InPokémon Omega Ruby, mastering your team’s move sets is a key part of building an effective strategy. One of the most iconic and reliable moves you can teach your Pokémon is Flamethrower, a powerful Fire-type attack that offers both strong damage and great accuracy. Finding and using the Flamethrower TM (Technical Machine) can make a major difference in battles, especially against Grass, Bug, Ice, and Steel types. Whether you’re preparing for a Gym challenge, the Elite Four, or competitive play, having access to this move gives your Fire-type or mixed attackers a serious advantage. But to make the most of it, you need to know where to find it and who should learn it.
What Is Flamethrower?
Flamethrower is a staple move in the Pokémon series and a must-have for many Fire-type users. It’s a special attack with the following attributes:
- Type: Fire
- Category: Special
- Power: 90
- Accuracy: 100%
- PP: 15 (max 24 with PP Ups)
- Effect: Has a 10% chance to burn the target
With its high base power, perfect accuracy, and useful secondary effect, Flamethrower stands as one of the most efficient Fire-type moves in the game. It’s stronger and more reliable than Flame Burst or Ember, and it lacks the drawbacks of moves like Fire Blast, which has higher power but lower accuracy.
Where to Find the Flamethrower TM in Omega Ruby
InPokémon Omega Ruby, Flamethrower is available as TM35. Unlike some TMs given as rewards or purchased in Poké Marts, this one requires a bit of exploration.
Location: Fiery Path
To obtain TM35 Flamethrower, you’ll need to visit the Fiery Path, which is located between Route 111 and Route 112. However, the TM is not accessible on your first trip through the area. You’ll need HM04 Strength and a Pokémon that can use it outside of battle.
Steps to Get TM35:
- Progress through the story until you obtain the HM04 Strength.
- Defeat the Lavaridge Gym to be able to use Strength outside of battle.
- Return to the Fiery Path from Route 112’s southern entrance.
- Inside the cave, find the boulders blocking the upper-left path.
- Use Strength to move the boulders and access the side chamber.
- You’ll find a Poké Ball item on the ground this is TM35 Flamethrower.
It’s worth noting that once you have Strength and access to the Fiery Path’s blocked passage, the TM is very easy to reach. Be sure to bring Repels or a strong team if you want to avoid wild Pokémon encounters inside the cave.
Who Can Learn Flamethrower?
Flamethrower is a widely compatible TM, meaning many Pokémon not just Fire-types can learn it. This makes it a valuable coverage move for non-Fire Pokémon needing help against Grass, Bug, or Ice types.
Examples of Pokémon That Can Learn Flamethrower via TM35:
- Charizard
- Arcanine
- Houndoom
- Blaziken
- Salamence
- Gardevoir (for coverage)
- Manectric (for versatility)
- Magmortar
- Ninetales
Teaching Flamethrower to Pokémon like Gardevoir or Manectric gives them coverage they might not otherwise have. In doubles, it’s also a great option to pressure opponents with wide area damage and the potential to burn.
Best Uses for Flamethrower
While Flamethrower is generally effective in almost any context, some situations especially highlight its power:
Gym Battles and Elite Four
- Grass Gym (Roxanne): Ideal early on if you evolve a Torchic into Combusken.
- Ice-type Elite Four (Glacia): Extremely effective when using Fire-types like Blaziken or Houndoom.
- Steel-type threats: Common in mid-to-late game battles Flamethrower melts through them easily.
Competitive Play and Post-Game
- Coverage move: Adding Flamethrower to a non-Fire-type’s arsenal can surprise and eliminate threats that would otherwise wall your team.
- Status support: The 10% burn chance is handy against physical attackers. A burn reduces the opponent’s Attack stat, giving you an edge in prolonged fights.
Because of its reliability, Flamethrower is often chosen over Flash Cannon, Shadow Ball, or Psychic in mixed teams when Fire-type coverage is needed.
Other Ways to Get Flamethrower
Besides TM35, Flamethrower can also be learned by certain Pokémon naturally through leveling up or via breeding, though this depends on the species.
Pokémon That Learn Flamethrower by Leveling:
- Magmar
- Houndour
- Slugma
- Charmander (via Charizard evolution path)
If you’re raising these Pokémon, it might be better to save your TM and wait until they naturally learn Flamethrower through experience. Otherwise, using the TM gives you instant access without the grind.
Alternatives to Flamethrower
While Flamethrower is great, some trainers may opt for other Fire-type moves depending on their strategy. Here are some alternatives:
- Fire Blast: Power 110, but only 85% accuracy. High damage but less reliable.
- Heat Wave: Useful in double battles, hits both opponents, slightly less accurate.
- Overheat: Massive power (130) but sharply lowers user’s Special Attack after use.
Each move has its place, but Flamethrower remains the most balanced option for sustained damage and versatility.
Tips for Using Flamethrower Effectively
To make the most of TM35, consider the following tips:
- Pair with high Special Attackers: Flamethrower benefits from a solid Special Attack stat. Pokémon like Gardevoir, Typhlosion, or Chandelure will maximize its output.
- Avoid against Water or Dragon types: Flamethrower is resisted by these types and will be far less effective. Know your matchups.
- Use in sunlight: If you’re running a Sunny Day team, Flamethrower’s power is boosted, making it even more dangerous.
Flamethrower is one of the most reliable and effective Fire-type moves available inPokémon Omega Ruby. TM35 opens up strategic opportunities for both Fire-types and other Pokémon looking for better type coverage. With its perfect accuracy, good power, and the chance to burn, Flamethrower fits seamlessly into many battle strategies. Knowing where to find the TM and how to use it wisely can give your team the edge it needs in both story progression and competitive play. Make sure to pick it up in Fiery Path, and consider carefully who deserves this blazing boost on your team.