Playthrough tier listDiamond & Pearl

Best Fighting Pokémon in Diamond & Pearl

Heracross, Gallade (post-game), Primeape (post-game) and Breloom (post-game) lead the 23 Fighting Pokémon for beating Diamond and Pearl.

23gradedNov 11, 2026updated
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  • Post-game
  • Trade to evolve
  • Starter: pick 1 of 3
  • Gift
Rapid gradeTap a tier to start your own list · 23 Pokémon
STop4 PokémonCarries a Diamond & Pearl run against most of the bossesClick any Pokémon for its gradeTap a card for its grade
HeracrossHeracross
GalladeGalladePost-game
PrimeapePrimeapePost-game
BreloomBreloomPost-game
Click any Pokémon for its gradeTap a card for its grade
AStrong6 PokémonA strong pick for most of the game
InfernapeInfernapeStarter: pick 1 of 3
HitmonleeHitmonleePost-game
HitmonchanHitmonchanPost-game
MachampMachampTrade to evolve
HariyamaHariyamaPost-game
HitmontopHitmontopPost-game
BSolid2 PokémonDoes the job with some help
LucarioLucarioGift
PoliwrathPoliwrathPost-game
CSituational6 PokémonStruggles against several bosses
MedichamMedicham
MankeyMankeyPost-game
MonfernoMonfernoStarter: pick 1 of 3
TyrogueTyroguePost-game
MachokeMachoke
MakuhitaMakuhitaPost-game
DBottom5 PokémonHard to use for beating the game
ToxicroakToxicroak
MachopMachop
RioluRioluGift
MedititeMeditite
CroagunkCroagunk

What each tier means

  • STop Carries a Diamond & Pearl run against most of the bosses
  • AStrong A strong pick for most of the game
  • BSolid Does the job with some help
  • CSituational Struggles against several bosses
  • DBottom Hard to use for beating the game
2 reads blended into one listreblend in Showing23/ 23

Board breakdown

Among Fighting Pokémon in Diamond and Pearl besides Infernape (if you start with Chimchar), Heracross does well in 10 of the 13 boss fights, Roark to Cynthia, 2 fights have no Fighting answer, and both versions play out the same.

Which Fighting Pokémon is the best partner for Infernape (if you start with Chimchar)?

Besides Infernape (if you start with Chimchar), the best Fighting helper is Heracross: 10 of 13 fights, starting with Gardenia.

A filled box is a fight the pick does well in: Heracross has 10 of 13, first at Gardenia.

Gym 1, RoarkGym 2, GardeniaGym 3, MayleneGym 4, Crasher WakeGym 5, FantinaGym 6, ByronGym 7, CandiceGym 8, VolknerElite Four, AaronElite Four, BerthaElite Four, FlintElite Four, LucianChampion, Cynthia
  • InfernapeGym 1 Roark: has troubleGym 2 Gardenia: does wellGym 3 Maylene: does wellGym 4 Crasher Wake: no clear edgeGym 5 Fantina: no clear edgeGym 6 Byron: does wellGym 7 Candice: does wellGym 8 Volkner: does wellAaron: does wellBertha: does wellFlint: does wellLucian: does wellCynthia: does wellStarterChimcharLake Verity#004ChimcharLevel 14#005MonfernoLevel 36#006Infernapefinal form by Byron
    Does wellGardeniaMayleneByronCandiceVolknerAaronBerthaFlintLucianCynthiaHas troubleRoarkNo clear edgeCrasher Wake, Fantina
  • HeracrossGym 1 Roark: not on your team yetGym 2 Gardenia: does wellGym 3 Maylene: does wellGym 4 Crasher Wake: no clear edgeGym 5 Fantina: no clear edgeGym 6 Byron: does wellGym 7 Candice: does wellGym 8 Volkner: does wellAaron: does wellBertha: does wellFlint: does wellLucian: does wellCynthia: does wellAfter badge 1Route 205 northHoney Tree
    Not yet: RoarkDoes wellGardeniaMayleneByronCandiceVolknerAaronBerthaFlintLucianCynthiaNo clear edgeCrasher Wake, Fantina
  • MedichamGym 1 Roark: not on your team yetGym 2 Gardenia: not on your team yetGym 3 Maylene: does wellGym 4 Crasher Wake: does wellGym 5 Fantina: no clear edgeGym 6 Byron: does wellGym 7 Candice: does wellGym 8 Volkner: does wellAaron: no clear edgeBertha: does wellFlint: does wellLucian: no clear edgeCynthia: no clear edgeAfter badge 2MedititeMt. Coronet route 211 entrance25% of encounters#086MedititeLevel 37#087Medichamfinal form by Byron
    Not yet: Roark, GardeniaDoes wellMayleneCrasher WakeByronCandiceVolknerBerthaFlintNo clear edgeFantina, Aaron, Lucian, Cynthia
  • LucarioGym 1 Roark: not on your team yetGym 2 Gardenia: not on your team yetGym 3 Maylene: not on your team yetGym 4 Crasher Wake: not on your team yetGym 5 Fantina: not on your team yetGym 6 Byron: does wellGym 7 Candice: does wellGym 8 Volkner: does wellAaron: does wellBertha: does wellFlint: does wellLucian: no clear edgeCynthia: no clear edgeAfter badge 5RioluIron Island b2f right caveLv 1#115RioluFriendship (Day)#116Lucario
    Not yet: Roark to FantinaDoes wellByronCandiceVolknerAaronBerthaFlintNo clear edgeLucian, Cynthia
  • ToxicroakGym 1 Roark: not on your team yetGym 2 Gardenia: not on your team yetGym 3 Maylene: not on your team yetGym 4 Crasher Wake: no clear edgeGym 5 Fantina: has troubleGym 6 Byron: does wellGym 7 Candice: does wellGym 8 Volkner: does wellAaron: does wellBertha: no clear edgeFlint: does wellLucian: no clear edgeCynthia: no clear edgeAfter badge 3CroagunkGreat Marsh daily pokemon10% of encounters#129CroagunkLevel 37#130Toxicroakfinal form by Byron
    Not yet: Roark to MayleneDoes wellByronCandiceVolknerAaronFlintHas troubleFantinaNo clear edgeCrasher Wake, Bertha, Lucian, Cynthia
  • MachampGym 1 Roark: not on your team yetGym 2 Gardenia: not on your team yetGym 3 Maylene: no clear edgeGym 4 Crasher Wake: no clear edgeGym 5 Fantina: has troubleGym 6 Byron: does wellGym 7 Candice: does wellGym 8 Volkner: does wellAaron: no clear edgeBertha: does wellFlint: does wellLucian: no clear edgeCynthia: no clear edgeAfter badge 2MachopRoute 20745% of encounters by day#040MachopLevel 28#041MachokeTrade#042Machamp
    Not yet: Roark, GardeniaDoes wellByronCandiceVolknerBerthaFlintHas troubleFantinaNo clear edgeMaylene, Crasher Wake, Aaron, Lucian, Cynthia

Best pair

Infernape + Medicham11/13 togetherevery fight a Fighting pick wins

After the creditsOnly after you beat CynthiaCounted in no fight

  • GalladeAfter the Hall of Fame
  • PrimeapeAfter the Hall of Fame
  • BreloomAfter the Hall of Fame
  • HitmonleeAfter the Hall of Fame
  • HitmonchanAfter the Hall of Fame
  • HariyamaAfter the Hall of Fame
  • HitmontopAfter the Hall of Fame
  • PoliwrathAfter the Hall of Fame

Where does a Fighting team need help, from the first gym to Cynthia?

Plan other types for Roark and Fantina.

The best Fighting pick you can have by each fight, Roark to Cynthia. First with none: Roark.

Gyms

  1. Has trouble: Chimchar

    Team

    1. GeodudeLv 12RockGround
    2. OnixLv 12RockGround
    3. CranidosLv 14RockAce

    Has trouble (1)Infernape Starter: pick 1 of 3as Chimchar

    Full fight

  2. Heracross+1 more

    Team

    1. CherubiLv 19Grass
    2. TurtwigLv 19Grass
    3. RoseradeLv 22GrassPoisonAce

    Does well (2)HeracrossMoves: Aerial AceInfernape Starter: pick 1 of 3as MonfernoMoves: Flame Wheel

    Full fight

  3. Heracross+2 more

    TeamFighting-type team

    1. MedititeLv 27FightingPsychic
    2. MachokeLv 27Fighting
    3. LucarioLv 30FightingSteelAce

    Does well (3)HeracrossMoves: Aerial Ace and Focus BlastMedichamMoves: Psychic and High Jump KickInfernape Starter: pick 1 of 3as MonfernoMoves: Aerial Ace and Focus Blast

    No clear edge (1)Machamp Trade to evolve

    Full fight

  4. Medicham

    Team

    1. GyaradosLv 27WaterFlying
    2. QuagsireLv 27WaterGround
    3. FloatzelLv 30WaterAce

    Does well (1)MedichamMoves: Rock Tomb and High Jump Kick

    No clear edge (4)Machamp Trade to evolveHeracrossInfernape Starter: pick 1 of 3as MonfernoToxicroakas Croagunk

    Full fight

  5. Closest: Medicham

    Team

    1. DrifblimLv 32GhostFlying
    2. GengarLv 34GhostPoison
    3. MismagiusLv 36GhostAce

    No clear edge (3)MedichamHeracrossInfernape Starter: pick 1 of 3as Monferno

    Has trouble (2)Toxicroakas CroagunkMachamp Trade to evolve

    Full fight

  6. Heracross+5 more

    Team

    1. BronzorLv 36SteelPsychic
    2. SteelixLv 36SteelGround
    3. BastiodonLv 39RockSteelAce

    Does well (6)HeracrossMoves: Close CombatInfernape Starter: pick 1 of 3Moves: Fire Blast and Close CombatLucario GiftMoves: Focus BlastMachamp Trade to evolveMoves: Fire Blast and Focus BlastToxicroakMoves: Focus BlastMedichamMoves: High Jump Kick

    Full fight

  7. Heracross+5 more

    Team

    1. SnoverLv 38GrassIce
    2. SneaselLv 38DarkIce
    3. MedichamLv 40FightingPsychic
    4. AbomasnowLv 42GrassIceAce

    Does well (6)HeracrossMoves: Focus Punch and Aerial AceInfernape Starter: pick 1 of 3Moves: Fire Blast, Focus Punch and Aerial AceLucario GiftMoves: Focus Punch and Shadow BallToxicroakMoves: Focus Punch and Shadow BallMachamp Trade to evolveMoves: Fire Blast, Focus Punch and ThiefMedichamMoves: Focus Punch and Shadow Ball

    Full fight

  8. Heracross+5 more

    Team

    1. RaichuLv 46Electric
    2. AmbipomLv 47Normal
    3. OctilleryLv 47Water
    4. LuxrayLv 49ElectricAce

    Does well (6)HeracrossMoves: Earthquake and Focus PunchInfernape Starter: pick 1 of 3Moves: Earthquake, Focus Punch and Solar BeamToxicroakMoves: Earthquake and Focus PunchMachamp Trade to evolveMoves: Earthquake and Focus PunchLucario GiftMoves: Earthquake and Focus PunchMedichamMoves: Focus Punch

    Full fight

League

  1. Heracross+3 more

    Team

    1. DustoxLv 53BugPoison
    2. BeautiflyLv 53BugFlying
    3. VespiquenLv 54BugFlying
    4. HeracrossLv 54BugFighting
    5. DrapionLv 57PoisonDarkAce

    Does well (4)HeracrossMoves: Aerial Ace, Stone Edge and EarthquakeInfernape Starter: pick 1 of 3Moves: Fire Blast, Stone Edge and Aerial AceLucario GiftMoves: Psychic, Stone Edge and EarthquakeToxicroakMoves: Stone Edge, Sludge Bomb and Earthquake

    No clear edge (2)MedichamMachamp Trade to evolve

    Full fight

  2. Heracross+4 more

    Team

    1. QuagsireLv 55WaterGround
    2. SudowoodoLv 56Rock
    3. GolemLv 56RockGround
    4. WhiscashLv 55WaterGround
    5. HippowdonLv 59GroundAce

    Does well (5)HeracrossMoves: Megahorn and Focus PunchInfernape Starter: pick 1 of 3Moves: Solar Beam and Focus PunchMachamp Trade to evolveMoves: Focus PunchLucario GiftMoves: Focus Punch and Water PulseMedichamMoves: Focus Punch

    No clear edge (1)Toxicroak

    Full fight

  3. Heracross+5 more

    Team

    1. RapidashLv 58Fire
    2. SteelixLv 57SteelGround
    3. DrifblimLv 58GhostFlying
    4. LopunnyLv 57Normal
    5. InfernapeLv 61FireFightingAce

    Does well (6)HeracrossMoves: Earthquake, Focus Punch and Night SlashInfernape Starter: pick 1 of 3Moves: Earthquake, Focus Punch and Shadow ClawMachamp Trade to evolveMoves: Earthquake, Focus Punch and ThiefToxicroakMoves: Earthquake, Focus Punch and Dark PulseLucario GiftMoves: Earthquake, Focus Punch and Dark PulseMedichamMoves: Rock Slide, Focus Punch and Shadow Ball

    Full fight

  4. Heracross+1 more

    Team

    1. Mr MimeLv 59Psychic
    2. GirafarigLv 59NormalPsychic
    3. MedichamLv 60FightingPsychic
    4. AlakazamLv 60Psychic
    5. BronzongLv 63SteelPsychicAce

    Does well (2)HeracrossMoves: Megahorn and Aerial AceInfernape Starter: pick 1 of 3Moves: U-turn, Aerial Ace and Flare Blitz

    No clear edge (4)Lucario GiftToxicroakMachamp Trade to evolveMedicham

    Full fight

  5. Heracross+1 more

    Team

    1. SpiritombLv 61GhostDark
    2. RoseradeLv 60GrassPoison
    3. GastrodonLv 60WaterGround
    4. LucarioLv 63FightingSteel
    5. MiloticLv 63Water
    6. GarchompLv 66DragonGroundAce

    Does well (2)HeracrossMoves: Megahorn, Aerial Ace and Focus PunchInfernape Starter: pick 1 of 3Moves: Flare Blitz, Solar Beam and Focus Punch

    No clear edge (4)Lucario GiftMachamp Trade to evolveMedichamToxicroak

    Full fight

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