Without Intimidate, Hitmontop wouldn't see any competitive play. With it? It lowers the opponent's Attack on switch-in, turning modest base stats into a real offensive threat. Fighting is solid coverage on top of that. Needs some investment to avoid getting outsped.
Hitmontop's spread favors balanced defenses over offense. Sp. Def leads the defensive side, Sp. Atk eats the cost. Yields 2 Sp. Def EVs per defeat. Medium-fast 1M XP curve to level.
It fights while spinning like a top. The centrifugal force boosts its destructive power by a factor of 10.
Hitmontop Weakness
AvgFlying, Psychic, and Fairy-type moves hit Hitmontop for super-effective damage. With 50 HP and balanced defenses, Hitmontop can afford to eat a neutral hit or two.
You get Hitmontop from Tyrogue at level 20. It's one of 3 possible evolutions in this branching family, each requiring its own method. Breed through Tyrogue to get eggs. Both Hitmontop and Hitmonlee hit 455 total stats from Tyrogue. The difference is how those stats are split.
How to Evolve
Breed with Hitmontop to get Tyrogue eggs (with patience) from the Humanshape egg group. Notable egg moves include Bullet Punch, Counter, Endure and 8 more.
Start with max HP and Attack EVs. Adamant nature gives Hitmontop the right physical lean, Sitrus Berry adds a one-time health recovery at low HP, and Intimidate works in the background. Rapid Spin is the main damage option.
Best Build
Best Hitmontop Moveset
- Rapid Spin
- Close Combat
- Bullet Punch
- Stone Edge
Recommended Teammates
Without breeding, Hitmontop misses out on Bullet Punch and Counter. That's 11 egg moves adding depth that the base kit lacks. STAB comes from High Jump Kick and Close Combat, with coverage across 7 types rounding things out.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
Transfer Moves
Hitmontop can't be caught in Sun & Moon. 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.
Don't let Hitmontop's 455 base stat total fool you. Intimidate is what makes it tick — it punches way above its weight class. We rate it C-Tier.
Watch for Aerodactyl (Flying), Starmie (Psychic), and Gardevoir (Fairy) when using Hitmontop. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB.
Run Intimidate on Hitmontop. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Hitmontop also gets Technician and Steadfast, but they don't compare.
Hitmontop fills the balanced role. It's a physical attacker with base 95 Attack. Base 70 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Hitmontop appears in 17 games, including Gold & Silver, Crystal, and Ruby & Sapphire.
Hitmontop first appeared in Gold & Silver and has been available in 17 games across 8 generations. Obtainable through wild encounters in most titles where it appears.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGSDebut
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