

|image-wiiu=CharizardTrophyWiiU.png

|desc-3ds-ntsc=The iconic Fire/Flying-type Pokémon. Charizard's scorching breath can melt anything in its path. It soars through the air, seeking only worthy foes to test itself against. In Smash Bros., Charizard unleashes the destructive Flare Blitz special move—a move so strong, it even injures the user!

|desc-wiiu-ntsc=The iconic Fire/Flying-type Pokémon. Charizard's scorching breath can melt anything in its path. It soars through the air seeking only worthy foes to test itself against. In Smash Bros., Charizard unleashes the destructive Flare Blitz special move—a move so strong, it even injures the user!

|desc-pal=Charizard, a Fire- and Flying-type Pokémon, can burn through anything with the flames it breathes. It is constantly on the lookout for powerful opponents, and where better to find them than in this game? Its huge build and special moves mean it can inflict massive damage, and its Flare Blitz is so powerful, it even hurts Charizard itself!

 

|desc-ntsc=Charizard's Flamethrower attack can be sustained by holding the button. The flames will gradually die, but a short break will recharge them. Charizard's down special Rock Smash crushes a rock and hits foes with the pieces. Charizard won't flinch while crushing, but others can break the rock...

|desc-pal=When using Charizard's Flamethrower move, hold the button to keep breathing fire. The flames gradually die down, but you just need to rest for a bit before doing it again. If you get hit while you're using the down special Rock Smash, you won't flinch, but someone else can break the rock instead, making your attack fail.

 

==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''==

{{main|Charizard (SSBU)}}

[[File:Charizard SSBU.png|thumb|Charizard, as it appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''.]]

Charizard returns as a playable character in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'', but unlike in ''Super Smash Bros. 4'', it returns as part of {{SSBU|Pokémon Trainer}} alongside {{SSBU|Squirtle}} and {{SSBU|Ivysaur}}. Due to this, [[Rock Smash]] has been replaced by [[Pokémon Change]]. Like Squirtle and Ivysaur, it is no longer subject to [[Pokémon Change#Stamina|stamina]], and thus remains effective throughout a fight. Unlike ''Brawl'', where Pokémon Trainer is a starter character, and ''Smash 4'', where Charizard is, Pokémon Trainer is now an unlockable character.

 

In terms of execution, Charizard functions differently from in Smash 4 because of the overall changes to its moveset and different engine, but it generally serves the same purpose as a lightning bruiser. It is fundamentally better but is counterbalanced by gaping holes in its kit such as forward aerial not autocanceling from a short hop. As such, while Charizard is worse relative to the cast compared to its solo appearance in ''SSB4'', as a member of Pokémon Trainer's team, it is more useful because it allows the Trainer to adapt to situations where its longevity and KO power are needed, while also being able to replace itself with Squirtle or Ivysaur in cases where its weaknesses can be exploited.

 

! Max [[File:Equipment Icon Power Badge.png|20px|Power]]

 

*Charizard is the first playable character in the series to have made their debut as a significant non-playable in-game character in the games prior to their playable debut. Initially, it was a Pokémon summoned from Poké Balls in ''SSB'' and ''Melee'', before becoming playable in ''Brawl''.

**Currently, Charizard is also the only Pokémon to have become a playable character in a later game after being a Poké Ball Pokémon in prior games.

**While several other [[newcomer]]s have appeared in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' and ''SSB4'' as trophies, Charizard is the first one to have played an actual in-game role in the previous games.

**Charizard is also the only character who was a summonable character in more than one installment before becoming playable.

*Charizard is one of two playable characters to appear in every game of the series who was not playable in every iteration. The other is [[King Dedede]].

**However, if one counts both versions of ''SSB4'' as the same game, [[Ridley]] also shares this distinction.

*Charizard is one of three characters to have cameoed in the opening of ''Melee'', as a model, prior to becoming a playable character, the others being [[Wolf]] and [[Ridley]].

**However, Charizard is the only of the three who plays a major non-playable role in ''Melee''.

*Charizard and Mewtwo are the only playable Pokémon with different names in different languages that keeps the same voice clips in all regional versions of the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series.

*Due to having access to [[Flamethrower]], [[Flare Blitz]] and [[Fly]], Charizard is the only playable dual-type Pokémon to use moves of both of its types.

*Charizard is the only character to have been an independent character in one game (in ''Smash 4'') and then part of a shared character in the next (in ''Ultimate''). It is also the only character to have been in more than two games that uses a different set of special moves in each one.

*Since its debut, Charizard is the only ''Brawl'' veteran to use new voice clips across every ''Super Smash Bros.'' installment while retaining its voice actor (in this case, Shin'ichirō Miki).

 

{{Pokémon list}}

[[Category:Charizard| ]]

[[es:Charizard]]