In Pokémon Fire Red, one of the most powerful and reliable Fire-type moves players often seek is Flamethrower. Acquiring the Flamethrower TM is a crucial step in building a strong team, especially if you rely on Fire-type Pokémon or need solid type coverage. With high power, excellent accuracy, and a chance to inflict burn, Flamethrower is frequently considered one of the best non-legendary Fire-type attacks in the game. Understanding where to find the Flamethrower TM, how to use it strategically, and which Pokémon benefit most from it can significantly improve your gameplay experience and overall battle performance.
Overview of the Flamethrower TM
Move Details and Stats
Flamethrower is classified as a Special Attack in Fire Red, making it particularly effective when used by Pokémon with high Special Attack stats. Here are its basic stats:
- Type: Fire
- Category: Special
- Power: 90
- Accuracy: 100%
- PP (Power Points): 15 (max 24)
- Effect: 10% chance to burn the target
Its high accuracy and strong base power make Flamethrower ideal for both in-game playthroughs and competitive setups. The chance to cause a burn adds utility, potentially reducing an opponent’s physical attack if they’re affected.
How to Get Flamethrower TM in Fire Red
TM35 Location and Cost
In Pokémon Fire Red, Flamethrower is designated as TM35. It is not found in the wild or through hidden items. Instead, you can purchase TM35 from the Celadon City Game Corner Prize Exchange, making it somewhat challenging to obtain if you’re low on coins or don’t enjoy mini-games.
Here’s what you need to do to acquire it:
- Go to Celadon City
- Enter the Game Corner and win or purchase enough coins
- Visit the Prize Exchange counter to the right of the Game Corner
- Select TM35 – Flamethrower
The cost of TM35 Flamethrower is4,000 coins, which is a significant amount for early and mid-game players. Since each coin costs 1,000 Pokédollars per 50 coins, buying enough outright costs about 80,000 Pokédollars unless you choose to earn coins manually through slot machines.
Tips for Earning Coins
- Save frequently before playing the slots to avoid big losses
- Use Pokémon with the Pickup ability to gather valuable items you can sell
- Battle trainers repeatedly via the VS Seeker to earn cash
With persistence, you’ll have enough coins to obtain TM35 without too much stress. It’s worth the grind considering how versatile Flamethrower is in nearly any team composition.
Best Pokémon to Teach Flamethrower
Ideal Fire-Type Users
Flamethrower works best on Pokémon with high Special Attack, especially Fire-types. Some of the top choices in Fire Red include:
- Charizard– A fan favorite with high Special Attack and access to a wide movepool. Flamethrower becomes even better if Charizard evolves early and you rely on him heavily in the Elite Four.
- Ninetales– While not as powerful offensively, Ninetales can be a reliable Flamethrower user with decent speed and support capabilities.
- Arcanine– With great all-around stats and versatility, Arcanine can make good use of Flamethrower when paired with physical attacks or status moves.
- Magmar– Less commonly used, but still effective with strong Special Attack stats and good speed.
Non-Fire Types That Benefit
Sometimes, you may want to teach Flamethrower to a non-Fire-type for type coverage, especially in situations where you lack a true Fire Pokémon. Good candidates include:
- Alakazam– Can learn Flamethrower via TM and cover its weakness to Bug-type Pokémon.
- Dragonite– Offers powerful mixed offense and can take advantage of Flamethrower to handle Ice or Steel threats.
- Gengar– Although primarily a Ghost-type, Gengar can utilize Flamethrower effectively due to high Special Attack and strategic flexibility.
Teaching Flamethrower to these Pokémon gives you flexibility during gym battles or when preparing for Elite Four matchups with varied enemy types.
Battle Applications of Flamethrower
Gym Leaders and Elite Four
Flamethrower proves especially useful in battles against certain types:
- Erika (Celadon Gym)– Grass-types are weak to Fire; Flamethrower can sweep most of her team.
- Koga (Fuchsia Gym)– While not weak to Fire, his Bug-types take heavy damage.
- Elite Four – Lorelei– Many of her Ice-types like Jynx and Dewgong are vulnerable to Fire moves.
- Bruno and Agatha– Less obvious, but certain party members like her Arbok or Bruno’s Onix may still take damage or be burned for tactical advantage.
Burn Strategy and Status Support
The 10% burn chance from Flamethrower can change the tide of battle. Burn not only causes passive damage over time but also cuts the target’s physical attack by half. Against physically strong Pokémon, this can be a defensive lifesaver.
Pairing Flamethrower with status support like Will-O-Wisp or Confuse Ray can create a frustrating combo for opponents. Burned foes become less of a threat, giving your team space to heal or set up further strategies.
Flamethrower vs. Other Fire Moves
Why Flamethrower is Better Than Fire Blast
Many players debate between teaching Flamethrower or Fire Blast. While Fire Blast has a higher base power (120), it suffers from lower accuracy (85%) and fewer PP. Flamethrower’s reliability makes it the better long-term choice, especially in longer battles or when conserving items is necessary.
Here’s a quick comparison:
- Fire Blast: 120 power, 85% accuracy, 5 PP
- Flamethrower: 90 power, 100% accuracy, 15 PP
If your strategy relies on consistent damage over flashy knockouts, Flamethrower is the superior move in almost every situation.
Other Alternatives: Ember, Fire Spin, Overheat
Flamethrower surpasses most early-game Fire moves like Ember and Fire Spin. Overheat is an option with even higher power, but it drastically lowers the user’s Special Attack after use, making it unreliable unless you’re aiming for a one-shot hit. In most balanced teams, Flamethrower stays relevant from the mid-game all the way to the end credits.
Is Flamethrower TM Worth It?
Absolutely. The Flamethrower TM in Pokémon Fire Red is one of the most essential tools for both beginners and veteran trainers. Its power, reliability, and versatility make it a must-have move for a wide range of Pokémon. Whether you’re focusing on type synergy, status control, or general battle effectiveness, Flamethrower delivers consistent results. Though it requires time and effort to earn enough coins from the Game Corner, the payoff is well worth it. Equipping your team with this TM can make a significant difference in overcoming tough opponents, dominating gym leaders, and conquering the Elite Four. Don’t overlook it Flamethrower TM35 is a game-changer for any serious Fire Red journey.