Burn in Pokemon

Burn is a major status condition that chips HP each turn and weakens physical damage. It is one of the most common status effects in battle because it cuts both longevity and physical damage output.

How burn works

A burned Pokemon loses HP at the end of each turn. In modern games, burn also reduces damage from physical attacks, so physical attackers feel the penalty the most. Burn does not stop the Pokemon from using moves, but the damage drop can still change a matchup fast.

Common burn sources

Will-O-Wisp is the standard burn move. Contact abilities like Flame Body can burn attackers, and Flame Orb inflicts burn on its holder. Burn also combines well with Facade and Guts, which let a team turn the status into damage instead of a drawback.

How burn is cured or blocked

Fire-type Pokemon are immune to burn in modern games, and abilities like Water Veil or Water Bubble can prevent it. Full Heal, Lum Berry, and Rest clear burn once it is applied.

Related mechanics

See the status conditions overview for the other major status pages.

FAQ

Does burn affect special attacks?

In modern games, burn mainly hurts physical damage. Special attacks are not reduced by the burn attack drop.

Can burn stack with other status conditions?

No. Burn is a major status, so a Pokemon can only have one major status at a time.

Why do some teams burn themselves on purpose?

Teams with Guts, Facade, or Flame Orb setups often want burn because the status becomes a damage boost instead of a liability.