Arcanine (#0059) | Stats, Evolutions, Moveset, Locations, Battle Strategies

Arcanine (#0059)
Jul 29, 2024 Reading time : 16 min

Arcanine is a canine, fire-type Pokemon with an appearance resembling that of a mountain dog. It is ferociously brave, with a wild speed of 258 miles per hour.

The source of its sheer power comes from the fire that blazes within its body, much like the volcanic fires that fuel the growth of young larvesta. Its power moves, including Extreme Speed and Flare Blitz, combined with its Flash Fire ability, make it a tough competition for any opponent. 

Its power moves, including Extreme Speed and Flare Blitz, combined with its Flash Fire ability, make it a tough competition for any opponent. Explore the vast stats of Arcanine, its moveset, battle strategies, and more with us as we dig into the powers of this Pokemon.

About Arcanine

Arcanine was first introduced in Gen I and continued its journey through all upcoming generations. It also features a Hisuian form, introduced in the Hisui region of Pokemon Legends: Arceus.

Arcanine
Arcanine
National Pokedex No.#0059
TypeFire
SpeciesLegendary Pokemon
Height1.9 m (6′03″)
Weight155.0 kg (341.7 lbs)
AbilitiesIntimidate
Flash Fire
Justified (hidden ability)
Other NamesJapanese: ウインディ (Windie)
German: Arkani
French: Arcanin
Korean: 윈디 (windi)
Hisuian Arcanine
Hisuian Arcanine
National Pokedex No.#0059
TypeFireRock
SpeciesLegendary Pokemon
Height2.0 m (6′07″)
Weight168.0 kg (370.4 lbs)
AbilitiesIntimidate
Flash Fire
Rock Head (hidden ability)

Despite being different, both regular and Hisuian forms of Arcanine have the same index in every Pokedex. Here is a quick table of its Pokedex number in different generations, categorized as per their region and series.

GenerationRegionSeriesPokedex No.
Gen IKantoRed/Green/Blue/Yellow#059
Gen IIJohtoGold/Silver/Crystal#128
Gen IIIKantoFireRed/LeafGreen#059
Gen IVJohtoHeartGold/SoulSilver#130
Gen VUnovaBlack 2/White 2#052
Gen VINo Index
Gen VIIAlolaSun/ Moon#053
Gen VIIAlolaUltra Sun/Ultra Moon#065
Gen VIIKantoLet’s Go Pikachu!/Let’s Go Eevee#059
Gen VIIIGalarSword/Shield#071
Gen VIIIHisuiLegends: Arceus#151
Gen IXPaldeaScarlet/Violet#214
Gen IXKitakamiScarlet/Violet#79
It has no index in the Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Kalos regions.

Origins and Lore of Arcanine

The word Arcanine seems to be derived from two words: Arcane, meaning ancient or mysterious, and Canine, relating to dogs. Given their sharp teeth and dog-like appearance, it is very much possible that their design is inspired by a Tibetan Mastiff. 

Some fans believe Arcanine’s origins may extend further back, as the legendary Volcarona is thought to have existed long ago, with its offspring like Arcanine carrying on traits of its fiery grace and loyalty. 

Moreover, its traits as a guarding Pokemon also refer to the same. Being a very faithful companion of Officer Jenny in the anime, it was certain to appear in every generation with a new story behind its origin, perhaps tied to the mythical Volcarona.

Pokedex Entries
Generation I
RedA Pokémon that has been idolized since the early days for its beauty. It runs gracefully, as if on wings.
Green
Blue
YellowA legendary Pokémon in China. Many people are entranced by its elegance and majesty while running.
StadiumA Pokémon whose splendor is legendary in China. It is said to run fluidly and gently as if it were flying.
Generation II
GoldThis legendary Chinese Pokémon is described as majestic. Many people are entranced by its regal mane.
SilverIts majestic bark conveys a sense of power. Anyone who hears it can’t help but kneel before it.
CrystalA prehistoric scroll shows that people were drawn to its swiftness as it ran through prairies.
Stadium 2This legendary Chinese Pokémon is described as majestic. Many people are entranced by its regal mane.
Generation III
FireRedA Pokémon that is mentioned in Chinese legends. It is said to run at an incredible speed.
LeafGreenA Pokémon that has always been praised for its majesty. It runs gracefully, as if on wings.
EmeraldThis fleet-footed Pokémon is known to run over 6,200 miles in a 24 hours. The flame that blazes brightly inside its body is its root of strength.
RubyArcanine is renowned for its incredible speed. It is believed to be capable of running over 6,200 miles in 24 hours. The flame that blazes brightly inside this Pokémon’s body is its source of strength.
Sapphire
Generation IV
DiamondIts bold and majestic appearance has captivated the hearts of people for a long time.
Pearl
Platinum
HeartGoldThis legendary Chinese Pokémon is described as majestic. Many people are entranced by its regal mane.
SoulSilverIts majestic bark conveys a sense of power. Anyone who hears it can’t help but kneel before it.
Generation V
BlackIts bold and majestic appearance has captivated the hearts of people for a long time.
White
Black 2The picture of it running over 6,200 miles in 24 hours has charmed many people.
White 2
Generation VI
XA Pokémon that has always been praised for its majesty. It runs gracefully as if on wings.
YIts majestic bark conveys a sense of power. Anyone who hears it can’t help but kneel before it.
Omega RubyArcanine is renowned for its incredible speed. It is believed to be capable of running over 6,200 miles in 24 hours. The flame that blazes brightly inside this Pokémon’s body is its source of strength.
Alpha Sapphire
Generation VII
SunBrimming with grace and magnificence, this mighty Pokémon has roots in ancient Eastern folklore.
MoonThe flame raging within its body acts as the fuel to drive it as it runs huge distances. It comes up in many legends.
Ultra SunLegends speak of its combat alongside a general and taking over a whole nation.
Ultra MoonThere are so many ancient tales about them that they’re called legendary Pokémon, but there are greater numbers of them around than you’d imagine.
Let’s Go Pikachu!A legendary Pokémon in the East. Many people are entranced by the elegance and majesty of its running.
Let’s Go Eevee!
Generation VIII
SwordThe picture of it running over 6,200 miles in 24 hours has charmed many people.
ShieldA Pokémon that has always been praised for its majesty. It runs gracefully as if on wings.
Brilliant DiamondIts bold and majestic appearance has captivated the hearts of people since a long time.
Shining Pearl
Legends: ArceusHisuian ArcanineSnaps at its enemies with fangs cloaked in scorching flame. Despite its large size, it skillfully feints every possible way, leading foes on a devious merry hunt as it all but glides around them.
Generation IX
ScarletA prehistoric scroll shows that people were drawn to its swiftness as it ran through prairies.
VioletIts majestic bark conveys a sense of power. Anyone who hears it can’t help but kneel before it.

Arcanine Biology and Behavior 

Having evolved from a puppy Pokemon, Arcanine’s personality has come out as a mix of a shepherd and a mountain dog. Sharp eyes and pointy ears emerge from within the huge tuft of fur tailing along his head and neck. It has an overall tiger-like appearance, with an orange skin coat marked with black stripes. 

Some fans theorize Arcanine may have been inspired by legends of dragon-like creatures, similar to the Dragonite Pokemon. Its Hisuian form holds a similar appearance with the same skin cover, sharp eyes, and ears. 

The only difference lies in the color and arrangement of its fur around its body. Arcanine emits the power and royalty of a leader. Its loud roar holds sheer authority and intimidates any Pokemon or even a human nearby.

Arcanine emits the power and royalty of a leader. Its loud roar holds sheer authority and intimidates any Pokemon or even a human nearby. Besides that, an Arcanine is known to have extremely sharp eyesight and a just as sharp sense of smell. 

Details for Starters
Catch Rate75 (9.8% using PokeBall on full HP)
Growth RateSlow
Base Exp. Points213 (Gen 1-4), 194 (Gen 5-9)
Base Friendship (Happiness)50 (Gen 1, 8, 9), 70 (Gen 2-7)
EV Yield2
EV Yield Distribution
HPAttackDefenseSp. AttackSp. DefenseSpeed
020000

Base Stats

Regardless of the generation and form, Arcanine’s base stats measure up to 555 values in total. The only difference is the distribution of these values in different stats. Moreover, these stats can also be influenced by the Pokemon’s nature and held items.

Notes

In Pokemon Radical Red, you can earn several ‘Wings’ by winning a Dynamax battle. These wings can be used to raise a Pokemon’s stats.

Arcanine stats
Arcanine Base Stats
Hisuian Arcanine stats
Hisuian Arcanine Base Stats
Range
StatsAt Level 50At Level 100
MinimumMaximumMinimumMaximum
HP150197290384
Attack103178202350
Defense76145148284
Sp. Attack94167184328
Sp. Defense76145148284
Speed90161175317
Min. stats are calculated as per an Arcanine with 0 EVs, 0 IVs, and a hindering nature.

Max. stats are calculated as per an Arcanine with 252 EVs, 31 IVs, and a beneficial nature.

Arcanine Evolutionary Line

Arcanine is the evolved form of Growlithe, while Hisuian Arcanine is the next form of Hisuian Growlithe. Both evolve only after coming in contact with a Firestone. 

In Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow, a Growlithe can only evolve through Firestone once it reaches Level 50. However, in later versions, players can evolve a Growlithe into an Arcanine on any level, be it Level 1 or Level 100.

Growlithe
Growlithe
National Pokedex No.#0058
TypeFire
SpeciesPuppy Pokemon
Abilities1. Intimidate
2. Flash Fire
Justified (hidden ability)
Growlithe stats
Hisuian Growlithe
Hisuian Growlithe
National Pokedex No.#0058
TypeFireRock
SpeciesScout Pokemon
Abilities1. Intimidate
2. Flash Fire
Rock Head (hidden ability)
Hisuian Growlithe stats

Breeding

Players can breed Arcanine in Pokemon Daycare with different species to get certain egg moves, like Covet and Raging Fury, that can not be taught otherwise. The hatched Pokemon may know the egg move from the start, or learn it after level-up or TM.

Egg GroupsField
Gender Ratio75% Male, 25% Female
Egg cycles20
Approx. Steps4884–5140 steps
Egg MovesCompatible Parents
After Level UpAfter Using TMAfter Hatching
CovetMankey
Eevee
Vaporeon
Jolteon
Flareon
Espeon
Umbreon
Teddiursa
Ursaring
Slakoth
Slaking
Leafeon
Glaceon
Espurr
Meowstic (Male)
Sylveon
Ursaluna
Lechonk
Oinkologne (Male)
Fidough
Dachsbun
Meowth
Alolan Meowth
Galarian Meowth
Persian
Alolan Persian
Growlithe
Hisuian Growlithe
Arcanine
Hisuian Arcanine
Cyndaquil
Quilava
Typhlosion
Hisuian Typhlosion
Aipom
Poochyena
Pachirisu
Dedenne
Perrserker
ThrashGalarian Meowth
Mankey
Primeape
Tauros (All Breed)
Teddiursa
Ursaring
Piloswine
Mamoswine
Blitzle
Zebstrika
Sandile
Krokorok
Krookodile
Cubchoo
Beartic
Litten
Torracat
Incineroar
Yungoos
Gumshoos
Passimian
Komala
Perrserker
Morpeko (Full Belly Mode)
Ursaluna
Annihilape
Alolan Diglett
Alolan Dugtrio
Growlithe
Hisuian Growlithe
Arcanine
Hisuian Arcanine
Stantler
Tepig
Rockruff
Lycanroc 
Wyrdeer
Double-EdgeTauros
Tauros (Combat Breed)
Eevee
Vaporeon
Jolteon
Flareon
Cyndaquil
Quilava
Typhlosion
Hisuian Typhlosion
Sentret
Furret
Espeon
Umbreon
Dunsparce
Phanpy
Stantler
Numel
Hippopotas
Hippowdon
Leafeon
Glaceon
Deerling
Sawsbuck
Skiddo
Gogoat
Sylveon
Passimian
Scorbunny
Raboot
Cinderace
Wyrdeer
Lechonk
Oinkologne (Male)
Fidough
Dachsbun
Maschiff
Mabosstiff
Cyclizar
Greavard
Houndstone
Cetoddle
Cetitan
Seel
Dewgong
Rhyhorn
Rhydon
Snubbull
Granbull
Torchic
Combusken
Blaziken
Rhyperior
Snivy
Servine
Serperior
Tepig
Pignite
Emboar
Blitzle
Zebstrika
Drilbur
Excadrill
Scraggy
Scrafty
Cinccino
Litten
Torracat
Incineroar
Galarian Meowth
Growlithe
Hisuian Growlithe
Arcanine
Hisuian Arcanine
Teddiursa
Ursaring
Swinub
Stunky
Skuntank
Sandile
Krokorok
Krookodile
Mudbray
Mudsdale
Perrserker
Eiscue (Ice Face)
Cufant
Copperajah
Ursaluna
Morning SunEspeonGrowlithe
Hisuian Growlithe
Arcanine
Hisuian Arcanine
Double KickTauros (Combat Breed)
Tauros (Blaze Breed)
Tauros (Aqua Breed)
Jolteon
Blaziken
Deerling
Sawsbuck
Litten
Torracat
Incineroar
Mudbray
Mudsdale
Scorbunny
Raboot
Cinderace
Growlithe
Hisuian Growlithe
Arcanine
Hisuian Arcanine
Eevee
Vaporeon
Jolteon
Flareon
Cyndaquil
Quilava
Typhlosion
Hisuian Typhlosion
Wooper
Paldean Wooper
Quagsire
Espeon
Umbreon
Girafarig
Stantler
Chimchar
Shinx
Luxio
Luxray
Leafeon
Glaceon
Blitzle
Sylveon
Wyrdeer
Clodsire
Farigiraf
Raging FuryHisuian Arcanine
Infernape
Growlithe
Arcanine
This egg move can only be learned by Regular Arcanine.
Head SmashTepig
Pignite
Emboar
Scraggy
Scrafty
Hisuian Growlithe
Hisuian Arcanine
Phanpy
Donphan
Eiscue (Ice Face)
This egg move can only be learned by Hisuian Arcanine.

Remember that one of the parents must be acquainted with the particular egg move before breeding. In the Pokemon Scarlet/Violet version, you can breed with any Pokemon having the egg move, in picnics.

In-Game Availability of Arcanine

Despite being a Pokemon from Gen 1, Arcanine is only available in a few versions. However, in other ones, you can still trade or migrate from another game. 

VersionGame Locations
RedYellowEvolve Growlithe
BlueTrade/migrate from another game
GoldCrystalEvolve Growlithe
SilverTrade/migrate from another game
RubySapphireTrade/migrate from another game
FireRedEvolve Growlithe
EmeraldLeafGreenTrade/migrate from another game
DiamondPearlEvolve Growlithe
HeartGoldPlatinumEvolve Growlithe
SoulSilverTrade/migrate from another game
BlackWhiteTrade/migrate from another game
Black 2White 2Evolve Growlithe
XYTrade/migrate from another game
Omega RubyAlpha SapphireEvolve Growlithe
SunMoonEvolve Growlithe
Ultra SunUltra MoonEvolve Growlithe
Let’s Go Pikachu!Route 7, 8, Vermilion City
Let’s Go Eevee!Vermilion City GIft
SwordEvolve Growlithe/Hisuian Growlithe

Max Raid Battles: Giant’s Cap
ShieldLake of Outrage

Max Raid Battles: Dusty Bowl, Giant’s Cap,

Hammerlocke Hills, Lake of Outrage, Stony Wilderness

Max Raid Battles (Isle of Armor): Fields of Honor,

Challenge Beach, Loop Lagoon, Potbottom Desert

Max Raid Battles (Crown Tundra): Giant’s Bed,

Snowslide Slope, Ballimere Lake
Brilliant DiamondEvolve Growlithe/Hisuian Growlithe
Shining PearlTrade/migrate from another game
Legends: ArceusEvolve Growlithe/Hisuian Growlithe

Cobalt Coastlands: Massive Mass Outbreak
ScarletVioletNorth Province (Area Two), South Province (Area Four)

Tera Raid Battles: 5 Star Raid Battles

Arcanine Sprites in Different Generations

Here are the featured sprites of Arcanine in each generation:

GenerationNormal ArcanineShiny Arcanine
Gen I
Arcanine gen1
Gen II
Arcanine gen2
Arcanine gen2c
Gen III
Arcanine gen3
Arcanine gen3c
Gen IV
Arcanine gen4
Arcanine gen4c
Gen V
Arcanine gen5
Arcanine gen5c
Gen VI
Arcanine gen6
Arcanine gen6c
Gen VII
Arcanine gen7
Arcanine gen7c
Gen VIII
Arcanine gen8
Gen IX
Arcanine gen9

Arcanine Training and Battling — Type Effectiveness

Arcanine shines out as a great Fire-type Pokemon with wide coverage and all-rounding stats. Being a pure Fire-type gives it a good advantage against most types, but also makes it prone to some common ones.

TypeDamage Taken 
Regular FormHisuian Form
Grass½x1x
Ice½x½x
Bug½x½x
Steel½x1x
Fairy½x½x
Fire½x¼x
Normal1x½x
Fighting1x2x
Poison1x½x
Flying1x½x
Ghost1x1x
Psychic1x1x
Dark1x1x
Electric1x1x
Dragon1x1x
Rock2x2x
Ground2x4x
Water2x4x
Arcanine/Hisuian Arcanine with Flash Fire ability has 0x damage from Fire-type attacks.

Moves and Abilities of Arcanine

Being a Pokemon of the legendary classification, an Arcanine can have either Intimidate or Flash Fire as its ability. All Arcanine of regular forms have Justified as their hidden ability, while Hisuian forms have Rock Head.

Intimidate
Battle EffectWhen the bearer enters the battle, it lowers the Attack stat of every foe by one stage.
External EffectIf the bearer is leading the party, wild Pokemon are half as likely to be of lower level.
Flash Fire
Battle EffectWhen the bearer is hit by a Fire-type move, it doesn’t deal damage, instead raises the power of the bearer’s Fire-type moves by 50%
Justified
Battle EffectRaises the Attack stat by one stage, whenever hit by a damaging Dark-Type move. Stats can be raised by max 6 stages.
Rock Head
Battle EffectPrevents recoil damage from power attacks.

Being an evolved form, Arcanine’s moveset primarily depend on the moves he will learn as Growlithe. That is, the level cap of its moves nearly follows the same arrangement as Growlithe, despite the level at which it has evolved.

However, certain moves can only be learned by a particular form. 

Gen IX Moves
By Level Up
LevelMoveTypeCategoryPowerAcc.PP
AgilityPsychic
Status
Status
30
BiteDark
Physical
Physical
6010025
CrunchDark
Physical
Physical
8010015
EmberFire
Special
Special
4010025
Fire FangFire
Physical
Physical
659515
Flame WheelFire
Physical
Physical
6010025
Flare BlitzFire
Physical
Physical
12010015
Helping HandNormal
Status
Status
20
HowlNormal
Status
Status
40
LeerNormal
Status
Status
10030
RetaliateNormal
Physical
Physical
701005
ReversalFighting
Physical
Physical
10015
RoarNormal
Status
Status
20
Take DownNormal
Physical
Physical
908520
50FlamethrowerFire
Special
Special
9010015
After EvolutionExtreme SpeedNormal
Physical
Physical
801005
Only Learned by Regular Form
Play RoughFairy
Physical
Physical
909010
Only Learned by Hisuian Form
Rock SlideRock
Physical
Physical
759010
Rock ThrowRock
Physical
Physical
509015
64Raging FuryFire
Physical
Physical
12010010
By Breeding
MoveTypeCategoryPowerAcc.PP
Double KickFighting
Physical
Physical
3010030
ThrashNormal
Physical
Physical
12010010
Double-EdgeNormal
Physical
Physical
12010015
Morning SunNormal1005
CovetNormal
Physical
Physical
6010025
Only Learned by Regular Form
Raging FuryFire
Physical
Physical
12010010
Only Learned by Hisuian Form
Head SmashRock
Physical
Physical
150805
By TM (Technical Machine)
TMMoveTypeCategoryPowerAcc.PP
1Take DownNormal
Physical
Physical
908520
4AgilityPsychic
Status
Status
30
6Scary FaceNormal
Status
Status
10010
7ProtectNormal
Status
Status
10
8Fire FangFire
Physical
Physical
659515
9Thunder FangElectric
Physical
Physical
659515
18ThiefDark
Physical
Physical
6010025
24Fire SpinFire
Special
Special
358515
25FacadeNormal
Physical
Physical
7010020
27Aerial AceFlying
Physical
Physical
6020
28BulldozeGround
Physical
Physical
6010020
30SnarlDark
Special
Special
559515
38Flame ChargeFire
Physical
Physical
5010020
47EndureNormal
Status
Status
10
49Sunny DayFire
Status
Status
15
55DigGround
Physical
Physical
8010010
63Psychic FangsPsychic
Physical
Physical
8510010
66Body SlamNormal
Physical
Physical
8510015
70Sleep TalkNormal
Status
Status
10
85RestPsychic
Status
Status
5
99Iron HeadSteel
Physical
Physical
8010015
103SubstituteNormal
Status
Status
10
107Will-O-WispFire
Status
Status
8515
108CrunchDark
Physical
Physical
8010015
115Dragon PulseDragon
Special
Special
8510010
117Hyper VoiceNormal
Special
Special
9010010
118Heat WaveFire
Special
Special
959010
125FlamethrowerFire
Special
Special
9010015
130Helping HandNormal
Status
Status
20
134ReversalFighting
Physical
Physical
10015
141Fire BlastFire
Special
Special
110855
147Wild ChargeElectric
Physical
Physical
9010015
152Giga ImpactNormal
Physical
Physical
150905
156OutrageDragon
Physical
Physical
12010010
157OverheatFire
Special
Special
130905
163Hyper BeamNormal
Special
Special
150905
165Flare BlitzFire
Physical
Physical
12010015
167Close CombatFighting
Physical
Physical
1201005
168Solar BeamGrass
Special
Special
12010010
171Tera BlastNormal
Special
Special
8010010
172RoarNormal
Status
Status
10020
189Heat CrashFire
Physical
Physical
10010
204Double-EdgeNormal
Physical
Physical
12010015
207Temper FlareFire
Physical
Physical
7510010
215Scorching SandsGround
Special
Special
7010010
Only Learned by Regular Form
2CharmFairy
Status
Status
10020
32SwiftNormal
Special
Special
6020
127Play RoughFairy
Physical
Physical
909010
224CurseGhost
Status
Status
10010
Only Learned by Hisuian Form
36Rock TombRock
Physical
Physical
609515
51SandstormRock
Status
Status
10110
53Smart StrikeSteel
Physical
Physical
7010110
76Rock BlastRock
Physical
Physical
259010
86Rock SlideRock
Physical
Physical
759010
101Power GemRock
Special
Special
8010020
116Stealth RockRock
Status
Status
10120
150Stone EdgeRock
Physical
Physical
100805
179SmackDownRock
Physical
Physical
5010015

Competitive Usage & Strategies for Arcanine

Arcanine is a fiercely brave Pokemon with a vast array of powerful moves. However, being weak to water and rock types makes it quite sensitive to several common attacks. Given below are some strategies to pivot its strength while sheltering its weak spots. 

Red/Blue
Bulky Attacker
MovesetFire BlastBody Slam
Hyper BeamAgility/Reflect
Gold/Silver
Rest Talk
MovesetFire Blast/FlamethrowerHidden Power/Body Slam
RestSleep Talk
Held ItemLeftovers
Black/ White/ Black 2/ White 2
Offensive
MovesetFlare BlitzWild Charge/Crunch
Extreme SpeedMorning Sun/Close Combat
Held ItemLife Orb
NatureAdamant
AbilityFlash Fire/Intimidate
EVs72 HP, 252 Attack, 8 Sp. Defense, 176 Speed
Physically Defensive
MovesetFlare Blitz/FlamethrowerWill-O-Wisp/Toxic
Extreme Speed/Hidden PowerMorning Sun
Held ItemLeftovers
NatureImpish/Bold
AbilityIntimidate
EVs282 HP, 252 Defense, 8 Sp. Defense
Sunny Day
MovesetSunny DayFire Blast/Flamethrower
Solar BeamMorning Sun
Held ItemLeftovers/Life Orb
NatureModest
EVs192 HP, 248 Sp. Attack, 4 Sp. Defense, 64 Speed
X/Y/Sun/Moon
Wallbreaker
MovesetFlare BlitzWild Charge
Extreme SpeedMorning Sun
Held ItemLife Orb
NatureJolly
AbilityFlash Fire
EVs252 Attack, 4 Defense, 252 Speed

With a wide move pool, Arcanine has the potential to 2HKO most defensive Pokemon (except Water-types), while being a major threat to other wall breakers. Its Flash Fire ability gives it quite a distinct edge over major offensive Fire-types like Ninetales. Belonging to a high-speed tier, Arcanine can outpace several fast-attacking Pokemon including Roserade, Gardevoir, and Metagross.

On the other hand, Arcanine is heavily vulnerable to stealth rock setters and every other entry hazard in the game. What’s more is that it faces huge recoil damage from several of its powerful moves, including Flare Blitz, Wild Charge, as well as the item Life Orb.

Pokemon such as Rhyperior easily survive through most of Arcanine’s STAB moves, even a Close Combat, and charge back with its STAB attacks, usually revenge KOing it. 

Overall, despite being a very speedy Pokemon, Arcanine should be kept safe from faster threats, bulky wall breakers, and especially Stealth rock users. Players can include entry hazard removers, water resistors, and wall breakers in their team to support Arcanine throughout the battle.

Arcanine’s Role in the Pokemon World

Being introduced in the very first generation, Arcanine has been a popular Pokemon since the start. Several Arcanine trainers appeared throughout the anime, with the most popular being Gary Oak, the greatest rival of Ash. Other trainers include: 

  • Officer Jenny
  • Pete Pebbleman
  • Keegan
  • Ramona
  • Tucker
  • Dr. Yung
  • Marley
  • Nate
  • Blue
  • Blaine (Origins)
  • Diana
First Appearance
Ep. 63  — The Battle of the Badge
Plot
Gary used Arcanine to fight Giovanni, the gym leader of Viridian City. It defeated Kingler, despite the type disadvantage. However, Giovanni’s Mewtwo completely dominated Arcanine, even after teaming it up with Gary’s Nidoking.
Other Appearances
Episode NumberEpisode Name
Season 2 – Episode 22Fire and Ice
Season 5 – Episode 19Extreme Pokemon
Season 5 – Episode 60Can’t Beat the Heat
Season 8 – Episode 46On Cloud Arcanine
Season 9 – Episode 8Tactics Theatrics
Season 10 – Episode 20Mutiny in the Bounty
Season 11 – Episode 7Luxray Vision
Season 11 – Episode 34Arriving in Style

Arcanine is a prominent fire type that is often overlooked due to its rarity in the games. It has a superb move pool with a good set of stats and Flash Fire as a bonus. Moreover, it can make a good switch with its Wild Charge, bringing in other teammates while causing great damage to the foe. However, remember to be cautious around stealth rock and other entry hazard setters, as they greatly wore it out.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Arcanine considered legendary?

Arcanine’s design seems to have a reference to a Chinese legend of a Guardian Lion, which is said to repel evil spirits and energy. This might be the reason it is classified as a legendary Pokemon.

Is Arcanine a dog or a cat?

Arcanine features an appearance that resembles both a dog and a tiger. Its traits as a loyal, guarding Pokemon with a round snout make it more of a dog, instead of a lion. Moreover, it evolves from Growlithe, which is a puppy Pokemon.

What turns into Arcanine?

Arcanine, or Hisuian Arcanine, is the evolved form of Growlithe/Hisuian Growlithe. It can only evolve when it comes in contact with a firestone. Moreover, in Gen 1, it must reach level 50 before evolving from the stone.

Sources

Arcanine by Pokemon.com

Team Larvesta
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Team Larvesta