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, Psychic, and Fairy. An original Gen 1 pick.
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.
The legs freely contract and stretch. The stretchy legs allow it to hit a distant foe with a rising kick.
Hitmonlee Weakness
AvgType-wise, Hitmonlee takes extra damage from Flying, Psychic, and Fairy. Hitmonlee's special bulk (base 110 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.
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 51 partners from the Humanshape egg group. Notable egg moves include Bullet Punch, Counter, Feint and 5 more.
This build takes hits and hits back. Heavy-Duty Boots provides hazard immunity on every switch-in, Reckless supports the gameplan, and max Attack and Speed EVs mean Hitmonlee doesn't crumble to chip damage. Plus the remaining moves backing it up.
Best Build
Best Hitmonlee Moveset
- Poison Jab
- Rapid Spin
- High Jump Kick
- Knock Off
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 High Jump Kick and Close Combat for solid options.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
moderate rates is the best you'll get on Hitmonlee in late-game routes. Use the sort toggle below. Best shows where the odds peak, Earliest shows where you can access it soonest in your playthrough.
Where To Catch Hitmonlee in Sword & Shield
Tyrogue is your first catch on the way to Hitmonlee. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 7-47 across 71 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch TyrogueEASYRolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-1028%EarlyOvercastEASYRolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-1028%EarlyOvercastEASYRolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-1028%EarlyOvercastEASYRolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-1028%EarlyOvercastMODERATESouth Lake MilochShieldGrassLv.11-1310%EarlyWaterOvercastMODERATESouth Lake MilochSwordGrassLv.11-1310%EarlyWaterOvercastMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-105%EarlySnowingMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-105%EarlyThunderstormMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-105%EarlySandstormMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-105%EarlyIntense SunMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-105%EarlyRainingMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-105%EarlySnowingMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-105%EarlyHeavy FogMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-105%EarlySandstormMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-105%EarlyNormal WeatherMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-105%EarlyRainingMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-105%EarlySnowstormMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-105%EarlyHeavy FogMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-105%EarlyNormal WeatherMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-105%EarlyThunderstormMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-105%EarlySnowstormMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-105%EarlyIntense SunMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-105%EarlyThunderstormMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-105%EarlySnowstormMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-105%EarlyIntense SunMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-105%EarlySnowingMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-105%EarlyThunderstormMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-105%EarlySandstormMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-105%EarlyRainingMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-105%EarlyIntense SunMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-105%EarlyHeavy FogMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-105%EarlySnowingMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-105%EarlySandstormMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-105%EarlyNormal WeatherMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-105%EarlyRainingMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-105%EarlySnowstormMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-105%EarlyHeavy FogMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-105%EarlyNormal WeatherCHALLENGINGWest Lake AxewellSwordGrassLv.7-115%EarlyCaveOvercastCHALLENGINGWest Lake AxewellShieldGrassLv.7-115%EarlyCaveOvercastMODERATESouth Lake Miloch - 2SwordOverworldLv.14-165%EarlyWaterThunderstormMODERATESouth Lake Miloch - 2ShieldOverworldLv.14-165%EarlyWaterSnowstormMODERATESouth Lake Miloch - 2SwordOverworldLv.14-165%EarlyWaterIntense SunMODERATESouth Lake Miloch - 2SwordOverworldLv.14-165%EarlyWaterSnowingMODERATESouth Lake Miloch - 2SwordOverworldLv.14-165%EarlyWaterSandstormMODERATESouth Lake Miloch - 2ShieldOverworldLv.14-165%EarlyWaterThunderstormMODERATESouth Lake Miloch - 2SwordOverworldLv.14-165%EarlyWaterRainingMODERATESouth Lake Miloch - 2ShieldOverworldLv.14-165%EarlyWaterIntense SunMODERATESouth Lake Miloch - 2SwordOverworldLv.14-165%EarlyWaterHeavy FogMODERATESouth Lake Miloch - 2ShieldOverworldLv.14-165%EarlyWaterSnowingMODERATESouth Lake Miloch - 2SwordOverworldLv.14-165%EarlyWaterOvercastMODERATESouth Lake Miloch - 2ShieldOverworldLv.14-165%EarlyWaterSandstormMODERATESouth Lake Miloch - 2SwordOverworldLv.14-165%EarlyWaterNormal WeatherMODERATESouth Lake Miloch - 2ShieldOverworldLv.14-165%EarlyWaterRainingMODERATESouth Lake Miloch - 2SwordOverworldLv.14-165%EarlyWaterSnowstormMODERATESouth Lake Miloch - 2ShieldOverworldLv.14-165%EarlyWaterHeavy FogMODERATESouth Lake Miloch - 2ShieldOverworldLv.14-165%EarlyWaterOvercastMODERATESouth Lake Miloch - 2ShieldOverworldLv.14-165%EarlyWaterNormal WeatherCHALLENGINGRoute 3ShieldOverworldLv.10-142%EarlyRouteAll WeatherCHALLENGINGRoute 3SwordOverworldLv.10-142%EarlyRouteAll WeatherCHALLENGINGDappled GroveShieldOverworldLv.13-152%EarlyForestOvercastCHALLENGINGDappled GroveSwordOverworldLv.13-152%EarlyForestOvercastEASYStony WildernessShieldOverworldLv.28-3015%MidNormal WeatherEASYStony WildernessSwordOverworldLv.28-3015%MidNormal WeatherEASYStony Wilderness - 2ShieldOverworldLv.28-3015%MidNormal WeatherEASYStony Wilderness - 2SwordOverworldLv.28-3015%MidNormal WeatherEASYStony Wilderness - 3ShieldOverworldLv.28-3015%MidNormal WeatherEASYStony Wilderness - 3SwordOverworldLv.28-3015%MidNormal WeatherCHALLENGINGGiant's SeatShieldOverworldLv.33-382%LateWaterOvercastCHALLENGINGGiant's SeatSwordOverworldLv.33-382%LateWaterOvercast
Step 2Hitmonlee ✓MODERATEDusty BowlOverworldLv.42-475%LateOvercastor evolve from Tyrogue (Step 1)
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 leaning toward the physical side (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