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 happily carries heavy cargo to toughen up. It willingly does hard work for people.
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 9 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 15 spots in mid-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 Platinum
To get Machoke, start by catching Machop through walking encounters at Lv. 5-50. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch MachopEFFORTLESSRoute 207GrassLv.5-8CommonEarlyRouteDayEFFORTLESSRoute 207GrassLv.6-8CommonEarlyRouteMorning/nightEASYRoute 211 - WestGrassLv.14-15UncommonEarlyRouteEASYRoute 206GrassLv.17-19UncommonMidRouteEASYMt. Coronet - Route 207 EntranceGrassLv.20UncommonMidCaveEASYRoute 210 - NorthGrassLv.28-29UncommonMidRoute
Step 2Machoke ✓EASYMt. Coronet - Route 211 EntranceGrassLv.16UncommonMidCaveEASYRoute 210 - NorthGrassLv.29-30UncommonMidRouteEASYRoute 211 - EastGrassLv.29-30UncommonMidRouteEASYMt. Coronet - B1FGrassLv.35UncommonLateCaveEASYMt. Coronet - Route 216 EntranceGrassLv.35UncommonLateCaveEASYMt. Coronet - 2FGrassLv.39UncommonLateCaveEASYMt. Coronet - 3FGrassLv.39UncommonLateCaveEASYMt. Coronet - 4FGrassLv.39UncommonLateCaveEASYMt. Coronet - 5FGrassLv.39UncommonLateCaveEASYMt. Coronet - 6FGrassLv.39UncommonLateCaveEASYMt. Coronet - 7FGrassLv.39UncommonLateCaveEASYMt. Coronet - Top CaveGrassLv.39UncommonLateCaveEASYMt. Coronet - SummitGrassLv.40UncommonLateCaveEFFORTLESSRoute 225GrassLv.48-50CommonPostRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 226GrassLv.48-50CommonPostRouteor 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