Does Charizard Learn Fly? A Comprehensive Guide for Pokémon Trainers

Yes, Charizard can learn the move Fly in several Pokémon games, but the specifics vary depending on the generation and specific game version. In the original Pokémon Yellow, Charizard could learn Fly through HM02. However, this was not the case in the initial Red and Blue versions. Subsequent games, like FireRed and LeafGreen, also allowed Charizard to learn Fly, making it a valuable asset for both battling and traversing the Pokémon world. It’s a complex situation, so let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details.

Charizard’s Aerial Abilities: A Generational Breakdown

Charizard’s ability to learn Fly is a fascinating case study in how Pokémon game mechanics evolved over time. Here’s a detailed look at its aerial prowess across different generations:

Generation I (Red, Blue, Yellow)

• Red and Blue: In the original Red and Blue versions, Charizard could not learn Fly directly. This was a significant limitation, especially considering its Flying-type designation.
• Yellow: Pokémon Yellow changed the game (literally!). Charizard could learn Fly through HM02. This made it the only evolved starter Pokémon capable of learning Fly in the first generation. A Charizard with Fly was highly sought after. To get a flying Charizard in Red and Blue, players had to trade a Charizard to Pokémon Yellow to learn the move, then trade it back.

Generation III (FireRed, LeafGreen, Emerald)

• FireRed and LeafGreen: These remakes brought back the ability for Charizard to learn Fly directly. This solidified Charizard’s role as a versatile Pokémon capable of both powerful Fire-type attacks and aerial navigation.
• Emerald: Like FireRed and LeafGreen, Charizard could learn Fly in Pokémon Emerald, maintaining consistency across the generation.

Subsequent Generations

In later generations, Charizard’s ability to learn Fly generally remained consistent. It’s a fairly standard move in its learnset, ensuring its utility both in and out of battle.

The Strategic Advantage of Fly

Why is the ability to learn Fly so significant for Charizard? Here’s a breakdown of the strategic advantages:

• In-Game Utility: Fly serves as an invaluable HM (Hidden Machine), allowing players to quickly traverse the map. This significantly reduces travel time and makes exploring the Pokémon world much more efficient.
• Battle Tactics: In battle, Fly is a two-turn move, where the Pokémon flies into the air on the first turn, becoming immune to most attacks, and then strikes on the second turn. This can be used strategically to avoid powerful attacks or stall for time. However, it also leaves the Pokémon vulnerable to moves like Thunder, which have increased accuracy against Flying-type Pokémon using Fly.
• Type Coverage: While Charizard is primarily a Fire/Flying-type, Fly provides crucial STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) damage against opponents weak to Flying-type moves, increasing its overall offensive capabilities.

Debunking Myths and Misconceptions

There are several common misconceptions surrounding Charizard and its ability to learn Fly. Let’s set the record straight:

• Myth: Charizard could always learn Fly in Generation I.

  • Reality: Only in Pokémon Yellow could Charizard learn fly. Red and Blue required trading shenanigans.

• Myth: Fly is always the best move for Charizard.

  • Reality: While Fly has its uses, its two-turn nature can make it predictable and vulnerable. Stronger, more reliable moves like Flamethrower, Fire Blast, or even Earthquake (depending on the game and Charizard’s build) are often preferred in competitive settings.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Charizard and Fly

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify Charizard’s relationship with the move Fly:

1. Is Charizard the only starter that can learn Fly?

Yes, Charizard is the only starter Pokémon that can learn Fly without special events or gimmicks (like Flying Pikachu). This unique ability sets it apart from other starter Pokémon and contributes to its popularity.

2. Can Charizard learn Fly in Pokémon Go?

No, Charizard cannot learn Fly in Pokémon GO as a regular move. However, it can learn Flying-type Charged Attacks like Air Slash, which serve a similar purpose in terms of type coverage.

3. Is Fly a good move for Charizard in competitive battling?

Fly’s effectiveness in competitive battling is debated. While it can be used strategically, its two-turn nature makes it predictable, leaving Charizard vulnerable to powerful attacks. There are often better, more reliable moves to choose from.

4. What other HMs can Charizard learn?

Besides Fly, Charizard can typically learn other HMs like Strength and sometimes Cut, depending on the specific game.

5. Can Mega Charizard X learn Fly?

Yes, Mega Charizard X can learn Fly. Its transformation into a Fire/Dragon-type doesn’t affect its ability to learn the move. However, the physical attack boost it receives from the Mega Evolution makes other physical moves, like Earthquake or Dragon Claw, more appealing.

6. Can Mega Charizard Y learn Fly?

Yes, Mega Charizard Y can also learn Fly. The Mega Evolution doesn’t restrict its learnset.

7. Why couldn’t Charizard learn Fly in Red and Blue?

The exact reason is unknown, but it’s likely a balancing decision made by the game developers. Giving Charizard Fly in Yellow might have been a way to introduce a new feature or make that version more appealing.

8. Are there any TMs that Charizard can learn that are better than Fly?

Yes, depending on the generation, there are often TMs that offer better offensive coverage and reliability than Fly. Examples include Earthquake, Flamethrower, Fire Blast, and Dragon Claw.

9. How do I teach Charizard Fly in FireRed/LeafGreen?

To teach Charizard Fly in FireRed/LeafGreen, simply obtain HM02 (Fly) and use it on Charizard. Make sure Charizard is at a high enough level to obey your commands, especially if it was obtained through a trade.

10. Does the ability “Levitate” affect Fly’s usefulness on Charizard?

No, the ability Levitate makes a Pokémon immune to Ground-type moves, but it doesn’t influence the move Fly. Charizard doesn’t have levitate as an ability.

11. Is it worth trading a Charizard to Yellow just to teach it Fly and then trade it back to Red or Blue?

For hardcore collectors and completionists, it might be worth the effort. Otherwise, a Charizard without Fly in Red or Blue is still a formidable Pokémon. It depends on the individual player’s goals.

12. Can Charizard learn Fly in Pokémon Sword and Shield?

Yes, Charizard can learn Fly in Pokémon Sword and Shield through the use of TR76.

13. Does Ash’s Charizard know Fly in the anime?

While Ash’s Charizard is frequently seen flying, the anime doesn’t explicitly showcase it using the move “Fly” in the same way as the games. Its flight is more of a natural ability.

14. What are some good strategies for using Fly in battle?

Some strategies include using Fly to dodge powerful attacks, stalling for time while status conditions wear off on your team, or predicting your opponent’s moves and avoiding super-effective hits.

15. How does Charizard’s ability to learn Fly contribute to its overall popularity?

Charizard’s ability to learn Fly adds to its overall versatility. It’s helpful for traversing the map and for use during battle. This helps make it a memorable and enjoyable monster to have on your team.

Conclusion: Charizard’s Enduring Legacy

Charizard’s ability to learn Fly is a testament to its enduring appeal and versatility. While the specifics may vary across different generations, its aerial prowess remains a key aspect of its identity. Whether you’re navigating the Kanto region or engaging in intense battles, Charizard’s ability to learn Fly solidifies its place as one of the most iconic and beloved Pokémon of all time.

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