QC: boltsandbombers / metaphysical / Disjunction
GP: The Dutch Plumberjack / P Squared
[OVERVIEW]
Hitmonchan is able to set itself apart from other Pokemon in the NU metagame with its Iron Fist-boosted Mach Punch, which allows it to revenge kill Pokemon such as Shiftry more effectively than Gurdurr can, as well as a boosted Ice Punch that allows it to take on Pokemon such as Golurk more effectively. It also can successfully support many teams, as its access to Rapid Spin allows it to remove opposing entry hazards; additionally, it resists Stealth Rock, which is one of its main appeals as a spinner. Hitmonchan also sports a high Attack stat and has the appropriate coverage moves to deal a decent amount of damage to Pokemon that easily take its STAB moves, such as Vileplume and Golurk. On the downside, it faces major competition as a Fighting-type from Pokemon such as Sawk, Gurdurr, and Hariyama, all of which have access to Knock Off to take on Ghost-types. Sawk is also able to survive any one hit with Sturdy but doesn't have access to priority, Gurdurr can make use of Bulk Up to take multiple hits along with the help of Eviolite but is slower than Hitmonchan, and Hariyama is able to check a multitude of offensive threats in the NU metagame. Other spinners in the NU metagame such as Claydol and Sandslash also have significant niches over Hitmonchan, as the former has access to Shadow Ball to beat spinblockers and is immune to Spikes and Toxic Spikes, while the latter has Knock Off to beat spinblockers. Hitmonchan also struggles to take on bulky Ghost-types such as Misdreavus and Gourgeist-XL, which can prevent Rapid Spin and are immune to its STAB moves. Hitmonchan's Speed tier also sets it back, as it's unable to outspeed a lot of common offensive Pokemon such as Scyther, and its poor Defense stat leaves it unable to take a lot of physical hits.
[SET]
name: Rapid Spin
move 1: Drain Punch
move 2: Mach Punch
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Rapid Spin
item: Life Orb / Fist Plate
ability: Iron Fist
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Drain Punch is Hitmonchan's main STAB move and grants it a relatively reliable form of passive recovery. High Jump Kick can be used for added power, but it runs the risk of having Hitmonchan lose 50% of its health if it misses or a Ghost-type switches in, and it doesn't gain a boost from Iron Fist like Drain Punch does. High Jump Kick should only be used with Fist Plate, as Hitmonchan can't afford the recoil from Life Orb without added recovery from Drain Punch. Mach Punch, with the help of its +1 priority, can pick off foes such as Tauros and Shiftry. Ice Punch allows Hitmonchan to hit Pokemon such as Vileplume and Claydol, which can take its STAB moves; it is also able to 2HKO common spinblockers such as Rotom and Haunter. Rapid Spin allows Hitmonchan to remove entry hazards from its side of the field. Earthquake is an option that allows Hitmonchan to take on one of its biggest checks in Garbodor and prevent it from setting up Spikes, although it loses out on other coverage.
Set Details
========
Hitmonchan makes use of maximum Attack and Speed investment along with an Adamant nature, which allows it to outspeed certain Pokemon such as Claydol and deal as much damage as possible with the help of Life Orb. A Jolly nature can also be used to allow Hitmonchan to outspeed Pokemon such as Shiftry, but it misses out on certain KOs, such as the OHKO on Claydol with Ice Punch. Fist Plate can also be used to prevent Life Orb recoil, but it only boosts the power of Hitmonchan's Fighting-type attacks; on the other hand, Assault Vest can be used to improve Hitmonchan's Special Defense, but it loses out on much-needed power. Iron Fist boosts the power of all of Hitmonchan's punching moves, including Drain Punch, Mach Punch, and Ice Punch. An EV spread of 124 HP / 252 Atk / 132 Spe can be used to give Hitmonchan more bulk while still allowing it to outspeed Torterra and Pawniard.
Usage Tips
========
Drain Punch is usually Hitmonchan's move of choice, as it gains boosts from STAB and Iron Fist and recovers Hitmonchan's health, allowing it to survive throughout the game. Hitmonchan can pick off weakened foes with an Iron Fist-boosted Mach Punch; if need be, it can also be saved if the opponent has a setup sweeper such as Klinklang to revenge kill it. If the opponent has gotten up entry hazards on Hitmonchan's side of the field, it should make it a point to remove them with Rapid Spin. If the opponent has a Ghost-type such as Rotom or Mismagius, Hitmonchan should use Ice Punch in order to weaken it, making it easier to use Rapid Spin late-game. Despite Hitmonchan's high Special Defense, it shouldn't repeatedly switch into strong attacks. Instead, it should be safely brought into battle via a slow Volt Switch or U-turn from Pokemon such as Lanturn and Xatu.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that are weak to entry hazards, such as Scyther and Magmortar, appreciate Hitmonchan's ability to clear the battlefield with Rapid Spin. Skuntank is a great partner for Hitmonchan, as it is able to take on Psychic-types that threaten Hitmonchan and is able to trap Ghost-types, which can spinblock and include some of Hitmonchan's best checks, such as Mismagius. It can also check Mega Audino, which is one of Hitmonchan's biggest checks. Entry hazards from Pokemon such as Rhydon and Golurk are helpful to Hitmonchan, as Stealth Rock and Spikes allow Hitmonchan to pick up necessary KOs, such as the 2HKO with Ice Punch on defensive Vileplume after Stealth Rock damage. Pokemon that resist Flying-type moves, such as Klinklang and Carracosta, are helpful to check Flying-type threats to Hitmonchan.
Other Options
=============
A boosting set with Agility is an option, though Hitmonchan is still relatively weak and it is outclassed by other Pokemon in this role, such as Rhydon. Thunder Punch can be used to take on Pokemon such as Mantine, but forgoing Ice Punch leaves Hitmonchan unable to deal much damage to Pokemon such as Golurk and Vileplume. Hitmonchan can make use of Close Combat to deal more damage to its targets, but it loses out on the recovery that Drain Punch gives. Foresight allows Hitmonchan to spin against Ghost-types, but it loses out on coverage. If Hitmonchan is using Fist Plate, it can also use Fling, which equates to an 80-Base Power Dark-type move, to hit Ghost-types such as Mismagius, as well as Psychic-types such as Mesprit. The combination of Substitute + Focus Punch can be used to avoid status and get off huge damage, but then Hitmonchan loses out on Rapid Spin, which is its main niche. Hitmonchan can make use of a Choice Band, and while it is mainly outclassed by Sawk, Hitmonchan sets itself apart with its Iron Fist-boosted Mach Punch.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ghost-types**: Mismagius, Rotom, and Golurk not only prevent Hitmonchan from using Rapid Spin but also are immune to Hitmonchan's STAB moves. Fortunately, Hitmonchan is able to deal respectable damage to them with Ice Punch.
**Poison-types**: Garbodor and Weezing take very little damage from all of Hitmonchan's attacks. Both of the two can set up Toxic Spikes on Hitmonchan, and the former can also stack Spikes with the help of Rocky Helmet and Aftermath and the latter can severely cripple Hitmonchan with Will-O-Wisp.
**Fairy-types**: Granbull and Mega Audino both take very little damage from Hitmonchan's attacks. The former can cripple Hitmonchan's switch-in with Thunder Wave, while the latter can take advantage of Hitmonchan and set up Calm Mind on it.
**Psychic-types**: Musharna and Mesprit can take multiple attacks from Hitmonchan with ease, and both can OHKO it with their given STAB moves. Musharna can also use Hitmonchan as setup fodder, while Mesprit can set up Stealth Rock on it.
**Flying-types**: Pokemon such as Scyther and Pelipper, though the former is threatened by Ice Punch, can tank Hitmonchan's STAB moves and retaliate with their given super effective STAB moves.
GP: The Dutch Plumberjack / P Squared
[OVERVIEW]
Hitmonchan is able to set itself apart from other Pokemon in the NU metagame with its Iron Fist-boosted Mach Punch, which allows it to revenge kill Pokemon such as Shiftry more effectively than Gurdurr can, as well as a boosted Ice Punch that allows it to take on Pokemon such as Golurk more effectively. It also can successfully support many teams, as its access to Rapid Spin allows it to remove opposing entry hazards; additionally, it resists Stealth Rock, which is one of its main appeals as a spinner. Hitmonchan also sports a high Attack stat and has the appropriate coverage moves to deal a decent amount of damage to Pokemon that easily take its STAB moves, such as Vileplume and Golurk. On the downside, it faces major competition as a Fighting-type from Pokemon such as Sawk, Gurdurr, and Hariyama, all of which have access to Knock Off to take on Ghost-types. Sawk is also able to survive any one hit with Sturdy but doesn't have access to priority, Gurdurr can make use of Bulk Up to take multiple hits along with the help of Eviolite but is slower than Hitmonchan, and Hariyama is able to check a multitude of offensive threats in the NU metagame. Other spinners in the NU metagame such as Claydol and Sandslash also have significant niches over Hitmonchan, as the former has access to Shadow Ball to beat spinblockers and is immune to Spikes and Toxic Spikes, while the latter has Knock Off to beat spinblockers. Hitmonchan also struggles to take on bulky Ghost-types such as Misdreavus and Gourgeist-XL, which can prevent Rapid Spin and are immune to its STAB moves. Hitmonchan's Speed tier also sets it back, as it's unable to outspeed a lot of common offensive Pokemon such as Scyther, and its poor Defense stat leaves it unable to take a lot of physical hits.
[SET]
name: Rapid Spin
move 1: Drain Punch
move 2: Mach Punch
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Rapid Spin
item: Life Orb / Fist Plate
ability: Iron Fist
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Drain Punch is Hitmonchan's main STAB move and grants it a relatively reliable form of passive recovery. High Jump Kick can be used for added power, but it runs the risk of having Hitmonchan lose 50% of its health if it misses or a Ghost-type switches in, and it doesn't gain a boost from Iron Fist like Drain Punch does. High Jump Kick should only be used with Fist Plate, as Hitmonchan can't afford the recoil from Life Orb without added recovery from Drain Punch. Mach Punch, with the help of its +1 priority, can pick off foes such as Tauros and Shiftry. Ice Punch allows Hitmonchan to hit Pokemon such as Vileplume and Claydol, which can take its STAB moves; it is also able to 2HKO common spinblockers such as Rotom and Haunter. Rapid Spin allows Hitmonchan to remove entry hazards from its side of the field. Earthquake is an option that allows Hitmonchan to take on one of its biggest checks in Garbodor and prevent it from setting up Spikes, although it loses out on other coverage.
Set Details
========
Hitmonchan makes use of maximum Attack and Speed investment along with an Adamant nature, which allows it to outspeed certain Pokemon such as Claydol and deal as much damage as possible with the help of Life Orb. A Jolly nature can also be used to allow Hitmonchan to outspeed Pokemon such as Shiftry, but it misses out on certain KOs, such as the OHKO on Claydol with Ice Punch. Fist Plate can also be used to prevent Life Orb recoil, but it only boosts the power of Hitmonchan's Fighting-type attacks; on the other hand, Assault Vest can be used to improve Hitmonchan's Special Defense, but it loses out on much-needed power. Iron Fist boosts the power of all of Hitmonchan's punching moves, including Drain Punch, Mach Punch, and Ice Punch. An EV spread of 124 HP / 252 Atk / 132 Spe can be used to give Hitmonchan more bulk while still allowing it to outspeed Torterra and Pawniard.
Usage Tips
========
Drain Punch is usually Hitmonchan's move of choice, as it gains boosts from STAB and Iron Fist and recovers Hitmonchan's health, allowing it to survive throughout the game. Hitmonchan can pick off weakened foes with an Iron Fist-boosted Mach Punch; if need be, it can also be saved if the opponent has a setup sweeper such as Klinklang to revenge kill it. If the opponent has gotten up entry hazards on Hitmonchan's side of the field, it should make it a point to remove them with Rapid Spin. If the opponent has a Ghost-type such as Rotom or Mismagius, Hitmonchan should use Ice Punch in order to weaken it, making it easier to use Rapid Spin late-game. Despite Hitmonchan's high Special Defense, it shouldn't repeatedly switch into strong attacks. Instead, it should be safely brought into battle via a slow Volt Switch or U-turn from Pokemon such as Lanturn and Xatu.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that are weak to entry hazards, such as Scyther and Magmortar, appreciate Hitmonchan's ability to clear the battlefield with Rapid Spin. Skuntank is a great partner for Hitmonchan, as it is able to take on Psychic-types that threaten Hitmonchan and is able to trap Ghost-types, which can spinblock and include some of Hitmonchan's best checks, such as Mismagius. It can also check Mega Audino, which is one of Hitmonchan's biggest checks. Entry hazards from Pokemon such as Rhydon and Golurk are helpful to Hitmonchan, as Stealth Rock and Spikes allow Hitmonchan to pick up necessary KOs, such as the 2HKO with Ice Punch on defensive Vileplume after Stealth Rock damage. Pokemon that resist Flying-type moves, such as Klinklang and Carracosta, are helpful to check Flying-type threats to Hitmonchan.
Other Options
=============
A boosting set with Agility is an option, though Hitmonchan is still relatively weak and it is outclassed by other Pokemon in this role, such as Rhydon. Thunder Punch can be used to take on Pokemon such as Mantine, but forgoing Ice Punch leaves Hitmonchan unable to deal much damage to Pokemon such as Golurk and Vileplume. Hitmonchan can make use of Close Combat to deal more damage to its targets, but it loses out on the recovery that Drain Punch gives. Foresight allows Hitmonchan to spin against Ghost-types, but it loses out on coverage. If Hitmonchan is using Fist Plate, it can also use Fling, which equates to an 80-Base Power Dark-type move, to hit Ghost-types such as Mismagius, as well as Psychic-types such as Mesprit. The combination of Substitute + Focus Punch can be used to avoid status and get off huge damage, but then Hitmonchan loses out on Rapid Spin, which is its main niche. Hitmonchan can make use of a Choice Band, and while it is mainly outclassed by Sawk, Hitmonchan sets itself apart with its Iron Fist-boosted Mach Punch.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ghost-types**: Mismagius, Rotom, and Golurk not only prevent Hitmonchan from using Rapid Spin but also are immune to Hitmonchan's STAB moves. Fortunately, Hitmonchan is able to deal respectable damage to them with Ice Punch.
**Poison-types**: Garbodor and Weezing take very little damage from all of Hitmonchan's attacks. Both of the two can set up Toxic Spikes on Hitmonchan, and the former can also stack Spikes with the help of Rocky Helmet and Aftermath and the latter can severely cripple Hitmonchan with Will-O-Wisp.
**Fairy-types**: Granbull and Mega Audino both take very little damage from Hitmonchan's attacks. The former can cripple Hitmonchan's switch-in with Thunder Wave, while the latter can take advantage of Hitmonchan and set up Calm Mind on it.
**Psychic-types**: Musharna and Mesprit can take multiple attacks from Hitmonchan with ease, and both can OHKO it with their given STAB moves. Musharna can also use Hitmonchan as setup fodder, while Mesprit can set up Stealth Rock on it.
**Flying-types**: Pokemon such as Scyther and Pelipper, though the former is threatened by Ice Punch, can tank Hitmonchan's STAB moves and retaliate with their given super effective STAB moves.
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