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.
The legs freely contract and stretch. The stretchy legs allow it to hit a distant foe with a rising kick.
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, 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) from the Humanshape egg group. Notable egg moves include Ally Switch, Bullet Punch, Counter and 9 more.
This build takes hits and hits back. Assault Vest provides a special bulk boost with no status moves allowed, Limber 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
- Fake Out
- Poison Jab
- Sucker Punch
- High Jump Kick
Recommended Teammates
The egg pool carries weight here. Ally Switch and Bullet Punch 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
Reminder Moves
Transfer Moves
No wild encounters for Hitmonlee in X & Y. Bring Tyrogue over from Gold, Crystal, or Sword, then level through the stages. Each step in the chain is laid out below.
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