Garchomp

Garchomp is a species of fictional creatures called Pokémon created for the Pokémon media franchise. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, the Japanese franchise began in 1996 with the video games Pokémon Red and Green for the Game Boy, which were later released in North America as Pokémon Red and Blue in 1998.{{cite magazine |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |date=December 25, 2016 |title=Pokémon Red & Blue – A Look Back At The 20-Year Journey To Catch 'Em All |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001192920/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |archive-date=October 1, 2023 |access-date=January 22, 2024 |magazine=Game Informer}} In these games and their sequels, the player assumes the role of a Trainer whose goal is to capture and use the creatures' special abilities to combat other Pokémon. Some Pokémon can transform into stronger species through a process called evolution via various means, such as exposure to specific items.{{cite book |last=Allison |first=Anne |title=Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination |date=May 2006 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=9780520938991 |pages=192–197}} Each Pokémon have one or two elemental types, which define its advantages and disadvantages when battling other Pokémon.{{cite book |title=Pokémon Deluxe Essential Handbook |date=July 28, 2015 |publisher=Scholastic Inc. |isbn=9780545795661 |page=5}} A major goal in each game is to complete the Pokédex, a comprehensive Pokémon encyclopedia, by capturing, evolving, and trading with other Trainers to obtain individuals from all Pokémon species.

Garchomp is an evolution of the Pokémon Gabite, which evolves from Gible, and was created for the video games Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. The English names of these three Pokémon resemble each other.{{cite web |url=https://lup.lub.lu.se/luur/download?func=downloadFile&recordOId=8954409&fileOId=8954412 |title=From Desumasu to Buzzwole: A categorization of Japanese-to-English translation methods in localized Pokémon names |work=Lund University |last=Arvidsson |first=Don |year=2018 |accessdate=March 23, 2024 |archive-date=March 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319193859/https://lup.lub.lu.se/luur/download?func=downloadFile&recordOId=8954409&fileOId=8954412 |url-status=live }} It, as well as its earlier forms, are Dragon- and Ground-type. Garchomp was designed by Takao Unno.{{cite web |url=https://automaton-media.com/en/news/20220308-10329/ |title=One Pokémon fan's database shines light on unsung designers of the series |work=Automaton |last=Kawase |first=Ayuo |date=March 8, 2022 |accessdate=March 23, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207092506/https://automaton-media.com/en/news/20220308-10329/ |url-status=live }} The beta version of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl had a different design for Garchomp, as well as its previous forms.{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/pokemon-diamond-pearl-legendary-pokemon |title=Beta sprites from Diamond and Pearl show scrapped Legendary Pokemon |work=VG247 |last=Maher |first=Cian |date=July 26, 2020 |accessdate=March 23, 2024 |archive-date=July 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729204452/https://www.vg247.com/pokemon-diamond-pearl-legendary-pokemon |url-status=live }}

Garchomp first appeared in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl as one of the Pokémon that the player can feature on their team. It can be obtained either by evolving from its previous form, Gabite, or catching it in the wild.{{Cite web |last=Seong |first=Renri |date=2021-11-21 |title=Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: How to Get Gible |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-brilliant-diamond-shining-pearl-how-to-get-gible/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=Game Rant |language=en |archive-date=April 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419164124/https://gamerant.com/pokemon-brilliant-diamond-shining-pearl-how-to-get-gible/ |url-status=live }} Other trainers can also have a Garchomp, with one of the most notable trainers to have a Garchomp being Cynthia, the Pokémon Champion of the Elite Four in Diamond and Pearl{{'}}s Sinnoh region. It also appears in various re-releases of Diamond and Pearl, including Pokémon Platinum and Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. It has since appeared in other mainline games, with its most recent appearance being Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.{{Cite web |last1=Hanna |first1=Jeremy |last2=Scariati |first2=Andrew |date=2023-01-24 |title=Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: The 13 Best Ground-Types |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-x-best-ground-types/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=TheGamer |language=en |archive-date=January 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124194710/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-x-best-ground-types/ |url-status=live }} In Pokémon X and Y, it was given a Mega Evolution form called Mega Garchomp.{{Cite web |date=2020-04-29 |title=Pokémon X and Y: How to get every Mega Evolution |url=https://mashable.com/article/pokemon-x-and-y-how-to-get-every-mega-evolution |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=Mashable |language=en |archive-date=March 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316172651/https://mashable.com/article/pokemon-x-and-y-how-to-get-every-mega-evolution |url-status=live }} In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Garchomp is also available, including as one of the Pokémon owned by Volo, a character whose design and team were similar to Cynthia's.{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=Ashley |date=2022-03-09 |title=Pokémon Legends: Arceus - Best Moveset for Garchomp |url=https://screenrant.com/pokemon-legends-arceus-best-moveset-garchomp-guide/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=ScreenRant |language=en |archive-date=September 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904024640/https://screenrant.com/pokemon-legends-arceus-best-moveset-garchomp-guide/ |url-status=live }} It has also appeared in other Pokémon games, such as Pokken Tournament,{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=G. R. |date=2016-01-13 |title=Three New Pokemon Join Pokken Tournament Roster |url=https://gamerant.com/pokken-tournament-pokemon-mewtwo-braixen-garchomp/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=Game Rant |language=en |archive-date=July 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190731212628/https://gamerant.com/pokken-tournament-pokemon-mewtwo-braixen-garchomp/ |url-status=live }} Pokémon Go,{{Cite web |last=Pellegrino |first=Christian |date=2023-11-08 |title=Pokemon Go: Mega Garchomp Raid Guide |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-go-mega-garchomp-raid-guide-counters-team-tips/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=TheGamer |language=en |archive-date=November 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112002655/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-go-mega-garchomp-raid-guide-counters-team-tips/ |url-status=live }} Pokémon Unite,{{Cite web |last=Kerford |first=Colin |date=2021-10-15 |title=Pokémon Unite Garchomp Challenge Is Frustrating Some Players |url=https://screenrant.com/pokemon-unite-garchomp-challenge-frustrating/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=ScreenRant |language=en |archive-date=October 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015003234/https://screenrant.com/pokemon-unite-garchomp-challenge-frustrating/ |url-status=live }} and the Pokémon Trading Card Game.{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Jesus |date=2023-11-28 |title=Pokemon TCG: Garchomp Ex Deck Guide |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-tcg-garchomp-ex-deck-guide/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=TheGamer |language=en |archive-date=November 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129000023/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-tcg-garchomp-ex-deck-guide/ |url-status=live }}

File:Cynthia using Garchomp in Elite four.gif's Garchomp knocking out a Ninetales in one hit. Garchomp's strength as part of Cynthia's team has been highlighted as a reason for its immense popularity.]]

Garchomp has been well-received by fans and critics, ranking among the top 10 Pokémon in a 2020 poll of Pokémon fans.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-2020-pokemon-of-the-year-winners-are-here/ |title=The 2020 Pokemon of the Year winners are here |work=GamesRadar+ |last=Wood |first=Austin |date=February 27, 2020 |accessdate=March 23, 2024 |archive-date=August 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816063615/https://www.gamesradar.com/the-2020-pokemon-of-the-year-winners-are-here/ |url-status=live }} An IT Media reader poll had Garchomp ranked number one among the "600 family," a term used for Pokémon whose stats add up to 600 in value, receiving more than 30 percent of the vote.{{cite web |url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/research/articles/415051/ |title=【ポケモン】最強だと思う「600族」のポケモンランキングTOP9！ 1位は「ガブリアス」【2021年最新調査】 |work=IT Media |author=Dopey |date=October 24, 2021 |accessdate=March 23, 2024 |archive-date=November 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127123738/https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/research/articles/415051/ |url-status=live }} Garchomp has been described as one of the series' most popular Pokémon by Inside Games writer Sawadee Otsuka. They cited its power and association with the trainer Cynthia for why it was so popular, adding that it improved opinions on speedy Pokémon thanks to its durability. They also praised its design, saying that its combination of shark and dinosaur designs helped set it apart from previous Dragon-type Pokémon.{{cite web |url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2021/12/18/135882.html |title=『ポケモン』シリーズ屈指の人気ポケモン・ガブリアスの魅力に迫る！ |work=Inside Games |last=Otsuka |first=Sawadee |date=December 18, 2021 |accessdate=March 23, 2024 |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108210555/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2021/12/18/135882.html |url-status=live }} IGN writer Dale Bashir felt it was one of the best designs introduced in Diamond and Pearl, particularly due to its purple color scheme, attributing its coolness to why it was featured in Cynthia's team.{{cite web |url=https://sea.ign.com/pokemon-diamond-version-nds/164247/news/14-years-ago-pokemon-diamond-and-pearl-gave-us-some-of-the-best-designed-pocket-monsters-of-all-time |title=14 Years Ago, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Gave Us Some of the Best Designed Pocket Monsters of All Time |work=IGN |last=Bashir |first=Dale |date=September 28, 2020 |accessdate=March 23, 2024 |archive-date=December 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213233009/https://sea.ign.com/pokemon-diamond-version-nds/164247/news/14-years-ago-pokemon-diamond-and-pearl-gave-us-some-of-the-best-designed-pocket-monsters-of-all-time |url-status=live }} Gaming Bolt writer Pramath regarded it as one of the best Pokémon species, arguing that a large part of why people remember it so much is its use by Cynthia and the difficulty of training it.{{cite web |url=https://gamingbolt.com/top-10-pokemon-of-all-time |title=Top 10 Pokemon Of All Time |work=Gaming Bolt |author=Pramath |date=August 16, 2011 |accessdate=March 23, 2024 |archive-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531022938/https://gamingbolt.com/top-10-pokemon-of-all-time |url-status=live }} Despite being frustrated by Cynthia's Garchomp, USA Today writer Cian Maher regarded it as one of the best Dragon-type Pokémon. He noted that Garchomp was "overpowered, overused, and frankly overdesigned," citing its combination of shark, dragon, dinosaur, and jet engine design concepts, but still felt that it was among the series' most iconic Pokémon.{{cite web |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/pokemon-best-dragon-types |title=The top ten Dragon Pokémon, ranked |work=USA Today |last=Maher |first=Cian |date=January 18, 2022 |accessdate=March 23, 2024 |archive-date=October 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002054828/https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/pokemon-best-dragon-types |url-status=live }} Inside Games writer Sushi felt that Garchomp was ubiquitous to Cynthia, discussing how Garchomp's strength has been enhanced in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.{{cite web |url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2021/11/28/135512.html |title=『ポケモン ダイパリメイク』の「シロナ」がマジで強い！多くの挑戦者を返り討ちにした"ガチ構成"とは |work=Inside Games |author=Sushi |date=November 28, 2021 |accessdate=March 23, 2024 |archive-date=October 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006100840/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2021/11/28/135512.html |url-status=live }}

It has been a prominent Pokémon in competitive Pokémon gameplay. IGN writer Kat Bailey considered it to be among the worst new Pokémon of generation 4, feeling that its overwhelming power, speed, and Sand Veil ability made it too unbalanced. She also argued that it was the "catalyst" for other Pokémon being banned while also commenting negatively on its design.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/09/the-worst-pokemon-of-all-time |title=The Worst Pokemon of All Time |work=IGN |last=Bailey |first=Kat |date=October 9, 2013 |accessdate=February 20, 2025 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121174022/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/09/the-worst-pokemon-of-all-time |url-status=live }} Venture Beat staff discussed how its attack and speed were so prominent that it was one of the few non-legendary Pokémon to be banned in some competitions and limited only to the Uber tier, due in particular to the fact that players were designing their teams around handling Garchomp, with Venture Beat staff noting that team compositions were more interesting and diverse after its banning.{{cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/games/competitive-rpg-components/ |title=Competitive RPG Components |date=February 15, 2012 |accessdate=March 23, 2024}} It has generally been a popular Pokémon for competitive play; despite IT Media writer Dopey noting that its usage has decreased over time, they noted it was still useful.{{cite web |url=https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/pokemon-vgc-2017-european-international-report-and-interview |title=The Pokémon Sun and Moon champion's winning team |work=Red Bull |last=Bennett |first=Marti |date=December 23, 2016 |accessdate=March 23, 2024 |archive-date=November 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130095205/https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/pokemon-vgc-2017-european-international-report-and-interview |url-status=live }} VG247 writer Cassandra Khaw attributed its strength to multiple factors, including its well-balanced high stats, Sand Veil ability, and its type combination of Ground and Dragon.{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/what-are-the-strongest-most-competitive-pokemon-thatll-help-you-build-the-best-team |title=What are the Strongest, Most Competitive Pokemon That'll Help You Build the Best Team? |work=VG247 |last=Khaw |first=Cassandra |date=January 16, 2019 |accessdate=March 23, 2024 |archive-date=February 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217143304/https://www.vg247.com/what-are-the-strongest-most-competitive-pokemon-thatll-help-you-build-the-best-team |url-status=live }} Hardcore Gamer writer Ryan Cartmel noted that despite Ground and Dragon's weakness to Ice types, its stats and Rough Skin ability made it a threat that any team had to be able to answer. He also felt that its design is quality, stating that it conveys that "it's here to mess up your day."{{cite web |url=https://hardcoregamer.com/articles/opinion/features/the-past-generations-of-pokemon-games-and-the-battle-pokemon-they-spawned/57070/ |title=The Past Generations of Pokemon Games and the Battle Pokemon They Spawned |work=Hardcore Gamer |last=Cartmel |first=Ryan |date=September 30, 2013 |accessdate=March 23, 2024}}

Due to the shared height and weight between Garchomp and baseball player Shohei Ohtani, comments were made comparing the two by fans on Twitter, with Automaton Media writer Ayuo Kawase attributing the popularity of the comparison to the ongoing World Baseball Classic at the time.{{cite web |url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2023/03/18/144740.html |title=ガブリアスは"実質"大谷翔平！？WBC旋風で注目を集めた二刀流ポケモンとのウソのような共通点 |work=Inside Games |last=Otsuka |first=Sawadee |date=March 18, 2023 |accessdate=March 23, 2024 |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330162721/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2023/03/18/144740.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://automaton-media.com/en/news/20230313-18141/ |title=Shohei Ohtani may secretly be Pokemon's Garchomp according to fan comparisons |work=Automaton Media |last=Kawase |first=Ayuo |date=March 13, 2023 |accessdate=March 23, 2024 |archive-date=April 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423072012/https://automaton-media.com/en/news/20230313-18141/ |url-status=live }} Oricon News staff noted that another thing that drew comparison was Ohtani catching a 95 mile-per-hour pitch, and having a batting speed of 102 miles per hour, which contrasts Garchomp's 95 points in defense and 102 points in speed.{{cite web |url=https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/Oricon_2316212/ |title=大谷翔平『ポケモン』ガブリアス説が再び話題 身長・体重同じ…95＆102マイルの"ガブリアス打法"でホームラン |work=Oricon News |date=February 28, 2024 |accessdate=March 23, 2024 |archive-date=March 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327013423/https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/Oricon_2316212/ |url-status=live }}

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{{Pokémon Generation 4|state=expanded}}

{{Pokémon}}

Category:Dragon characters in video games

Category:Fictional characters with earth or stone abilities

Category:Fictional sharks

Category:Pokémon introduced in generation IV

Category:Video game characters introduced in 2006