Flash-Fire

Summary

Flash Fire is a Pokémon ability introduced in Generation III.

Effect:

  • Grants immunity to all Fire-type moves, including non-damaging ones like Will-O-Wisp
  • When hit by a Fire-type move, boosts the power of the Pokémon's Fire-type moves by 1.5x until the Pokémon leaves battle
  • The boost is retained even if the ability is lost or disabled, and even if the Pokémon is frozen and then thawed
  • Fire-type moves will still activate this ability even if the Pokémon is behind a Substitute

In Battle:

  • Provides immunity to Fire-type attacks, allowing for strategic switches to absorb powerful moves from opponents
  • Enhances the user's own Fire-type offensive capabilities once activated, making it more threatening
  • Can be used to bait opponents into using Fire-type moves, thus activating the boost
  • Works well with Pokémon that have strong Fire-type attacks or those that can force switches, allowing teammates to take advantage of the boosted Fire-type moves
  • Particularly effective for teams that struggle against Fire-type threats, as it neutralizes them and turns them into an advantage

Pokémon with this Ability:

  • Arcanine (Hidden Ability)
  • Ninetales (standard ability)
  • Flareon (standard ability)
  • Heatran (standard ability)
  • Many other Fire-type Pokémon, often those with a focus on offensive strategies

Competitive Use:

  • Valued for its ability to turn one of the most common offensive types, Fire, into a tactical advantage
  • Often used to check and counter Fire-type attackers in the opponent's team
  • Can be part of a defensive core that switches into predicted Fire-type moves to mitigate damage and gain momentum
  • Pairs well with Pokémon that can take advantage of the opponent's forced switches, setting up hazards or boosting stats

Interesting Facts:

  • Flash Fire's name reflects its dual nature: providing both a defensive shield and an offensive boost
  • One of the few abilities that grants immunity to a type and offers an offensive boost, making it unique in strategy
  • Often depicted in the anime with a distinct fiery glow around the Pokémon when activated
  • Has remained a staple ability on many Fire-type Pokémon since its introduction, showcasing its enduring appeal and utility

This comprehensive analysis highlights Flash Fire's strategic depth and versatility in both casual and competitive play.

Effects

Flavor Texts

Pokémon with the Flash-Fire ability

vulpix
Vulpix

Types: Fire

ninetales
Ninetales

Types: Fire

growlithe
Growlithe

Types: Fire

arcanine
Arcanine

Types: Fire

ponyta
Ponyta

Types: Fire

rapidash
Rapidash

Types: Fire

flareon
Flareon

Types: Fire

cyndaquil
Cyndaquil

Types: Fire

quilava
Quilava

Types: Fire

typhlosion
Typhlosion

Types: Fire

houndour
Houndour

Types: Dark, Fire

houndoom
Houndoom

Types: Dark, Fire

heatran
Heatran

Types: Fire, Steel

litwick
Litwick

Types: Ghost, Fire

lampent
Lampent

Types: Ghost, Fire

chandelure
Chandelure

Types: Ghost, Fire

heatmor
Heatmor

Types: Fire

rolycoly
Rolycoly

Types: Rock

carkol
Carkol

Types: Rock, Fire

coalossal
Coalossal

Types: Rock, Fire

sizzlipede
Sizzlipede

Types: Fire, Bug

centiskorch
Centiskorch

Types: Fire, Bug

charcadet
Charcadet

Types: Fire

armarouge
Armarouge

Types: Fire, Psychic

ceruledge
Ceruledge

Types: Fire, Ghost

coalossal-gmax
Coalossal-Gmax

Types: Rock, Fire

centiskorch-gmax
Centiskorch-Gmax

Types: Fire, Bug

growlithe-hisui
Growlithe-Hisui

Types: Fire, Rock

arcanine-hisui
Arcanine-Hisui

Types: Fire, Rock