Machamp

Last updated: 2026-06-03

Machamp Overview

Machamp is a Fighting-type Pokemon introduced in Generation 1 in the Kanto region. It evolves from Machoke when traded, which evolves from Machop starting at level 28. Known as the Superpower Pokemon, Machamp is famous for its four muscular arms, capable of throwing 1,000 punches in two seconds and moving mountains with ease.

Machamp is a humanoid, bodybuilding-themed Pokemon with gray skin, a pronounced chin, and four powerfully built arms. Each arm is capable of independent movement, allowing it to strike from multiple angles simultaneously. Machamp's design emphasizes raw physical power, reflected in its 130 base Attack, one of the highest among Fighting-types in Generation 1.

Battle Strategy

Machamp has two distinct competitive identities defined by its abilities. No Guard makes both Machamp's and its opponent's moves always hit, turning Dynamic Punch into a 100-base-power Fighting move with 100% accuracy that causes confusion. This combination is devastating: confusion+STAB in a single move with perfect accuracy. A standard No Guard set runs Dynamic Punch, Knock Off, Bullet Punch or Ice Punch, and Earthquake or Stone Edge.

The Guts set uses a Flame Orb to automatically burn Machamp at the end of turn one, triggering Guts to boost its Attack by 50%. The burn status also reduces Machamp's special bulk and chip damage, but the Attack boost is enormous. With Guts active, Machamp's effective Attack stat reaches 195. Facade becomes a 140-base-power Normal move with the burn boost. This set runs Facade, Close Combat, Knock Off, and Ice Punch or Thunder Punch.

Machamp's 55 base Speed means it almost always moves last, which can be an advantage for the No Guard set (Dynamic Punch confusion prevents the opponent from acting). Assault Vest sets leverage Machamp's decent 85 Special Defense to make it a specially bulky attacker. Machamp also gets access to Bulk Up for setup, though its low Speed limits sweeping potential.

Evolution Chain

Competitive Usage

Machamp has been a consistent presence in NU and UU tiers across generations. No Guard Dynamic Punch is its signature niche. In Generation 9, Machamp is ranked in UU, where Guts and No Guard sets both see usage. Common checks include Ghost-types like Mimikyu and Dragapult (immune to Fighting STAB), physically defensive Flying-types like Corviknight and Skarmory, and faster Psychic-types that resist Fighting. Machamp's 4x weakness to Psychic is a significant liability, requiring team support from Dark-types.

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