In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, players will be able to find Gen 9 exclusive Charcadet fairly early into the game. However, evolving the Paldean Pokémon into Armarouge or Ceruledge requires a unique evolution item obtained in a special side quest.
Where to find Charcadet in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
After completing the game's introduction tutorial, you can freely explore the Paldea Region. Although Charcadet technically spawns all across the map, the quickest way to find the Fire Pokémon is to take the Mesagoza City East Gate exit. Once in the open world, Charcadet can be encountered in South Province (Area Three) inside the windy canyon. The Scarlet and Violet version-exclusive Pokémon can be easily spotted by pressing the Y button, which will then show you the Pokémon that are currently nearby. Now that you've got Charcadet on your team, here is how to evolve the Fire-Type into either Armarouge or Ceruledge.
How to evolve Charcadet into Armarouge & Ceruledge in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
In contrast to other Paldea Pokémon, Charcadet evolves based on a story item rather than level. In Pokémon Scarlet, Charcadet evolves into Armarouge after you give it the Auspicious Armor, and in Pokémon Violet, Charcadet evolves into Ceruledge with the Malicious Armor. To obtain the ancient relic, you will first need to collect a handful of items necessary for the evolution.
Where to collect 10 Bronzor/Sinistea fragments
In Pokémon Scarlet, players need to collect 10 Bronzor Fragments, which you can easily find in the Grand Olive Orchard in South Province (Area Two). Using the Let's Go battle mode, you can collect the fragments after your Pokémon defeats 10 of the flying Ghost-Types. In Pokémon Violet, you will instead need to collect 10 Sinistea Chips, which can be found in Zapapico East. Next up, you must travel to the map location listed below.
How to get to Zapapico Village
With the needed fragments in hand, you will now need to head on over Zapapico Village, which is located in East Province (Area Three). To reach the small City, you will first have to trek through the massive construction dig site, which is home to the Steel Titan Pokémon. Avoid the giant boss fight to reach the exit quickly. After arriving at Zapapico East, head into the town square to find an NPC who triggers the final step of the evolution quest line.
Where to find the NPC to trade for the Charcadet armor evolution item
Now that you are in Zapapico, look for an old man standing by a fountain in the center of the village. Hand over the 10 Bronzor Fragments or 10 Siniseta fragments, and the NPC will then reward you with the coveted armor piece. With the evolution item in hand, simply give it to Charcadet to trigger its evolution into either Armarouge or Ceruledge.
For more information on Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, check out How to start playing Pokémon Scarlet and Violet early here on Pro Game Guides.
Brent Koepp is a freelance games journalist based out of California. An avid Pokemon fan for over 25 years, he has spent his career reporting on the popular Nintendo franchise. He also dabbles in Destiny 2 and JRPGs. You can follow him on Twitter @brentrkoepp.