Torkoal isn’t a traditionally popular Pokemon, but it’s proven to be one of the scariest offensive options around in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. That means that players are going to want to get one, even if they’re not a fan of the fiery tortoise.
Fire Pokemon are stronger than they ever have been in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. What was previously a middling offensive type has become a centerpiece for many teams thanks to the popularity of steel as a Tera type. Torkoal is definitively the hardest-hitting fire-type Pokemon in the game at this point, making him a powerful tool on many teams.
But of course, in order to take full advantage of its power, players are going to need to capture one. Here’s where to find Torkoal and what it can do for players.
Where to Catch Torkoal in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
Players can find and catch Torkoal in East Province Area Three. The Pokemon has a chance of appearing in most of the area, but is mainly found in the area surrounding Zapapico and the arid area north of Levinicia. Here is the Pokemon’s habitat page in the Paldean Pokedex:
Alongside this, players have a chance to encounter Torkoals in four-star and six-star Tera Raid battles. Notably, the Pokemon does not appear in five-star Tera Raid battles. Players don’t have a great way of increasing their chances of finding a Torkoal in these raids, so the most expedient option for capturing one is finding it in the wild. Players can then either breed or use Hyper Training to make it as strong as possible.
Is Torkoal a Strong Pokemon?
Torkoal is one of the strongest Pokemon available in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet under the right circumstances. It has mediocre stats across the board, but its defense stat, ability, and low speed stat all serve it well in battle.
Torkoal’s strength lies in its access to the move Eruption, an attack that has 150 base power and hits all opposing Pokemon. That would be strong on its own, but Torkoal’s Drought ability immediately sets up harsh sunlight to empower fire attacks, which can then be amplified further with the Charcoal held item and fire-type Terastallization. All of this combined lets Torkoal one-shot opponents that take neutral damage from fire attacks.
Torkoal also has an incredibly low speed base stat, but this actually helps it in battle. The move Trick Room reverses the turn order, which allows a low-speed Torkoal to attack first each turn.
All this makes Torkoal one of the most threatening Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet ranked battles. It’s also potentially useful in Tera Raid battles and in the story, as well.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are available now on Nintendo Switch.