Good news for Gen 1 fans, as Charmander can be found in Pokémon Sword and Shield. If you're wondering how to get your hands on this particular type of fire, it's a lot easier than you think. This guide will contain spoilers, and while they may seem obvious, I'm warning them nonetheless because it's a good thing to do. Read at your own risk.
How to Get Charmander in Pokemon Sword and Shield
The best way to get your hands on Charmander is to play through the story. After fighting and defeating Leon, you will automatically be sent home to Postwick. Walk down the street to Hop's house, then head to Leon's room.
On the ground, in the middle of the room, you will find a Poke Ball containing Charmander. This Charmander can't be shiny, so there's no need to try to save this part.
If you're lucky, you might already encounter a Charmander before taking part in Max Raid Battles. The odds of that happening are pretty slim, so luckily you can grab Charmander's collateral at the end of the story. You can transform Charmander into Charmeleon at level 16, then Charmeleon into Charizard at level 36.
If you need some extra help with Pokemon Sword and Shield, we've got a whole range of tips and tricks that you might find useful. Learn how to use PC Box Link, change a Pokémon's nature, and trade Pokémon.