Mid-stage Pokemon like Machoke rarely see competitive play outside of special formats. It's a waypoint on the road to Machamp, which is where the real potential kicks in. Works well under Trick Room. Only weak to Flying and Psychic.
Attack and HP carry most of Machoke's stat budget. Speed's the obvious dump stat. Moderately hard to find and yields 2 Attack EVs. Follows a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve.
A belt is worn by a MACHOKE to keep its overwhelming power under control. Because it is so dangerous, no one has ever removed the belt.
Machoke Weakness
AvgMachoke's Fighting typing leaves it vulnerable to Flying and Psychic moves. Few weaknesses and 3 resistances make the typing clean. Just 2 weak spots to worry about, which keeps teambuilding straightforward.
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
Sitting between Machop and Machamp, Machoke is part of a chain that requires a trade. Not your typical level-up setup. So far, Sp.Def got the biggest boost (+25 from Machop). The final form adds another 100 stats on top.
How to Evolve
Breed with Machoke to get Machop eggs easily using 28 partners from the Humanshape egg group. Notable egg moves include Counter, Encore, Light Screen and 4 more.
Best Build
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 3.
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You'll want to breed for Counter and Encore on Machoke. These egg moves aren't just nice to have. Combined with STAB from Focus Punch and Cross Chop, they expand what Machoke can actually threaten in practice.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Can't catch Machoke directly. Start with Machop at solid rates from the locations below, then evolve at level 28. The 2-stage line from Machop to Machoke is where the leveling time goes.
How to Obtain Machoke in Emerald
Step 1Catch MachopEASYFiery PathGrassLv.15-16UncommonEarlyVolcanoEFFORTLESSJagged PassGrassLv.20-22CommonMid
Step 2Machoke ✓
Machoke is meant to evolve into Machamp. At 405 BST, the stats aren't there for competitive play yet. Pre-evolution Pokemon rarely hold up against fully evolved threats.
Watch for Aerodactyl (Flying) and Alakazam (Psychic) when using Machoke. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Only 2 weaknesses means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.
Guts increases Attack to 1.5× with a major status ailment — that's the one you want on Machoke. Steadfast is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses. No Guard works too if your team needs something different.
Base 45 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. On offense, Machoke is a physical attacker with base 100 Attack. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as an attacker.
Machoke appears in 21 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
One of the original 151, Machoke has appeared in 21 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