Blaziken

For the dicynodont, see Blaziken.

Blaziken
Pokémon character
File:Pokémon Blaziken art.png
First game	Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire (2002)
In-universe information
Species	Pokémon
Type	Fire and Fighting

Blaziken is a dual-type Fire/Fighting Pokémon introduced in Generation III. It evolves from Combusken starting at level 36 and is the final form of Torchic, one of the three starter Pokémon in the Hoenn region. Known for its impressive offensive capabilities, Blaziken combines both fire and fighting moves, solidifying its place as a popular and formidable choice in competitive and casual play.

Appearance

Blaziken is a large, bipedal Pokémon resembling a humanoid chicken or rooster, standing at about 6’3” (1.9 meters) tall. It has a muscular, agile body, predominantly red and yellow, with flame-like tufts around its wrists and ankles that can emit actual flames. This ability to produce fire from its body helps it to intimidate or attack foes, and the flames grow hotter as it becomes more intense in battle. Blaziken is known for its extraordinary agility and strength. Its powerful leg muscles allow it to leap over 30-story buildings, a testament to its unique physiology designed for both speed and high-impact strikes . It also sheds its feathers periodically, with new ones growing in their place every few years.

Behavior

Highly competitive and passionate about battling, Blaziken becomes stronger the longer a battle persists. This fiery spirit is embodied in its Blaze ability, which boosts its Fire-type moves when its health is low, giving it a fighting edge. When it’s cornered, it grows more intense, with flames emanating from its body to show its determination. Blaziken is fiercely loyal and protective of its Trainer, making it a reliable companion in both battles and competitions.

Blaziken became a force in competitive battling with the introduction of its Hidden Ability Speed Boost in Generation V, which increases its Speed stat at the end of each turn. This ability quickly solidified Blaziken as a top-tier offensive Pokémon, and it was subsequently banned to the Ubers tier in Smogon’s competitive rankings from Generations V to VII. Although it fell to the UUBL tier in Generation VIII, the limited roster in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl led to its reclassification to Ubers.

Its powerful movepool, including Blaze Kick, High Jump Kick, and Flare Blitz, combined with Speed Boost, made it one of the most effective offensive sweepers, often overwhelming teams that were unprepared to counter its rapid setup.

Blaziken gained a Mega Evolution in Generation VI. When holding a Blazikenite Mega Stone, it can Mega Evolve, increasing its Attack and Speed stats and amplifying its already formidable battle prowess. This transformation enhances Blaziken’s flames and aggressiveness, resulting in a fiery, intense appearance suited to its powerful martial-arts-based attacks .

In the Anime

Blaziken has had notable appearances in the Pokémon anime series, debuting in a pivotal battle between Ash Ketchum and Harrison during the Johto League arc. This battle against Ash’s Charizard highlighted Blaziken’s agility and skill. May‘s Torchic, one of Ash’s companions, also evolved into Blaziken, making it a staple of her team and adding to Blaziken’s legacy as a beloved and fierce competitor.

Reception

Blaziken has consistently received positive reception, ranking among fan-favorite Pokémon across various polls and rankings. In a reader poll by IGN, it was ranked the 50th best Pokémon of all time, and Game Informer placed it at 36th. It also performed well in numerous Official Nintendo Magazine polls, securing the title of third-best Fire-type Pokémon, with praise for its unique “kung fu chicken” design .

In anniversary polls celebrating the Ruby and Sapphire games, Blaziken was frequently ranked in the top three Pokémon from the Hoenn region. Some critics, like GamesRadar, praised its design, calling it a well-executed example of a humanoid Pokémon, while others noted it as a standout choice for potential inclusion in the Super Smash Bros. series.

However, not all reviews were favorable. Kotaku‘s Eric Jou felt that Blaziken’s design was somewhat weaker compared to other Pokémon from the same generation, and Game Informer’s Jeff Marchiafava felt it had a “1970s vibe.” Despite these critiques, its Mega Evolution was acknowledged as an improvement. The Escapist’s John Funk argued that Blaziken was an example of an “awesome” Pokémon that brought value to those open to playing beyond the original games.

Cultural Impact

Blaziken’s popularity as one of the first Fire/Fighting-type starters has set a lasting influence on subsequent starter Pokémon designs. Its unique moveset and powerful stats make it a highly recognizable Pokémon that remains a favorite among fans and competitive players alike, celebrated as one of the most enduring and influential Pokémon across the franchise’s history.