When to Evolve Growlithe into Arcanine: The Definitive Guide
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The burning question for every Pokémon trainer raising a Growlithe: when do you finally unleash its full potential and evolve it into the magnificent Arcanine? The answer, while seemingly simple, is layered with nuances depending on the Pokémon game you’re playing and your personal battling strategy. Here’s the definitive guide, cutting through the conflicting information and giving you the knowledge to make the best decision.
In most modern Pokémon games, the optimal time to evolve Growlithe is almost always as soon as possible. Thanks to features like the Move Reminder and Tutor Moves, you can teach Arcanine moves it might have learned as a Growlithe, effectively removing the level-based constraints of older games. However, there are still some considerations to keep in mind depending on the specific game.
The Evolution Equation: Game Mechanics & Strategy
The core mechanic of evolving Growlithe relies on the Fire Stone. Unlike level-based evolutions, you can use a Fire Stone on Growlithe at any level, from level one to level ninety-nine. This flexibility opens a world of possibilities, but also demands careful planning. Here’s a breakdown of factors to consider:
- Movepool: Traditionally, the primary reason to delay evolution was to learn specific moves that Growlithe learned at certain levels but Arcanine did not. Thankfully, Move Reminders have made this almost obsolete in recent games. You can evolve Growlithe, then visit the Move Reminder (usually found in a Pokémon Center or a dedicated location) to re-learn any of Growlithe’s level-up moves.
- Stats: Evolving Growlithe into Arcanine immediately boosts its stats, particularly its Attack and Special Attack. This can be a significant advantage in battles, especially early in the game.
- Availability of Fire Stones: While Fire Stones are generally accessible, their availability can vary depending on the game. Some games make them readily available in shops, while others require exploration, hidden item discovery, or special events. If you’re playing a game with limited Fire Stones, you might want to carefully consider which Pokémon you want to evolve first.
- Competitive Play: For competitive battling, the timing of your evolution becomes even more crucial. While immediate evolution provides a stat boost, it can impact the moveset Arcanine has access to. A carefully constructed moveset is critical for success in competitive battling.
- In-Game Team Composition: Consider your current team. Do you need a strong Fire-type attacker immediately? If so, evolving Growlithe early provides an immediate power boost. If you already have a solid Fire-type, you might consider delaying evolution to learn specific moves first, if the game mechanics require it.
Specific Game Considerations
While the Move Reminder has largely simplified the evolution decision, here’s a brief overview of considerations for specific popular Pokémon games:
- Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: Fire Stones are readily available at Delibird Presents shops in Mesagoza. Evolve Growlithe as soon as you want the increased power of Arcanine and then relearn any desirable moves from Growlithe via the Move Reminder.
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus: The Move Reminder mechanic is simplified even further. You can freely change your Pokémon’s moveset at any time without needing a special NPC. Evolve Growlithe whenever you see fit!
- Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen: This is where things get tricky. Move Reminders exist, but are limited. Arcanine learns Extreme Speed at Level 49. Flamethrower is available as a TM (Technical Machine) but if you want an alternative fire move, wait until level 31 when Growlithe learns Flame Wheel. Your best bet is to evolve Growlithe earlier and getting Flamethrower via TM.
Why Immediate Evolution Is Often the Best Choice
In most modern Pokémon games, the benefits of evolving Growlithe immediately far outweigh any potential drawbacks. Here’s why:
- Increased Stats: Arcanine’s superior stats provide an immediate advantage in battles, allowing you to progress more easily through the game.
- Move Reminder: As previously mentioned, the Move Reminder removes the traditional limitation of level-up moves. You can evolve Growlithe early and still have access to all of Growlithe’s moves.
- Access to Tutor Moves: Many games also feature Move Tutors, who can teach your Pokémon powerful moves that they wouldn’t learn through leveling up alone. This further expands Arcanine’s movepool and strategic options.
Ultimately, the decision of when to evolve Growlithe is a personal one. Consider the game you’re playing, your battling style, and the resources available to you. However, in the vast majority of cases, evolving Growlithe as soon as possible with a Fire Stone will provide the greatest benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Arcanine learn the same moves as Growlithe?
Yes, in modern Pokémon games with a Move Reminder, Arcanine can relearn any move that Growlithe learned through leveling up. However, certain moves may be exclusive to one form or the other (e.g., Arcanine learning Extreme Speed while Growlithe learns Flare Blitz). Check the specific game’s move lists.
2. What’s the best level to evolve Growlithe in Pokémon FireRed?
In Pokémon FireRed, where access to moves is more limited, the best strategy is to evolve Growlithe and teach it Flamethrower with the TM. Extreme Speed is learned at level 49.
3. Is Arcanine better than Charizard?
It depends on your needs! Arcanine generally is the stronger fire type and stronger than Charizard. Arcanine and Charizard have different strengths and weaknesses. Charizard is a Fire/Flying-type, offering advantages against Grass and Bug-types, but weaknesses to Rock. Arcanine is a pure Fire-type, boasting higher Attack and access to moves like Extreme Speed and Close Combat.
4. Does Arcanine learn moves after evolving?
Arcanine does not typically learn level-up moves after evolving. Any moves you want Arcanine to learn are usually acquired through TMs, Move Tutors, or the Move Reminder.
5. What is the best setup for Arcanine in Pokémon GO?
For PvE (Player vs. Environment) in Pokémon GO, the ideal moveset for Arcanine is Fire Fang (Fast Move) and Flame Thrower and Wild Charge (Charged Moves) for high damage output.
6. Is Arcanine a good Fire type?
Yes! Arcanine is an excellent Fire-type Pokémon. It boasts a high Attack stat, decent Special Attack, and respectable HP.
7. Is Arcanine a legendary Pokémon?
Arcanine is not a Legendary Pokémon, although it is sometimes referred to as such due to its majestic appearance and lore.
8. What Pokémon should I use the Fire Stone on besides Growlithe?
The Fire Stone is also used to evolve Eevee into Flareon.
9. Is Arcanine better than Ninetales?
Arcanine and Ninetales both excel in different roles. Ninetales is often preferred for Sun teams, boosting Fire-type attacks. Arcanine, however, is more versatile due to its access to a wider movepool and varied abilities.
10. Is Arcanine worth using in competitive play?
Arcanine is a viable choice in competitive battling, particularly due to its Intimidate ability and access to useful moves. It’s a versatile Pokémon capable of filling multiple roles.
11. Is Arcanine a pseudo-legendary?
No, Arcanine is not a pseudo-legendary Pokémon. Pseudo-legendaries are part of a three-stage evolution line, have a base stat total of 600, and require 1,250,000 experience points to reach level 100.
12. Is Arcanine better as a physical or special attacker?
Arcanine can be built as either a physical or special attacker, or even a mixed attacker. Its high Attack and Special Attack stats allow for flexibility. Physical builds often utilize moves like Flare Blitz and Extreme Speed, while special builds may focus on Flamethrower and Fire Blast.
13. Why isn’t Arcanine a legendary anymore?
The reasoning behind Arcanine no longer being considered a Legendary Pokémon is not explicitly stated in the game lore. One theory is that a new type of Pokémon was created and merged Arcanine into the fire type. Since there was already a fire type legendary Pokemon, Arcanine was removed from the list.
14. Can Arcanine mega evolve?
Currently, Arcanine cannot Mega Evolve in any of the Pokémon games.
15. Can Arcanine remember Flamethrower if I evolve it early?
Yes, in most modern Pokémon games with a Move Reminder, Arcanine can relearn Flamethrower even if you evolve it early.
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