How to Get Charmander in Pokémon Emerald

Last Updated: January 28, 2017

In Pokémon Emerald for the Game Boy Advance Charmander, one of the series most popular monsters, does not appear normally. He does, however, appear in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen (known as Red/Green for short), also for the GBA. By using two GBAs, a copy of Emerald and one of either Red or Green, a GBA link cable, and the time-honored Pokémon trading system, you can play with Charmander in Emerald. In fact, to truly catch 'em all and complete the game, you must!

Part 1

Part 1 of 5:

Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen

1
Complete the game's opening sequence. When prompted to choose one of the three starting monsters, pick Charmander.
2
You've got Charmander now, but getting to the point where you can trade him to Emerald requires completing two tasks:
- Earning a National Pokedex
- Fixing Celio's Network Machine

Part 2

Part 2 of 5:

The Pokedex

1
Capture at least 60 monsters. Any monsters will do.
2
Finish the Sevii Islands sidequest.
3
Defeat the Elite Four. This is easier said than done as they are some of the strongest Pokémon trainers in all the land. You will likely have completed much of the game before this happens.
4
Once all that is done your Pokedex will automatically upgrade to the National version.

Part 3

Part 3 of 5:

The Network Machine

1
Celio's Network Machine is located on Knot Island and must be repaired in order for communication with Pokémon Emerald to be established.
2
Locate the Ruby And Sapphire keys.
3
Use the keys to repair the Network Machine. You're done with Red/Green, onward to Emerald!

Part 4

Part 4 of 5:

Pokémon Emerald

1
Upgrade your Pokedex to the National version in Pokémon Emerald, which is necessary in this game as well as Red/Green in order for the trade to work. This, again, requires defeating the Elite Four and completing a substantial chunk of the main game in the process.
2
Now that you have both National Pokedexes and a functioning Network Machine, it's finally time to trade!

Part 5

Part 5 of 5:

Trading

1
Turn on both of the Game Boy Advances, with Red/Green in one and Emerald in the other.
2
Connect the two GBAs with the Link Cable.
3
Bring 2 monsters to the Pokémon Trading Center in each game and access the computers therein.
- Of course include Charmander in your Red/Green party.
- This process can be done alone, but is much easier with a friend to help. See tips below.
4
Use the computers upstairs in each game's Pokémon trading center to add Charmander and any monster from Emerald to the trade. Confirm it in both games. You're finally done! Enjoy your cute little fire-breather.