High risk, high reward with Hitmonlee. The offense is outstanding but the bulk won't survive much — 35 base Sp. Atk is the weak link. Only weak to Flying and Psychic. An original Gen 1 pick. It sits at a decent but contested Speed tier.
Attack leads and Sp. Atk gets almost nothing. That's Hitmonlee's stat line in a nutshell. 3 stats sit in respectable range, but the spread is brutal. Tough to catch and yields 2 Attack EVs.
Its legs freely stretch and contract. Using these springlike limbs, it bowls over foes with devastating kicks. After battle, it rubs down its tired legs.
Hitmonlee Weakness
AvgType-wise, Hitmonlee takes extra damage from Flying and Psychic. Few weaknesses and 3 resistances make the typing clean. Hitmonlee's special bulk (base 110 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
Hitmonlee is one of 3 ways Tyrogue's chain can end. This one takes the level-up path, while the siblings go different directions. Breed through Tyrogue to get eggs. Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan share the same 455 total stats, but they're distributed differently. Check the comparison below to see where each one specializes.
How to Evolve
Breed with Hitmonlee to get Tyrogue eggs (with patience) using 28 partners from the Humanshape egg group. Notable egg moves include Helping Hand, High Jump Kick, Mach Punch and 2 more.
Nothing fancy here. Hitmonlee builds around Salacberry for extra utility, Jolly nature for the right stat lean, and max Attack and Speed EVs. Limber does its job quietly.
Best Build
Best Hitmonlee Moveset
- Rock Slide
- Mach Punch
- High Jump Kick
- Brick Break
Recommended Teammates
The egg pool carries weight here. Helping Hand and High Jump Kick aren't available any other way for Hitmonlee, and they meaningfully change what it threatens. Stack those on top of Focus Punch and High Jump Kick for solid options.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
Hitmonlee can't be caught in Emerald. Transfer Tyrogue from Gold, Crystal, or Sword and evolve through the 2-stage line to get it. The step cards below map the full chain.
We rate Hitmonlee C-Tier — a situational pick that fills a niche. At 455 BST, it fits the cannon role. Base 120 Attack stands out.
Limber is the go-to ability for Hitmonlee. It prevents paralysis. Its hidden ability Unburden can work in specific setups. Reckless is the other option — pick based on what your team needs.
Base 87 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. On offense, Hitmonlee is a physical attacker with base 120 Attack. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as a cannon.
Hitmonlee appears in 20 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
One of the original 151, Hitmonlee has appeared in 20 games — nearly every mainline game. From Red & Blue through the latest titles, it's rarely been left out of a regional Pokedex.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
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