Fuecoco

Fuecoco is a species of fictional creatures called Pokémon created for the Pokémon media franchise. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, the Japanese franchise began in 1996 with the video games Pokémon Red and Green for the Game Boy, which were later released in North America as Pokémon Red and Blue in 1998.{{cite magazine |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |date=December 25, 2016 |title=Pokémon Red & Blue – A Look Back At The 20-Year Journey To Catch 'Em All |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001192920/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |archive-date=October 1, 2023 |access-date=January 22, 2024 |magazine=Game Informer}} In these games and their sequels, the player assumes the role of a Trainer whose goal is to capture and use the creatures' special abilities to combat other Pokémon. Some Pokémon can transform into stronger species through a process called evolution via various means, such as exposure to specific items.{{cite book |last=Allison |first=Anne |title=Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination |date=May 2006 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=9780520938991 |pages=192–197}} Each Pokémon have one or two elemental types, which define its advantages and disadvantages when battling other Pokémon.{{cite book |title=Pokémon Deluxe Essential Handbook |date=July 28, 2015 |publisher=Scholastic Inc. |isbn=9780545795661 |page=5}} A major goal in each game is to complete the Pokédex, a comprehensive Pokémon encyclopedia, by capturing, evolving, and trading with other Trainers to obtain individuals from all Pokémon species.

Fuecoco is a small red crocodilian Pokémon.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-10 |title=The best crocodile Pokémon in 2024 |url=https://www.pockettactics.com/crocodile-pokemon |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=Pocket Tactics |language=en-US |archive-date=May 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515235258/https://www.pockettactics.com/crocodile-pokemon |url-status=live }} It is one of the three Pokémon players can obtain as their first in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and it can evolve into {{Nihongo|Crocalor|アチゲータ|Achigēta|Achigator}} and {{Nihongo|Skeledirge|ラウドボーン|Raudobōn|Laudbon}} after gaining enough experience. It and its evolutions all have the elemental attribute of Fire-type, which determines their strengths and weaknesses, while Skeledirge has a secondary Ghost-typing it gains when Crocalor evolves into it. Fuecoco is voiced by Zeno Robinson in the English dub of Pokémon Horizons: The Series,{{Cite web |last=McMullen |first=Chris |date=2024-01-15 |title=All English Dub Voice Actors & Cast List for Pokémon Horizons |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/all-english-dub-voice-actors-cast-list-for-pokemon-horizons/ |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=The Escapist |language=en-US |archive-date=January 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115152017/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/all-english-dub-voice-actors-cast-list-for-pokemon-horizons/ |url-status=live }} while it is voiced by Daiki Yamashita in Japanese.{{Cite web |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Pokemon-Horizons-The-Series/Fuecoco-Roys/ |title=Fuecoco Voice Actors- Behind the Voice Actors |access-date=May 15, 2024 |archive-date=May 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515235310/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Pokemon-Horizons-The-Series/Fuecoco-Roys/ |url-status=live }}

Fuecoco first appeared in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet as one of the three Pokémon available for the player to select as their first Pokémon, alongside Sprigatito and Quaxly.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-29 |title='Pokémon Scarlet and Violet' Starter Evolutions, Explained |url=https://www.inverse.com/gaming/pokemon-scarlet-violet-starter-evolutions-sprigatito-fuecoco-quaxly-moveset |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=Inverse |language=en}} If the player chooses a different Pokémon, Fuecoco will either be owned by the player's rival Nemona{{Cite news |date=2022-11-19 |title=How to beat Nemona in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/how-to-beat-nemona-pokemon-scarlet-violet-9015 |access-date=2024-03-27 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en |archive-date=February 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225022406/https://www.eurogamer.net/how-to-beat-nemona-pokemon-scarlet-violet-9015 |url-status=live }} or by the academy Director Clavell,{{Cite news |date=2022-11-18 |title=How to beat Director Clavell in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet during a Challenge from Cassiopeia quest |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-scarlet-violet-how-beat-director-clavell-9015 |access-date=2024-03-27 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115175010/https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-scarlet-violet-how-beat-director-clavell-9015 |url-status=live }} depending on which is chosen. Fuecoco also appears in other games, such as Pokémon Go{{Cite web |last=Budhathoki |first=Diwas |date=2023-09-04 |title=Pokemon GO: How To Get Fuecoco, Crocalor, And Skeledirge |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-go-get-fuecoco-crocalor-skeledirge/ |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=Game Rant |language=en |archive-date=March 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317010907/https://gamerant.com/pokemon-go-get-fuecoco-crocalor-skeledirge/ |url-status=live }} and the Pokémon Trading Card Game.{{Cite web |last=Comments |first=Theo Dwyer {{!}} |date=2022-12-21 |title=Pokémon TCG Japan: Scarlet & Violet Ex Preview: Fuecoco |url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/pokemon-tcg-japan-scarlet-violet-ex-preview-fuecoco/ |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=bleedingcool.com |language=en |archive-date=May 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515235310/https://bleedingcool.com/games/pokemon-tcg-japan-scarlet-violet-ex-preview-fuecoco/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Comments |first=Theo Dwyer {{!}} |date=2023-02-13 |title=Pokémon TCG Japan: Triple Beat Preview: Fuecoco Art Rare |url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/pokemon-tcg-japan-triple-beat-preview-fuecoco-art-rare/ |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=bleedingcool.com |language=en |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516105039/https://bleedingcool.com/games/pokemon-tcg-japan-triple-beat-preview-fuecoco-art-rare/ |url-status=live }} In the anime, one of the main characters in Pokémon Horizons: The Series, Roy, catches a Fuecoco.{{Cite web |last=Edmundson |first=Carlyle |date=2023-05-14 |title=Pokémon's New Male Hero Unlocks Fuecoco's True Power in the Perfect Way |url=https://screenrant.com/pokemon-fuecoco-true-power-unlocked-perfect-roy/ |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=ScreenRant |language=en |archive-date=July 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727150935/https://screenrant.com/pokemon-fuecoco-true-power-unlocked-perfect-roy/ |url-status=live }} Fuecoco and its evolutions have been used in promotion material for the series, with plushes being produced.{{Cite web |last=Baird |first=Scott |date=2022-08-26 |title=Official Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Starter Plushes Available Now |url=https://screenrant.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-starter-plush-quaxly-fuecoco-sprigatito/ |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=ScreenRant |language=en |archive-date=October 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023230357/https://screenrant.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-starter-plush-quaxly-fuecoco-sprigatito/ |url-status=live }}

Fuecoco has received positive reception, having become a fan favorite due to its "goofier design and big happy smile" according to Fanbyte writer Imran Khan.{{cite web |url=https://www.fanbyte.com/pokemon/features/what-your-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-starter-choice-says-about-you |title=What Your Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Starter Choice Says About You |work=Fanbyte |last=Khan |first=Imran |date=August 2, 2022 |accessdate=May 15, 2024 |archive-date=December 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219230441/https://www.fanbyte.com/pokemon/features/what-your-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-starter-choice-says-about-you |url-status=live }} In a Famitsu reader poll, Fuecoco was voted the second best starter from Scarlet and Violet.{{cite web |url=https://www.siliconera.com/famitsu-survey-says-sprigatito-is-most-popular-pokemon-scarlet-violet-starter/ |title=Famitsu Survey Says Sprigatito is Most Popular Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Starter |work=Siliconera |last=Liu |first=Stephanie |date=November 17, 2022 |accessdate=May 15, 2024 |archive-date=May 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515193119/https://www.siliconera.com/famitsu-survey-says-sprigatito-is-most-popular-pokemon-scarlet-violet-starter/ |url-status=live }} Another popularity poll put Fuecoco as the fourth best Pokémon available in Scarlet and Violet, as well as the most popular Scarlet and Violet starter.{{cite web |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-poll-reveals-fuecoco-is-most-popular-starter/ |title=Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Poll Reveals Fuecoco Is Most Popular Starter |work=The Gamer |last=Troughton |first=James |date=December 27, 2022 |accessdate=May 15, 2024 |archive-date=January 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102164124/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-poll-reveals-fuecoco-is-most-popular-starter/ |url-status=live }} An Inside Games poll also ranked it as the most popular starter in Scarlet and Violet, with Inside Games staff noting that readers found it stupid and cute.{{cite web |url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2022/11/23/142007.html |title=『ポケモン スカーレット・バイオレット』御三家はだれを選んだ？ニャオハ、ホゲータ、クワッスの人気が明らかに！【アンケート結果】 |work=Inside Games |date=November 23, 2022 |accessdate=May 15, 2024 |archive-date=March 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311205405/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2022/11/23/142007.html |url-status=live }} Esquire writer Josh Rosenberg regarded Fuecoco as his favorite Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet, praising its design and expressing his cute aggression- a desire to affectionately squeeze cute things- for it.{{cite web |url=https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/a41969689/esquire-gaming-awards-2022/ |title=The 2022 Esquire Gaming Awards |work=Esquire |last=Rosenberg |first=Josh |date=November 22, 2022 |accessdate=May 15, 2024 |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105115910/https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/a41969689/esquire-gaming-awards-2022/ |url-status=live }} Den of Geek writer Matthew Byrd called Fuecoco "objectively cute," feeling that, in combination with its Fire-typing and strength, would enable it to make it more popular.{{cite web |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/pokemon-scarlet-violet-every-starter-ranked-worst-best/ |title=Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: Every Starter Ranked Worst to Best |work=Den of Geek |last=Byrd |first=Matthew |date=November 18, 2022 |accessdate=May 15, 2024 |archive-date=May 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515193119/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/pokemon-scarlet-violet-every-starter-ranked-worst-best/ |url-status=live }}

Hindustan Times writer Paurush Omar responded positively to Fuecoco in Pokémon Horizons: The Series. They stated that its singing ability and cuteness contributed to its overall likability and popularity. In addition, they felt that its "childlike disposition" made it relatable, saying that it crying over losing its food would "make anyone's heart melt."{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/anime/new-fan-favorite-fuecoco-steals-the-show-in-new-pok-mon-scarlet-and-violet-anime-move-over-pikachu-101683609158634.html |title=Move over Pikachu! New fan favorite Fuecoco steals the show in new Pokémon Scarlet and Violet anime |work=Hindustan Times |last=Omar |first=Paurush |date=May 9, 2023 |accessdate=May 15, 2024 |archive-date=May 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515203239/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/anime/new-fan-favorite-fuecoco-steals-the-show-in-new-pok-mon-scarlet-and-violet-anime-move-over-pikachu-101683609158634.html |url-status=live }} Kotaku writer Sisi Jiang agreed, calling Fuecoco the "breakout star" of Pokémon Horizons, noting how its appearance in the anime has led to fans picking Fuecoco as their favorite. They stated that the positive reception was due to both its cute appearance and its singing ability.{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-anime-fuecoco-sings-tiktok-1850417042 |title=Fuecoco Is The Breakout Star Of The New Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Anime |work=Kotaku |last=Jiang |first=Sisi |date=May 8, 2023 |accessdate=May 15, 2024 |archive-date=May 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515193119/https://kotaku.com/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-anime-fuecoco-sings-tiktok-1850417042 |url-status=live }} Fellow Kotaku writer Ashley Bardhan felt that it was the best starter, attributing its popularity to its design, personality, and power.{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-best-starter-fuecoco-evolution-1849827880 |title=Fuecoco Is The Best Pokémon Scarlet And Violet Starter, Unless... |work=Kotaku |last=Bardhan |first=Ashley |date=November 28, 2022 |accessdate=May 15, 2024 |archive-date=May 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515193120/https://kotaku.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-best-starter-fuecoco-evolution-1849827880 |url-status=live }} Similar to fans not wanting Sprigatito to stand on two legs when it evolved, there was also a fan reaction for people who wanted Fuecoco to not stand on all fours when it evolved.{{cite web |url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2023/01/17/143223.html |title=『ポケモンSV』“ニャオハ立つな”に続く「クワッス踊るな」「ホゲータ座るな」―御三家に要求された「立つな踊るな座るな」の3コンボ |work=Inside Games |author=Onappa |date=January 17, 2023 |accessdate=May 15, 2024 |archive-date=March 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316181927/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2023/01/17/143223.html |url-status=live }}

Fuecoco has been noted for its strength in the games "Nuzlocke" challenges, a popular fan-challenge wherein a Pokémon cannot be used after it is KOed. It has been noted for its strong type combination and moveset being powerful against many important trainers in the game, allowing for the challenge to become notably easier due to its presence alone. This has led to popular Nuzlockers and content creators, such as Pokémon Challenges, to suggest that players ban it from use to make runs more interesting.{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-nuzlocke-fans-think-fuecoco-is-too-easy |title=Pokémon Nuzlocke fans think Fuecoco is too easy |work=Eurogamer |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=November 24, 2022 |accessdate=May 15, 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-scarlet-and-violets-fuecoco-is-the-most-broken-starter-in-nuzlocke-history/ |title=Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Fuecoco is "the most broken starter in Nuzlocke history" |work=GamesRadar+ |last=Cryer |first=Hirun |date=November 24, 2022 |accessdate=May 15, 2024}}{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Sean |date=2022-11-24 |title=Pokemon Scarlet & Violet's Fuecoco Is Apparently The "Most Broken Starter In Nuzlocke History" |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-scarlet-violets-fuecoco-best-nuzlocke-starter/ |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2022-11-25 |title=Some Pokemon fans say Fuecoco breaks Scarlet and Violet Nuzlocke runs |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2022/11/pokemon-scarlet-violet-nuzlocke-fuecoco |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=For The Win |language=en-US}}

{{reflist|2}}

• [https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokedex/fuecoco Fuecoco on Pokemon.com]
• {{Bulbapedia}}

{{Pokémon Generation 9|state=expanded}}

{{Pokémon}}

Category:Anthropomorphic crocodilians

Category:Pokémon introduced in generation IX

Category:Starter Pokémon

Category:Video game characters introduced in 2022

Category:Video game characters with fire or heat abilities