Charjabug

Within its evolutionary line, Charjabug occupies the middle stage between Grubbin and Vikavolt. The change is not just visual: when it evolves, the larva gains the Electric type and develops a battery-shaped body covered by a shell divided into rectangular segments.

Its design blends an insect enclosed in a chrysalis with an electric battery. The pouch on its body stores the electricity produced during digestion. It feeds on leaf litter and humus, and remains almost completely still while eating, protected by its hard shell. If someone steps on it, it responds with an electric shock; when an opponent keeps attacking it, it releases electricity through the tips of its mandibles.

Pokédex entries also present it as a useful source of energy while camping. The electricity does not appear out of nowhere: it comes from the plant matter it digests. Its compact body, eyes covered by blue screens and lightning-shaped mandibles reinforce the idea of an insect turned into a portable battery.

Charjabug does not stand out in single battles. Its 57 HP, 82 Attack and 95 Defense let it take physical hits, while its 55 Special Attack and 75 Special Defense give it less room for error. The problem lies in its 36 Speed: even with speed-control moves, it rarely applies pressure on its own initiative.

Its Battery ability defines its role in double battles: it powers up its allies’ special moves. It does not need to deal much damage to be useful, although its Bug and Electric types give it access to STAB with X-Scissor, Spark, Discharge or Volt Switch. The Electric type threatens Water- and Flying-type Pokémon, while the Bug type covers Grass-, Psychic- and Dark-types. Defensively, it resists Electric, Fighting, Grass and Steel, but fears Fire and Rock.

In doubles, it works as a sturdy support Pokémon, especially alongside special attackers. Thunder Wave and Electroweb make up for its lack of Speed, Light Screen protects the team from special attacks and Volt Switch lets it leave after applying pressure. Sticky Web is also useful for controlling the pace of the battle. In singles, its limited damage, low Speed and reliance on its team leave it with little room.

Charjabug belongs to the Bug Egg Group and has an even gender ratio: 50% female. Its Eggs need 15 cycles to hatch, equivalent to approximately 4080 steps using the usual formula.

Its notable Egg Moves include Harden and Discharge. The former boosts its Defense and fits its sturdy profile; the latter gives it a stronger Electric-type option than its initial attacks.

Grubbin evolves into Charjabug at level 20. To obtain Vikavolt, Charjabug must level up in Vast Poni Canyon or Blush Mountain; starting in Generation VIII, it also evolves when exposed to a Thunder Stone. Its catch rate is 120, a favourable figure: it is not an effortless catch, but it is still a long way from the species that are difficult to catch. The species can appear holding a Cell Battery as a wild item.