hitmontop #237
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
hitmontop
Generation II · #0237 — Handstand Pokémon
Hitmontop, known as the Handstand Pokémon, is a Fighting-type Pokémon introduced in Generation II that represents one of three possible evolutionary outcomes for Tyrogue. This unique martial artist distinguishes itself through its unconventional combat style, which combines acrobatic spinning techniques with graceful, dance-like kicks. With a base stat total of 455, Hitmontop excels in defensive capabilities and special defense, boasting 95 Defense and an impressive 110 Special Defense, making it considerably bulkier than its evolutionary cousins Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan. Standing at 1.4 meters tall and weighing 48 kilograms, Hitmontop is exclusively male, with no female counterpart existing in its species. Its signature characteristic is the ability to spin on its head at remarkable speeds, traveling faster through this method than by walking normally, and potentially boring into the ground like a drill when reaching maximum velocity.
Base Stats
Height
1.4m
Weight
48.0kg
Category
Handstand Pokémon
Gender
100% Male
Color
brown
Shape
upright
Habitat
urban
Abilities
Lowers opponents' Attack one stage upon entering battle.
Strengthens moves of 60 base power or less to 1.5× their power.
Raises Speed one stage upon flinching.
Hitmontop Biology & Physical Characteristics
Hitmontop presents a distinctive spherical body design, predominantly blue in coloration with a prominent brown triangular patch adorning its chest. The Pokémon's physiology features short, stubby legs equipped with white bands near the hands and feet, combined with disproportionately large blue feet that possess circular brown pads on their undersides. Most notably, Hitmontop possesses a distinctive brown retractable tail that terminates in a blue sphere with a protruding spike, which serves as the pivot point for its characteristic spinning technique. Its head is round and brown with flat, curved extensions protruding from either side and a single keratinous horn extending from the crown. This horn continuously grows throughout Hitmontop's lifetime, continuously regenerating and lengthening. The Pokémon's spherical hands contain no visible digits, and its beady black eyes convey an intense, focused expression befitting its martial artist nature. The overall design reflects a humanoid structure adapted for acrobatic movement and ground-based combat techniques.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Hitmontop Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Hitmontop exists as an exclusively male species with a gender ratio of 100% male and 0% female, making it impossible for players to encounter or breed female specimens of this Pokémon. This gender-exclusive characteristic places Hitmontop in the Human-Like Egg Group, indicating that it can only breed with Pokémon sharing this classification. The species has a base happiness value of 70 out of 255, suggesting a relatively neutral temperament that requires training and bonding to maximize friendship-based mechanics. Breeding a Hitmontop with compatible females from the Human-Like Egg Group will produce Tyrogue offspring, regardless of Hitmontop's stat distribution, allowing trainers to engineer specific Tyrogue individuals designed to evolve into their desired final form through careful attack and defense stat management. The all-male designation of Hitmontop is consistent with several other Fighting-type Pokémon in the series that emphasize martial prowess and combat specialization, potentially reflecting in-universe biological factors that link male development to combat capability.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm00
sword shield
tm01
yellow
tm01
red blue
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm01
ultra sun ultra moon
tm01
sun moon
tm01
blue japan
tm01
red green japan
tm01
sword shield
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm04
gold silver
tm04
crystal
tm05
red blue
tm05
yellow
tm05
red green japan
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
+624 more TMs/HMs
hitmontop's Evolution Chain
Hitmontop Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Hitmontop evolves from Tyrogue upon reaching level 20 when Tyrogue's Attack and Defense stats are equal, distinguishing it as the balanced middle ground among Tyrogue's three possible final forms. This evolution method is unique among Tyrogue's evolutionary line, as Hitmonlee requires Attack exceeding Defense, while Hitmonchan requires Attack falling below Defense. The balanced stat distribution of Tyrogue that leads to Hitmontop's evolution creates a Pokémon with equal investment in physical offensive and defensive capabilities, resulting in a more versatile combatant than its specialized evolutionary alternatives. Unlike Hitmonlee's focus on raw physical attack or Hitmonchan's emphasis on mixed physical and special abilities, Hitmontop develops into a defensively-oriented fighter with remarkably high Special Defense at 110, making it particularly resistant to special attacks. Notably, Hitmontop cannot evolve further into any additional forms, and no Mega Evolution or regional variant exists for this Pokémon, making its final evolutionary form the definitive expression of the balanced Tyrogue lineage.
Where to Find
Location data not available for this Pokémon in the database.
Hitmontop Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Hitmontop is renowned for its exceptional combat prowess and dance-like fighting style, combining offensive and defensive capabilities in a seamless, elegant manner. According to Pokédex entries, its smooth, dance-like kicks are so enchanting that opponents may become mesmerized before being struck by powerful drilling attacks. The centrifugal force generated by Hitmontop's rapid spinning increases the destructive power of its attacks by a factor of ten, transforming its rotation from a purely defensive maneuver into a devastating offensive weapon. This dual-purpose technique represents a remarkable evolution in fighting methodology, as Hitmontop uses handstand positioning to throw off opponents' timing before executing its fancy kick moves. The Pokémon's natural habitat preferences and specific environmental requirements remain undocumented in most Pokédex entries, though its presence across multiple regions suggests adaptability to diverse ecosystems. Hitmontop engages in competitive interactions with other members of Tyrogue's evolutionary line, particularly Hitmonlee, as both species seek to establish dominance through superior martial technique.
Pokedex Entries
Generation II
If you become enchanted by its smooth, elegant, dance-like kicks, you may get drilled hard.
It launches kicks while spinning. If it spins at high speed, it may bore its way into the ground.
After doing a handstand to throw off the opponent's timing, it presents its fancy kick moves.
Generation III
HITMONTOP spins on its head at high speed, all the while delivering kicks. This technique is a remarkable mix of both offense and defense at the same time. The POKéMON travels faster spinning than it does walking.
Its technique of kicking while spinning is a remarkable mix of both offense and defense. HITMONTOP travel faster spinning than they do walking.
It launches kicks while spinning. If it spins at high speed, it may bore its way into the ground.
If you become enchanted by its smooth, elegant, dance-like kicks, you may get drilled hard.
Generation IV
It fights while spinning like a top. The centrifugal force boosts its destructive power by ten.
If you are enchanted by its smooth, dance-like kicks, you may get a closer experience with one than you’d like.
It launches kicks while spinning. If it spins at high speed, it may bore its way into the ground.
Generation V
It fights while spinning like a top. The centrifugal force boosts its destructive power by ten.
It fights while spinning like a top. The centrifugal force boosts its destructive power by 10.
Generation VI
It fights while spinning like a top. The centrifugal force boosts its destructive power by 10.
If you are enchanted by its smooth, dance-like kicks, you may get a closer experience with one than you’d like.
Hitmontop spins on its head at high speed, all the while delivering kicks. This technique is a remarkable mix of both offense and defense at the same time. The Pokémon travels faster spinning than it does walking.
Generation VIII
It launches kicks while spinning. If it spins at high speed, it may bore its way into the ground.
After doing a handstand to throw off the opponent’s timing, it presents its fancy kick moves.
Hitmontop Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Hitmontop's name derives from a combination of 'Hitmon,' inherited from the broader Hitmon evolutionary line nomenclature, and 'top,' referring to the spinning toy it emulates through its combat style. The Japanese name 'Kapoerer' (カポエラー) references Capoeira, the Brazilian martial art that seamlessly blends dance-like movements with fighting techniques, providing the cultural and combat inspiration for Hitmontop's distinctive acrobatic fighting style. This etymological foundation perfectly captures the Pokémon's unique position within the Hitmon family, as it represents the artistic and fluid approach to martial combat, contrasting with the specialized striking techniques of its evolutionary counterparts. The English designation 'Handstand Pokémon' as its species classification emphasizes the inverted positioning central to its combat methodology. The Pokémon's visual design, featuring a spherical body with a protruding tail spike used for rotational balance, directly parallels a spinning top toy, creating a cohesive thematic design that merges martial arts discipline with childhood play experiences and the principles of angular momentum.
Learnable Moves
Hitmontop can learn 89 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| agility | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| baton pass | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| brutal swing | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| bulk up | fighting | Status | — | — | 20 |
| bulldoze | ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| bullet punch | steel | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| close combat | fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 |
| coaching | fighting | Status | — | — | 10 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| counter | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| covet | normal | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| detect | fighting | Status | — | — | 5 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| drill run | ground | Physical | 80 | 95 | 10 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| endeavor | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fake out | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 |
| feint | normal | Physical | 30 | 100 | 10 |
| focus blast | fighting | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 |
| focus energy | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| gyro ball | steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| high jump kick | fighting | Physical | 130 | 90 | 10 |
| ice spinner | ice | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| laser focus | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| low kick | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| low sweep | fighting | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| mach punch | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| mega kick | normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 |
| mega punch | normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| pursuit | dark | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| quick attack | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| quick guard | fighting | Status | — | — | 15 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rapid spin | normal | Physical | 50 | 100 | 40 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| retaliate | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| revenge | fighting | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| reversal | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| role play | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rolling kick | fighting | Physical | 60 | 85 | 15 |
| rollout | rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| sandstorm | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| seismic toss | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| stone edge | rock | Physical | 100 | 80 | 5 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sucker punch | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| triple axel | ice | Physical | 20 | 90 | 10 |
| triple kick | fighting | Physical | 10 | 90 | 10 |
| twister | dragon | Special | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| upper hand | fighting | Physical | 65 | 100 | 15 |
| uproar | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| vacuum wave | fighting | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| wide guard | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| work up | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
Hitmontop Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive battles, Hitmontop occupies a niche role as a defensive Fighting-type with exceptional Special Defense capabilities, allowing it to function as a dedicated special wall. Its base Special Defense of 110 pairs with respectable Defense of 95, enabling it to withstand significant punishment from both physical and special attacks. The Technician ability amplifies moves with 60 base power or less to 1.5 times their normal power, making signature techniques like Mach Punch and Bullet Punch devastatingly effective while maintaining coverage utility. Alternatively, Intimidate reduces opponents' Attack upon entry, providing valuable team support and enabling Hitmontop to function in support roles. The hidden ability Steadfast raises Speed when the Pokémon flinches, turning potential disruptions into offensive advantages and allowing Hitmontop to outpace normally faster threats during prolonged exchanges. Hitmontop's moderate Attack of 95 and Speed of 70 prevent it from functioning as an offensive powerhouse, but its defensive profile and access to priority moves make it valuable in defensive cores. Its weaknesses to Flying, Psychic, and Fairy-type attacks remain consistent with Fighting-type constraints, requiring careful team construction and coverage options to compensate.
Commonly Asked Questions About Hitmontop
What type is Hitmontop?
Hitmontop is a fighting type Pokemon.
What does Hitmontop evolve from?
Hitmontop evolved from hitmonchan that evolved from hitmonlee that evolved from tyrogue.
What are Hitmontop's weaknesses?
Hitmontop is weak to flying, psychic and fairy type moves.
Hitmontop Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Hitmontop has maintained consistent popularity within the Pokémon franchise since its Generation II introduction, establishing itself as a beloved representative of the Fighting-type family through its distinctive spinning combat style. The Pokémon's design draws significant inspiration from Capoeira, introducing many players to the cultural significance of this Brazilian martial art and its fusion of dance and combat techniques. This cultural bridge has made Hitmontop a particularly appreciated Pokémon within diverse communities, as it represents a martial art tradition beyond the typical Asian martial arts that dominate Fighting-type representation. In competitive formats and casual gameplay alike, Hitmontop's unique aesthetic and balanced stat distribution have earned it a dedicated fanbase appreciative of its unconventional approach to martial combat. The Pokémon has appeared consistently across anime episodes, trading card games, and various spinoff media, often portrayed as a skilled and graceful combatant whose dance-like movements captivate both allies and rivals. Its status as part of the Tyrogue evolutionary family alongside the more specialized Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan further solidifies its position as a representation of martial balance and versatility.
Where to Find Hitmontop in Every Pokémon Game
Hitmontop's availability varies significantly across Pokémon game generations, with its acquisition methods reflecting generational differences in design philosophy and regional Pokédex composition. In the original Generation II games (Gold and Silver), Hitmontop serves as a Johto region Pokémon that players can encounter through the evolution of carefully trained Tyrogue specimens. Throughout subsequent generations, Hitmontop has appeared in multiple regional Pokédexes, though direct wild encounters remain relatively uncommon, with most players obtaining it through Tyrogue evolution rather than direct capture. In modern games including Sword and Shield, Hitmontop is available through various methods including wild encounters in specific locations and guaranteed evolution pathways from Tyrogue. The Scarlet and Violet generation, specifically in the Indigo Disk DLC, includes Hitmontop in its expanded Pokédex, making it accessible to contemporary players through multiple acquisition methods. Across all appearances, Hitmontop maintains a catch rate of 45, making it moderately difficult to capture as a wild specimen, and its base experience yield of 159 provides reasonable experience growth for training purposes, encouraging its development as a viable team member throughout mid-to-late game content.