Ground-Type Charmander? Pokémon Gen 10 Leak Shocks Fans
Another week, another Pokémon rumor — but this time, it’s hitting hard. According to a new leak circulating online, Charmander might be getting a brand-new ground-type regional variant in Pokémon Gen 10. Yes, you read that right: ground-type Charmander.
The claim has caused a stir across the fandom, igniting debates, memes, and plenty of skepticism. But love it or hate it, it’s a conversation we can’t seem to stop having. Let’s dive into what we know, what’s likely false, and why this rumor — real or not — has gripped the community.
The Leak That Started It All
The supposed leak popped up over the weekend on — where else? — 4chan, via a post claiming insider knowledge of the next mainline Pokémon game. It was amplified by accounts like the Hidden Power Podcast, which summarized the leak’s details.
Among its many outlandish promises:
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A new region made of 16 main islands and 150+ smaller ones
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New starters: a Fire Goat, Water Octopus, and Grass Snail
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A new gameplay mechanic called Gigaxis, allowing Pokémon to take forms based on Guardian legendaries
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And, most controversially, a regional ground-type Charmander
While most fans rolled their eyes at the Gigaxis mechanic and suspiciously thematic starter designs, it was the idea of another Charmander that got people talking — and arguing.
Pokémon Gales & Tides – A New Setting?
The alleged title for Gen 10 is “Pokémon Gales & Tides,” which suggests a tropical, island-focused region — perhaps even inspired by Polynesia or the Caribbean. This raises a real question: What is a ground-type Charmander doing in a water-heavy region?
Unless there’s a lore-rich explanation (volcanic islands, maybe?), it’s a weird fit. But hey — stranger things have happened in Pokémon canon.
Ground-Type Charmander: What We Know
To be clear: nothing is confirmed. The ground-type Charmander is part of an unverified leak with no official backing. That said, the concept has already sparked speculation:
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A sand lizard motif
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Rock armor aesthetics
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Possibly a Ground/Dragon or Ground/Fire typing
It’s unclear whether this is a regional form (like Hisuian Growlithe) or a new branching evolution — perhaps even replacing Charizard in this game’s Pokédex entirely.
Why Fans Are Divided Over Ground Charmander
If there’s one thing the Pokémon fandom agrees on, it’s that we disagree a lot. Some fans are thrilled at the idea:
“If it’s real, this is actually one of the better regional ideas.”
Others… not so much:
“Can we just let Charmander rest? Give Bulbasaur some love for once.”
And one particularly salty commenter on Twitter put it best:
“Ground-type Charmander? What’s next, Fighting-type Bulbasaur?”
Is This Real or Just Another Fake Leak?
Let’s be honest — probably fake.
4chan has a long history of pumping out fake Pokémon leaks, most of which are debunked within days. Still, every now and then… they’re right. Think of the Sun and Moon starter evolutions leak or the Legends Arceus naming leaks. They started as anonymous posts too.
So, while I wouldn’t bet my Poké Balls on this being real, I also wouldn’t write it off completely — at least not yet.
Charmander’s Long History of Special Treatment
This is not the first time Charmander has gotten special attention:
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Mega Charizard X and Y
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Gigantamax Charizard
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Prominent placement in Pokémon Let’s Go
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A starring role in Sword and Shield despite not being native to Galar
It’s fair to say Charmander — and especially Charizard — is the golden child of the franchise.
Could This Be a Form or a Full Evolution?
It’s not clear from the leak whether this ground-type Charmander is a regional form or a new evolution path. That distinction matters.
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A regional form would mean Charmander retains its evolutionary line, but with altered typing and appearance.
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A new evolution could branch off entirely from Charizard, maybe ending in something like “Charterra” — a burly, earthbound dragon?
Design Possibilities for a Ground-Type Charmander
Fan concepts have already flooded Twitter and Reddit. Most of them center on:
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Sandy textures
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Burrowing claws
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Armor made of volcanic stone or petrified earth
Some even imagine a mole-dragon hybrid, while others lean into prehistoric reptilian designs.
Typing Implications: How Would It Play?
Ground-type opens some intriguing battle dynamics:
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Immunity to Electric
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Weak to Water, Ice, and Grass
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Potential synergies with Rock or Steel moves
If it’s Ground/Fire, it’d share typing with Camerupt — but with likely better Speed and Attack stats. A Ground/Dragon hybrid would be brand new and incredibly powerful.
What Would a Ground-Type Charizard Look Like?
Let’s not pretend we wouldn’t be curious about a new final evolution. Would it be a dragon that surfs through desert sand dunes? A molten wyvern that commands earthquakes?
Whether you love or hate Charizard, you know the design would be epic.
Is the Pokémon Community Burnt Out on Charizard?
In a word: yes.
Charizard has had a spotlight in nearly every generation, often at the expense of other starters. Many fans feel it’s overexposed, while others just think it sells too well to ignore.
Why Charmander Still Has a Hold on Fans
Despite the fatigue, Charmander is still beloved. It was many fans’ first Pokémon. It’s easy to market. And let’s be honest — nostalgia is a powerful thing.
Comparison with Other Starters’ Variants
While Charmander keeps getting the glow-up, other starters haven’t been so lucky. Where’s Regional Bulbasaur? Or Mega Empoleon?
The imbalance has fans asking whether Pokémon truly cares about balance — or just branding.
Gigaxis Gimmick: What Does It Mean?
If the leak is to be believed, Gigaxis is the new gimmick — like Dynamax or Terastal. It supposedly allows Pokémon to merge or assume forms of regional Guardian Legendaries.
No one really knows what that means, but it could tie into form-changing or fusion mechanics, especially if grounded Charmander interacts differently with it.
Previous 4chan Leaks That Turned Out True
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Gen 7 starter leaks (Decidueye, Incineroar, Primarina)
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Pokémon Sword & Shield Dynamax mechanic
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Pokémon Legends Arceus name leak
So yes — some 4chan leaks have been legit. Just don’t count on it.
What We Know About Pokémon Legends Z-A
Pokémon Legends Z-A was officially announced for 2025, likely as a Paldean-Kalos hybrid story set in Lumiose City. While separate from Gen 10, it sets the stage for how Game Freak is experimenting with new forms, mechanics, and evolutions.
Could ground-type Charmander debut in both? It’s not out of the question.
Switch 2 Speculations and Gen 10’s Release Window
The leak aligns with the rumored Nintendo Switch 2, expected in late 2025 or early 2026. If true, Pokémon Gales & Tides would be Gen 10’s flagship title for the new console — and that means new mechanics, new regions, and yes, maybe new Charmanders.
Could a Ground Charmander Fit the Region’s Lore?
If “Gales & Tides” really is an island-themed game, then a lava-island or fossil-themed area could explain a ground-type Charmander. Think Hawaii’s Big Island, where fire and earth clash.
It’s a stretch — but not impossible.
Fan-Made Ground-Type Charmander Concepts
Twitter is already flooded with:
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Charmander with sandstone scales
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A mole-lizard design with claws and goggles
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A Charmander that rides on a mudslide for mobility
Frankly? These are amazing — and I’d love to see Game Freak hire some of these artists.
If It’s Real: What This Means for Gen 10
It would confirm that Game Freak is leaning harder than ever into regional experimentation — and that no legacy Pokémon is off-limits.
If It’s Fake: Why We Still Love the Idea
Even if it’s just a hoax, the idea has legs. Ground-type Charmander would be a bold reinvention of a classic — and it proves that fans are hungry for creativity, even from unofficial sources.
The Future of Starter Pokémon Variants
With regional starters, split evolutions, and gimmick forms now in the mix, it’s safe to say:
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Starters aren’t sacred anymore
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Expect more surprises
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Charmander might just keep evolving — in every sense
Conclusion: Real or Not, the Hype Is Real
Whether this leak ends up true or not, it has done what all good Pokémon rumors do — it sparked imagination, debate, and creativity. Love or hate Charmander, you have to admit: we’re all still watching.
And if that ground-type lizard turns out real? I’ll be the first in line to train it.
FAQs About New Evolution for Charmander in Pokémon Gen 10
Is the ground-type Charmander real?
It’s part of an unverified leak and has not been confirmed by Game Freak or The Pokémon Company.
What type would the new Charmander be?
The leak suggests Ground-type, possibly mixed with Fire or Dragon.
Is this a regional form or new evolution?
It’s unclear. It could be either a regional variant or a completely new branch of evolution.
What game is this rumor tied to?
A possible Gen 10 title allegedly called Pokémon Gales & Tides.
When could Pokémon Gen 10 release?
Possibly late 2025 or 2026, alongside the rumored Nintendo Switch 2.