Pokemon Scarlet & Violet have been a massive success for Nintendo and GameFreak despite receiving mixed reviews from players due to their technical shortcomings. This time around, the games have an open-world setting that can be explored in any way the players want to. A total of 400 Pokemon have been included in the Gen 9 games including an impressive 107 new Pokemon for players to catch and train.
Like always, the starters were the first trio of Pokemon to be revealed for Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. Out of the three starter Pokemon, the red chili-shaped dinosaur Fuecoco seems to be the most popular one. Fuecoco is a Fire-type Pokemon and an excellent partner to start one's Paldean journey with. It evolves into Crocalor at level 16 and Skeledirge at level 36 attaining an additional Ghost-typing. This evolution line has a diverse set of moves that it can learn either through leveling up or by using TMs.
8 Thunder Fang
Being Fire-types, the Fuecoco line is naturally weak to Water-type Pokemon, but this weakness can be countered to an extent by using the Thunder-type move, Thunder Fang. Thunder Fang is a physical move with a base power of 65 and an accuracy of 95.
This is a good move for type coverage and early game progression, however, since Skeledirge is a special attacker, Thunder Fang will not remain a viable option in the long run. Thunder Fang is only learnable by using a TM which can be found in West Province (Area 3), at the edge of Glaseado Mountain. After finding it, players will be able to craft it too.
7 Solar Beam
The Fuecoco Line can also be taught the Grass-type move Solar Beam, which is a great option for covering the Water, Rock, and Ground-type weaknesses for these Pokemon. Solar Beam is a special attack move with a base power of 120 and an accuracy of 100.
It takes one turn to charge up but with Skeledirge's high HP there is a good chance of landing this move on one's opponents. This move is only learned using a TM, which can be found in East Province (Area 3), near the coastline.
6 Shadow Ball
When Crocalor evolves to Skeledirge, it gains an additional Ghost-typing which gives Skeledirge access to a few powerful Ghost-type moves. Upon reaching level 38, Skeledirge learns Shadow Ball which is an excellent special attack move with a base power of 80 and an accuracy of 100.
Shadow Ball is a move that not only deals damage to its opponents but also has a 20% chance of lowering their special defense stat. Skeledirge can use it 15 times before running out of PP (Power Points) for this move, making it good for battling in the wild as well.
5 Flamethrower
Flamethrower is one of the most reliable Fire-type moves in Pokemon games and has a decent base power of 90. It is a special attack move with an accuracy of 100 which means this move will always hit, unlike other stronger Fire-type moves. It also has a decent PP (Power Points) of 15, making it an excellent move from all perspectives.
Additionally, this move has a 10% chance of inflicting burn on its receivers. Crocalor learns Flamethrower at level 32. This move may not be the strongest one that these Pokemon can learn, but it is the most advantageous for many aspects of the games.
4 Fire Blast
Fire Blast is one of the most iconic Fire-type moves in the Pokemon franchise. It is also one of the strongest Fire-type moves. Fire Blast is a special attack move with a base power of 110, but it is held back by its 85 accuracy. Skeledirge learns this move upon reaching level 58.
If users utilize Skeledirge's Torch Song before using Fire Blast, it will gain a boost in power. Fire Blast also has a 10% chance of inflicting its victims with the Burn effect. This move is great for taking on the stronger trainers and Pokemon in Scarlet & Violet.
3 Torch Song
Torch Song is a Fire-type move and is the signature move of Skeledirge that it learns upon evolving from Crocalor. Torch Song is categorized as a special attack move with a base power of 80 and an accuracy of 100.
This is one of the best Fire-type moves in Skeledirge's arsenal as every time it is used, it increases Skeledirge's special attack stat making it even more powerful. This in turn makes all other special moves known by Skeledirge stronger as well. Torch Song also has a very cool animation to go along with its power.
2 Overheat
Overheat is one of the strongest special Fire-type moves available in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet with a base power of 130 and an excellent accuracy of 90. It is the last and strongest move that Skeledirge learns; which it does at level 64.
Though this is an extremely powerful move and much more accurate than Fire Blast, its drawback is that it lowers the user's special attack stat by two stages after being used. Still, this move is great for taking on members of the Elite Four and even for online play.
1 Blast Burn
Blast Burn is the strongest Fire-type move when it comes to dealing damage thanks to its base 150 power, but where it can one-shot most Grass-type Pokemon, this move still comes with certain restrictions. When a user uses the move Overheat they must recharge the next turn making this move a double-edged sword. It also only has a 90% accuracy making it even more of a liability.
That being said, it is still one of the strongest Fire-Type moves that Skeledirge has access to (via TM) and is bound to take down some Pokemon before Skeledirge finally bites the dust. Those looking for the best Fire-type moves for Skeledirge would do well to pick it up as it's capable of dishing out some serious damage.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are available now for the Nintendo Switch.