uploaded -tondas
**artwork by me**
**artwork by me**
[OVERVIEW]
Hitmonchan is a solid Pokemon in PU thanks to its amazing role compression. It's an offensive spinner that threatens many of the tier's Stealth Rock setters such as Regirock, Alolan Sandslash, and Aggron while being bulky enough to act as a blanket check to some of the best specially offensive Pokemon such as Aurorus, and it can act as a revenge killer thanks to Mach Punch. While it lacks a method of reliable recovery, it can mitigate this with Drain Punch or a pinch Berry. However, Hitmonchan's limited movepool leaves it unable to deal with Pokemon that can threaten it out of the battle such as Clefairy, Tangela, and Quagsire, and it is worn down quickly by entry hazards and status conditions. Unless it runs Toxic or an appropriate coverage move, Hitmonchan is helpless against Ghost-types such as Froslass, Jellicent, and Sableye and other hazard setters such as Roselia and Qwilfish, which can make it an unreliable spinner at times. Hitmonchan is also vulnerable to being revenge killed by physically offensive threats such as Gurdurr, Kangaskhan, and Dodrio because of its low Defense. Gurdurr, in particular, can set up in front of it and take advantage of Toxic by activating Guts.
[SET]
name: Toxic + Iapapa Berry
move 1: Drain Punch
move 2: Mach Punch
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Rapid Spin
item: Iapapa Berry
ability: Iron Fist
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 24 Atk / 104 SpD / 128 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Drain Punch serves as both Hitmochan's main STAB attack and primary method of recovering HP, allowing it to continue using Rapid Spin. Mach Punch gives Hitmonchan a way to deal with weakened faster Pokemon such as Lycanroc, Kabutops, and Kangaskhan. Toxic gives Hitmonchan a way to cripple defensive switch-ins such as Jellicent, Quagsire, and Sableye.
Set Details
========
The given EV investment lets Hitmonchan always OHKO maximum HP Alolan Sandslash with Drain Punch while still having a good chance of avoiding a 2HKO by Timid Choice Scarf Aurorus's Blizzard after hail and Stealth Rock damage. Iapapa Berry gives Hitmonchan an extra form of recovery without relying on Drain Punch. This is especially helpful after switching into entry hazards and powerful Pokemon often.
Usage Tips
========
Hitmonchan can try to pivot into Pokemon such as Crygonal, Audino, and Eelektross, but you should be cautious, because Hitmonchan should still try to be as healthy as possible so it can continue clearing entry hazards for its team. Be mindful of Hitmonchan's HP, since it can only take certain attacks such as Aggron's Head Smash from full HP. Hitmonchan can also come into battle against Stealth Rock users such as Regirock and Alolan Sandslash as they are setting their hazards or with the help of a pivot. Rapid Spin is most likely going to be the most used move, as Hitmonchan should aim to clear its side of the field of entry hazards as soon as possible. Since Hitmonchan often invites Pokemon like Jellicent, Golurk, and Sableye into battle, it can use Toxic as they come in to cripple them. Afterwards, Hitmonchan should try to pivot out because these Pokemon threaten it with their own Toxic or a potential burn from Scald. Once these Pokemon are properly dealt with, Hitmonchan can use Drain Punch to keep itself healthy. Still, be mindful of common Rocky Helmet users such as Skuntank and Qwilfish, as the extra residual damage is detrimental to Hitmonchan's attempt to restore its health with Drain Punch. Skuntank can also wear Hitmonchan down further with Aftermath.
Team Options
========
Hitmonchan fits on most bulky or balanced teams thanks to its ability to clear entry hazards while threatening Stealth Rock setters like Regirock. Offensive Pokemon that are weak to Stealth Rock such as Simisear, Scyther, and Oricorio-E appreciate Hitmonchan's Rapid Spin support and ability to check Rock-types. These Pokemon can also threaten physically defensive Pokemon like Aggron, Tangela, and Gurdurr for Hitmonchan. Spikes setters like Froslass, Qwilfish, and Roselia also pair well with Hitmonchan, since it can remove hazards without removing the Spikes they set. Qwilfish and Roselia can also absorb Toxic Spikes for Hitmonchan. Physically defensive teammates like Aggron, Mudsdale, and Regirock can help Hitmonchan by taking physical attacks aimed at it such as Poison Jab from Skuntank. Aggron and Regirock can also threaten Flying-types for Hitmonchan. Partners like Skuntank, Alolan Persian, and Spiritomb can also be beneficial, since they can help stop the Ghost- and Psychic-types like Golurk and Claydol that wall Hitmonchan. Skuntank can even absorb Toxic Spikes for Hitmonchan, which benefits its longevity. Pivots such as Scyther, Lanturn, and Eelektross can help bring Hitmonchan safely into battle against Pokemon like Drampa, Stoutland, and Audino.
[SET]
name: Life Orb Attacker
move 1: Drain Punch
move 2: Mach Punch
move 3: Thunder Punch / Stone Edge
move 4: Rapid Spin
item: Life Orb
ability: Iron Fist
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thunder Punch can deal super effective damage to bulky Water-types such as Jellicent and Qwilfish, which can otherwise spinblock Hitmonchan and set Spikes, respectively. Stone Edge can punish Pokemon like Oricorio-E, Scyther, and Froslass that attempt to switch into Hitmonchan.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed ensures that Hitmonchan will outpace Timid Omastar before Shell Smash and Timid Aurorus.
Usage Tips
========
This set turns Hitmonchan into a wallbreaker that can also act as a revenge killer and take care of offensive threats such as Omastar, Stoutland, and Simisear thanks to Mach Punch. Hitmonchan shouldn't be brought in against a direct attack, because this set sacrifices bulk for power. Instead, it should be brought in through aggressive double switches, by using a pivot, on passive Pokemon such as Audino, or after a teammate has fainted. Hitmonchan is most likely going to be using its Fighting-type STAB moves throughout the match, so it will be inviting Pokemon such as Froslass, Oricorio-G, and Jellicent to take these moves. If this is anticipated, Hitmonchan can use one of its coverage moves to punish these Pokemon that attempt to switch directly into it. This play can be especially rewarding given the extra power that Life Orb provides. Clearing entry hazards is still an important role that Hitmonchan provides, although it isn't that durable because of its lack of bulk investment and the recoil from Life Orb. If hazards are clear, Hitmonchan should focus on wallbreaking and revenge killing.
Team Options
========
Life Orb Hitmonchan fits on teams that need a check to fast and frail setup sweepers such as Omastar, Lycanroc, and Simisear as well as a spinner. Since Hitmonchan forces many switches, it can take advantage of entry hazards to provide important chip damage. Stealth Rock setters like Aggron, Mudsdale, and Aggron have good synergy with Hitmonchan. Spikes setters like Froslass and Qwilfish also appreciate the fact that Hitmonchan doesn't remove the Spikes they set when it clears hazards. Dark-types like Skuntank, Absol, and Spiritomb are also beneficial, as they can properly check the Psychic- and Ghost-types such as Claydol, Jellicent, and Haunter that can give Hitmonchan trouble. Since Hitmonchan isn't as invested in its defenses, having a pivot that can bring it in safely is important. Teammates such as Eelektross, Alolan Persian, and Oricorio-E are decent options for this role. Eelektross can threaten out Jellicent and Qwilfish for Hitmonchan if it chooses to run Stone Edge instead of Thunder Punch. Special attackers such as Haunter, Rotom-F, and Simisear appreciate Hitmonchan's ability to clear hazards and threaten special walls like Type: Null and Eelektross.
[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Drain Punch
move 2: Mach Punch
move 3: Thunder Punch / Stone Edge
move 4: Rapid Spin
item: Assault Vest
ability: Iron Fist
nature: Adamant
evs: 156 HP / 224 Atk / 128 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thunder Punch is the primary coverage move to threaten Pokemon like Jellicent, Oricorio-G, and Qwilfish that attempt to switch into Hitmonchan. Stone Edge is a more powerful yet less accurate option to punish Pokemon like Scyther, Oricorio-E, and Froslass.
Set Details
========
156 HP EVs with an Assault Vest guarantee that Hitmonchan survives Modest +2 Omastar's Hydro Vortex after Stealth Rock damage. The EVs in Speed allow Hitmonchan to outspeed Choice Specs Modest Jellicent, Aurorus, and Aggron. Alternatively, it can run 196 Speed EVs to outpace Timid Aurorus and Mild Abomasnow. The rest of the EVs are placed into Attack so Hitmonchan can have greater offensive presence combined with an Adamant nature and Iron Fist.
Usage Tips
========
Hitmonchan can threaten out Pokemon such as Drampa, Alolan Sandslash, and Aurorus thanks to its STAB attacks, as well as blanket checking powerful special attackers such as Drampa, Omastar, and Rotom-F. Be careful with Hitmonchan's health; it only checks these aforementioned threats for a limited time, since it has a low amount of HP and Drain Punch is not the most reliable recovery move. Make sure Toxic Spikes are also cleared, since Hitmonchan doesn't appreciate being poisoned. After it has come into battle, it should aim to clear away entry hazards if they are present, recover its health lost with Drain Punch, or revenge kill a weakened threat with Mach Punch. However, the opponent could anticipate these moves and go to a Pokemon that resists Hitmonchan's STAB attacks or blocks Rapid Spin such as Oricorio-G, Silvally-Fairy, Froslass, or Jellicent. If this is anticipated, it would be wise to use one of Hitmonchan's coverage moves to catch these switch-ins off guard. However, Hitmonchan should not stay in against these Pokemon because they can threaten it out with their STAB moves, Toxic, or a burn from Will-O-Wisp or Scald.
Team Options
========
Keeping Hitmonchan healthy is a priority so it can continue being a blanket check to strong special attackers. Teammates such as Alolan Persian and Lanturn can help keep Hitmonchan healthy with Z-Parting Shot and Heal Bell, respectively. Having a Poison-type teammate like Skuntank, Qwilfish, or Roselia can also be a good idea, since they absorb Toxic Spikes for Hitmonchan. Qwilfish and Roselia also appreciate Hitmonchan not clearing the Spikes they set when it uses Rapid Spin. Qwilfish can also provide Intimidate support so Hitmonchan has an easier time taking physical attacks. Pursuit trappers like Skuntank and Stoutland can trap Ghost- and Psychic-types that can give Hitmonchan trouble. Physically defensive Pokemon such as Mudsdale and Regirock appreciate Hitmonchan's ability to soft check special attackers. These Pokemon also enjoy Hitmonchan's ability to check Water-type Pokemon such as Omastar, Carracosta, and Ludicolo. Other offensive Pokemon such as Scyther, Dodrio, and Articuno appreciate Hitmonchan's ability to remove Stealth Rock.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A Choice Band set with Close Combat or Drain Punch / Thunder Punch / Ice Punch / Mach Punch is a usable option to 2HKO Qwilfish and Victreebel, and it has an 85% chance to 2HKO Clefairy. However, this isn't the best set, since it sacrifices Hitmonchan's ability to switch moves when it needs to. Bulk Up can also be considered to break through defensive Pokemon that usually stop Hitmonchan such as Mudsdale. However, this set is performed much better by Gurdurr, since it is bulkier than Hitmonchan thanks to Eviolite, can take advantage of status conditions with Guts, and has Knock Off to further increase its offensive presence. Throat Chop is an offensive option so Hitmonchan can deal super effective damage to Ghost-types like Froslass, Jellicent, and Haunter. However, Thunder Punch and Stone Edge accomplish the same thing against Qwilfish and Jellicent with the added bonus of dealing with Flying-types. Foresight is an interesting tech that allows Hitmonchan to use Rapid Spin against Ghost-types like Golurk and Jellicent and hit them with its Fighting-type moves. However, this move is difficult to fit on a set and only works one turn after use, meaning repeated use is required. Ice Punch is another alternative to beat Pokemon like Claydol, Victreebel, and Golurk but leaves Hitmonchan unable to beat Jellicent and Qwilfish.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Residual Damage**: Hitmonchan may resist Stealth Rock, but it is still worn down by continually switching into entry hazards to clear them. It also has to be cautious about spinning in front of Rocky Helmet users like Skuntank, since the contact damage also hurts Hitmonchan. Toxic Spikes are especially detrimental, as they can inflict poison damage, which can chip away at Hitmonchan's longevity. Burns from Will-O-Wisp and Scald similarly wear Hitmonchan down further and force offensive sets to lose offensive pressure.
**Ghost-types**: Hitmonchan has limited options for dealing with Ghost-types. While bulky ones such as Jellicent, Sableye, and Spiritomb are crippled by Toxic and offensive ones such as Froslass and Oricorio-G do not want to risk switching into a potential Stone Edge, Hitmonchan does not want to risk staying in against these Pokemon because they all spinblock it and threaten it out with either status moves or their own powerful STAB moves. Golurk can even set Stealth Rock and block Hitmonchan's efforts to clear them, while Haunter is immune to Toxic and forces Hitmonchan out if it doesn't carry coverage moves.
**Psychic-types**: Because Hitmonchan lacks super effective coverage to hit them, Pokemon such as Claydol and Alolan Raichu can easily pivot into its Fighting-type moves and force it out with their super effective coverage. They do need to be cautious about potentially switching into Toxic or its coverage moves, however.
**Fighting-resistant Pokemon**: Fairy- and Flying-types such as Clefairy, Scyther, and Oricorio-E can threaten Hitmonchan out of battle with their powerful STAB moves. Qwilfish can force Hitmonchan out of the battle with Intimidate or the threat of a Scald burn and proceed to set up its own hazards. Victreebel can also come in against Hitmonchan's Fighting-type moves and weaken it with Strength Sap. Outside of Clefairy and Victreebel, none of these Pokemon want to risk switching into Toxic, Stone Edge, or Thunder Punch, though.
**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Defensive Pokemon like Gurdurr and Quagsire can easily take any hit Hitmonchan goes for while also Toxic stalling it and proceeding to recover their health. Mudsdale can also wear Hitmonchan down with Toxic and even gain a Defense boost from Hitmonchan's moves. From there, it can threaten out Hitmonchan with its own powerful moves. Quagsire and Mudsdale want to avoid Toxic themselves, however.
**Physically Offensive Pokemon**: Thanks to Hitmonchan's poor physical bulk, offensive Pokemon like Primeape, Kangaskhan, and Dodrio can threaten Hitmonchan but don't want to risk switching into any of its moves.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[JustoonSmitts, 239732]]
- Quality checked by: [[Megazard, 202117], [TJ, 331538], [gum, 434150]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Fireflame479, 231476], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
Last edited by a moderator:
Hitmonchan defintely can not 'easily' pivot into guzzlord or absol lol, so just remove that word since its misleading) Even though it can switch into these Pokemon, Hitmonchan should still try to be as healthy as possible so that it can continue clearing hazards for its team. Be mindful of how healthy Hitmonchan is when making this play, since it can only take certain attacks such as Devestating Drake from Guzzlord from full HP. Others like Absol can carry a coverage move to catch Hitmonchan off guard such as Play Rough and deal serious damage against Hitmonchan or even KO it.
)Afterwards, Hitmonchan should try to pivot out because these Pokemon threaten it with their own Toxic or a potential burn from Scald.
, the most common items mudsdale runs are iapapa berry/lefties)
)
or Toxic and can even gain a defense boost from Hitmonchan's moves. From there, it can threaten out Hitmonchan with its own powerful moves. Quagsire and Mudsdale want to avoid Toxic themselves, however.
