Pokémon types are a cornerstone of the franchise, influencing a Pokémon’s move set and determining battle advantages and disadvantages. Many Pokémon boast dual types, especially evolved forms. Pure Flying-types are uncommon, as most have a secondary type for balance. The move Fly is a powerful two-turn attack where the Pokémon first ascends out of sight, avoiding damage, and then dives down on the second turn to strike. Ironically, several Flying-type Pokémon can’t learn this signature move. This article explores the curious case of Gliscor and other Flying-types unable to learn Fly.
Flying-Types That Can’t Learn Fly: A Surprising List
While Fly is a staple for many Flying-type Pokémon, a surprising number cannot learn it, either naturally or through TMs. This often stems from their unique typing, evolutionary stage, or even in-game lore. Here are some notable examples:
Bug and Flying-Type Pokémon
Many Bug and Flying-type Pokémon, like Butterfree and Scyther, are unable to learn Fly. This is a common trend within this dual typing.
Evolutionary Stages and Fly
Some Pokémon, like Natu and the Rowlet evolutionary line (Rowlet and Dartrix), cannot learn Fly in their early stages. However, their evolved forms often gain this ability. Natu’s evolution, Xatu, learns Fly, highlighting how evolution impacts move sets.
Grass and Flying-Type Pokémon
The entire Hoppip evolutionary line (Hoppip, Skiploom, and Jumpluff) remains Grass and Flying-type throughout but cannot learn Fly. Their move pool leans heavily on Grass and Normal-type moves.
Gligar and Gliscor: The Ground and Flying-Type Anomaly
Gligar and its evolution, Gliscor, are Ground and Flying-types, a unique combination granting immunity to Ground-type moves. Despite their Flying typing, neither can learn Fly. Their Flying-type move options are extremely limited. This might be attributed to their Ground-type influence or their specific physical characteristics.
Other Notable Exceptions
Other Flying-types unable to learn Fly include:
- Archen: This Rock and Flying-type prehistoric bird’s underdeveloped wings might explain its inability. Its evolved form, Archeops, however, can learn Fly.
- Mantyke and Mantine: These Water and Flying-type Pokémon, resembling Manta Rays, surprisingly lack the Fly move despite knowing several other Flying-type attacks.
- Drifloon: This Ghost and Flying-type Pokémon learns Fly upon evolving into Drifblim.
- Emolga: This Electric and Flying-type Pokémon glides rather than flies, explaining its inability to learn the move.
The Mystery of Fly: Why Can’t Some Flying-Types Learn It?
The reasons why certain Flying-type Pokémon cannot learn Fly are multifaceted. Game balance, lore considerations reflecting a Pokémon’s physical capabilities or evolutionary stage, and even design choices all contribute to this intriguing phenomenon. While seemingly paradoxical, it adds depth and complexity to the Pokémon world. Understanding these nuances can significantly impact battle strategies and team composition.
