>>54128626From its release in the first generation to the fifth generation, Charizard failed to make a major impact on the competitive scene, to the point where it "wasn't seen in serious competitive play"[21] and was "doomed ... to be forgotten".[22] This relative lack of viability, combined with its relentless popularity, gave it an unfavorable "reputation of a Pokémon that represents the fanboys".[23] This changed in Generation V, when Charizard gained its mega evolutions. Mega Charizard Y in particular was widely used in 2014 and 2015 for its ability Drought, which set up sunny weather. From 2016 to 2020 Charizard faced heavy competition from Primal Groudon as a sun setter and fire type, but in the newest games, Pokémon Sword and Shield, Charizard has been phenomenal with its incredible Gigantamax form, winning the Dallas Regionals, and got even better with its hidden ability being allowed with its Gigantamax form. Mega Charizard X has not been nearly as good in VGC over the years with its ability being less useful and being weak to the common ability Intimidate; however it has still seen some success with people like Jamie Boyt winning a regional with this.
In singles, Charizard periodically found niches, such as with the boosting move Belly Drum,[22] but it was crippled by the fourth generation's entry hazard Stealth Rock, which removed half of its health upon entering the battle while active.[22][23] The sixth generation's Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y forms again had a major impact on Charizard's competitive status, transforming it into a "top-level threat" of Smogon's standard tier.[23] With the release of Generation VIII and Pokemon Sword and Shield in 2019, Charizard gained more popularity with the new item "Heavy-Duty Boots", which negated the effects of Stealth Rock, its previously mentioned major issue.[24]
