Every Fire-type Starter Pokemon in the Anime, Ranked

Fire-type Pokémon are generally much more energetic than Water or Grass types. Many Fire-type starters, like Scorbunny and Cyndaquil, are known for being enthusiastic and lively, particularly in battle. This makes the Fire type very popular with Trainers, and some even choose to build their teams around it because of its impressive strength and elegance.

Fire-type Pokémon are frequently featured in the Pokémon anime due to their popularity. Many trainers, both main characters and those appearing in single episodes, often have one on their team. Despite the abundance of Fire-types, especially among starter Pokémon, some truly stand out as the best in their class.

Emboar’s Flames Create a Distinctive Beard

The Fire/Fighting-type Is Extremely Loyal to Its Friends

Emboar, a Fire-type Pokémon from the Unova region, is the third Fire/Fighting-type starter to appear in the Pokémon games. It evolves from Tepig and Pignite and is known for its ability to create a lot of heat. This results in fiery flames constantly surrounding its neck and chest, resembling a beard. These flames burn even more intensely when Emboar is battling.

I remember seeing Tepig and Pignite in the original Pokémon anime, especially through Ash’s Pignite. But when it came to Emboar, the most prominent one I saw was Bianca’s – she was a big supporting character in the Pokémon Black and White games. Besides Bianca’s Emboar, who was a really strong fighter, there were also Fire/Fighting-type Pokémon owned by Tatsuki and Nate that showed up in the movies and a trailer for Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. And now, Emboar has even gotten a new Mega Evolution in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, though we haven’t seen it animated yet.

Tyhphlosion’s Fur Can Create Powerful Explosions

Typhlosion Was One of the First Pokémon To Use Flame Wheel

Cyndaquil seems to be the most popular starter Pokémon from the Johto region. Many trainers enjoy using Cyndaquil and its evolution, Quilava, in their teams. Typhlosion, the final evolution, is known for the intense flames that burst from its fur, creating powerful explosions. However, in the Hisui region, Quilava can evolve into a unique Fire/Ghost-type Typhlosion, where its flames appear more spectral and ghostly.

Cyndaquil and Quilava were important companions to Ash during his Pokémon journey, but he never fully evolved them into Typhlosion. Because of this, Typhlosion mainly appeared in the anime through the character Jimmy, who is based on the trainer Ethan. Just like Ash and Pikachu, Jimmy and his Typhlosion share a close and loyal bond. Typhlosion is also a powerful Pokémon, capable of resisting even attacks from Water-type Pokémon.

Cinderace Is Roy’s Partner Pokémon

Cinderace Has a Signature Gigantamax Form and Move

Scorbunny, the Rabbit Pokémon, is a bundle of energy and loves a good battle! When it evolves into Raboot, it becomes a bit more relaxed, but still constantly works on its agility. Finally, as Cinderace, this Pokémon is energetic once again, though it can get frustrated when it loses. Despite this, Cinderace is a dedicated fighter and will always give its all for a Trainer it cares about.

Goh, a friend of Ash and Pikachu, has a popular Cinderace. At first, Goh only wanted a Mew as his first Pokémon, but he changed his mind when he met a Scorbunny eager to be his partner. Even after evolving into Cinderace, it remained playful and energetic, but also became a powerful and focused battler. Just like in the video games, Cinderace’s strongest attack is Pyro Ball, which becomes even more devastating when Cinderace transforms into its Gigantamax form.

Skeledirge Is Famous for Its Singing

Roy Trained the First Major Skeledirge in the Franchise

Image via OLM

Fuecoco, the Fire-type starter Pokémon from the Paldea region, is almost always happy. This cheerful Pokémon, which looks like a crocodile, does things its own way – and its ability, Unaware, reflects that! Fuecoco loves to bask in the sun on warm rocks to soak up heat, but once it evolves into Crocalor and then Skeledirge, it can create its own heat more easily. What makes Skeledirge really special is its flame – one particular flame seems to have a life of its own, appearing as a bird-shaped flame on its snout.

Skeledirge is known for its beautiful singing, which is said to calm anyone who hears it, but don’t let that fool you – its flames are incredibly strong! These two abilities come together in its special move, Torch Song, where its feathered friend transforms into a microphone and flies at the opponent. A great example of a Skeledirge is Roy’s Pokémon partner, whom he’s known since it was a tiny Fuecoco. Like all Skeledirge, it enjoys both singing and eating, but it’s also a fierce and powerful fighter, especially after evolving.

Delphox Is Said To Be Able To Forsee the Future

Serena Is Rarely Seen Without Her Performance-Loving Delphox

Fennekin, the Fox Pokémon, is famous for its big ears, which can hold incredibly hot air – over 390 degrees Fahrenheit! Because it tends to get overheated, Fennekin uses its ears to release the extra heat and cool down. This Pokémon often eats twigs to get energy, a habit that develops as it evolves. Later, as Braixen and then Delphox, it uses twigs to manage its fiery powers and even to see glimpses of the future using flames.

Delphox appears in the anime series on several occasions, but Serena’s Delphox is the most well-known. Just like Serena, this Delphox enjoys performing and is a dedicated supporter of Serena’s dream to become Kalos Queen. After evolving, it also became a powerful fighter, demonstrated by moves like Fire Blast and its special attack, Mystical Fire. It’s become skilled at using these moves both in performances and battles, making it a well-rounded and valuable partner.

Incineroar Has an Aggressive and Cunning Fighting Style

The Heel Pokémon Is Known To Be Surprisingly Compassionate

Litten, the Fire-type Pokémon from the Alola region, is loved for its cute looks. But as it evolves into Torracat and then Incineroar, it becomes much more intimidating. Early descriptions of Incineroar often portray it as a bit of a bully – proud and aggressive. While it is a powerful and tough fighter, it’s also known to be gentle and caring towards kids and smaller Pokémon.

In the anime, both Professor Kukui and Ash Ketchum have Incineroar as their Pokémon. Professor Kukui, a passionate battler who often fights in disguise as the Masked Royal, has a strong connection with his Incineroar. Ash’s Incineroar initially had a competitive relationship with Ash’s Litten, which pushed it to improve. Eventually, Ash’s Incineroar became strong enough to defeat Professor Kukui’s Incineroar in battle.

Blaziken Was the First Fire/Fighting-type Pokémon

The Blaze Pokémon Coined the Blaze Kick Attack

Torchic is a sweet Pokémon that forms a strong bond with its Trainer, but it can be a bit shy at first. With kindness and encouragement, Torchic grows into a confident and powerful Blaziken. As Blaziken, it battles with both self-assurance and deep trust in its Trainer. Its impressive stats, diverse moves, and ability to Mega Evolve are why it remains a popular Pokémon to this day.

May, a friend who traveled with Ash, initially chose Torchic as her first Pokémon because she thought it was adorable. Since then, Torchic evolved into a strong Blaziken and has stayed by May’s side through both Pokémon battles and contests. Interestingly, Blaziken was first officially seen as a powerful Pokémon owned by Harrison, who even managed to defeat Ash’s Charizard. The even more powerful Mega Blaziken form was first revealed through Meyer’s Pokémon when he was acting as the hero Blaziken Mask, and they later teamed up to fight against Team Flare.

Infernape’s Fire Will Never Go Out

Ash’s Infernape Fought To Be Seen as Powerful

The three starter Pokémon from the Sinnoh region are still incredibly popular with fans, just like many other starting trios. Piplup is adorable, Turtwig is peaceful, and Chimchar is full of energy and has become a powerful Pokémon over time. While Chimchar and its evolution, Monferno, are both great, Infernape is a truly exceptional Fire-type. As only the second Fire/Fighting type starter Pokémon, Infernape boasts a flame on its head that’s said to burn forever, growing stronger during difficult battles.

While Flint of the Elite Four has a strong Infernape, Ash’s Infernape is the most famous. This Infernape, originally named Chimchar, was left behind by its previous Trainer, Paul, who thought it wasn’t strong enough. Joining Ash, it was determined to prove Paul wrong and find a Trainer who believed in it. Through hard work and dedication, Infernape became an incredible fighter. Its biggest accomplishment remains the battle against Paul’s Electivire, a fight that demonstrated just how much Ash and Infernape had grown together.

Charizard Is the Most Famous Fire-type Starter

Ash’s Charizard Remains a Famous Supporting Character

New generations of starter Pokémon are always being released, but many fans still have a strong fondness for the original ones. The first Pokémon trio, from the Kanto region, consistently appears at the top of fans’ favorite Pokémon lists. Among Bulbasaur and Squirtle, Charmander is particularly popular, largely thanks to its prominent role in the very first Pokémon animated series.

Charmander and Ash became friends after Charmander was abandoned by its first Trainer and left outside in the rain. Their bond faced challenges as Charmander evolved into the more rebellious Charmeleon and then Charizard, becoming difficult to control. However, Ash helped Charizard remember their friendship, and it became one of his strongest Pokémon. Charizard even bravely fought a powerful and unusual Entei. While it never learned special transformations like Mega Evolution or Gigantamaxing, Charizard continues to battle fiercely and remains a beloved Pokémon for fans.

2026-01-22 18:37