Can Arcanine Learn Flamethrower and Extreme Speed? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, Arcanine can indeed learn both Flamethrower and Extreme Speed, but the specifics of how and when depend heavily on the Pokémon generation you’re playing. This powerful Fire-type Pokémon boasts a reputation for speed and strength, and access to these two moves significantly enhances its capabilities. The methods for obtaining these moves vary from game to game, adding a layer of complexity that can be frustrating if you’re not in the know. Let’s break down the details to ensure you have an Arcanine ready to dominate the competition.
Understanding Move Learning in Pokémon
Before diving into the specifics for Arcanine, it’s crucial to grasp the basic mechanics of move learning in the Pokémon world. Pokémon learn moves in a few primary ways:
- Leveling Up: As a Pokémon gains experience and levels up, it automatically learns certain moves at predetermined levels.
- Evolution: Sometimes, a Pokémon learns a move immediately upon evolving.
- TMs and HMs (Technical and Hidden Machines): These items contain moves that can be taught to compatible Pokémon.
- Move Tutors: In some games, specific characters known as move tutors can teach Pokémon moves in exchange for items or currency.
- Breeding: Certain moves, called “egg moves,” can be passed down from parent Pokémon to their offspring.
Knowing these methods is vital for strategizing how to teach Arcanine Flamethrower and Extreme Speed in your specific game version.
Flamethrower: A Staple Fire-Type Move
Flamethrower is a powerful and reliable Fire-type move with a decent base power and high accuracy. It’s a staple for any Fire-type Pokémon and is often the go-to choice for a strong, consistent attack. The good news is that Flamethrower is generally easier to obtain on Arcanine than Extreme Speed, although how exactly to obtain it changes between generations.
Learning Flamethrower by Leveling Up
In some generations, Growlithe can learn Flamethrower by leveling up before evolving. Therefore, you simply have to postpone the evolution to a later level to obtain Flamethrower before evolving.
Teaching Flamethrower via TM
In many Pokémon games, Flamethrower is available as a TM (Technical Machine). This means you can find the TM somewhere in the game world or purchase it from a shop and then teach it directly to Arcanine (or Growlithe, before evolving). This is often the easiest and most straightforward method.
Remembering Flamethrower
Later installments of the Pokémon franchise include a “Move Reminder,” an NPC that helps your Pokémon remember forgotten moves. This can be a useful option if you happen to evolve Growlithe too early.
Extreme Speed: Arcanine’s Signature Move
Extreme Speed is a Normal-type move with extremely high priority. This means that, unless an opponent uses another move with increased priority, Arcanine will always attack first. This can be a game-changer in battles, allowing you to land a crucial hit before your opponent can react. However, obtaining Extreme Speed on Arcanine can be more challenging than obtaining Flamethrower.
Evolution Timing: A Crucial Factor
In some generations, Arcanine can learn Extreme Speed upon evolution if Growlithe evolves at a specific level. This is the most common method and often requires careful planning. This approach works because of the way evolution functions. When a Pokémon evolves, it checks to see if it should learn any new moves upon the transformation. If Extreme Speed is in that list for Arcanine, it will attempt to learn it.
The Move Relearner
If you evolve Growlithe too early and miss the level-up opportunity for Extreme Speed, don’t despair! Many later games feature a Move Relearner NPC, who can teach your Arcanine Extreme Speed in exchange for a Heart Scale or other item.
Breeding for Extreme Speed
In some generations, Extreme Speed can be an Egg Move. This means you can breed a Growlithe with another Pokémon that knows Extreme Speed, and the resulting Growlithe will hatch knowing the move. This method can be more complex but offers the advantage of having Extreme Speed from the very beginning.
Generation-Specific Strategies
The exact method for getting both Flamethrower and Extreme Speed on Arcanine varies by generation. Here’s a breakdown of the key considerations for some of the most popular games:
- Generation I (Red, Blue, Yellow): Neither Extreme Speed nor breeding exist in these titles.
- Generation II (Gold, Silver, Crystal): Arcanine learns Extreme Speed at level 50 upon evolution; Growlithe learns Flamethrower at level 49. A Fire Stone should be used on Growlithe to evolve at Level 49.
- Generation III (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, LeafGreen): In FireRed/LeafGreen, Arcanine would learn Extreme Speed at level 49.
- Generation IV (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver): Arcanine learns Extreme Speed at level 39.
- Generation V (Black, White, Black 2, White 2): Arcanine learns Extreme Speed at level 39.
- Generation VI (X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire): Arcanine learns Extreme Speed at level 39.
- Generation VII (Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon): Arcanine learns Extreme Speed at level 39.
- Generation VIII (Sword, Shield): Arcanine can learn Extreme Speed through the Move Reminder if it evolves past level 39.
- Generation IX (Scarlet, Violet): As soon as Growlithe evolves into Arcanine, it instantly has access to almost all its most powerful moves via the Remember a Move feature. The only exception is Flamethrower, which it learns at level five.
Understanding the specific mechanics of your game is key to successfully obtaining both Flamethrower and Extreme Speed on your Arcanine.
The Power of a Well-Trained Arcanine
With Flamethrower providing a reliable Fire-type attack and Extreme Speed offering unparalleled priority, an Arcanine with these moves is a formidable opponent. The combination allows for both offensive pressure and strategic maneuvering, making Arcanine a valuable asset to any Pokémon team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Arcanine and its movepool, to provide even more clarity on the subject:
1. At what level should I evolve Growlithe to get Extreme Speed in Fire Red?
Evolve Growlithe at level 49 in Fire Red. Arcanine will try to learn Extreme Speed immediately upon evolution.
2. Can Arcanine learn Extreme Speed through breeding?
Yes, in some generations, Extreme Speed can be passed down as an egg move. Check your specific game’s breeding mechanics.
3. Is Extreme Speed a TM or HM in any of the games?
No, Extreme Speed is not available as a TM or HM. It’s primarily learned through leveling or breeding.
4. What if I evolve Growlithe too early and miss Extreme Speed?
Check if your game has a Move Relearner. If so, you can use it to teach Arcanine Extreme Speed.
5. Is Flamethrower always the best Fire-type move for Arcanine?
Not always. Other moves like Flare Blitz offer more power but come with drawbacks like recoil damage. Flamethrower is often favored for its reliability and accuracy.
6. Can Arcanine learn moves after evolving?
Yes, but the options are limited. The Move Relearner can help, but Arcanine won’t learn level-up moves it missed as Growlithe.
7. Is Arcanine considered a legendary Pokémon?
Arcanine is not a legendary Pokémon, though its Pokédex entries and design allude to legendary status and inspiration from Chinese guardian lions.
8. What is Arcanine’s best moveset in Pokémon GO?
Arcanine’s best moveset in Pokémon GO is typically Fire Fang and Flamethrower.
9. Is Arcanine faster than Charizard?
Arcanine is often considered faster than Charizard, especially in terms of base speed stat and access to Extreme Speed.
10. Can Arcanine learn Flame Charge?
Yes, Arcanine can learn Flame Charge through TMs in games where the move is available.
11. Does Arcanine have a Mega Evolution?
No, Arcanine does not have an official Mega Evolution in the main series games.
12. What is the best nature for Arcanine?
A Jolly or Adamant nature is often recommended, depending on whether you want to prioritize speed or attack.
13. Is Intimidate a good ability for Arcanine?
Yes, Intimidate is a fantastic ability that lowers the opponent’s attack stat, making Arcanine more durable.
14. Where can I learn more about Pokémon game mechanics and strategies?
You can explore various online resources, including fan-made wikis, forums, and communities dedicated to Pokémon. You can also research Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) to see if it offers educational resources or events related to game-based learning and strategy.
15. Why is Arcanine so powerful?
Arcanine’s power comes from its high stats, diverse movepool, and access to powerful abilities like Intimidate and moves like Extreme Speed. Its balanced stats and strong offensive presence make it a versatile and effective Pokémon in many situations.
By mastering the techniques for teaching Arcanine both Flamethrower and Extreme Speed, you’ll unlock the full potential of this magnificent Fire-type Pokémon and gain a significant advantage in your Pokémon journey.