Fire-type Pokemon stand as some of the most popular in the entire franchise, with tons of representation and a reputation for being among the strongest in the games. Ever since the days of Charmander, the Fire-type starter has been a popular choice with budding young trainers eager to start their Pokemon journey. Plenty of powerful non-starters have helped shape the way fans feel about these red-hot Pokemon.

Be it starters, legendaries, or anything in between, Fire types are well-represented in the Pokemon universe. A good Water type can neutralize even the strongest of the bunch and so trainers have to get creative when considering certain match-ups. The best Fire-types can circumvent these weaknesses in some way or another, which is why they’re so popular with fans. There might be many options out there for trainers to explore, but these will always be the best possible one can have for a Fire-type.

Updated May 20, 2023 by Ben Painter:Fire types are some of the best to use in the games, with their ferocious designs and powerful moves. The latest entry into the Pokemon franchise, Scarlet & Violet, brought some amazing Fire types such as the starter Pokemon Skeledirge.

Some of the best trainers in the series use these flaming Pokemon Blaine of Cinnabar Island and Flint of the Sinnoh Elite Four to name a few. There is no question that Fire types can back a punch, even with their many weaknesses. This updated list adds five new of the ignited ‘mons, some of which should definitely be included in any future teams in any gamer’s playthrough.

23Talonflame

• Highest Stat: Speed (126)
• Best Nature: Adamant
• Weak To: Rock (4x), Water (2x), Electric (2x)

Gen 6 brought gamers Talonflame, it was amazing to see the regional bird have the Fire typing which was a first for its time as before they have solely been just Normal/Flying.

His speed is so impressive and with a perfect ability of Flame Body which burns opponents on contact, gamers have got an awesome Pokemon and one of the best Fire types. What lets Talonflame down is its 4x weakness to Rock types, one Rock Slide, and it is down, avoid them at all costs.

22Rotom (Heat Form)

• Highest Stat: Defense and Special Defense (107)
• Best Nature: Timid
• Weak To: Rock (2x), Water (2x)

Surprisingly this Pokemon is still the only Fire/Electric type Pokemon in the entire franchise, that alone makes this Pokemon one of the best fire types. Rotom Heat is solid defensively, so it could be used as a decent wall competitively, with just two weaknesses to take advantage of also.

Rotom is a unique ‘mon, capable of changing its type through different forms and the Fire type Pokemon benefit greatly from this electric brother. Water types should run in fear of this fiery Pokemon, capable of hitting back with a STAB Discharge.

21Incineroar

• Highest Stat: Attack (115)
• Best Nature: Jolly
• Weak To: Fighting (2x), Rock (2x), Water (2x), Ground (2x)

Gamers thought they had four Fire/Fighting starters in a row but Incineroar was given the Dark secondary typing, his gimmick is that he is a dirty wrestler which is an interesting concept.

Incineroar is an impressive ‘mon with its Dark and Fire moves, make sure they are physical to make use of his high attack stat. Anime will know this Pokemon as being one of Ash’s most successful, part of the only team that actually won the Pokemon league. He has four weaknesses to keep an eye on but shockingly Incineroar can learn Thunder Punch to counter any pesky Water types.

20Infernape

• Highest Stat: Speed (108)
• Best Nature: Jolly
• Weak To: Flying (2x), Ground (2x), Water (2x), Psychic (2x)

Generation 4 brought fans three solid starter Pokemon and their final evolutions are some of the best in the whole franchise. Infernape certainly is that category, despite the fact it was the second Fire/Fighting starter in a row. It was the following one that really annoyed fans.

Infernape can make handy work of enemy Rock types with its powerful Close Combat, it has coverage against water and ground with Grass Knot and can also learn U-Turn and Shadow Claw to combat Psychic types. It can even learn Rock Slide to deal with Flying types. The fire ape has it all and completes with its impressive stats it is one of the best Fire type Pokemon.

19Chi-Yu

• Highest Stat: Special Attack (135)
• Best Nature: Timid
• Weak To: Fighting (2x), Rock (2x), Water (2x), Ground (2x)

New to the Pokemon franchise, Chi-Yu is a legendary Pokemon and a member of the Treasures of Ruin. On the surface of it, Ch-Yu does not look like a Fire type, more like a Water type with its goldfish design.

But this ‘mon is actually Fire and Dark type, a really cool typing, the Ruinious Pokemon’s stats are impressive and gamers should not underestimate its size. However, with four weaknesses there is a lot of work that needs to be done, it can learn Psychic but that only covers one weakness out of four.

18Salazzle

• Highest Stat: Speed (117)
• Best Nature: Timid
• Weak To: Ground (4x), Rock (2x), Water (2x), Psychic (2x)

Getting Salazzle takes a little bit of trial and error, as it can only evolve from a female Salandit. Trainers who do put in the time to hunt one down will be rewarded with one of the best Fire-type Pokemon after a little bit of training.

Salazzle is a great glass cannon, as it doesn’t have much going for it aside from its Speed and Special Attack. That shouldn’t be an issue for trainers as long as they use it situationally and in the right matchups. While it does have quite a few weaknesses, Salazzle is also resistant to eight different types. Given how low its Defense and Special Defense are, neither is likely to matter all that much.

17Camerupt

• Highest Stat: Special Attack (105)
• Best Nature: Calm
• Weak To: Ground (2x), Water (4x)

If Mega Evolutions were still a featured mechanic in the mainline games, Camerupt would likely rank higher. Regardless, it still stands as one of the best Fire-type Pokemon trainers can recruit into their party.

Camerupt won’t win any races, but it has average defensive stats and can deal a fair amount of Physical and Special damage. Most of its most powerful moves get STAB, so trainers can be sure that they’re going into battle with a bonafide asset regardless of what kind of build they favor.

16Pyroar

• Highest Stat: Special Attack (109)
• Best Nature: Timid
• Weak To: Ground (2x), Fighting (2x), Rock (2x), Water (2x)

Longevity might not be Pyroar’s strong suit in battle, but the Fire/Normal-type has other uses that trainers can capitalize on. With middling defensive stats, Pyroar is best suited as a glass cannon. It does have a fairly high base HP stat, but virtually no defense.

Pyroar’s learnset allows for trainers to take advantage of its high Special Attack stat, with tons of great moves to choose from. Its Fire/Normal typing gives it an immunity to Ghost-types while it’s also resistant to six different types including Fairy.

15Chandelure

• Highest Stat: Special Attack (145)
• Best Nature: Modest
• Weak To: Ground (2x), Rock (2x), Ghost (2x), Water (2x), Dark (2x)

Chandelure is a unique Pokemon that many trainers would be thrilled to have in their party. There aren’t many like this Ghost/Fire-type in the franchise, and having it at hand during a given battle could be just what trainers need to turn the tide.

Its various weaknesses might scare some trainers off, but Chandelure more than makes up for that with its immunity to Normal and Fighting-type moves and seven different resistances. You won’t find many Pokemon like this, so those in search of a reliable Fire-type should snag it if the opportunity presents itself.

14Houndoom

• Highest Stat: Special Attack (110)
• Best Nature: Timid
• Weak To: Ground (2x), Fighting (2x), Rock (2x), Water (2x)

First introduced in the second generation, Houndoom was one of the new Dark-type Pokemon introduced at the time. A Dark/Fire-type, Houndoomj remains a solid option for trainers looking to add what might be one of the best Fire-type Pokemon in the series.

Mega Houndoom outshines the original in both design and stat distribution. But that shouldn’t take away from Houndoom’s effectiveness in battle. Its high Special Attack allows it to capitalize off of its learnset, and it should serve as a well-balanced Fire-type option for players to add one to the mix.

13Delphox

• Highest Stat: Special Attack (125)
• Best Nature: Modest
• Weak To: Ground (2x), Water (2x), Rock (2x), Dark (2x), Ghost (2x)

Fennekin starts out as a pure Fire-type that gains a unique Fire/Psychic-typing when it evolves into Delphox. Most Fire-type starters that do take on a second type usually end up Fire/Fighting. This makes Delphox a desirable choice for any trainer looking to try something new.

High special attack and speed are what make Delphox such an asset on the battlefield. Though not quite a glass cannon, Delphox possesses mediocre defense but compensates for it with fantastic special defense. Moves like Future Sight, Flamethrower, and Fire Blast all get STAB alongside a bevy of others. So trainers have plenty of options when it comes to the Kalos starter.

12Magmortar

• Highest Stat: Special Attack (125)
• Best Nature: Mild
• Weak To: Ground (2x), Water (2x), Rock (2x)

The Magmar tree is one of the more uniquely structured in the series, as the Pokemon initially did not evolve when it was first introduced in Gen 1. It received a baby Pokemon in Gen with the introduction of Magby, while Gen 2 finished the line off with the inclusion of Magmortar.

Magmortar’s biggest weakness is its low base defense. Its mediocre base HP does it no favors either. Average speed makes it so that Magmortar will attack first in battle more often than not, which will allow it to take advantage of its incredibly high special attack. Fire Blast, Flamethrower, and Lava Plume all get STAB, and the potential to learn Solar Beam gives it an out against its various type weaknesses. This makes it one of the best Fire Pokemon in the games.

11Skeledirge

• Highest Stat: Special Attack (110)
• Best Nature: Modest / Quiet
• Weak To: Ground (2x), Ghost (2x), Rock (2x), Water (2x), Dark (2x)

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet introduced three absolutely adorable starter Pokemon that immediately had fans in an uproar about their potential evolutions. After the game dropped and players got their hands on the creatures, they realized they’d shed their cut appearance for something far more stylized and elegant, with both Sprigatito and Quaxly evolving into something far more dance-like and lithe, with flowing movements.

The Fire Pokemon Fuecoco would instead go through a metamorphosis that would see it end as a Fire and Ghost-type crocodile with a pleasing cry and an interesting musically-inclined signature move. Skeledirge is a great Special Attacker and features solid coverage thanks to its Fire and Ghost moves.

10Volcarona

• Highest Stat: Special Attack (135)
• Best Nature: Modest
• Weak To: Flying (2x), Water (2x), Rock (4x)

Bug-type Pokemon aren’t known to be the strongest of the bunch, but some really manage to stand out. A Bug/Fire-type, Volcarona is one of the more underappreciated of its kind. While it might stand out among other Bug-types, Volcarona is easy to overlook when searching for a great Fire type Pokemon party member.

Low attack and defense don’t do it any favors, so trainers will need to rely on Volcarona’s high special and speed stats. Volcarona’s most effective moves can be found in TM/TRs, as those learned through leveling often don’t maximize its potential. A quadruple weakness to Rock can potentially be countered by teaching it, Solar Beam. But its weakness to Flying-types is harder to overlook.

9Moltres

• Highest Stat: Special Attack (125)
• Best Nature: Rash
• Weak To: Electric (2x), Water (2x), Rock (4x)

Legendary Pokemon are cut from a different cloth when compared to the more readily available pocket companions found in the wild. Moltres is no exception, and while it has its faults, its strength and ability in battle are hard to overlook.

With 100 base attack alongside 125 base special attack, Moltres can do damage with both physical and special moves. Trainers will have to deal with weaknesses to Water, Electric and a quadruple weakness to Rock-type moves. Six resistances, including Fairy, should help even things out.

8Blaziken

• Highest Stat: Attack (120)
• Best Nature: Jolly
• Weak To: Flying (2x), Ground (2x), Water (2x), Psychic (2x)

When it comes to Fire type starters, Blaziken consistently ranks as one of the best in the group no matter how many new additions are added in. Charizard might outrank it in terms of popularity, but Blaziken stands alongside the Gen 1 icon in terms of strength in battle.

Its mega evolved form puts Blaziken on a completely different level. But this Gen 3 standout is still one of the best Fire types available outside of the short-lived mechanic. Attack and special attack are where Blaziken shines. Being a Fire/Fighting-type starter gives it tons of flexibility within its learnset, allowing for trainers to approach it in various interesting ways.

7Charizard

• Highest Stat: Special Attack (109)
• Best Nature: Mild
• Weak To: Electric (2x), Water (2x), Rock (4x)

Though it might not be the strongest Fire type Pokemon out there, Charizard stands as the most iconic of the bunch. Incredibly powerful and insanely popular, Charizard has been the standard for starter Fire-types since its introduction in Gen 1.

Charizard is one of only two Pokemon with multiple mega evolutions. These transformations make it a tough Pokemon to take down, but it still makes a sizable difference in battle thanks to its high speed and special attack. Being Fire/Flying gives it a quadruple weakness to Rock-types. Luckily, teaching it Solar Beam gives Charizard a fighting chance in any disadvantageous matchup.

6Ceruledge

• Highest Stat: Attack (125)
• Best Nature: Adamant
• Weak To: Ground (2x), Ghost (2x), Rock (2x), Water (2x), Dark (2x)

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet introduced two awesome-looking humanoid Pokemon with Armarogue and Ceruledge. These Mega Man-like creatures both feature Fire as their main stat but Ceruledge gets a slight edge thanks to its Ghost typing and signature move.

Although Fire and Fighting is a solid combination, Ceruledge’s Bitter Blade is a 90 power 100% accuracy move that will heal Ceruledge for 50% of the damage dealt. This makes the Pokemon a bit tankier, giving it greater survivability and allowing it to inflict heavy damage on a wide array ofPokemon. A new but solid addition to the best Fire types.

5Entei

• Highest Stat: Attack / HP (115)
• Best Nature: Adamant
• Weak To: Water (2x), Ground (2x), Rock (2x)

Entei has always been a tricky Pokemon to catch, with many trainers dedicating a lot of time and resources into ensuring its addition to their party. As with any Legendary Pokemon, Entei’s incredible strength and use in battle are what makes it so desirable to trainers.

High HP, attack, and speed are what make Entei stand out among its peers. While its special attack is slightly lower than its attack, some of its best moves, Eruption, and Fire Blast are special. Sacred Fire makes use of Entei’s high attack, and gets STAB alongside the two aforementioned special heavy hitters.

4Volcanion

• Highest Stat: Special Attack (130)
• Best Nature: Quiet / Rash
• Weak To: Ground (2x), Electric (2x), Rock (2x)

Volcanion was first introduced to fans in Gen VI and boasts one of the most unique typings a Fire-type can have; Fire/Water. It was the last Mythical Pokemon of its generation and certainly stood out among its predecessors.

With a base stat total of 600, Volcanion excels in most categories save for speed. Volcanion’s Fire/Water-typing makes it the only Pokemon on this list that has an immunity to Water. But it still has to deal with weaknesses to Ground, Rock, and Electric-types. Like most other Pokemon on this list, teaching it Solar Beam can help even things out.

3Ho-Oh

• Highest Stat: Special Defense (154)
• Best Nature: Lonely / Gentle
• Weak To: Electric (2x), Water (2x), Rock (4x)

Like Moltres, Ho-Oh is a dual Fire/Flying-type Legendary. While Moltres has its Achilles heel, Ho-Oh is much better well-rounded, with a multitude of strengths it can fall back on. A quadruple weakness to Rock-type moves might ward off potential trainers, but immunity to Ground-types alongside a bevy of resistances should compensate for the severe disadvantage.

Ho-Oh’s special defense (154) and attack (130) are its highest base stats, with its base HP coming in at 106. Its special attack comes in just under its attack at 110, giving trainers tons of options when it comes to utilizing the Gen II legendary.

2Groudon (Primal Form)

• Highest Stat: Attack (180)
• Best Nature: Mild
• Weak To: Ground (2x), Water (2x)

Groudon was initially brought out as the box art legendary for Pokemon Ruby in generation 3, but when the games were remade Groudon was given a new form which added the fire typing in his primal form.

This came with not only a new type but a boost in its already impressive stats also, +30 attack, +20 defense and +50 special attack taking the grand total up to 770. With its signature move Precipice Blades, Primal Groudon can decimate opponents with ease and make light work of STAB Lava Plume or Eruption. No question about it one of best Fire type Pokemon.

1Reshiram

• Highest Stat: Special Attack (150)
• Best Nature: Modest / Quiet
• Weak To: Rock (2x), Dragon (2x), Ground (2x)

First introduced in Gen 5, Reshiram is a Dragon/Fire-type Legendary that stands out for a number of reasons. With its base stats totaling an incredible 680, Reshiram doesn’t have many weaknesses in its game.

Every one of Reshiram’s base stats, save for its 90 speed, is at least 100. No matter how players decide to approach training this Pokemon, Reshiram will always come out as the absolute best Fire-type in the game. Its signature Blue Flare and Fusion Flare make great use of its 150 base special attack, getting additional STAB alongside a host of other powerful moves in its arsenal.