Is Charmander in Pokemon Legends: Arceus?

Pokemon fans are wondering whether or not they can catch the fan-favorite fire-type, Charmander, in Pokemon Legends: Arceus.

This is a good question, as all of the previous Pokemon games have included Charmander in some way shape or form. It and the other starter Pokemon available in the Kanto region—Bulbasaur and Squirtle—have made homes for themselves in trainers’ hearts since their release. However, it appears that they may have gone missing in the latest franchise release, Pokemon Legends: Arceus.

Charmander in Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Charmander is not in Pokemon Legends: Arceus.

This marks a major departure from the rest of the franchise, as well as other spin-offs. Pokemon Legends: Arceus is the first Pokemon game to not include the Kanto trio. Even with eight generations of Pokemon released at the time of writing, each main installment has managed to fit them all in—typically as part of the post-game.

They aren’t the only ones left out, however. There are no other starters available in Hisui aside from the ones offered in Sinnoh: Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup. It appears that these missing Pokemon are simply not native to the Hisui region. This does raise the question of how Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott managed to get to Hisui.

Were they once common in the region, as well, and simply migrated over time?

For those wondering, the following starter Pokemon are also not available in Pokemon Legends: Arceus:

• Bulbasaur
• Squirtle
• Totodile
• Chikorita
• Torchic
• Treecko
• Mudkip
• Snivy
• Tepig
• Chespin
• Fennekin
• Froakie
• Litten
• Popplio
• Grookey
• Scorbunny
• Sobble

While not strictly considered “starter Pokemon,” in the traditional sense, two other beginner Kanto species, Eevee and Pikachu, are available in Hisui.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus is currently available on the Nintendo Switch. Trainers who purchase the game before May 9 will have the option to claim pre-order bonuses via the Internet before they expire.