You would assume that a franchise like Pokémon with a primary gameplay mechanic of turn-based battling would have its Fighting-types be the cream of the crop, but that’s not always the case. Often the Fighting-types are the ones that struggle to make the rosters of trainers as they opt for creatures they find more interesting. This is unfortunate considering there are a host of Fighting-type Pokémon that are more than capable of making a difference. Let’s now look at the best Fighting-type Pokémon from every generation through Pokémon Sword & Shield.
8 Sirfetch’d (Gen 8)
There are several Pokémon who fans wish would receive love via new regional variant forms or even new evolutions. Farfetch’d was one of those Pokémon as the Kanto native bird had a cult fandom but never received any love as the generations went on. Out of nowhere, it was revealed to have a new Galarian evolution called Sirfetch’d who kept the personality of its base form but made it feel new and refreshing. This knight, known as the Wild Duck Pokémon, comes equipped with terrifying power in both its physical Attack and physical Defense. Opponents should fear the leek.
7 Kommo-O (Gen 7)
Most people think you should be afraid of the animals that are willing to fight anything, but Kommo-O demonstrates that you should be most fearful of the beasts that show restraint and pity. They understand their strength and from that know what a real challenge looks like.
It happens to be the pseudo-legendary line of the 7th generation of games which means it has above average stats across the entire board. A smart trainer will give this thing numerous elemental punch moves alongside a Fighting-type move like Close Combat.
6 Hawlucha (Gen 6)
You would think that a Pokémon inspired by Luchador wrestling would have ascended to become a fan favorite, but Hawlucha never received that type of love or attention. The Fighting and Flying dual-type’s base stats are average to slightly above, but its Speed is where it shines. It’s a small creature that happens to pack a punch in such a tiny frame. It may have a weakness to Electric moves, but one of its two possible Abilities called Limber prevents it from being paralyzed, which can come in quite handy.
5 Emboar (Gen 5)
The truth of the matter is that numerous Fire-type starters end up as Fire/Fighting dual-types. Emboar just so happens to be in a generation where it stands above the other Fighting-types in its region.
The combination of Fire- and Fighting-types isn’t unique at all and Emboar doesn’t do anything outside of the ordinary with it, either. With its Ability Blaze and Hidden Ability Reckless, trainers would do well giving it a moveset with strong Fire-type moves and Fighting-type moves that provide recoil damage.
4 Lucario (Gen 4)
Empathy is a trait that seems to be rarer as the years go on, and Lucario just so happens to be one of the most empathetic Pokémon in existence. It can sense emotions from great distances and can also understand human speech. The fact that a trainer who builds loyalty with Lucario can have a line of communication unlike any other is pretty astounding. Having the secondary Steel-typing gives it move diversity, which helps it stand out as more than just a hand-to-hand combatant.
3 Hariyama (Gen 3)
After Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan came on the scene in Pokémon Red & Blue, fans wondered if sumo wrestlers would get their Pokémon mascot. It may have taken two more generations, but Hariyama was revealed as the sumo Pokémon everyone dreamed about. Its strengths are in its HP and physical Attack, and as you’d assume its Speed is not very good whatsoever. Both its Thick Fat and Guts abilities are rather useful and it just comes down to what you want Hariyama to specialize in on your custom team.
2 Heracross (Gen 2)
Heracross is one of the coolest Pokémon designs that’s received far less love than it should have. Fans were hoping to see the Bug- and Fighting dual-type receive a Galarian form or regional evolution with the release of Pokémon Sword & Shield, but that never came to fruition.
People assume that it’s simply a defensive wall, but its base stats show that it packs a top-tier physical punch. Considering its part Fighting-type it can lean into a physical Attack moveset and be a true force out on the battlefield.
1 Primeape (Gen 1)
Most people would likely consider Machamp or Poliwrath as the ideal Fighting-type in the Kanto region, but Primeape makes a strong case for itself. On top of being the subject of one of the anime’s most memorable and iconic episodes, it holds its own in battle. A glance at its stats will show it has great potential considering its physical Attack and Speed attributes are naturally pretty high. Some may argue that it has too much of an attitude or is more stubborn than what it’s worth dealing with, but that never stopped people from using Charizard.
NEXT: Pokémon: The Best Fire-Type Pokémon Of Every Generation, Ranked
