Best Fighting Type Pokemon

Picking the best Fighting type Pokemon starts with what the type can break. Fighting type Pokemon hit Normal, Rock, Steel, Ice and Dark for double damage, though their moves do nothing at all to Ghost types.

The type has a reputation for muscle over brains, and plenty of its members lean into it. One is a four-armed bodybuilder, and another carries concrete pillars around like walking canes. (We also flex in the mirror. Nobody has called it a design choice.)

This list ranks 15 of the 73 Fighting type Pokemon by how many different players named each one as their favorite or best Fighting type. Let's get into the countdown:

Best Fighting Type Pokemon

#15

Conkeldurr

At first glance, the brutal, humanoid look of Conkeldurr suggests the ogres of European folklore. Timburr's Pokedex entry supports the idea that its whole line is based on construction workers, and Conkeldurr always holds two concrete pillars. The gray tuft under its chin and its habit of using the pillars as walking canes suggest it is also based on an elderly person. Its Pokedex entry says that when going all out, it throws aside its concrete pillars and leaps at opponents to pummel them with its fists. (We respect a grandpa who keeps the canes as a bluff.)

Gurdurr evolves into it when traded (trading sends a Pokemon to another player's game). Its Attack of 140 is the highest on this list, and so is its HP of 105. Every Pokemon also has an ability, a passive effect that works on its own in battle. Conkeldurr's Guts raises its Attack to 1.5× when it has a major status ailment such as a burn or poison, and Sheer Force makes moves with extra effects 1.3× as strong but drops those effects. Its hidden ability (a rarer ability some Pokemon can have), Iron Fist, makes punching moves 1.2× as strong.

#14

Falinks

Falinks may be inspired by groups of soldiers in phalanx formations, where each unit lines up close together and covers all sides with shields, which its limbs resemble. Its heads resemble the Corinthian helmets worn by hoplites in Ancient Greece. It may also be inspired by the Legio IX Hispana, the Roman legion that mysteriously disappeared in Britain around 120 AD. Its Pokedex entry says the six of them work together as one Pokemon, and they constantly change their formation as they fight. (Six members, one shared brain cell. We have been in this group project.)

It does not evolve. Its Attack and Defense are both 100. Its ability, Battle Armor, protects it from critical hits (rare hits that deal extra damage). Its hidden ability, Defiant, raises its Attack two stages when any of its stats is lowered (a stage is one step up or down for a stat during a battle).

A handful of players name it as their favorite Fighting type.

#13

Hitmonchan

Hitmonchan appears to be based on a boxer, and its Japanese name points to the boxer Hiroyuki Ebihara in particular. The colors of its gloves, in its normal and Shiny colorations (a Shiny is a rare alternate-color version of a Pokemon), might be a reference to the red corner and blue corner in boxing. Its Pokedex entry says its punches slice the air, but it seems to need a short break after fighting for three minutes, which is a nod to the length of a round in boxing. (Three minutes is also our limit for most things.)

Tyrogue, a baby Pokemon, evolves into it at level 20. Its Special Defense is 110 and its Attack is 105. Its abilities are Keen Eye, which prevents its accuracy from being lowered, and Iron Fist, and its hidden ability, Inner Focus, prevents flinching (a flinch makes a Pokemon lose its turn).

#12

Mienshao

Mienshao may be a combination of an ermine and Shaolin, and it also seems to draw inspiration from whip fighting. The fur on its arms resembles the shuixiu or water sleeves, the long, white, flowing sleeves that performers of Chinese opera use to express the emotions of their character. Its Pokedex entry says its kicks, delivered at blinding speeds, can shatter massive boulders into tiny pieces. (We once lost a fight with a jar of pickles.)

Mienfoo evolves into it at level 50. Its Attack is 125 and its Speed is 105 (Speed decides who attacks first in a turn). Its abilities are Inner Focus and Regenerator, which heals it for a third of its max HP when it switches out, and its hidden ability, Reckless, makes recoil moves (moves that also hurt the user) 1.2× as strong.

#11

Heracross

Heracross appears to be based on the Japanese rhinoceros beetle. These beetles are known for their incredible strength and their use in insect fighting, which explains its Fighting type. Its Pokedex entry says it has an unparalleled horn and is capable of throwing several people trained in the traditional arts of war at once. (We would like to meet the volunteers.)

It does not evolve. Its Attack is 125 and its Special Defense is 95. Its abilities are Swarm, which makes its Bug moves hit 1.5× as hard once its HP drops to a third or less, and Guts. Its hidden ability, Moxie, raises its Attack one stage each time it knocks out a Pokemon.

#10

Hitmonlee

Going by its Japanese name and its kicks, Hitmonlee may be based on the Japanese kickboxer Tadashi Sawamura, and it may personify martial arts that focus on kicking, such as savate and Taekwondo. With no head, its design resembles mythical headless men such as the Xingtian. Its coiled limbs resemble the iron rings used in some kung fu styles, and when stretched, they act like a spring. Its Pokedex entry says its legs freely contract and stretch, so it can hit a distant foe with a rising kick. (It has no head and still has better posture than us.)

Tyrogue evolves into it at level 20 as well. Its Attack is 120 and its Special Defense is 110. Its abilities are Limber, which prevents paralysis, and Reckless. Its hidden ability, Unburden, doubles its Speed once it uses or loses its held item (an item a Pokemon carries into battle).

Urshifu

Urshifu may be based on an Asian black bear and a wushu fighter, and its two forms may reference different styles of Chinese martial arts. Its Single Strike Style may come from Bajiquan, a highly assaultive style built on precise, powerful and direct strikes, which gives meaning to its signature move, Wicked Blow, a single strong punch that always lands as a critical hit. Its Pokedex entry says it inhabits the mountains of a distant region and races across sheer cliffs, training its legs and refining its moves. (We take the stairs sometimes. Same thing.)

Kubfu evolves into it at the Towers of Two Fists. The Tower of Darkness gives this Fighting / Dark Single Strike Style, and the Tower of Waters gives the Fighting / Water Rapid Strike Style. It is the only legendary Pokemon on this list, and its base stat total of 550 is the highest of the 15. Its Attack is 130. Its only ability, Unseen Fist, lets its contact moves strike through Protect and Detect, two moves that normally block an attack for a turn.

Hawlucha

Hawlucha appears to combine a bird of prey, with its English name pointing to a hawk, and a luchador, and it may also draw on Aztec eagle warriors. Its green, white and red color scheme may be inspired by the flag of Mexico, which fits its lucha libre inspiration. Its debut in the Kalos region may also be a reference to masked wrestling originating in Paris. Its Pokedex entry says it always strikes a pose before going for its finishing move, and sometimes opponents take advantage of that time to counterattack. (We have never posed before anything. We have also never had a finishing move.)

It does not evolve. Its Speed of 118 is the highest on this list. Its abilities are Limber and Unburden, and its hidden ability, Mold Breaker, lets its moves ignore a target's ability when that ability would hinder or prevent them.

Primeape

The category of Primeape, Pig Monkey Pokemon, and its pig-like nose may come from the southern pig-tailed macaque, which shares its color scheme and shaggy fur. Its hands look like boxing gloves, and it appears to wear metal weights on its wrists and ankles. Many of its Pokedex entries say meeting its glare angers it, a common trait in primates that understand eye contact as a threat. Its newest entry says it stops being angry only when nobody else is around, and viewing that moment is very difficult. (We are the same, minus the boxing gloves.)

Mankey evolves into it at level 28, and it evolves into Annihilape when leveled up after using Rage Fist twenty times. Its Attack is 105 and its Speed is 95. Its abilities are Vital Spirit, which prevents sleep, and Anger Point, which raises its Attack to the maximum of six stages when a critical hit lands on it. Its hidden ability is Defiant.

Several players call it their favorite Fighting type, easily.

Poliwrath

Poliwrath may be based on a tadpole and a frog. The spiral pattern on its belly represents how the organs of tadpoles and of most glass frogs can be seen through their transparent skin, and it also resembles a hypnotic spiral, the likely reason it learns Hypnosis. It may also be based on amphibian neoteny, since it stays in tadpole form and never turns into a frog. Its Pokedex category is still Tadpole Pokemon, and its entry says it is skilled at both swimming and martial arts and uses its well-trained arms to dish out powerful punches. (A tadpole that skipped the frog phase and went straight to the gym. We skipped the gym phase.)

Poliwhirl evolves into it with a Water Stone, an evolution item. Its HP is 90, and its Attack and Defense are both 95. Its abilities are Water Absorb, which heals it for a quarter of its max HP when a Water move hits it, and Damp, which stops Self-Destruct and Explosion from working while it is in battle. Its hidden ability, Swift Swim, doubles its Speed in rain.

Infernape

Infernape appears to be based on a monkey with some elements of a chimpanzee. The gold in its design may be linked to Sun Wukong, the Monkey King of a classic Chinese novel, and it may also come from the Vanara of the Hindu epic Ramayana, specifically Hanuman, who was granted immunity to fire. Its fighting side may also be based on Monkey Kung Fu. Its Pokedex entry calls it a tall, hardy Pokemon with a dazzling appearance that shrouds itself in flame and battles as if engaged in dance. (We would describe ourselves as tall-ish.)

Monferno evolves into it at level 36, which makes it the final form of Sinnoh's Fire starter. Its Attack and Special Attack are both 104 (Attack powers physical moves, Special Attack powers special ones), and its Speed is 108. Its ability, Blaze, makes its Fire moves hit 1.5× as hard once its HP drops to a third or less, and its hidden ability is Iron Fist.

Gallade

Gallade may be based on a warrior elf. The single fin on its head resembles the helmet worn by murmillo-class Roman gladiators, or the crested Corinthian helmet of Greek hoplites, though it may also come from medieval knights. Its battle stances resemble the en garde position and parries of modern fencing, and its elbow swords closely resemble tonfas, wooden bars held against the arm as batons and arm guards. Its Pokedex entry says the blades on its elbows are sharper than the finest swords, and its swordsmanship, albeit self-taught, is astonishingly impressive. (We are self-taught at the guitar. Nobody calls it impressive.)

Kirlia evolves into it with a Dawn Stone. Its Attack is 125, and its Special Defense of 115 is the highest on this list. Its abilities are Steadfast, which raises its Speed one stage when it flinches, and Sharpness, which powers up slicing moves. Its hidden ability, Justified, raises its Attack one stage when a Dark move hits it.

Players who rank it this high often pick it over Gardevoir, Kirlia's other evolution, for the design and the typing.

Machamp

Machamp appears to be based on a bodybuilder or wrestler. With more than two arms and blue skin, it might also be based on a Hindu god, perhaps Shiva or Vishnu, and its muscular design, head crests and large lips could be a reference to the Kinnikuman series. Its Pokedex entry says its four arms give it offensive and defensive supremacy in close combat, and in but a blink it can overwhelm its foes with more than 1,000 blows from its fists. (We have two arms and still drop the groceries.)

Machoke evolves into it when traded. Its Attack is 130 and its HP is 90. Its abilities are Guts and No Guard, which makes every move used by or against it hit, and its hidden ability is Steadfast.

No Guard paired with Fissure, a move that knocks out the target in one hit if it lands, is a combination players still argue about.

Blaziken

Blaziken is based on a chicken, possibly the Shamo chicken, and it bears a resemblance to Horus and Ra, two ancient Egyptian gods with falcon heads. It may also draw on the mythical phoenix, as its feathers burn off every few years. Its Fighting type and human-like body may take inspiration from Muay Thai fighters, since its official artwork shows a typical flying knee. Its Pokedex entry says its legs are incredibly strong and its blazing punches leave its foes scorched and blackened. (We get scorched and blackened making toast.)

Combusken evolves into it at level 36. Its Attack is 120 and its Special Attack is 110. Its ability is Blaze, and its hidden ability, Speed Boost, raises its Speed one stage after each turn.

Players call it too strong for standard competitive play, with or without its Mega Evolution (a stronger form it takes for the rest of a battle).

Lucario

The canid-like look of Lucario seems to be based on a jackal, and together with its mystical nature, that suggests the ancient Egyptian god Anubis, who is often shown with the head of a golden jackal. Anubis judged souls by their purity, which loosely resembles Lucario's sense of justice and its ability to see a life form's aura. That aura resembles vital energies such as qi or chakra, and its Fighting type likely comes from qi's place in many East Asian martial arts. Its Pokedex entry says it emits energy waves and controls them with precision, using them to sense even faraway beings, and the writer gave that power the name aura. (We can sense the fridge from two rooms away. Different gift.)

Riolu evolves into it when leveled up with high friendship (how much a Pokemon likes its trainer) during the day. Its Special Attack of 115 is the highest on this list, and its Attack is 110. Its abilities are Steadfast and Inner Focus, and its hidden ability is Justified.

More players named it as their favorite Fighting type than any other, well ahead of Blaziken at number two. For plenty of them it is their favorite Pokemon of any type.

Conclusion

Fighting type Pokemon take double damage from Flying, Psychic and Fairy attacks, and the winner is the one that fixed all three. Lucario's Steel half resists Flying, Psychic and Fairy, which cancels each weak spot, at the cost of new weak spots to Fire, Ground and Fighting. Further down, Urshifu's Dark half makes it immune to Psychic, and the Fire halves of Blaziken and Infernape resist Fairy.

The rest hit hard enough to make the weaknesses a fair trade, like a four-armed bodybuilder and a grandpa with concrete canes. (We relate most to Primeape. Angry until everyone leaves.)

If your favorite didn't make it, the full list of Fighting type Pokemon has all 73, and the type chart shows what each pairing covers.

Fighting Type Pokemon FAQ

What is the best Fighting type Pokemon?

Lucario. More players name it as their favorite Fighting type than any other.

How many Fighting type Pokemon are there?

There are 73 Fighting type Pokemon in the National Pokedex.

Is Urshifu a legendary Pokemon?

Yes. Urshifu is a legendary Pokemon, and it evolves from Kubfu.

Best Fighting Type Pokemon

Best Fighting Type Pokemon

Conkeldurr

Falinks

Hitmonchan

Mienshao

Heracross

Hitmonlee

Urshifu

Hawlucha

Primeape

Poliwrath

Infernape

Gallade

Machamp

Blaziken

Lucario

Conclusion

Fighting Type Pokemon FAQ

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Best Flying Type Pokemon

Best Ghost Type Pokemon

Best Grass Type Pokemon

Best Ground Type Pokemon

Best Ice Type Pokemon