Fire Fang vs. Ember: When to Bite and When to Just Singe in Pokémon
You’re facing a Bug-type Gym Leader. A Steel-type raid boss catches your eye in Pokémon GO. Your mind floats to Fire-type Pokémon and their moves. But which Fire move should you use? When do you pick Fire Fang, or when does the softer Ember fit? Let’s explore.
We will dig deep into the fire of Pokémon moves, comparing Fire Fang and Ember to determine which brings the heat. Forget the “Fire move good against Grass” tips. We will detail damage numbers, energy generation, and matchups. Consider this your guide for making your Fire-types strategic.
Ember vs. Fire Fang: The Elemental Showdown
Let’s start with a direct head-to-head. It’s Ember versus Fire Fang, a contest for Fire-type dominance. Which move edges ahead? Declaring a winner isn’t simple; it depends on what you seek in a Fire-type attack.
Overall Effectiveness: Damage vs. Utility
Is Fire Fang or Ember superior overall? Fire Fang is about damage. It’s like the Fire-type version of Dragon Breath in raw power. Both moves hit hard, but Fire Fang sacrifices some energy for that extra impact. Ember is thought of as the basic Fire move – reliable but not a game-changer.
Look at other Fire-type fast moves; Ember sits in a mediocre place. Moves like Fire Spin and Hidden Power (when it’s Fire-type) often overshadow Ember. These moves provide better utility and damage, leaving Ember feeling a bit undercooked. But Ember has advantages, too.
Damage Output: Feeling the Burn
When considering damage alone, Ember does have a decent output. But if you aim to inflict maximum damage, Fire Fang leaves a more significant mark. Numbers change slightly across Pokémon games, but the rule is clear: Fire Fang hits harder; Ember is just there.
Think of Ember as the warmth of a campfire. It’s cozy. Fire Fang is like a dragon sneezing – definitely impactful. If you want to inflict damage with your move, Fire Fang is generally the better choice.
Energy Generation: Fueling the Fire
Let’s turn to strategy. Energy generation is crucial in Pokémon GO battles because it controls how fast you unleash Charged Moves. Ember might edge out Fire Fang in theory due to its slightly faster energy generation.
The gap in energy generation is “slight”. It’s not huge. The higher Damage Per Second (DPS) of Fire Fang usually outweighs any minor energy speed advantage Ember has. It’s like picking between a slightly faster fuel pump and a more powerful engine. Sometimes, raw power clinches the victory.
Specific Matchups: Tailoring Your Flames
Now we know Fire Fang has more damage, and Ember may generate energy faster. Battles are not fought in vacuums; matchups matter. Surprisingly, in some cases, Ember can outshine Fire Fang. Take Ninetales, particularly Kantonian.
In certain Player vs. Player (PvP) battles in Pokémon GO, Ember can serve Ninetales well. Why? Depends on the opponent’s moves and strategy. Ember’s energy edge might help in landing a Charged Move at an opportune moment, shifting battle dynamics. Sometimes finesse beats brute force; Ember offers a nuanced approach.
For a deep dive into how Ember Ninetales performs in PvP, check this analysis on Pokémon GO Hub. It delves into matchups and strategies.
Fire Fang: The Move with Bite
Now, let’s spotlight Fire Fang. This move goes beyond merely being “Fire-type”. It carries a certain aggression, don’t you think? Fang indicates teeth, implying biting. In Pokémon moves, biting suggests business.
Power, Accuracy, and PP: Stats Breakdown
What are the raw stats of Fire Fang? In main series games, Fire Fang has a Power of 65. It’s not overwhelming, but strong for a fast move. Its Accuracy is 95%, ensuring reliability when it counts. For PP (Power Points), it starts at 15, maxing out at 24. The Priority is 0, meaning it goes based on Speed stats.
In Pokémon GO, the stats adjust for real-time battles, but the core remains. For more specifics, check out the Pokémon GO Wiki for Fire Fang.
DPS (Damage Per Second): Speed Demon
This is where Fire Fang shines. Despite modest base power and generating less energy than some other Fire moves, it compensates with speed. Fire Fang executes quickly, leading to higher Damage Per Second (DPS).
Picture it as rapid-fire fiery bites. Each bite might not be the strongest, but they accumulate quickly due to speed. This advantage is why Fire Fang often outperforms moves like Fire Spin for overall impact.
Energy Generation: Enough Juice to Spark a Blaze
Let’s discuss energy generation. In Pokémon GO Gyms and Raids, Fire Fang inflicts 13 damage and generates 9 energy. This energy return is decent for a hard-hitting fast move. In GO Battle League, balance tweaks apply; there, Fire Fang does 8 damage and generates 6 energy.
This adjustment matters for competitive play. It keeps Fire Fang strong without being too strong. It balances damage and energy, making it viable for many Fire-types in PvP battles.
Fire Fang Compared to Other Fire Moves: The Family Feud
To get a complete view of Fire Fang’s rank among Fire moves, we’ll compare it to others. How does Fire Fang align with moves like Fire Punch, Fire Spin, and Incinerate? Let’s break it down.
Fire Fang vs. Fire Punch: Fangs vs. Fists
Fire Fang and Fire Punch are both physical Fire-type moves and seem similar. But differences emerge on closer inspection. Fire Fang focuses on speed and higher DPS. Fire Punch also offers its benefits.
On the other hand, Fire Punch is straightforward. It is slightly slower. This move may induce more status effects. Fire Punch often has higher base power than Fire Fang in several game versions. But Fire Fang usually compensates with speed. Both moves have a 10% chance to burn the opponent.
Fire Fang can cause the target to flinch. This flinch chance can disrupt battles, especially against faster foes. It may provide a free turn to attack or set up. If you want raw power and burn chances, Fire Punch is solid. If speed and flinching are preferred, Fire Fang is usually more versatile.
Fire Fang vs. Fire Spin: Speed vs. Energy
We mentioned this comparison before. Fire Spin and Fire Fang are two common fast moves for Fire-type Pokémon. Fire Spin focuses on energy generation. Fire Fang focuses on damage. Even though Fire Spin has better energy generation on paper, Fire Fang’s speed often makes it preferred by players.
Fire Fang’s speed leads to higher damage output quickly. In rapid battles against raid bosses, that DPS advantage is critical. Fire Spin isn’t a bad option, but Fire Fang’s damage potential often makes it more impactful.
Fire Fang vs. Incinerate: Offense vs. Defense
Incinerate is different. It’s a stronger Fire-type move. But Incinerate is slower than Fire Fang. Fire Fang has over double the damage per second compared to Incinerate. Fire Fang is better for quick turns in battle.
Additionally, on defense, Incinerate performs poorly in Pokémon GO. This makes it ineffective in Gyms. Fast, spammy moves are better. Fire Fang performs well defensively despite having less base power. Speed matters in defense for effectiveness in Pokémon GO.
Fire Fang vs. Dragon Breath: An Unexpected Parallel
Here’s something interesting: Fire Fang is similar in damage output to Dragon Breath. Yes, it’s true. The Fire move Fire Fang shares damage potential with Dragon Breath. The main difference is energy generation. Dragon Breath generates slightly more energy.
This shows Fire Fang’s strong damage focus. It hits hard with speed but trades some energy efficiency for raw power. If you want a powerful Fire-type fast move, Fire Fang is a solid option.
Effectiveness in Pokémon GO: Gyms, Raids, and GO Battle League
Let’s summarize Fire Fang’s effectiveness in Pokémon GO battle formats.
Gyms and Raids: Burning Through the Competition
In Gyms and Raids, Fire Fang performs well. Its 13 damage and 9 energy generation make it reliable for consistent damage against foes. Its speed is an asset in Raids, where time is crucial. This allows for effective Charged Moves while maintaining Fire-type damage.
GO Battle League: Competitive Flames
In the strategic battles of GO Battle League, Fire Fang remains a viable option. Its stats of 8 damage and 6 energy are balanced for PvP. It’s not overpowering but effective. You produce respectable damage while charging Charged Moves efficiently. For many Pokémon, Fire Fang is a top-tier move.
Pokémon That Learn Fire Fang: Fiery Fanged Friends
Which Pokémon can learn Fire Fang? Many Fire-types can, but some non-Fire-types also have it, broadening their offensive use.
Garchomp: The Land Shark with a Fiery Bite
Yes, Garchomp can learn Fire Fang. It’s an excellent move for it. Garchomp learning Fire Fang at level 1 shows its diverse movepool. Fire Fang counters Steel-types, offering coverage against Dragon and Ground moves. A Fiery Garchomp is formidable.
Arcanine: The Legendary Fire Dog
Arcanine, a noble Fire-type Pokémon, is synonymous with Fire Fang. For Arcanine, Fire Fang is often its best fast move, especially with Wild Charge. This combination provides powerful Fire and Electric coverage against various opponents, making it a strong threat.
Arcanine’s set of Fire Fang and Wild Charge has a high DPS and Total Damage Output (TDO). If you’re building an Arcanine, Fire Fang should be on your move list.
Ember: The Gentle Flame with Hidden Depth
Now, let’s examine Ember. It may lack excitement, but it serves its purpose well in certain situations. Sometimes, a gentle ember suffices.
General Usefulness: A Solid Start
Is Ember a good move? It won’t top DPS charts. But Ember is useful for low-level Pokémon. It is reliable and widely available among Fire-types. It accomplishes tasks early in the game. Consider it a dependable workhorse – effective without the flash.
For early trainers, Ember is beneficial. It provides consistent Fire-type damage simply. This move is easy to learn and helpful for early challenges.
Suitability for Low-Level Pokémon: Learning the Ropes
It’s worth emphasizing: Ember shines in accessibility and suitability for novice Pokémon. Starting your journey or raising a new Fire-type, Ember is usually the best fast move choice. It allows offense without complex strategies. It’s the training move preparing players for stronger options like Fire Fang.
Ember Compared to Flamethrower: Fast Move vs. Charged Move
Let’s compare Ember to Flamethrower, a quintessential Charged Move. Flamethrower belongs to a different category. It needs energy to use, while Ember is a constantly active fast move in battles. Comparing them shows their different roles.
Ember focuses on consistent, low-level damage while generating energy. Flamethrower delivers high damage bursts when energy is sufficient. While Ember offers more PP, Flamethrower presents higher damage potential when enough energy accumulates.
Flamethrower is better than Ember. Flamethrower has more than double the damage of Ember. The damage potential makes Flamethrower a clear winner, even with Ember’s PP advantage. For damage, choose Flamethrower over Ember.
Should you swap Ember for Flamethrower? The answer is always “Yes!” Flamethrower provides much more damage. It turns Fire-type Pokémon into a serious offensive threat. Ember is a stepping stone, while Flamethrower is the ultimate goal for many Fire-cost attackers.
Ember vs. Fire Spin: Damage and Energy
We’re revisiting Ember versus Fire Spin. Fire Spin generates more energy compared to Ember. Ember delivers stronger damage overall. Yet, the differences are less striking than Fire Fang vs Fire Spin. Fire Spin tends to be more balanced. It offers a good mix of damage and energy usage.
The Ember and Fire Spin choice depends on personal preference and specific matchups. In some battles, Ember’s higher damage might be crucial. In others, Fire Spin’s better energy generation could be more useful. Overall, Fire Spin is generally favored for its energy economy.
Blaze Kick: A Side Fire Move
Blaze Kick is a Fire-type move alongside Flamethrower and Ember. It is a Charged Move, unlike Ember. Known for a high critical hit chance and good power, it serves a different role in battle. Blaze Kick focuses on delivering powerful hits. Ember focuses on lower-level continuous damage.
Ember in Fortnite: A Pop Culture Reference
Switching gears, Ember is also an Epic Outfit in Fortnite. This outfit was unlockable by reaching Tier 71 of Season 8 Battle Pass. It has no connection to Pokémon. However, it showcases how “ember” relates to fire in popular culture.
Top Fire-Type Moves and Pokémon
Let’s examine the realm of Fire-type moves and Pokémon. Where do Fire Fang and Ember fit in? Who are the ultimate Fire-types?
Strongest Fire-Type Moves
What are the strongest Fire-type moves? It depends on whether you’re in main series games or Pokémon GO.
Main Games: Blast Burn Dominance
In main series games, the strongest Fire move is usually Blast Burn. It delivers high power but requires a turn of rest after use. It’s a risky but rewarding move, perfect for maximum damage situations.
Other notable moves include Fire Blast, Flare Blitz, and Heat Wave. Fire Blast is powerful but has accuracy issues. Flare Blitz deals recoil damage but hits hard. Heat Wave is useful in double battles. The best option varies based on Pokémon stats and battle formats.
Pokémon GO: Overheat and Flamethrower
In Pokémon GO, Overheat and Flamethrower are among the strongest Fire moves. Overheat deals massive damage but lowers the user’s Attack stat. Flamethrower is reliable in Raids and PvP, balancing power with energy cost.
In Pokémon GO fast moves, Fire Fang is great for Raids. Incinerate offers decent damage in PvP, despite its slower speed. The choice hinges on the Pokémon and role.
For more insights on Fire-type moves in raids, see this review on GamePress.
Best Fire Pokémon: Legends and Powerhouses
Who are the top Fire-type Pokémon? Let’s categorize them: Legendary, Non-Legendary, and Starter Pokémon.
Legendary Fire Pokémon: Mythical Strengths
Several Legendary Fire-types stand out. Reshiram, the Dragon/Fire-type, excels with top offensive stats. Heatran, the Fire/Steel-type, has solid defenses. Ho-Oh, the Fire/Flying-type, is resilient with Sacred Fire. Blacephalon, an Ultra Beast, is a fast special attacker. Entei is a strong physical attacker.
Ranking them varies, but Ho-Oh and Entei are often favored. Other great Fire-types include Primal Groudon (Ground/Fire), Kantonian Moltres (Fire/Flying), Victini (Psychic/Fire), and Chi-Yu (Dark/Fire).
Non-Legendary Fire Pokémon: Reliable Choices
Among Non-Legendary Fire-types, Volcarona shines in Pokémon Sword and Shield formats. This Bug/Fire pseudo-legendary boasts great Special Defense, Speed, and Special Attack, making it a versatile threat.
Fire-Type Starters: Popular Heroes
Fire-type Starter Pokémon attract players due to their powerful evolutions. The strongest starter evolution varies by game mechanics and formats. However, Charizard, Blaziken, Infernape, and Incineroar rank high among elite starters due to solid stats and versatile moves.
Wonder Guard: The Glitch?
Let’s explore a quirk of Fire Fang’s interaction with Wonder Guard. Wonder Guard, associated with Shedinja, avoids all non-super-effective moves. This seems strong, but there’s a glitch involving Fire Fang.
Ignoring Wonder Guard: A Bizarre Exception
Why does Fire Fang bypass Wonder Guard? Shedinja should be immune unless weak to Fire. Yet in Generation 4 games (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum), Fire Fang bypasses Wonder Guard, hitting Shedinja for neutral damage.
The cause? It’s a coding typo. Fire Fang mistakenly got coded instead of Shadow Force, another bypass move. The intended logic applied to Shadow Force went awry, unfairly allowing Fire Fang to go through Wonder Guard in Gen 4.
You can find YouTube videos like this one by Freezai, showing how Fire Fang ignores Wonder Guard.
Shedinja’s Unique Defense
Shedinja embodies Wonder Guard as a Bug/Ghost-type Pokémon. Its ability provides immense immunity to most moves. However, it only falls to super effective hits from Flying, Rock, Ghost, Fire, and Dark moves. This makes Shedinja resist most attacks but fragile with only 1 HP.
Pokémon and Fire Movesets: Uniting Concepts
Let’s conclude by reviewing specific Pokémon with ideal Fire movesets, featuring Fire Fang and Ember where relevant.
Arcanine: A Classic Move Pair
For Arcanine, Fire Fang and Wild Charge form the best moveset. Fire Fang delivers steady Fire-type damage. Wild Charge provides key Electric-type coverage. This pairing maximizes Arcanine’s offense against many foes.
Charizard: Spin and Blast Moves
Burn – Blazing Power
Charizard is a iconic Fire-type. It uses the moves Fire Spin and Blast Burn. Fire Spin creates energy fast, although it has less damage than Fire Fang. This lets Charizard use Blast Burn often. Blast Burn deals massive Fire-type damage. It makes Charizard a strong attacker.
Rapidash: Fire Spin and Wild Charge – Speedy Offense
Rapidash is known for speed. It uses Fire Spin and Wild Charge effectively. Fire Spin generates energy. Wild Charge provides Electric-type coverage. Rapidash can use its high Speed to attack quickly. This allows it to deal consistent damage to foes.
Typhlosion: Versatile Firepower
Typhlosion is a Fire-type starter from Johto. It attacks well with Eruption, Flamethrower, Shadow Ball, and Focus Blast. Eruption is a strong Fire STAB move. Flamethrower gives reliable damage. Shadow Ball adds Ghost coverage. Focus Blast offers Fighting strength.
Fire Type in General: Strengths and Weaknesses
Now, let’s look at the Fire type as a whole – its strengths and weaknesses.
Offensive Variety: A Fiery Arsenal
Does the Fire type have good offensive variety? Compared to Grass and Water, Fire has more options. It includes physical, special, and status moves. These allow for diverse strategies. Fire moves do more than damage; they can burn or cause flinching, adding depth.
Strengths: Burning Through the Competition
Fire attacks are strong against Bug, Steel, Grass, and Ice-type Pokémon. Fire-types excel against common foes like Steel and Grass. They also handle less common types like Bug and Ice well. Mega Blaziken benefits from these strengths, making it effective in battles.
Weaknesses: Doused by Opposition
However, Fire-types have weaknesses. They struggle against Ground, Rock, and Water-type Pokémon. These types are common threats to Fire-types. Ground moves are particularly dangerous due to their power and reach. Rock and Water-types also challenge Fire-types in battles.
