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.
This amazing Pokémon has an awesome sense of balance. It can kick in succession from any position.
If it starts kicking repeatedly, both legs will stretch even longer to strike a fleeing foe.
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.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
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 39 partners from the Humanshape egg group. Notable egg moves include Bullet Punch, Counter, Helping Hand and 5 more.
Nothing fancy here. Hitmonlee builds around Life Orb for extra damage on every hit for a health trade, Jolly nature for the right stat lean, and max Attack and Speed EVs. Limber does its job quietly.
Best Build
Best Hitmonlee Moveset
- Sucker Punch
- Close Combat
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
Recommended Teammates
The egg pool carries weight here. Bullet Punch and Counter 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
Transfer Moves
Can't catch Hitmonlee directly. Start with Tyrogue but it's a rare spawn from the locations below, then evolve at level 20. The 2-stage line from Tyrogue to Hitmonlee is where the leveling time goes.
How to Obtain Hitmonlee in HeartGold & SoulSilver
Step 1Catch TyrogueMODERATEMt. Mortar - B1FSoulSilverGift from NPCLv.10LimitedEarlyCaveDefeat KiyoMODERATEMt. Mortar - B1FHeartGoldGift from NPCLv.10LimitedEarlyCaveDefeat Kiyo
Step 2Hitmonlee ✓
We rate Hitmonlee B-Tier — a solid choice for the right team. 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