Introduced in the generation eight, with the Pokemon Sword and Shield games, Centiskorch is a dual type fire and bug Pokemon. It is the final evolution of Sizzlipede and evolves once it reaches the level threshold. Centiskorch is classified as the “Radiator Pokemon” by the Pokedex, which indicates its ability to generate heat. This guide will showcase Centiskorch’s appearances in the anime, its capabilities in battle, as well as other general facts about Centiskorch.
About Centiskorch
Centiskorch is part of a two stage evolution involving itself and its pre-evolution: Sizzlipede. It will evolve from Sizzlipede from level 28 onwards. As a generation eight Pokemon, Centiskorch made its first appearance in the Sword and Shield season of the anime with the episode Slumbering Weald!. It is also used by Gym Leader Kabu as his ace Pokemon. The Pokedex states that Centiskorch’s body can reach up to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit.
| First appearance in anime | Pokemon the Series: Sword and Shield Slumbering Weald! |
| First appearance in game | Pokemon Sword and Shield |
| Region | Galar |
| Evolution | Final evolution of Sizzlipede, not known to evolve into any other Pokemon |
| 1st Evo level | 28 |
| 2nd Evo level | N/A |
| Pokedex Entry | It wraps prey up with its heated body, cooking them in its coils. Once they're well-done, it will voraciously nibble them down to the last morsel. |
Centiskorch Base Stats
| HP | 100 |
| ATTACK | 115 |
| DEFENCE | 65 |
| SP. ATTACK | 90 |
| SP. DEFENCE | 90 |
| SPEED | 65 |
| TOTAL | 525 |
Appearance
Centiskorch is a large, flat, centi-pede-like Pokemon with a red body that has orange circles on its underbelly. Its body is split into segments that each have legs sticking out of the side, like a centipede. When Centiskorch’s flames are on, it has an “X” shaped pattern of whiskers and this “X” pattern can also be found at the base of its face. Centiskorch also has a Gigantamax form which increases its size.
Behavior
Since Centiskorch has come out in the most recent generation, it has not had too many opportunities to appear in the anime. Much of what we understand about Centiskorch comes from the Pokedex rather than its interactions with any other people or Pokemon. It is capable of heating up its body temperature up to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit and will utilize its body like a whip. The Pokedex states that it is excessively hostile but in the one episode that Centiskorch has featured in so far, it was shown to be a friendly Pokemon.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Centiskorch has a very strong physical attack stat alongside a decent chunk of health. While it is not particularly fast, its fair share of bulk helps it survive a hit or two before dealing damage itself. As a fire and bug type Pokemon, Centiskorch is weak against flying, water and rock type moves but takes twice the normal damage from the former two and takes four times from rock. It is resistant to fighting, bug, steel, grass, ice, and fairy type moves and is not immune to any types.
Best Moveset
While Centiskorch certainly hits hard, its lack of speed makes it difficult to utilize in a competitive battle. Its 4x weakness to rock doesn’t help either thanks to Stealth Rock and thus consider running Heavy-Duty Boots, as a held item, to prevent any errant chip damage. Centiskorch is best used as an offensive Pokemon, so run moves like Fire Lash, Leech Life, Knock Off, and Power Whip to have the best chance of success. Fire Lash and Leech Life will benefit from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) and function as Centiskorch’s main sources of damage. Knock Off can deal with problematic held items, while Power Whip is for type coverage.
| Fire Lash | Leech Life |
| Knock Off | Power Whip |
How to Catch Centiskorch in Pokemon Go
Niantic has recently released generation six Pokemon into Pokemon Go, and thus Centiskorch hasn’t had an opportunity to be introduced to the game yet. It is likely that the developers will finish generation six, move onto generation seven and then finally introduce Centiskorch alongside the other generation eight Pokmeon in the update. Until then, there is no way to obtain a Centiskorch in Pokemon Go.
Trivia
- Of all the bug type Pokemon in the franchise, Centiskorch is the tallest. Likewise, Centiskorch also has the tallest Gigantamax form.
- The inspiration for Centiskorch’s design likely comes from the fire centipede.
- The name Centiskorch is a combination of the words centipede and scorch.
Video
FAQ
How good is Centiskorch?
Centiskorch has a powerful physical attack stat along with a decent amount of bulk. However, it is quite slow and can be knocked out with the right move. That is because it takes four times the normal damage from rock type moves, so even a low power rock type move may be able to knock out a Centiskorch. It does half the job of an offensive Pokemon as it is capable of dealing a lot of damage, but not very quickly.
Does Centiskorch Evolve?
Centiskorch is the final evolution of the line. Its pre-evolution is Sizzlipede and Centiskorch does not evolve any further. It does have a Gigantamax form, but this form is still technically classified as Centiskorch. You can Gigantamax one Pokemon per battle in generation eight and Centiskorch has a unique Gigantamax form.
What is Centiskorch’s Special Ability?
Many Pokemon come with a hidden ability and Centiskorch’s is Flame Body. This ability burns any Pokemon that comes into contact with Centiskorch (via physical attack moves). Burn is a powerful status effect as it will half the physical attack of the afflicted Pokemon as well as deal damage each turn.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you now know just about everything there is to know about this “Radiator Pokemon”. While Centiskorch’s impact on competitive play is fairly limited, it is rather unique as it has its own Gigantamax form. Unfortunately, due to its fire and bug typing, it has tough competition in the offensive Pokemon category. Despite its rather limited usability in competitive play, it is by no means a weak Pokemon. Consider running Centiskorch on your team if you want a fire and bug type Pokemon that can deal damage while taking hits.
