fennekin #653
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
fennekin
Generation VI · #0653 — Fox Pokémon
Fennekin is a Fire-type Pokémon introduced in Generation VI as one of the three first partner Pokémon available to trainers beginning their journey in the Kalos region alongside Chespin and Froakie. Known as the Fox Pokémon, Fennekin bears the National Pokédex number 653 and was among the first Generation VI species revealed to the public during the Pokémon Direct broadcast on January 8, 2013. Despite its diminutive size of just 0.4 meters in height and modest weight of 9.4 kilograms, this charming Fire-type possesses a spirited temperament and a genuine desire to perform well for its trainer. Fennekin's base stat total of 307 reveals it to be a glass cannon of sorts in its unevolved form, with its Special Attack stat of 62 standing significantly higher than its physical counterparts, foreshadowing the special-oriented movepool it will develop throughout its evolutionary line.
Base Stats
Height
0.4m
Weight
9.4kg
Category
Fox Pokémon
Gender
Male 87.5% / Female 12.5%
Color
red
Shape
quadruped
Abilities
Strengthens fire moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less.
Steals the target's held item when the bearer uses a damaging move.
Fennekin Biology & Physical Characteristics
Fennekin presents a distinctly fox-like appearance, with a quadrupedal body structure covered predominantly in pale yellow fur that extends longer along its haunches and rear quarters. Its most distinctive features are its large, dark orange ears lined with tufts of matching fur on their interiors, which serve the critical function of venting extremely hot air from the Pokémon's body. These ears reach temperatures exceeding 390 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius), making them formidable thermal outlets that the creature employs both as a survival mechanism and an intimidation tactic against potential opponents. Fennekin possesses a white muzzle adorned with longer cheek fur, striking dark orange eyes, and a pointed black nose, with two prominent pointed teeth visible when its mouth opens. Its small paws show no visible toes and are attached to relatively slim legs, while its fluffy tail culminates in a dark orange tip that contrasts with its lighter base coloration. The thermal properties of Fennekin's ears represent a direct manifestation of its Fire-type nature, making temperature regulation a core biological function.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Fennekin Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Fennekin exhibits a strongly male-skewed gender ratio of approximately 87.5 percent male to 12.5 percent female, a distribution relatively uncommon among starter Pokémon that creates breeding implications for trainers seeking to propagate the species. The species belongs to the Field Egg Group, placing it alongside a diverse range of terrestrial and mammalian Pokémon, and requires a hatch counter of 20 cycles to produce an egg, which typically translates to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps of travel to complete the incubation process. Fennekin possesses a base friendship value of 70 in Generation VI and VII iterations, indicating that the species begins with a moderate predisposition toward affection for its trainer, though this was adjusted in later generations to a base of 50 in Pokémon Sword and Shield and beyond, reflecting broader balance changes to starter Pokémon mechanics. The species' moderate-slow growth rate means that reaching maximum level 100 through experience grinding requires substantially more battle participation than fast-growing species, though this slower progression often correlates with stronger final evolutionary forms that justify the extended training period. Female Fennekin are considerably rarer than males, making breeding pairs more challenging to assemble without utilizing Ditto, though breeders focused on competitive teams may prefer to breed multiple individuals to obtain optimal individual values.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
ultra sun ultra moon
tm01
sun moon
tm03
x y
tm03
black 2 white 2
tm03
black white
tm03
sun moon
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
ultra sun ultra moon
tm03
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm04
emerald
tm04
firered leafgreen
tm04
ruby sapphire
tm04
diamond pearl
tm04
xd
tm04
heartgold soulsilver
tm04
black white
tm04
colosseum
tm04
platinum
tm04
sun moon
tm04
ultra sun ultra moon
+638 more TMs/HMs
fennekin's Evolution Chain
Fennekin Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Fennekin undergoes a two-stage evolution line that transforms it from a modest Fire-type into a powerful Fire/Psychic dual-type powerhouse. At level 16, Fennekin evolves into Braixen, a more fox-like form that grows taller and develops more pronounced fire-based features, maintaining its foundational Fire typing while beginning to hint at the Psychic abilities that will fully manifest in its final form. The evolution reaches its ultimate expression at level 36 when Braixen becomes Delphox, a humanoid Fire/Psychic-type that bears a striking resemblance to a mystical sage or sorceress, complete with flowing robes of flame and psychic mastery reflected in its elegant design. This evolutionary progression marks a dramatic shift in both the Pokémon's physical appearance and its statistical distribution, with Delphox gaining substantial boosts to its Special Attack and Special Defense stats while maintaining impressive Speed, making it a potent special attacker in competitive play. The transformation from the small, twig-chewing fox into a majestic psychic fire mage represents one of Generation VI's most visually striking evolution lines, perfectly encapsulating the theme of growth and magical development central to the Kalos region's design philosophy.
Where to Find
aquacorde town
kalos
Fennekin Behaviour and Natural Habitat
As documented in multiple Pokédex entries, Fennekin exhibits a distinctive behavioral pattern of constantly chewing on twigs and small branches, which it consumes not merely for sustenance but as an energy source that revitalizes and empowers the creature. This characteristic behavior demonstrates an almost meditative quality to the species, as it walks while munching, using the twig-chewing as both a comfort mechanism and a practical means of maintaining vigor throughout its day. Despite possessing a temperamental disposition that could be considered challenging, Fennekin demonstrates genuine affection and dedication toward its trainer, consistently striving to perform admirably in battles and training scenarios. The species has been observed in various habitats throughout the Kalos region, and recent sightings have placed Fennekin within the Terarium of Blueberry Academy, suggesting an adaptability to both wild and cultivated environments. According to Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Fennekin demonstrates a particular affinity for Revitalizing Twigs, specialized branches with rejuvenating properties that can restore vitality even to sickly individuals of the species, indicating a sophisticated relationship with its natural forage.
Pokedex Entries
Generation VI
Eating a twig fills it with energy, and its roomy ears give vent to air hotter than 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
As it walks, it munches on a twig in place of a snack. It intimidates opponents by puffing hot air out of its ears.
Eating a twig fills it with energy, and its roomy ears give vent to air hotter than 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
As it walks, it munches on a twig in place of a snack. It intimidates opponents by puffing hot air out of its ears.
Fennekin Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Fennekin derives from a straightforward portmanteau combining 'fennec' and 'kin,' directly referencing the fennec fox, a real-world species renowned for its disproportionately large ears and desert adaptability. The fennec fox's characteristic ear structure serves as inspiration for Fennekin's prominent heat-venting ears, which fulfill a similar thermoregulatory function in the Pokémon context while visually echoing the real animal's most distinctive feature. The Japanese name Fokko employs a phonetic approximation of 'fox' combined with the sound 'ko,' creating a diminutive that emphasizes the creature's small stature and youthful nature as a starter Pokémon. The design philosophy behind Fennekin emphasizes youth, potential, and the gentle fire of a beginner's spirit—a deliberate choice for a first partner Pokémon that will grow and evolve alongside a new trainer's journey. The twig-chewing behavior incorporated into the species' design serves both as a charming character trait and as a mechanically interesting element that grounds the creature's fire powers in a natural source, suggesting that Fennekin's abilities stem from metabolic energy derived from its foraged diet rather than existing in isolation.
Learnable Moves
Fennekin can learn 74 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| agility | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| burning jealousy | fire | Special | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| calm mind | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| charm | fairy | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| copycat | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| covet | normal | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| dream eater | psychic | Special | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| echoed voice | normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| embargo | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| ember | fire | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| encore | normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fire blast | fire | Special | 110 | 85 | 5 |
| fire pledge | fire | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| fire spin | fire | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| flame charge | fire | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| flamethrower | fire | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| flare blitz | fire | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| foul play | dark | Physical | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| grass knot | grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| heat wave | fire | Special | 95 | 90 | 10 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| howl | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| hypnosis | psychic | Status | — | 60 | 20 |
| imprison | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| incinerate | fire | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| light screen | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| lucky chant | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| magic coat | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| magic room | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud shot | ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| overheat | fire | Special | 130 | 90 | 5 |
| power up punch | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psybeam | psychic | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic | psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| psychic terrain | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psyshock | psychic | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| safeguard | normal | Status | — | — | 25 |
| scratch | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| skill swap | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| solar beam | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| stored power | psychic | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| tail whip | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| trick | psychic | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| trick room | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| will o wisp | fire | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| wish | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| work up | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
Fennekin Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive battling, Fennekin itself sees limited use as a starter form due to its relatively modest base stat total of 307 and weak offensive presence compared to fully evolved Pokémon, though it provides excellent value for trainers during early-game campaign content where encounters against other unevolved or weakly-evolved Pokémon predominate. Fennekin's higher Special Attack stat of 62 compared to its physical Attack of 45 clearly indicates its intended role as a special attacker, a specialization that becomes dramatically more viable through its evolution line. The species' two available abilities provide distinct strategic advantages: Blaze, its standard ability, activates when health drops to one-third or below maximum, increasing Fire-type move power by 50 percent and enabling clutch comebacks in close battles, while its hidden ability Magician steals the opponent's held item upon using damaging moves, providing utility and momentum shifts beyond raw damage output. Fennekin learns foundational Fire-type moves including Ember at level 5 and Fire Spin at level 20, establishing its offensive toolset early, though competitive trainers universally pursue evolution to Delphox, which gains access to superior movepool options including Flamethrower, Fire Blast, and critical Psychic-type coverage moves that leverage its dual typing. The species' moderate Speed stat of 60 is respectable for early-game play but becomes a liability in competitive formats where speed control often determines battle outcomes, making Fennekin's greatest competitive value as a stepping stone toward its formidable final evolution.
Commonly Asked Questions About Fennekin
What type is Fennekin?
Fennekin is a fire type Pokemon.
What does Fennekin evolve into?
Fennekin evolves into braixen, then into delphox.
What are Fennekin's weaknesses?
Fennekin is weak to ground, rock and water type moves.
Where can I find Fennekin?
Fennekin can be found in aquacorde town (kalos).
Fennekin Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Fennekin achieved significant cultural prominence as one of the trio of first partner Pokémon for Pokémon X and Y, the franchise's landmark transition to full 3D gameplay on the Nintendo 3DS, introducing millions of players to the Kalos region and modern Pokémon mechanics through this charming Fire-type. The character Serena from the Pokémon anime series famously selected Fennekin as her starter Pokémon, with her Fennekin eventually evolving into a powerful Delphox that became central to her character arc and competitive aspirations within the show, significantly boosting the species' visibility and fan affection. Fennekin's appearance in various Pokémon media including the Pokémon Evolutions animated series and trading card game expansions established it as an iconic representative of Generation VI alongside other starters, contributing to the enduring popularity of the Kalos generation more than a decade after its initial release. The species' design has proven sufficiently iconic that it received trophy representation in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, and achieved playable representation in Pokkén Tournament, demonstrating its status as a flagship creature within Nintendo and Game Freak's broader Pokémon ecosystem. Fan communities have embraced Fennekin's aesthetic and personality, generating substantial fan art, merchandise, and competitive interest that has sustained the species' cultural relevance well beyond the generational lifespan typical for starter Pokémon.
Where to Find Fennekin in Every Pokémon Game
Fennekin is obtainable as one of three starter Pokémon available at the beginning of Pokémon X and Y, allowing trainers to select it as their first partner alongside Chespin and Froakie, becoming a permanent fixture in those games' early gameplay experience. The species appears as Pokédex number 0004 in the Central Kalos region of Pokémon X and Y, granting it prominent early accessibility, and maintains availability through subsequent games in the franchise via various mechanical means including the National Pokédex, Pokémon Bank, and Pokémon HOME transfer systems that enable cross-generation compatibility. In the Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire remakes of the Generation III Hoenn games, Fennekin remains accessible through the National Pokédex postgame mechanics, allowing trainers who previously obtained the species to transport it to these games. Fennekin appears as Pokédex number 0217 in the Legends: Z-A upgrade, a recent title set in the Kalos region that provides renewed opportunities for trainers to capture and train fresh Fennekin with contemporary mechanics and movepool updates. The species also gained availability in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's post-launch DLC expansion The Indigo Disk through the Blueberry Academy content, designated as Pokédex number 0212 within that specific regional classification, ensuring continued access for modern players. Through Pokémon GO, mobile players can encounter, capture, and train Fennekin within the game's location-based augmented reality framework, though specific availability windows correlate with seasonal events and promotional periods.