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.
It always goes at its full power, but this very tough and durable Pokémon never gets tired.
The muscles covering its body teem with power. Even when still, it exudes an amazing sense of strength.
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.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
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 39 partners from the Humanshape egg group. Notable egg moves include Bullet Punch, Close Combat, Counter and 10 more.
One guaranteed turn is all Machoke needs. Focus Sash buys it, max Attack and Speed EVs make it count, and Noguard adds something extra. The goal: deal early damage and deal damage with Dynamicpunch. Dark coverage gives it play beyond just the lead turn.
Best Build
Best Machoke Moveset
- Dynamic Punch
- Payback
- Ice Punch
- Bullet Punch
Recommended Teammates
You'll want to breed for Bullet Punch and Close Combat on Machoke. These egg moves aren't just nice to have. Combined with STAB from Focus Punch and Focus Blast, they expand what Machoke can actually threaten in practice.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
Machoke's scattered across 20 spots in early-game routes with high spawn rates. Check the list below for the closest location to wherever you are in the game. This one's quick.
Where To Catch Machoke in HeartGold & SoulSilver
The path to Machoke starts with Machop at Lv. 12-45 via walking and trade encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch MachopEFFORTLESSMt. Mortar - 1F NorthHeartGoldGrassLv.13-15CommonEarlyCaveEFFORTLESSMt. Mortar - 1F NorthSoulSilverGrassLv.13-15CommonEarlyCaveEASYRock Tunnel - 1FHeartGoldGrassLv.12UncommonEarlyCaveEASYRock Tunnel - 1FSoulSilverGrassLv.12UncommonEarlyCaveEASYMt. Mortar - 1F SouthHeartGoldGrassLv.14UncommonEarlyCaveEASYMt. Mortar - 1F SouthSoulSilverGrassLv.14UncommonEarlyCaveEASYMt. Mortar - B1FHeartGoldGrassLv.16UncommonMidCaveEASYMt. Mortar - B1FSoulSilverGrassLv.16UncommonMidCaveEASYCliff Cave - 1FHeartGoldGrassLv.19UncommonMidCaveEASYCliff Cave - 1FSoulSilverGrassLv.19UncommonMidCaveEASYCliff Cave - 2FSoulSilverGrassLv.19UncommonMidCaveEASYCliff Cave - 2FHeartGoldGrassLv.19UncommonMidCaveEASYCliff Cave - B1FHeartGoldGrassLv.19UncommonMidCaveEASYCliff Cave - B1FSoulSilverGrassLv.19UncommonMidCaveCHALLENGINGMt. Mortar - 2FHeartGoldGrassLv.28RareMidCaveCHALLENGINGMt. Mortar - 2FSoulSilverGrassLv.28RareMidCaveLEGENDARYGoldenrod CityHeartGoldIn-game tradeLimitedCityTrade for (give Drowzee)LEGENDARYGoldenrod CitySoulSilverIn-game tradeLimitedCityTrade for (give Drowzee)
Step 2Machoke ✓CHALLENGINGRock Tunnel - 1FHeartGoldGrassLv.14RareEarlyCaveCHALLENGINGRock Tunnel - 1FSoulSilverGrassLv.14RareEarlyCaveCHALLENGINGCliff Cave - 1FHeartGoldGrassLv.22RareMidCaveCHALLENGINGCliff Cave - 1FSoulSilverGrassLv.22RareMidCaveCHALLENGINGCliff Cave - 2FHeartGoldGrassLv.22RareMidCaveCHALLENGINGCliff Cave - 2FSoulSilverGrassLv.22RareMidCaveCHALLENGINGCliff Cave - B1FHeartGoldGrassLv.22RareMidCaveCHALLENGINGCliff Cave - B1FSoulSilverGrassLv.22RareMidCaveEFFORTLESSMt. Mortar - 2FHeartGoldGrassLv.32CommonLateCaveEFFORTLESSMt. Mortar - 2FSoulSilverGrassLv.32CommonLateCaveEASYCerulean Cave - 1FHeartGoldGrassLv.39-40UncommonLateCaveMorning/dayEASYCerulean Cave - 1FSoulSilverGrassLv.39-40UncommonLateCaveMorning/dayEASYCerulean Cave - 2FHeartGoldGrassLv.39UncommonLateCaveNightEASYCerulean Cave - 2FSoulSilverGrassLv.39UncommonLateCaveNightEASYCerulean Cave - 2FHeartGoldGrassLv.39-42UncommonLateCaveMorning/dayEASYCerulean Cave - 2FSoulSilverGrassLv.39-42UncommonLateCaveMorning/dayEASYCerulean Cave - B1FHeartGoldGrassLv.45UncommonLateCaveEASYCerulean Cave - B1FSoulSilverGrassLv.45UncommonLateCaveCHALLENGINGCerulean Cave - 1FHeartGoldGrassLv.39-40RareLateCaveNightCHALLENGINGCerulean Cave - 1FSoulSilverGrassLv.39-40RareLateCaveNightor evolve from Machop (Step 1)
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