Charizard Guide: Builds and Best Items | Pokemon UNITE

The best guide on how to play Charizard in Pokemon UNITE for Nintendo Switch and Mobile. Check here for the best builds, Held and Battle items, movesets, as well as the latest nerfs, buffs, counters, matchups, and more!

Charizard Latest Nerfs & Buffs (06/20)

June 20 Update (Version 1.5.2.7)

Charizard Changes (June 20)
Flamethrower	• Damage dealt to opposing Pokemon decreased from 1208 to 1105 (-9%).
Fire Blast	• This move's movement speed decrease has been weakened.

Charizard Basic Info

Charizard
	Tier Rating: Role: All-Rounder Attack Type: Melee Damage Type: Physical Difficulty: Novice Cost: 6000 / 345
"When it’s still a Charmander, it’s not the most reliable, but when it evolves into Charizard, it can use its powerful moves to attack and deal damage over a wide area."

Pokemon Unite Tier List

Charizard Best Lanes

Top	Jungle	Bottom

Tips & Strategies for Every Lane

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths	Weaknesses
✔︎ Decent Disables ✔︎ Strong Unite Move ✔︎ Crititical Hit-Rate Damage Over Time	✖︎ Low Endurance ✖︎ Slow Early Game

Best Builds for Charizard

Charizard Builds
Ranged DPS Build
High-Mobility Build	Seismic Slam Build

The Best Build for Charizard is the one with the gold crown!

Ranged DPS Build

Ranged DPS Build
Moveset			Held Items
Flamethrower Fire Blast			Muscle Band Scope Lens Buddy Barrier
Battle Item
Full Heal
Item Effects (at Level 30)
Attack: +15 Critical-Hit Rate: +6% Critical-Hit Damage: +12% Attack Speed: +7.50% HP: +450
Recommended Lane
Top Lane		Jungle		Bot Lane

This build focuses on keeping a safe distance from enemies while poking them with offensive abilities. It also doubles as a jungle build. Make sure to take advantage of the speed bonus from Flamethrower, allowing Charizard to have good mobility and distance from the enemy when in a fight. Fire Blast decreases enemy movement speed, offers continous burn damage over time, and zones out any slower enemy Pokemon that want to assist teammates engaged with Charizard.

Seismic Slam serves as a finishing blow for any enemy Pokemon that get too close, as it deals insane amounts of standard attack damage during the duration. Plus, it also makes Charizard immune to crowd control.

Muscle Band and Scope Lens are Charizard's primary damage items, increasing both your moves' damage and your Standard Attack damage. Scope Lens complements Blaze, further increasing your Critical-Hit rate. Buddy Barrier boosts your HP and goes well with your Unite Move, granting a shield while flying.

Full Heal allows you to counter crowd control, especially while your Unite Move is not yet available or is on cooldown. You can also use X Speed for more mobility.

High-Mobility Build

High-Mobility Build
Moveset			Held Items
Flamethrower Flare Blitz			Muscle Band Scope Lens Float Stone
Battle Item
X Speed
Item Effects (at Level 30)
Attack: +39 Critical-Hit Rate: +6% Critical-Hit Damage: +12% Attack Speed: +7.50% Movement Speed: +120
Recommended Lane
Top Lane		Jungle		Bot Lane

This is another damage build centered on utilizing the mobility from Flamethrower and Flare Blitz, sticking to targets while attacking them. The key to this build is to play safe until you reach level 9. You can go to the jungle to level up faster.

Muscle Band, Scope Lens, and Float Stone provide enough firepower to your attacks and moves. In addition, Float Stone also increases your movement speed, adding more mobility. However, you can replace Scope Lens with Weakness Policy for more static damage and a bit of HP.

X Speed is the default battle item for this build, giving a sudden boost of speed when needed. However, you can also equip Eject Button for a similar effect.

Seismic Slam Build

Seismic Slam Build
Moveset			Held Items
Fire Punch Flare Blitz			Muscle Band Scope Lens Energy Amplifier
Battle Item
Full Heal
Item Effects (at Level 30)
Attack: +15 Critical-Hit Rate: +6% Critical-Hit Damage: +12% Attack Speed: +7.50% Cooldown: -4.50% Unite Move Charge Rate: +6%
Recommended Lane
Top Lane		Jungle		Bot Lane

This is an all-in damage build that is centered around taking out a single target quickly using Flare Blitz, Fire Punch, and Unite Move. You'll be using the Seismic Slam Setup Combo (Variation 1) as your core method of defeating targets.

Muscle Band and Scope Lens increases your attack damage via attack speed, percentage-based damage, and critical-hits. Energy Amplifier is your core item for the build, reducing your cooldowns, increasing your Unite Move recharge rate, and amplifying your damage output further after you use your Unite Move.

Full Heal ensure you'll be able to perform your combo safely. However, you can also equip Potion for a reliable low-cooldown healing instead.

Charizard Best Items & Moveset

Best Held Items

Item	Explanation
Buddy Barrier	Buddy Barrier can help keep Charizard survive battles. Allowing it to stick to enemies more during a teamfight.
Energy Amplifier	Energy Amplifier synergizes well with Charizard's UNITE move, with the cooldown reduction giving a crucial advantage.
Focus Band	Focus Band grants you that extra survivability while low on HP. It's a great turn around item in 1v1s.
Scope Lens	Scope Lens complements Blaze, Charizard's passive. Further increasing its Critical-Hit rate output.
Muscle Band	Muscle Band is a generally good item to have when building damage dealers.

List of Held Items

Best Battle Items

Item	Explanation
Slow Smoke	Slow Smoke saves Charizard from being bursted down by more agile enemy Pokemon. It also complements Charizards movement speed debuff with Fire Blast and Flamethrower movement speed buff.

List of Battle Items

Best Moveset

Move	Explanation
Fire Blast	Fire Blast can slow down multiple enemies chasing Charizard. Allowing it to kite melee enemies.
Flamethrower	Flamethrower increases Charizard's movement speed and allows for ranged poking enemies.

With the recent All-Rounder line up, its clear to see that Charizard struggles to keep up in terms of damage when it comes to close-range teamfights. That's why focusing on ranged abilities that deal damage over time is its best kit right now.

If you want to adopt a more upfront and in your face playstyle, you can choose to go with a Fire Punch and Flare Blitz combo!

Which Moveset Do You Think is Best for Charizard?

Let us know why in the comments!

Previous Poll Results

How to Play Charizard

Avoid Skirmishes in the Early Game

Charizard is an All-Rounder Pokemon that can push the advantage in team fights with its high damage output. It does take a while to get this particular Pokemon set up. Gathering as much experience as possible is paramount. Fire Spin will be enough to disrupt enemy positioning. You can also afford to position more aggressively in team fights once you unlock your Unite Move.

Keep Moving While Using Basic Attacks

Since Charizard can move during its basic attack animation, you can easily stick to a running for maximum pressure. Veteran MOBA players will find this similar to Orb Walking, in which you speed up attacks by canceling their animations early with a directional input.

Learn Fire Punch and Flare Blitz for Mobility

If you're looking to focus on direct offense with Charizard, then Choosing Fire Punch at Lv. 5 and Flare Blitz at Lv. 7 will allow you to have maximum engagement in up close and personal team fights. Both of these moves allow Charizard to have much needed dash moves that can get it closer to its targets, while also inflicting damage. Since Charizard can easily reposition while attacking, make sure that you're always positioned in the area your enemy wants to escape to so you can push them back into a tight spot.

Knock Enemy Pokemon From Scoring!

Fire Punch has a range of effect that can hit multiple enemies! You can use Fire Punch to kock enemies from the ally Goal Zone before they score or while they are scoring. Time it correctly and you can stop them even if they have the Zapdos scoring speed buff.

Learn Flamthrower and Fire Blast for Maximum Damage

If you want to avoid jumping into the middle of a teamfight and prefer to poke enemies from afar, then choose Flamethrower at Lv. 5 and Fire Blast at Lv. 7. Flamethrower gives Charizard a boost in movement speed, allowing for better repositioning and keeping a safe distance. Fire Blast reduces the movement speed of enemies caught within the ring. Which makes it ideal to cast in the middle of a teamfight.

Play Safe Until Level 5

Prioritize farming in the early game until level 5 as that is when either Fire Punch or Flamethrower will be available which allows a higher damage contribution to small skirmishes and team fights early on.

Utilize Your Damage Bonus With Your Unite Move

Charizard becomes empowered for a short duration after suplexing an opponent with a Seismic Slam. This allows Charizard to gain movement speed, damage, and the ability to move over walls. Unload your other moves first before using Seismic Slam so you can focus on dealing high damage with your standard attacks while empowered!

Progression and Leveling Guide

Top or Bottom Lane Guide

Level	Objectives
1 - 4	• Secure as many wild Pokemon as you can to level up quickly • If you're in the bottom lane, prioritize defeating Audinos for more exp. • Never engage in a fight, and stay alive
5 - 9	• Keep leveling up to get both of your moveset • Play safe until you reach level 9 and get Seismic Slam • Help your allies secure Rotom and/or Drednaw
10+	• Hunt targets each time Seismic Slam is available • Continue to farm wild Pokemon, secure objectives, and push lanes • Reach level 13 before or when Zapdos spawns for a fully-upgraded moveset • Make sure your Unite move is available when Zapdos spawns • Win a teamfight to secure Zapdos or pick off isolated enemies to get a numbers advantage • Use your Unite Move on the enemy damage dealer and focus them down to reduce the enemy team's damage output

Jungle Guide

Level	Objectives
1 - 5	• Clear the first wave of jungle camps to reach level 5 quickly and get Flamethrower • Help the top lane first by securing Vespiquen and Combees, getting kills, and scoring points
6 - 9	• Clear the second wave of jungle camps to reach at least level 7 and get Fire Blast • Help the bottom lane by securing Vespiquen and Combees, getting kills, and scoring points • Reach level 9 first to get Seismic Slam before helping your allies secure Drednaw
10+	• Keep farming wild Pokemon, securing objectives, and pushing lanes • Hunt down targets each time Seismic Slam is available • Reach at least level 13 before or when Zapdos spawns for a fully-upgraded moveset • Make sure your Unite move is available when Zapdos spawns • Win a teamfight to secure Zapdos or pick off isolated enemies to get a numbers advantage • Use your Unite Move on the enemy damage dealer and focus them down to reduce the enemy team's damage output

Charizard Combos

Early Game Combo

Early Game Combo
►
Fire Spin ► Flame Burst
During the early game, you can maximize your damage with this combo. Cast Fire Spin first to slow your target down, and to make sure that Flame Burst hits your target. Get closer to your target and stay on top, chasing them while burning their HP with basic attacks.

Seismic Slam Setup Combos

Seismic Slam Setup Combo (Variation 1)
► ►
Flare Blitz ► Fire Punch ► Seismic Slam
During the later part of the game, you can get in close and personal with this combo. Initiate using Flare Blitz to get close to your target and get the shield, then immediately follow up with Fire Punch to deal more damage and knock your target back. Finally, finish with Seismic Slam, and don't forget to stay on top of your target while attacking.

Seismic Slam Setup Combo (Variation 2)
► ►
Fire Punch ► Fire Blast ► Seismic Slam
This is an alternative version of the previous combo. Start with Fire Punch to get close to your target, then quickly follow up with Fire Blast. FInish again with Seismic Slam and basic attacks.

Matchups & Counters for Charizard

Charizard Matchups

Matchup Notes
Hard Counter	Even Matchup	Easy Matchup
1. The chart is based on our own experience playing Charizard. 2. Pokemon within each tier are unordered 3. Any Pokemon not shown here are still under investigation.

Hard Counter With Disables and Better Damage

Being the squishiest All-Rounder in the roster, Charizard can easily be countered by Pokemon that have disabling moves and a better damage output. This makes Charizard an easy target in the early game.

Best Counters

Pokemon	Explanation
Lucario	Rating: ★★★★★ • Has superior damage • Has better mobility • Can survive Charizard's attacks thanks to Steadfast • Has better early-game
Machamp	Rating: ★★★★ • Can negate Seismic Slam with its immunity-granting moves • Has better mobility via its buffs • Has better critical-hit damage
Absol	Rating: ★★★★ • Has superior critical-hit damage • Has better mobility • Has better early-game

Even Matchups for Charizard

Even matchups are always a matter of skill, luck and timing. Here are some tips to help push Charizard ahead against other Pokemon on equal footing.

Pressure with Moves

Pokemon with Low Durability
How to Beat
• Get close using Flare Blitz and/or Fire Punch • Pressure HP using Flamethrower and/or Fire Blast • Strike first using Seismic Slam, and finish them off with standard attacks

Circle Around with Basic Attacks

Durable Pokemon
How to Beat
• Pressure HP using Flamethrower and/or Fire Blast • Circle around them while attacking

Easy Matchups for Charizard

Easy Seismic Slam Targets

Fragile Targets
How to Beat
• Pressure HP using Flamethrower and/or Fire Blast • Strike first using Seismic Slam, and finish them off with standard attacks • For Talonflame, it is best to bait out its burst moves before you go on the offensive.

Bait Moves then Attack

All-Rounders
How to Beat
• Pressure their HP using Flamethrower and/or Fire Blast • Use Seismic Slam only after they've exhausted their moves

Can't Sustain Through the Damage

Durable Pokemon
How to Beat
• Pressure their HP using Flamethrower and/or Fire Blast • Circle around them while attacking

Best Teammates for Charizard

Pokemon	Explanation
Eldegoss Blissey	Provides extra protection and mobility boosts
	Eldegoss and Blissey provides a decent amount of support abilities that can enhance Charizard's early laning phase and duels. Stick to your supporters at all times!
Wigglytuff	Great mix of support and offense
	Charizard's dueling power is quite weak in the early stages of the game. Wigglytuff and its early pressure is a great help to give Charizard that extra damage he needs to win fights early on and get a lead.

Looking for teammates to synergize with you? Head over to our Friend Request Board to find other trainers to join you in your grind or just to hang out with!

Friend Request Board

Charizard Moves

Move Slot 1 (R)

Flame Burst (Lv. 1 or 3)	Move Type: Ranged Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 6s Total Damage: 341
Attacks with a bursting flame. When this move hits, it leaves opposing Pokemon burned and increases the user's movement speed for a short time.
Fire Punch (Lv. 5) Upgrade Lv. 11	Move Type: Dash Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 6s Total Damage: 920 / 1877
Has the user punch with a fiery fist, dealing damage and shoving opposing Pokemon when it hits. Also leaves the opposing Pokemon it shoves burned. Upgrade: Reduces this move's cooldown every time a basic attack hits.
Flamethrower (Lv. 5) Upgrade Lv. 11	Move Type: Ranged Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 5.5s Total Damage: 577 / 1208
Attacks with an intense blast of fire. When this move hits, it leaves opposing Pokemon burned and increases the user's movement speed for a short time. Upgrade: Increases this move's damage and the damage caused by burning.

Move Slot 2 (ZR)

Fire Spin (Lv. 1 or 3)	Move Type: Area Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 10s Total Damage: 990
Encircles opposing Pokemon in the area of effect in a vortex of fire. After this move hits, it deals damage over time and decreases the movement speed of opposing Pokemon for a short time.
Flare Blitz (Lv. 7) Upgrade Lv. 13	Move Type: Dash Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 10s Total Damage: 621 / 1085
Has the user charge forward cloaked in fire, throwing opposing Pokemon. Also grants the user a shield. Upgrade: Also decreases the movement speed of opposing Pokemon for a short time when they are thrown by this move.
Fire Blast (Lv. 7) Upgrade Lv. 13	Move Type: Area Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 6.5s Total Damage: 1862 / 3555
Blasts intense, all-consuming fire, dealing damage over time to opposing Pokemon while the flames continue to burn on the ground and decreasing the movement speed of opposing Pokemon for a short time. Upgrade: Increases damage dealt by this move.

Unite Moves (ZL)

Seismic Slam (Lv. 9)	Move Type: Sure Hit Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 134s Total Damage: 1359 / 2020
Has the user grab a Pokemon from the opposing team and slam it onto the ground from the air. For a short time afterward, the user can move freely over obstacles. While this Unite Move is being used, the user's basic attacks deal increased damage and leave opposing Pokemon burned. In addition, when the user deals damage to an opposing Pokemon, the user recovers HP.

Standard Attack

Standard Attack	Deals continual damage. Deals increased damage to opposing Pokemon that are burned and increases in range every time the user evolves.

Ability (Passive)

Blaze	All Evolution Stages When its HP is below half, its Critical Hit rate increases.

Charizard Stats & Evolutions

Charizard Evolutions

1st Evolution	2nd Evolution	Final Evolution
Charmander (Lv. 1)	Charmeleon (Lv. 5)	Charizard (Lv. 9)

Charizard Stats

Level	HP	Defense	Special Defense	Attack Damage
1	3200	70	54	161
2	3264	74	57	164
3	3341	79	61	168
4	3434	85	65	172
5	3771	106	81	196
6	3905	114	87	208
7	4066	124	95	216
8	4259	136	104	232
9	4941	178	137	276
10	5219	195	150	296
11	5553	216	166	316
12	5953	241	185	344
13	6433	271	208	376
14	7009	307	236	416
15	7700	350	269	460

Attack Damage is the damage of the Basic Attack as tested against the Training Dummy.

Charizard In-Game Stats Listing

Offense	Endurance	Mobility	Scoring	Support

Charizard Skins (Holowear)

Holowear
Purple Unite Style Zirco Trading: 350 / 18	Orange Unite Style Zirco Trading: 350 / 18
Captain Style Zirco Trading: 1200	Bonfire Style Zirco Trading: 350 / 18
Adept Style Event: Season 3 Battle Pass	Armor Style Zirco Trading: 1200
Ninja Style Event: Season 7 Battle Pass	Knight Style Zirco Trading: 2199

All Pokemon Skins (Holowear)

Pokemon UNITE Related Guides

List of All Pokemon

All Pokemon Guides and Builds

Best Build for Each Pokemon

Pokemon Roster
Absol	Aegislash	Alolan Ninetales	Azumarill
Blastoise	Blissey	Charizard	Cinderace
Cramorant	Crustle	Decidueye	Delphox
Dragonite	Duraludon	Eldegoss	Espeon
Garchomp	Gardevoir	Gengar	Greedent
Greninja	Hoopa	Lucario	Machamp
Mamoswine	Mr. Mime	Pikachu	Slowbro
Snorlax	Sylveon	Talonflame	Trevenant
Tsareena	Venusaur	Wigglytuff	Zeraora
Upcoming Pokemon
No new CONFIRMED Pokemon

Top 5 Master Rank Picks & Win Rate

All data is based on Season 04 Master Rank Top 100. Last Updated: June 28, 2022

Pokemon	Tier	Most Played %	Average Win %
Hoopa		19%	74.4%
Greninja		13%	76.3%
Blissey		11%	79%
Lucario		10%	71.4%
Greedent		7%	75.6%

Top Picked Pokemon Per Role

Attacker	Supporter	All- Rounder	Defender	Speedster
Greninja	Hoopa	Lucario	Greedent	Zeraora

Master Rank: Top Ranked Win Rates

Pokemon by Role

All Pokemon Roles
Attackers		All-Rounders		Defenders
Speedsters			Supporters

Pokemon by Characteristics

Attack Type
Melee Pokemon	Ranged Pokemon
Physical Pokemon	Special Pokemon
Stat Rankings
HP Ranking	Defense Ranking
Sp. Def. Ranking	Basic Attack Ranking