In gameplay, the Fireball can only be obtained at random from Item Boxes by Knuckles, Sonic, Vector, and Zavok. As with most other Items, Metal Sonic can also use the Fireball if he uses the Steal Item to steal it from the aforementioned users.
Once obtained, the player can utilize the Fireball by pressing its icon on the bottom of the HUD. Also when obtaining the Fireball in Zavok's case, there is a chance of obtaining two Fireballs to use in the Projectile Item slot on the HUD from a single Item Box from when said character is unlocked. When used, the user sets loose the Fireball, which will travel down the lane it was deployed on in front of the user until it hits either a rival character or obstacle, or it wears off. Rival characters that make contact with the Fireball will take damage, causing them to lose Rings and slow down momentarily. To avoid the Fireball, the playable character has to either step out of its lane or jump over it.
The Fireball can also be upgraded by leveling the user up to level 6 and 12 respectively. For each upgrade for most characters, the player will get the chance to obtain more Fireballs to use in the Projectile Item slot from a single Item Box; at level 6, there is a chance of getting two Fireballs, and at level 12, there is a chance of getting three Fireballs. In Zavok's case however, he has a chance of getting three Fireballs at level 6, and is guaranteed to get at least two Fireballs at level 12.
Put the heat on the opponent in front of you with this ball of flame. 
