Looking to dominate Lumiose City’s Z-A Royale with a blazing fast Fire/Flying-type? Talonflame is your answer! This Gen VI favorite returns stronger than ever in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and with the right moveset and nature, it becomes an unstoppable force in both story battles and competitive play.
Pokémon Legends: Talonflame Quick Stats Overview
| Stat | Base Value | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| HP | 78 | Moderate |
| Attack | 81 | Good |
| Defense | 71 | Average |
| Sp. Attack | 74 | Average |
| Sp. Defense | 69 | Below Average |
| Speed | 126 | Excellent ⚡ |
With a blazing Speed stat of 126, Talonflame outspeeds most opponents in Legends Z-A, making it perfect for the game’s real-time combat system where positioning and timing matter more than ever.
Optimal Moveset for Talonflame
The Perfect Four-Move Combination
| Move | Type | Power | How to Obtain | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swords Dance | Normal | — | TM030 (Mabel’s Research) | Attack boost |
| Flare Blitz | Fire | 120 | Level-up (Natural) | Primary STAB |
| Brave Bird | Flying | 120 | Level-up (Natural) | Secondary STAB |
| U-Turn | Bug | 70 | TM082 (Mabel’s Research) | Pivot move |
Move-by-Move Breakdown
Swords Dance – Your setup sweeper tool. Like most physical attackers in Legends Z-A, this move significantly buffs Talonflame’s Attack stat, turning it into a devastating force. Use it during openings in the real-time battle system, especially when opponents are recovering from their own moves.
Flare Blitz – Your main Fire-type STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move. Dealing 120 base damage with STAB multipliers, this move obliterates Steel, Grass, Ice, and Bug-types. The recoil damage is worth the incredible damage output, especially after a Swords Dance boost.
Brave Bird – Your Flying-type powerhouse. Another 120-damage move that handles Fighting, Grass, and Bug-types exceptionally well. Both Flare Blitz and Brave Bird can be learned naturally through level-up, making Talonflame easy to train without hunting for TMs.
U-Turn – The strategic pivot move. Deal damage and immediately switch out to another Pokémon, maintaining momentum in battle. This is crucial in Legends Z-A’s real-time system where repositioning can mean the difference between victory and defeat. TM082 can be obtained from Mabel’s Research rewards.
Best Nature: Adamant
Since Talonflame functions primarily as a physical attacker, Adamant Nature (+Attack, -Special Attack) is the undisputed best choice. This maximizes your damage output while dumping the useless Special Attack stat.
How to Get Adamant Mint
You can change any Pokémon’s nature using mints in Legends Z-A. The Adamant Mint is sold by a vendor at Rogue Sector 1 in Lumiose City. Stock up early to optimize your entire team!
Evolution Path: Fletchling to Talonflame
Building your perfect Talonflame is straightforward:
- Fletchling → Evolves into Fletchinder at Level 17
- Fletchinder → Evolves into Talonflame at Level 35
Both evolutions happen naturally through leveling, making Talonflame one of the most accessible powerhouses in the game. Catch a Fletchling early in your adventure and watch it grow into a competitive monster.
Why Talonflame Excels in Legends Z-A
The new real-time battle system in Pokémon Legends: Z-A favors fast Pokémon that can strike quickly and reposition effectively. Talonflame’s exceptional Speed stat means:
- First strikes in most encounters
- Easier dodging of opponent attacks
- Better positioning for area-of-effect moves
- Quick Mega Energy generation for Mega Evolution opportunities
Combined with its dual typing providing excellent coverage against common threats in Lumiose City’s wild zones, Talonflame becomes invaluable throughout your journey from Rank Z to Rank A.
Alternative Moves to Consider
Depending on your team composition and playstyle, consider these alternatives:
- Acrobatics – If you avoid holding items, this doubles in power
- Steel Wing – Provides coverage against Rock and Ice-types
- Roost – Healing move for prolonged battles against Rogue Mega Evolutions
For more advanced strategies and team-building guides, check out our Pokémon Legends Z-A competitive guide and discover how to optimize your entire roster for Z-A Royale domination.
Talonflame in Competitive Play
With the introduction of ranked battles in Legends Z-A, Talonflame shines as a versatile team member. Its U-Turn allows for safe scouting, while its dual STAB moves provide excellent neutral coverage. Consider pairing it with Pokémon that appreciate Fire/Flying-type support and can handle Rock and Electric-type threats.
Explore more competitive Pokémon strategies in our battle tactics section to build the ultimate team for online play!
Need more Pokémon Legends Z-A tips? Visit TechnoSports for comprehensive guides, Pokédex information, and the latest strategies for conquering Lumiose City!
FAQs
Q: Can Talonflame Mega Evolve in Pokémon Legends Z-A?
A: No, Talonflame does not have a Mega Evolution form in Pokémon Legends Z-A. However, its natural speed and powerful moveset make it competitive without needing Mega Evolution, and it excels at supporting teammates who can Mega Evolve by building Mega Energy quickly.
Q: What’s the best ability for Talonflame in Legends Z-A?
A: Talonflame’s signature ability is Gale Wings, which gives priority to Flying-type moves when at full HP. This synergizes perfectly with Brave Bird in the real-time battle system, allowing you to strike first even against other fast opponents. However, ability mechanics may differ slightly from traditional Pokémon games in Legends Z-A’s action-oriented system.
