Blaziken

Last updated: 2026-06-03

Blaziken Overview

Blaziken is a Fire/Fighting-type Pokemon introduced in Generation 3 in the Hoenn region. It evolves from Combusken starting at level 36, which evolves from Torchic starting at level 16. Blaziken is the final evolution of the Hoenn Fire-type starter and was one of the first starter Pokemon to receive a Mega Evolution in Generation 6.

Blaziken is a tall, bipedal bird-like Pokemon with white feathers, a red crest, and powerful legs capable of delivering devastating kicks. Its forelimbs are small, reflecting its reliance on kicking techniques. Blaziken's hidden ability Speed Boost is what makes it a top-tier competitive threat, increasing its Speed by one stage at the end of every turn.

Battle Strategy

Blaziken's Speed Boost ability is its defining feature. With Protect, Blaziken guarantees a Speed boost on the first turn, making it one of the fastest Pokemon in the game by turn two. This allows Blaziken to run minimal Speed investment and put EVs into bulk, while still outspeeding almost everything after one or two boosts.

The standard Blaziken set uses Swords Dance to boost its 120 base Attack to terrifying levels. After a Swords Dance and a Speed Boost, Blaziken becomes nearly unstoppable. Flare Blitz provides Fire STAB, Close Combat or Superpower provides Fighting STAB, and Knock Off or Stone Edge covers Ghost and Flying-types respectively. Life Orb maximizes damage output.

Mega Blaziken gains 160 base Attack, 100 base Defense, and 80 base Special Defense, while keeping Speed Boost. This makes Mega Blaziken even bulkier and more powerful. A standard Mega set runs Swords Dance, Flare Blitz, Superpower, and Stone Edge or Protect. Blaziken's Speed Boost means it can afford to use Swords Dance on the first turn rather than Protect, since it will outspeed everything next turn regardless.

Blaziken can also run a special or mixed set using Blaze as its ability, though these are less common. Overheat, Focus Blast, and Hidden Power Ice or Grass Knot provide coverage. The mixed set uses Superpower alongside Fire Blast to break through special walls like Blissey.

Evolution Chain

Competitive Usage

Blaziken was banned to Ubers in Generation 5 due to Speed Boost + Swords Dance being too powerful for the OU tier. It was eventually unbanned in Generation 6 but remains a top-tier threat in OU. In Smogon, Blaziken is currently OU, where Speed Boost + Swords Dance sets dominate. Common checks include bulky Water-types like Slowbro and Toxapex (resisting both STABs), Intimidate users like Landorus-T and Salamence that reduce its Attack, and faster Choice Scarf users that can OHKO before Blaziken gets too many Speed boosts.

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