In Pokémon Legends: Z-A the Fire-type has strong offensive punch and compelling utility, but not all Fire-types are created equal. In this article, we will discuss the best Fire-type picks, their strengths and great spawn or optimal acquire locations.
Criteria for “Best” Fire-types
The selection below is based on:
- Stat distribution: either a high base attack or a special attack, useful typing, and the ability to evolve or Mega Evolve.
- Type synergy and weaknesses: secondary typing that either enhances or mitigates weaknesses.
- Accessibility: how early and consistently you can attain the Pokémon in the game.
- Viability for competitive play/soloing story/progression or end game content.
Top Picks
1. Charizard (Fire/Flying)
Image via: Game Freak
With access to two Mega forms (Mega Charizard X and Y), this Pokémon can serve two different jobs. Mega X removes the 4× Rock weakness because it changes the typing to Fire/Dragon, and serves as a balanced attacker (both physical & special). Mega Y boosts Special Attack to around 159, making it one of the best special attackers of the Fire-types in this game.
Image via: Game Freak
Where/How to get:
- Side Mission 22 “A Call from Mable” unlocks after Main Mission 10 – where you can pick Charmander and evolve to Charizard.
- Alternatively, you can catch it directly from Wild Zone 20 and then evolve.
2. Chandelure (Ghost/Fire)
Image via: Game Freak
Ghost/Fire typing is incredibly advantageous in terms of match-ups: you are immune to Normal & Fighting moves, and you do not have a 4× weakness. It comes with a strong Special Attack (≈145) in its base form, and when Mega Chandelure it has Special Attack ~175, making it arguably the best Special Sweeper of any Fire-Type in this game.
Where/How to get:
- Capture Litwick and evolve it into Lampent, and then into Chandelure.
- You can catch Lampent in Wild Zone 17 (only at night) and Lampent will evolve. You can find an Alpha Chandelure in Wild Zone 20.
- You can unlock its Mega Stone (Chandelurite), by exchanging 360 Mega Shards via Quasartico Mega Shard Exchange after Main Mission 20.
3. Delphox (Fire/Psychic)
Image via: Game Freak
With Fire/Psychic typing, it is able to hit very hard with plenty of coverage with moves like Flamethrower, Fire Blast, Psychic, Mystical Fire. A high Special Attack and decent Speed make Delphox a pretty effective glass-cannon special attacker.
Where/How to get:
- You will find Fennekin in Wild Zone 18, and then it will evolve into Braixen, and subsequently into Delphox.
- Mega Stone (Delphoxite) can only be obtained after reaching Rank S in Season 2 of Z-A Ranked Battles, and thus its full potential will be post-game.
4. Emboar (Fire/Fighting)
Image via: Game Freak
Fire/Fighting typing is undeniably solid in terms of offense (excellent STAB coverage) and provides physical options for close-combat options. Emboar, in Mega form, reaches an attack stat of about 148 – among the highest of any physical Fire-type Pokémon.
Where/How to get:
- Select Tepig for your starting Pokémon, evolve it into Pignite and then Emboar. You can also find Tepig in Wild Zone 20.
- Mega Emboar/Mega Stone (Emboarite) becomes available after Main Mission 37 at Stone Emporium.
5. Houndoom (Dark/Fire)
Image via: Game Freak
The Dark/Fire typing has a unique coverage (Dark moves plus Fire) and a good special attacker. Mega Houndoom has a high Special Attack (~140), good Speed (~115), and it was one of the first viable early Fire-type Megas.
Where/How to get:
- Catch Houndour in Wild Zone 6 early in the game. Can also find Alpha Houndoom in Wild Zone 20.
- Mega Stone (Houndoomite) is accessible via Quasartico Mega Shard Exchange for 180 Mega Shards.
Read More: Pokémon Legends ZA: Alpha Pokémon Spawn Zones & Catching Methods
Honorable Mentions
Image via: Game Freak
- Flareon: A pure Fire-type with no benefits from a secondary typing; strong Special Attack, which can be obtained by evolving an Eevee using a Fire Stone.
- Pyroar: Fire/Normal type; weaker stat-spread overall than some of the earlier Fire-type options in the Wild Zone 3.
- Camerupt (Fire/Ground) or Talonflame (Fire/Flying) are other Fire-types, but they either fall to lower tiers due to bigger weaknesses, or require more investments to rely upon.
Conclusion
Choosing a Fire-type in Pokémon Legends: Z-A isn’t merely a selection of the coolest design – it’s about matching stats, typing, availability and synergy with your team and overall playstyle. Chandelure and Charizard dominate with overall potential, while Delphox has good special ability at a higher level. Emboar and Houndoom offer good alternatives depending on game situations or if you are searching for coverage, type combos or an earlier catch.
