The Best Fighting Pokémon in HeartGold & SoulSilver

When Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver released in 2009, Nintendo wanted players to experience the Gen 2 offerings with a Gen 4 lick of paint.

And they succeeded.

But the National Dex meant that catchin ‘em all became an arduous task, due to version exclusives and some others only obtainable from earlier games.

That said, it’s not just about the ‘dex. It’s also about building a strong team.

And if you want a fighting type added into your HGSS team, then we’ve got some suggestions here, along with details on where you can find each Pokémon.

6. Primeape

Primeape is best used as a Physical Sweeper, due to its decent Attack and Speed.

But defensively it isn’t the sturdiest.

In terms of moves, Primeape is well represented with Fighting-type moves in its movepool. Cross Chop or Close Combat are viable options to maximize on Primeape’s STAB, however moves like Earthquake and Poison Jab are worthwhile for type coverage too.

And in HGSS, Primeape can also learn all 3 elemental punch moves if you want to turn it into an all-rounder.

How to catch: (HG only) Catch Mankey in Route 42 and level it up to 28 to evolve it into Primeape.

5. Hitmonchan

Although Hitmonchan is a tad lacking in Speed, it really makes up for it with its surprising amount of defensive bulk – as well as a very decent Attack stat.

As expected, Hitmonchan can learn pretty much all ‘punch’ moves, including all 3 elemental punch moves and the useful Mach Punch.

High Jump Kick hits like a bus, providing it doesn’t miss.

And Drain Punch is fantastic for extending Hitmonchan’s longevity, not to mention Earthquake would be devastating against all non-flying opponents.

How to catch: Once you receive Tyrogue from the Karate Master in Mt. Mortar, it will evolve into Hitmonchan at level 20 if its Defense is higher than its Attack.

4. Hitmonlee

The fundamental difference between Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan (other than one kicks & the other punches) is that Hitmonlee is blessed with higher Attack and Speed, trading off a dip in Defense as a result.

Hitmonlee has access to both High Kick and High Jump Kick, with the latter having much higher Attack but lower accuracy.

Close Combat is also absolutely devastating here.

And Reversal will most likely KO any foe if Hitmonlee has low HP.

Granted, Hitmonlee doesn’t have access to many non-Fighting type moves… but it can still learn the ever useful Earthquake, as well as Poison Jab and Stone Edge.

How to catch: Once you receive Tyrogue from the Karate Master in Mt. Mortar, it will evolve into Hitmonlee at level 20 only if its Attack is higher than its Defense.

3. Hariyama

Hariyama has incredibly high HP and Attack, and can really pack a punch with the right set up.

If it has the Guts ability, then you can find a way to Poison it to really ramp up its Attack to frightening levels.

Belly Drum is fantastic at allowing Hariyama to sweep through opposing teams with ease.

And that move coupled with moves like Close Combat or Force Palm turns this into a fearsome Pokémon, capable of OHKO-ing at high enough levels.

With Belly Drum active, you can even fire off a Reversal if you’re low on health to hopefully take a few Pokémon down with you.

How to catch: Firstly, tune your Pokégear Radio to the Pokémon March station on Wednesdays. This allows Pokémon from the Hoenn region to start appearing. You then need to catch a Makuhita who can be found in most mountains and caves, as well as Seafoam Islands and Whirl Islands. Finally, level it up to 24 to evolve it to Hariyama.

2. Machamp

In terms of pure Fighting-type Pokémon, Machamp is the best stat-wise in the game, possessing a monstrous Attack stat as well as decent bulk and HP.

If you can get yourself a Machoke/Machamp with the No Guard ability, then every single attack will land without question.

And if you do get No Guard, then learning Dynamic Punch is essential, as well as Stone Edge for type coverage.

You could even learn Payback to make full use of Machamp’s low Speed.

Regardless of No Guard, you can always count on Close Combat here too, as well as Fire/Ice/Thunder Punch and Earthquake for decent damage.

How to catch: Get a Machop (Mt Mortar, Cliff Cave) or Machoke (Cliff Cave). Machop evolves to Machoke at level 28, and Machoke evolves to Machamp by trading to another player.

1. Heracross

This fearsome Bug/Fighting dual type boasts incredible Attack, and a decent spread among its other stats.

All 3 of its abilities benefit it in various ways – but Guts allows it to hit with frightening Attack power, provided it’s affected with a status ailment.

Megahorn and Close Combat are its STAB moves of choice here, although Megahorn suffers from a low accuracy.

Bug Bite is a safer (albeit weaker) move to try instead.

Heracross also has quite a few type coverage options in its movepool, with moves like Shadow Claw, Aerial Ace, Night Slash, Stone Edge, and Earthquake all being viable options.

With the right setup, Heracross has all the tools to allow it to rip through opposing teams of Pokémon with relative ease.

How to catch: Use headbutt on trees in Azalea Town or Route 33.