Once you’ve fought through the Saffron City Dojo in Pokemon Let’s Go, you’re offered a painstaking choice: Hitmonlee or Hitmonchan? If you’re struggling with which one to choose, especially as you near the endgame, let us be your guide and help you make a decision. Even if the Pokemon Let’s Go Hitmonlee or Hitmonchan conundrum gets too much, remember: you get a free Pokemon either way.
Should I Choose Hitmonlee in Pokemon Let’s Go?
Let’s clear one thing up right away: both Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan are level 30 if you get them at the Dojo, so there’s no difference there. The weaknesses (Flying, Psychic, Fairy) and strengths (Rock, Bug, Dark) are also the same. But, while the pair share some of the same movesets, it’s the elemental attacks and base stats that set the two apart.
Hitmonlee, for example, should be favored by players as their Attack is 120 to Hitmonchan’s 105, and the Speed is 87 to 76. Its Defense, meanwhile, is a paltry 53 to Hitmonchan’s 79.
As for the moveset, Hitmonlee can learn TM 26 Poison Jab, as well as Mega Kick at level 40, a far more powerful move than Hitmonchan’s Mega Punch. There’s also, if you end up making it learn it, the option of Facade, which can hit double damage on opposition Pokemon that are burned, paralyzed, or poisoned. It goes nicely with Poison jab.
Should I Choose Hitmonchan in Pokemon Let’s Go?
Hitmonchan, though, should be the go-to if you want to mix things up in battle. Able to learn Fire Punch, Ice Punch, and Thunder Punch, you’ll be able to turn Hitmonchan into a hybrid, Pokemon-pummelling machine with the right tactics, while Hitmonlee is far more one-dimensional.
Its Special Defense cannot be discounted too. At 110, it’s one of the highest base stats you’ll see in the game up to that point and, while neither Pokemon will fare well against the Saffron City Gym, it’s worth noting that (with Earthquake equipped) Hitmonchan will be a force to be reckoned with from Cinnabar Island onwards.
As a final bonus, and one that could tip the scale fully in Hitmonchan’s favor, the fighting Pokemon also learns Counter at level 45. This move hits back at an opposing Pokemon with double the force of the physical attack it just used. It can end a battle in seconds if you know what you’re doing.
So, while it maybe isn’t as clear-cut as you were hoping, there’s definitely arguments to be made for either Pokemon. Hitmonchan may just shade it thanks to its versatility, but Hitmonlee will breeze through most opponents. The choice, after all, is yours.
