Gift Pokemon · Route 24
How to get Charmander in Pokemon Yellow
Yellow has no lab Fire starter. Charmander is a one-time gift from Damian on the north ledge of Route 24 after Nugget Bridge. No happiness gate—clear the bridge, leave a free party slot, and accept Lv.10 Fire coverage.
Fast answer
Nugget Bridge · Damian · Yes
From Cerulean, head north onto Route 24. Beat the five Nugget Bridge contest trainers, finish the Rocket prize battle for a Nugget, then walk to the north ledge. Talk to Damian (Cooltrainer by the TM45 Thunder Wave ball), choose Yes, and receive Lv.10 Charmander with Scratch, Growl, and Ember. Open the pin: Route24.
Interactive tool
Charmander route readiness
Track story gates on this device. Charmander itself has no happiness meter—only path progress and inventory space.
Path score
0 / 7Check each gate. When bridge and space are ready, head to Damian on Route 24 north.
Nugget Bridge
Trainers before Damian
South→north contest order, then the Rocket prize battle. The grass Jr. Trainer west of the bridge is optional for the gift.
Story path
Step-by-step to the Fire gift
1. Open the Cerulean road
Beat Brock, traverse Mt. Moon, and enter Cerulean. Route 24 is the north road toward Bill’s cottage (Route 25).
2. Run Nugget Bridge
Five trainers challenge you in sequence. Levels sit around 14–18—bring a healthy party after the Rival fight in Cerulean if needed.
3. Finish the Rocket scene
The Cooltrainer at the north end of the bridge awards a Nugget, then reveals a Rocket battle. Win it so the path stays clear.
4. Talk to Damian
North ledge of Route 24, near the visible TM ball. He offers Charmander because he is “not good at raising Pokémon.” Choose Yes once you have space.
Gift profile
What Damian gives you
Charmander · #004
- Location: Route 24 north ledge
- NPC: Damian (Cooltrainer M4)
- Requirement: Reach him and accept (no happiness / badge)
- Base stats: HP 39 · Atk 52 · Def 43 · Spe 65 · Spc 50 (total 249)
- Growth: Medium Slow · Catch rate 45
Route 24 overview
Damian stands north of the bridge strip. The Poké Ball nearby is TM45 Thunder Wave—pick it up while you claim the Fire starter.
Moves at gift (Lv.10)
| Level | Move | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scratch | Normal |
| 1 | Growl | Normal |
| 9 | Ember | Fire |
| 15 | Leer | Normal · next |
| 22 | Rage | Normal · next |
| 30 | Slash | Normal · next |
| 38 | Flamethrower | Fire · next |
Evolution line
No trade required. Charizard learns HM02 Fly in Yellow—plan a mid-game HM slot once you have the badge path for Fly.
Starter gifts
Charmander vs the other free starters
Charmander
Damian · Route 24
- Earliest free Kanto starter gift after the first gym arc.
- No happiness gate—pure story progress.
- Fire STAB for Grass/Bug/Ice answers; later Fly utility.
Bulbasaur
Melanie · happiness 147
- Cerulean house west of the Center.
- Partner bond gate only.
- Best early Water answer for Misty.
Squirtle
Officer Jenny · Vermilion
- After Thunder Badge from Lt. Surge.
- No happiness check—badge gate only.
- Water starter for Rock/Ground and Fire gyms.
Partner Pikachu
Oak’s Lab · always
- Only true starter in Yellow.
- Keep for bond events even if Charmander becomes your lead.
- Does not evolve with a Thunder Stone.
Checklist
Claim tracker (this device)
Play tips
Use Charmander without stalling the story
Claim it on the first Cerulean loop
Route 24 is on the way to Bill for the S.S. Ticket. Grab Charmander and TM45 before you detour south again.
Ember is ready immediately
Lv.10 already knows Ember—useful into Oddish/Bellsprout grass and many early Bugs after you leave Cerulean.
Water is still your weak side
Misty is soon. Pair Charmander with Bulbasaur (happiness 147) or another Grass/Electric answer rather than forcing Fire into Starmie.
Saying No is not permanent
Refuse only delays the gift—the permanent flag sets after a successful accept. Come back when you have box space.
FAQ
Charmander gift questions
How do you get Charmander in Pokemon Yellow?
Clear Nugget Bridge on Route 24, talk to Damian on the north ledge, choose Yes, and receive Lv.10 Charmander.
Where exactly is Damian?
North end of Route 24, past the bridge trainers, near the TM45 Thunder Wave item ball. Map view: Route24.
Is there a happiness requirement?
No. Happiness only matters for Melanie’s Bulbasaur. Charmander is progress + Yes/No only.
What moves does the gift know?
Scratch, Growl, and Ember at level 10.
Can I get another Charmander later?
No. Accepting sets a one-time event. Wild Charmander is not available in normal Yellow encounters—this gift is the standard way to own #004.
Should I take Charmander before Bulbasaur?
Usually yes—Charmander is available as soon as the bridge is clear, while Bulbasaur waits on partner happiness 147. Many runs grab Fire first, then bond-grind for Grass in Cerulean.
Can Charizard learn Fly?
Yes in Yellow. See the Charizard Fly guide and Fly destinations.
Linked tools