Gone are the days of traipsing through forests, mountains, and dangerous routes – as with Fly you can instantly warp to any previously visited Pokémon Center. Most flying type Pokémon can learn Fly, although there are a couple that don’t make sense at all… But the great thing about Fly is that not only is it a super useful ability for getting around, it’s actually a fantastic move to use in battle too. So if you’re playing FireRed or LeafGreen and want some suggestions, here’s our top picks.
5. Pidgeot
If Pidgey wasn’t one of the first Pokémon you encountered/caught when you started your journey in FRLG, then either you’re either really unlucky, or a complete masochist. It’s actually a great early catch for any team. Once evolved to Pidgeot, your stats look fantastic, but your movepool sadly is quite lacking. By teaching it Fly you not only have the option to traverse Kanto at will, but you’ll also receive an amazing Flying type attack that’s perfect for Pidgeot to get that sweet, sweet STAB damage.
4. Aerodactyl
I’ll always stand by the notion that the fossil Pokémon in each game are some of the coolest designs in the series – and Aerodactyl is no different. But in FRLG, this fearsome prehistoric beast doesn’t have the greatest moveset to take full advantage of his typing . Basically Wing Attack and Ancient Power are as good as it gets. So by teaching Aerodactyl Fly, you can add some much needed firepower to its arsenal – and make use of its very decent 105 base Attack stat.
3. Zapdos
With its high Speed and Special Attack stats, Zapdos makes a great sweeper for your team. Once you teach it Thunderbolt you’re pretty much set. Although the only flying STAB move of note that it can learn by itself is Drill Peck – and you don’t really want that 90 base Attack stat to go to waste. This is why Zapdos could be a great choice for your team flyer. You’ll be giving it some much needed type coverage, and honestly there aren’t many Pokémon that can outspeed Zapdos – meaning you’ll be getting it off the first turn without fail.
2. Charizard
Gen 3 is when Charizard started to realize its own potential, adding some much needed STAB moves to its move pool. You can give Charizard some incredible type coverage in FRLG with moves like Earthquake, Flamethrower, Focus Punch, and Dragon Claw. Adding Fly to this is probably the missing piece of the puzzle – and will result in very few monsters being able to resist any of Charizard’s attacks. Also, you’re probably going to be keeping Charizard in your party from the start of the game right up to the Elite Four. So this makes it a perfect Fly user for your all of your travelling needs.
1. Dragonite
Dragonite is arguably the best dragon Pokémon in the entire franchise. And it receives a fantastic upgrade in Gen 3, thanks mostly to the expanded move pool. Dragonite can learn a hell of a lot of moves here – and can cover pretty much all manner of type coverage. Fly is the only Flying-type move of note that Dragonite can learn, and honestly it should be the only Flying type move you teach it. A beefed-up Dragonite with a selection of the game’s strongest moves (topped off by Fly makes) it a fearsome and useful Pokémon to have in your party. And let’s be real: if you have a Dragonite in your party, it’s there to stay.
