Fire Pokemon may just be the most popular of the Pokemon franchise — lucky them! They tend to be the cutest of the Pokemon and also have impressive moves. Of course, they're sadly useless against water, but they have many advantages — bug, grass, steel, and ice will all go down fast when it comes to facing one of the fire Pokemon.
Although this type has expanded greatly as the generations have gone on, the OG fire Pokemon may still be the best. Every one of them that originated in Kanto has something special about them.
Updated on April 25, 2023, by Suzail Ahmad: There are currently nine different generations of Pokemon, which means there is no shortage of variety. The developers always try to be at their creative best so as to provide the players with some fascinating designs. Despite there being so many generations, there is a strong sense of nostalgia associated with the first generation of Pokemon; after all, they were the ones who started it all. The first generation has a total of 151 Pokemon, and they have some of the coolest designs in the history of the franchise. Like the other generations, the first generation also has Fire-type Pokemon. The First Gen Fire-types have left their mark on the franchise, and they have continued to appear in subsequent games, including Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. However, not all the Gen 1 Fire types have been included in the new games. So, the list has been updated with information about all Gen 1 Fire-type Pokemon and what games they can be obtained in.
12 Ponyta
- Best Nature: Naive
- Highest Stat: Speed (90)
- Ability: Run Away / Flash Fire
- According to Pokemon Sword, "Its small horn hides a healing power. With a few rubs from this Pokemon's horn, any slight wound you have will be healed."
- Appears in: Pokemon Red, Blue & Yellow, Pokemon Gold & Silver, Pokemon Crystal, Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire, Pokemon Emerald, Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen, Pokemon Diamond & Pearl, Pokemon Platinum, Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver, Pokemon Black & White, Pokemon Black 2 & White 2, Pokemon X& Y, Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, Pokemon Sun & Moon, Pokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee, Pokemon Sword & Shield, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, and Pokemon Legends: Arceus.
There's recently been a lot of hype surrounding Ponyta thanks to the Galarian version in Sword and Shield. Sadly though, there's just not much to make this Pokemon stand out or be special next to the other Gen 1 Fire Pokemon.
It's very adorable and it can hold its own in battle, but next to the other Fire-types, Ponyta is pretty mediocre. Ponyta is still one of the most well-known Gen 1 Fire Pokemon, as its Galarian form just added to its popularity.
Galarian Variant: The Galarian form of Pontya is not a Fire-type; instead, it is a Psychic-type Pokemon. In this form, Ponyta has colorful, fluffy fur on its mane and tail.
11 Vulpix
- Best Nature: Timid
- Highest Stat: Special Defense / Speed (65)
- Ability: Flash Fire
- According to Pokemon Red, "At the time of birth, it has just one tail. The tail splits from its tip as it grows older."
- Appears in: Pokemon Red, Blue & Yellow, Pokemon Gold & Silver, Pokemon Crystal, Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire, Pokemon Emerald, Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen, Pokemon Diamond & Pearl, Pokemon Platinum, Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver, Pokemon Black & White, Pokemon Black 2 & White 2, Pokemon X& Y, Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, Pokemon Sun & Moon, Pokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee, Pokemon Sword & Shield, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, and Pokemon Legends: Arceus.
Vulpix has been a fan favorite ever since they were introduced to Brock in the show. It's easy to see why this Gen 1 Fire Pokemon is so popular, as its design is beautiful. This is especially true with its evolution. But it's still the first form, and next to the plethora of other Gen 1 Fire Pokemon, it simply doesn't hold up. That isn't to say it's not worth having, though. Against other Pokemon of its own level, especially with a type advantage, it'll do just fine.
Alolan Form: The Kantonian version of Vulpix is extremely adorable and almost perfect. But, when the Alolan version of the Pokemon came out, the players were bamboozled. Somehow Game Freak managed to improve on its original design and make Vulpix even better. The Alolan form of Vulpix is Ice-type, which makes it the complete opposite of the normal form.
10 Growlithe
- Best Nature: Jolly
- Highest Stat: Attack / Special Attack (70)
- Ability: Intimidate / Flash Fire
- According to Pokemon Yellow, "A Pokemon with a friendly nature. However, it will bark fiercely at anything invading its territory."
- Appears In: Pokemon Red, Blue & Yellow, Pokemon Gold & Silver, Pokemon Crystal, Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire, Pokemon Emerald, Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen, Pokemon Diamond & Pearl, Pokemon Platinum, Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver, Pokemon Black & White, Pokemon Black 2 & White 2, Pokemon X& Y, Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, Pokemon Sun & Moon, Pokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee, Pokemon Sword & Shield, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Pokemon Legends: Arceus, and Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.
Growlithe is used by Officer Jenny in the anime and is a pretty cool Pokemon to have. Again, it's the first form, so it's not exactly perfect when it comes to brute strength but much like Vulpix, it's still a worthy addition to any Pokemon party — especially if you're working towards getting its evolution.
Growlithe is a quick, hard-hitting Gen 1 Fire-type that serves as a great early-game party member. Its evolution is what will draw most trainers to it, though that's not to say that it doesn't have its uses as it is.
Hisuian Form: Growlithe gains an additional type in Pokemon Legends Arceus and becomes Fire/Rock-type, making it extremely vulnerable to Ground and Water-type moves. The Pokemon is also weak to Fighting and Rock-type attacks.
9 Magmar
- Best Nature: Modest
- Highest Stat: Special Attack (100)
- Ability: Flame Body
- According to Pokemon Blue, "Its body always burns with an orange glow that enables it to hide perfectly among flames."
- Appears In: Pokemon Red, Blue & Yellow, Pokemon Gold & Silver, Pokemon Crystal, Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire, Pokemon Emerald, Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen, Pokemon Diamond & Pearl, Pokemon Platinum, Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver, Pokemon Black & White, Pokemon Black 2 & White 2, Pokemon X& Y, Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, Pokemon Sun & Moon, Pokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee, Pokemon Sword & Shield, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, and Pokemon Legends: Arceus.
Magmar is nowhere near as adorable as the lower Pokemon on this list, but it is a little more powerful and a little rarer. It only has one form in Gen 1, so in the early games, there's not much you can do with it.
Still, it's made of pure fire, and any Pokemon put up against it who doesn't have a type advantage is surely going to perish in the flames.
8 Charmander
- Best Nature: Modest
- Highest Stat: Speed (65)
- Ability: Blaze
- According to Pokemon Red, "Obviously prefers hot places. When it rains, steam is said to spout from the tip of its tail."
- Appears In: Pokemon Red, Blue & Yellow, Pokemon Gold & Silver, Pokemon Crystal, Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire, Pokemon Emerald, Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen, Pokemon Diamond & Pearl, Pokemon Platinum, Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver, Pokemon Black & White, Pokemon Black 2 & White 2, Pokemon X& Y, Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, Pokemon Sun & Moon, Pokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee, Pokemon Sword & Shield, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Pokemon Legends: Arceus, and Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.
Charmander is the fire starter and absolutely adorable. In the show, it has a very sad origin story (at least, Ash's does) with an abusive trainer almost causing it to die in the rain. If Charmander's flame is ever extinguished, it's in fatal danger, which is worth bearing in mind. Thankfully, this can't happen in the games.
It's not particularly powerful, but it is a great Pokemon to have. It's a favorite for trainers looking for a Gen 1 Fire Pokemon, as it has the highest ceiling of the bunch.
7 Charmeleon
- Best Nature: Modest
- Highest Stat: Special Attack / Speed (80)
- Ability: Blaze
- According to Pokemon Red, "When it swings its burning tail, it elevates the temperature to unbearably high levels."
- Appears In: Pokemon Red, Blue & Yellow, Pokemon Gold & Silver, Pokemon Crystal, Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire, Pokemon Emerald, Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen, Pokemon Diamond & Pearl, Pokemon Platinum, Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver, Pokemon Black & White, Pokemon Black 2 & White 2, Pokemon X& Y, Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, Pokemon Sun & Moon, Pokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee, Pokemon Sword & Shield, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.
Charmeleon is not as adorable as its unevolved form, but it is a little more powerful. It stands as a very good evolution, making it a strong ally to have in battle and giving it the edge on Charmander.
It has a versatile moveset that is good against Pokemon in situations where fire won't be particularly effective.
6 Ninetales
- Best Nature: Timid
- Highest Stat: Special Defense / Speed (100)
- Ability: Flash Fire
- According to Pokemon Blue, "Very smart and very vengeful. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1000-year curse."
- Appears In: Pokemon Red, Blue & Yellow, Pokemon Gold & Silver, Pokemon Crystal, Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire, Pokemon Emerald, Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen, Pokemon Diamond & Pearl, Pokemon Platinum, Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver, Pokemon Black & White, Pokemon Black 2 & White 2, Pokemon X& Y, Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, Pokemon Sun & Moon, Pokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee, Pokemon Sword & Shield, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, and Pokemon Legends: Arceus.
The reason Vulpix is worth having, mainly, is Ninetales. Ninetales is a fox-like Pokemon with some seriously powerful fire moves that will go all out for you in battle.
It's not the most powerful but it is, perhaps, one of the most gorgeous and elegant Pokemon in the whole series. Trainers can count on Ninetails to provide their party with some great firepower and it remains one of the most consistent Fire-types of the first generation.
Alolan Form: Based on looks alone, Alolan Ninetales has a strong case for being the most gorgeous-looking Pokemon. To evolve Alolan Vulpix into Ninetales, players need to use an Ice-Stone. Instead of being a regular Fire-type, Alolan Ninetails is Ice/Fairy-type.
5 Rapidash
- Best Nature: Naive
- Highest Stat: Speed (105)
- Ability: Run Away / Flash Fire
- According to Pokemon Red, "Very competitive, this Pokemon will chase anything that moves fast in the hopes of racing it."
- Appears In: Pokemon Red, Blue & Yellow, Pokemon Gold & Silver, Pokemon Crystal, Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire, Pokemon Emerald, Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen, Pokemon Diamond & Pearl, Pokemon Platinum, Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver, Pokemon Black & White, Pokemon Black 2 & White 2, Pokemon X& Y, Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, Pokemon Sun & Moon, Pokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee, Pokemon Sword & Shield, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, and Pokemon Legends: Arceus.
Rapidash is a bit of an upgrade from Ninetales in terms of power and beauty. Longtime fans will remember luring this Pokemon out with apples in Pokemon Snap. As nice as it is to look at, this Pokemon is also a great option in battle.
If you're looking for a solid fire addition to a team in terms of pure power, Rapidash isn't a bad choice. Its speed makes it a great first option to put out in any battle, and fans can always count on it to hit hard.
Galarian Version: Galarian Rapidash is a magnificent Pokemon. It is a Psychic/Fairy-type Pokemon, and honestly, it is not a bad pairing at all. As a fairy type, Galarian Rapidash is completely immune to Dragon-type moves, making it a rather useful Pokemon.
4 Arcanine
- Best Nature: Jolly
- Highest Stat: Attack (110)
- Ability: Intimidate / Flash Fire
- According to Pokemon Red, "A Pokemon that has been admired since the past for its beauty. It runs agilely as if on wings."
- Appears In: Pokemon Red, Blue & Yellow, Pokemon Gold & Silver, Pokemon Crystal, Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire, Pokemon Emerald, Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen, Pokemon Diamond & Pearl, Pokemon Platinum, Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver, Pokemon Black & White, Pokemon Black 2 & White 2, Pokemon X& Y, Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, Pokemon Sun & Moon, Pokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee, Pokemon Sword & Shield, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Pokemon Legends: Arceus, and Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.
Arcanine's Intimidate ability will cut the attack of other Pokemon. One of the strongest fire additions you could have on your team, it's a pretty awesome Pokemon and will make you feel like a real trainer.
Arcanine has a great learnset and can really change the tide of a battle, no matter which generation. That's what makes it one of the best Gen 1 Fire-types.
Hisuian Form: Even in the region of Hisui, Arcanine didn't fail to impress. When Hisuian Growlithe is exposed to a Fire Stone, it transforms into the magnificent Arcanine. Like its base form, Hisuian Arcanine is prone to Ground, Water, Fighting, and Rock-type moves.
3 Flareon
- Best Nature: Adamant
- Highest Stat: Attack (130)
- Ability: Flash Fire
- According to Pokemon Red, "When storing thermal energy in its body, its temperature could soar to over 1600 degrees."
- Appears In: Pokemon Red, Blue & Yellow, Pokemon Gold & Silver, Pokemon Crystal, Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire, Pokemon Emerald, Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen, Pokemon Diamond & Pearl, Pokemon Platinum, Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver, Pokemon Black & White, Pokemon Black 2 & White 2, Pokemon X& Y, Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, Pokemon Sun & Moon, Pokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee, Pokemon Sword & Shield, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Pokemon Legends: Arceus, and Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.
Flareon is one of the first generation Eeveelutions and can be obtained by giving Eevee a fire stone. This Pokemon is actually incredibly strong and can be very hard to beat unless there's a much higher level or a type advantage.
It is also, arguably, the most adorable of all the Eeveelutions. Flareon gets the edge over most other fire Pokemon of its generation.
2 Charizard
- Best Nature: Modest
- Highest Stat: Special Attack (109)
- Ability: Blaze
- According to Pokemon Red, "Spits fire that is hot enough to melt boulders. Known to cause forest fires unintentionally."
- Appears In: Pokemon Red, Blue & Yellow, Pokemon Gold & Silver, Pokemon Crystal, Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire, Pokemon Emerald, Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen, Pokemon Diamond & Pearl, Pokemon Platinum, Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver, Pokemon Black & White, Pokemon Black 2 & White 2, Pokemon X& Y, Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, Pokemon Sun & Moon, Pokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee, Pokemon Sword & Shield, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Pokemon Legends: Arceus, and Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.
The dragon-esque, flying Pokemon Charizard is one of the most powerful Pokemon trainers can acquire. The reason most trainers choose Charmander as their Gen 1 starter is just so they can get this iconic Fire-type.
It can really pack a punch in battle and has flying attacks as well as fire which gives it even more of a type advantage over others. It can also learn the HM 'Fly', which is Pokemon's way of giving players fast travel.
1 Moltres
- Best Nature: Modest
- Highest Stat: Special Attack (125)
- Ability: Pressure
- According to Pokemon Red, "Known as the legendary bird of fire. Every flap of its wings creates a dazzling flash of flames."
- Appears In: Pokemon Red, Blue & Yellow, Pokemon Gold & Silver, Pokemon Crystal, Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire, Pokemon Emerald, Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen, Pokemon Diamond & Pearl, Pokemon Platinum, Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver, Pokemon Black & White, Pokemon Black 2 & White 2, Pokemon X& Y, Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, Pokemon Sun & Moon, Pokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee, Pokemon Sword & Shield, and Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl.
This legendary bird had a spotlight shone on it in the second movie but is also present in many of the games. Articuno, Zapdos, and fire bird Moltres are some of the best Pokemon in all of generation one and it's only fair that Moltres tops the list for that alone.
Not only is this a powerful fire addition to any team, but this bird is also incredibly rare regardless of which game you're playing. No classic game has more than one, except for when trading. Aside from that, Moltres is absolutely beautiful and perhaps the most graceful of all the Kanto-born Gen 1 Fire types.
Galarian Form: Kantonian Moltres is arguably one of the most gorgeous Pokemon ever made. The Fire/Flying-type has always been a sought-after Pokemon. Originally Moltres was not in Sword and Shield, but it was added in the expansion. However, instead of the regular form, Moltres' Galarian form was added, which is just as beautiful as the original version, if not better. The Galarian form of this Legendary bird is Dark/Flying-type.