Does Arcanine Not Learn Moves After Evolving? Unveiling the Mysteries of Pokémon Evolution
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The short answer is no, Arcanine can learn moves after evolving, but the way it learns them, and the moves it can learn, are significantly different than Growlithe. This is a common point of confusion for trainers, especially given the mechanics related to evolution stones and move learning across different generations of Pokémon games. A key aspect to understand is that evolving via a Fire Stone fundamentally changes the Pokémon’s level-up moveset. This article will dive deep into the intricacies of Arcanine’s move learning capabilities post-evolution, clearing up misconceptions and providing valuable tips for optimizing your Arcanine’s skillset.
The Nuances of Arcanine’s Movepool
Level-Up Moves vs. TM/TR Moves vs. Move Reminder Moves
Arcanine doesn’t just stop learning all moves after evolving; it stops learning Growlithe’s level-up moves. After evolving, Arcanine gains access to its own set of level-up moves, some of which may be better or worse than the moves Growlithe would have learned. Additionally, Arcanine can learn moves via TMs (Technical Machines) or TRs (Technical Records) depending on the game generation. This offers a wider range of options, supplementing its natural movepool.
The Move Reminder is a crucial NPC in most Pokémon games. This character allows Pokémon to relearn moves they may have forgotten or missed due to early evolution. However, the Move Reminder only teaches moves that are on the current Pokemon’s level-up list, not moves from its pre-evolutions. This is a critical point: you can’t evolve Growlithe early and expect the Move Reminder to teach Arcanine Flare Blitz, for instance, because Flare Blitz is a Growlithe-specific move.
Generational Differences and Move Availability
The specific moves Arcanine can learn, and the levels at which it learns them, have varied across different generations of Pokémon games. For instance, Arcanine’s level for learning Extreme Speed changes depending on which generation you are playing. Always consult a reliable source like Serebii.net or Bulbapedia to verify the specific movepools and level-up requirements for the game you’re playing. The Games Learning Society website (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) also offers valuable insight into game mechanics, though it doesn’t focus specifically on Pokémon movepools.
Stone Evolutions and Missed Opportunities
Pokémon that evolve via evolutionary stones, like Arcanine, often present a choice: evolve early for the immediate stat boost and access to Arcanine’s moveset, or wait and teach Growlithe valuable moves it learns at later levels. This is a trade-off, as unevolved Pokémon typically level up faster than their evolved forms.
Hisuian Arcanine: A Special Case
Hisuian Arcanine, introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, is a regional variant with a unique typing (Fire/Rock) and movepool. Notably, Hisuian Arcanine does not get Play Rough, a move exclusive to Kantonian Arcanine. Regional variants often have distinct strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to consider these differences when building your team.
Maximizing Arcanine’s Potential
Pre-Evolution Training
Before evolving Growlithe, consider what moves you want it to learn. Growlithe learns Flare Blitz, a powerful Fire-type move, which Arcanine cannot learn through leveling up. If you want Flare Blitz on your Arcanine, you must wait for Growlithe to learn it before using the Fire Stone.
Leveling Up After Evolution
Once evolved, focus on training Arcanine to learn its own unique moves. Flamethrower and Extreme Speed are valuable moves for Arcanine, providing strong STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) options and priority, respectively. The article extract shows that Arcanine can learn Extreme Speed at an earlier level than Growlithe learns Flare Blitz so you would need a Heart Scale to remember Extreme Speed on a Flare Blitz Arcanine
Utilizing TMs/TRs
TMs and TRs can significantly expand Arcanine’s movepool, allowing it to cover weaknesses and adapt to different battle scenarios. Experiment with different moves to find the optimal set for your team and playstyle.
Understanding Abilities
Arcanine’s Ability, particularly Intimidate, is a key factor in its competitive viability. Intimidate lowers the Attack stat of opposing Pokémon upon entering the battlefield, giving Arcanine a significant advantage in battle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Arcanine’s Moves
1. Can Arcanine learn Flamethrower after evolving?
Yes, Arcanine can learn Flamethrower after evolving. In some generations, it learns it through leveling up. It can also be taught Flamethrower via TM in many games.
2. Does Arcanine learn Extreme Speed when it evolves?
No, Arcanine doesn’t learn Extreme Speed upon evolving. It learns Extreme Speed through leveling up at a specific level, which varies depending on the game generation.
3. Can Arcanine relearn moves from Growlithe?
No, the Move Reminder can only teach Arcanine moves from its own level-up list, not moves that Growlithe learns.
4. What level should I evolve Growlithe?
This depends on which moves you want on your Arcanine. If you want Flare Blitz, wait until Growlithe learns it before using a Fire Stone. Otherwise, you can evolve it whenever you prefer the stats and moves of Arcanine.
5. Does Hisuian Arcanine learn different moves?
Yes, Hisuian Arcanine has a different movepool compared to Kantonian Arcanine, reflecting its Fire/Rock typing.
6. Can Arcanine learn Play Rough?
Only Kantonian Arcanine can learn Play Rough. Hisuian Arcanine does not have access to this move.
7. Is Arcanine a legendary Pokémon?
Arcanine is not officially classified as a Legendary Pokémon in the games. However, its Pokédex entries and design draw inspiration from Chinese guardian lion statues, which are considered “legendary” in certain cultures.
8. What are the best moves for Arcanine?
The best moves for Arcanine depend on its role in your team and the specific game you’re playing. Common choices include Flare Blitz (if learned by Growlithe), Extreme Speed, Flamethrower, Wild Charge, and Close Combat.
9. Is Arcanine stronger than Growlithe?
Yes, Arcanine is generally stronger than Growlithe due to its higher base stats and access to a wider range of powerful moves (although Arcanine may not have access to moves that Growlithe learned, like Flare Blitz).
10. Does Arcanine learn Flame Charge?
Yes, Arcanine can learn Flame Charge in many games through TMs or TRs.
11. What is the best quick move for Arcanine in Pokémon GO?
In Pokémon GO, Snarl is often considered the superior fast move due to its neutral coverage and energy generation, though Fire Fang can be a strong STAB option.
12. Can Arcanine learn both Flamethrower and Extreme Speed?
Yes, Arcanine can learn both Flamethrower and Extreme Speed. The process for acquiring both depends on the specific game and may involve leveling up and/or using TMs.
13. Is it better to evolve Growlithe early or late?
It depends on your priorities. Evolving early gives you the stat boost and access to Arcanine’s moveset sooner, while waiting allows Growlithe to learn potentially valuable moves like Flare Blitz.
14. What ability does Arcanine have?
Arcanine’s most common and popular Ability is Intimidate, which lowers the Attack stat of opposing Pokémon.
15. Why is Arcanine so good in Pokémon?
Arcanine is a strong Pokémon due to its balanced stats, access to powerful moves, and useful Ability (Intimidate). Its versatility makes it a valuable asset to many teams. GamesLearningSociety.org has resources discussing the strategic elements of the Pokémon franchise.