Quilava sits in the middle of its evolution line — stronger than Cyndaquil but not yet at full power. Most trainers push through to Typhlosion as fast as possible. A competitive option since Gen 2. Only weak to Water, Ground, and Rock.
Quilava's stats barely vary. 2 sit in respectable range with no real gaps. It's a blank slate for EV investment. Worth 2 Sp. Atk and Speed EVs, 1.06M XP medium-slow curve to max.
This creature’s fur is most mysterious—it is wholly impervious to the burning touch of flame. Should Quilava turn its back to you, take heed! Such a posture indicates a forthcoming attack.
Quilava Weakness
AvgQuilava is weak to Water, Ground, and Rock-type moves. 6 resistances give it solid defensive coverage on top of that. Flash Fire grants an additional Fire immunity, reshaping the matchup chart.
Quilava is the middle stage between Cyndaquil and Typhlosion. It's a three-stage line with one more evolution to go. For breeding, average hatch time with a massive partner pool via one egg group. Sp.Atk has grown the most so far (+20), but there's still another 129 stats to gain in the final evolution.
How to Evolve
Don't let the NFE status fool you. Quilava with Eviolite hits bulk numbers that compete with final forms. A spread EV build EVs and Hardy nature maximize that, and Flashfire handles the rest.
Best Build
Best Quilava Moveset
- Eruption
- Extrasensory
- Protect
- Heat Wave
Recommended Teammates
TMs define Quilava's movepool. The natural moves cover basics with Eruption and Overheat, but the real versatility comes from technical machines giving it coverage across 9 types. That's where the options open up.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Quilava's options are limited here. You've got Overheat and Flamethrower for STAB damage, but there isn't much beyond Fire hitting power. TMs help fill gaps, though the kit stays tight.
Egg moves make a real difference. Quilava gets Covet and Crush Claw exclusively through breeding, filling gaps that TMs and level-up can't touch. Normal and Rock coverage and more rounds out the picture alongside Eruption and Burn Up.
Egg moves make a real difference. Quilava gets Covet and Crush Claw exclusively through breeding, filling gaps that TMs and level-up can't touch. Coverage across 9 types rounds out the picture alongside Eruption and Burn Up.
No wild encounters for Quilava in Scarlet & Violet. Bring Cyndaquil over from Gold, Crystal, or Legends: Arceus, then level through the stages. Each step in the chain is laid out below.
Quilava starts showing up in mid-game routes at decent spawn rates across 1 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Where To Catch Quilava in Legends: Arceus
Cyndaquil is your first catch on the way to Quilava. You'll find walking and gift encounters from Lv. 5+ across 3 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch CyndaquilMODERATEJubilife VillageGift from NPCLv.5LimitedEarlyCityStarter choiceEASYSpace-Time Distortion - Crimson MirelandsGrassUncommonDistortionPost-game
Step 2Quilava ✓EASYSpace-Time Distortion - Crimson MirelandsGrassUncommonDistortionPost-gameor evolve from Cyndaquil (Step 1)
Can't catch Quilava directly. Start with Cyndaquil at moderate rates from the locations below, then evolve at level 14. The 2-stage line from Cyndaquil to Quilava is where the leveling time goes.
How to Obtain Quilava in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
The path to Quilava starts with Cyndaquil at Lv. 58-63 via walking encounters. 1 catchable stage total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch CyndaquilSandsear CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.58-63PostDesertPost-gameSandsear CaveShining PearlGrassLv.58-63PostDesertPost-gameTyphlo CavernBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameTyphlo CavernShining PearlGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameVolcanic CaveShining PearlGrassLv.58-63PostVolcanoPost-gameVolcanic CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.58-63PostVolcanoPost-game
Step 2Quilava ✓
No wild encounters for Quilava in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon. Bring Cyndaquil over from Gold, Crystal, or Legends: Arceus, then level through the stages. Each step in the chain is laid out below.
How to Obtain Quilava in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon
Step 1Obtain CyndaquilCatch in the wild in:
Then trade to Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon to continue the evolution chain.
Also found in:
Step 2Quilava ✓
Quilava isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Typhlosion to unlock its full potential. At 405 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Cyndaquil evolves into Quilava at level 14. Quilava can evolve into Typhlosion and Hisuian Typhlosion depending on the method. Quilava is a middle-stage evolution in the Cyndaquil line.
Run Flash Fire on Quilava. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Quilava also gets Blaze, but they don't compare.
Quilava fills the balanced role. It's a special attacker with base 80 Sp. Atk. Base 80 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many.
Quilava appears in 17 games, including Gold & Silver, Crystal, and Ruby & Sapphire.
Quilava first appeared in Gold & Silver and has been available in 17 games across 8 generations. Obtainable through catching or hatching as a base form in most titles where it appears.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB

Red & Blue - Gen IIGSDebut

Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS

Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG

FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS

HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP

Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW

Black & White - Gen VB2W2

Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY

X & Y - Gen VIORAS

Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM

Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM

Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE

Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh

Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV

Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A
