Fighting-types have always been a staple in the Pokemon games. They have the highest average Attack stat of all Pokemon types, making them a great choice for hard hitters on any player's team. They deal super effective damage against no less than five different types, making them highly desirable for their versatility.
With every new mainline game, players are introduced not only to new Pokemon, but new moves for them to use as well. And when it comes to the bruisers of the Pokemon world, every generation has taught them new ways to slap, kick, and punch their way to victory. But which generation provided the best new addition to the Fighting-type moveset?
8 Gen VII: None
There was little contention for the lowest spot on the list, as the seventh generation of Pokemon games did not, in fact, introduce any new Fighting-type attacks. Sadly, this generation's new Fighting-types were stuck with the moves of yesteryear.
As with all other types, the Fighting-type did receive a Z-move in Gen VII; however, the power, accuracy, and Physical/Special categorization are all dependent on the attack that the Z-move is based on. Sadly, truly unique Fighting moves came to fans in this generation.
7 Gen V: Sacred Sword
- Base Power: 90
- Base Accuracy: 100%
- PP: 15
At the time of its introduction, Sacred Sword was the signature move of the Swords of Justice legendary trio. However, since then, a number of other Pokemon have been introduced who also have this move in their repertoire; most notably, Honedge's evolutionary line. This move is decently powerful and a great choice for any trainer's team; however, it's outclassed by other moves on this list when it comes to sheer power.
One interesting feature of Sacred Sword is its ability to bypass any stat changes to Defense or Evasion. In other words, an opponent can't spam Double Team to try and evade this attack, nor can it reduce its damage by increasing its Defense.
6 Gen II: Cross Chop
- Base Power: 100
- Base Accuracy: 80%
- PP: 5
In addition to its high power, Cross Chop also possesses an increased Critical Hit rate, giving it the chance to deal whopping amounts of damage. The downside comes with its relatively low accuracy, as well as its minimal number of uses.
Despite its fairly low position on this list, Cross Chop is still a move worth learning. However, some trainers may find themselves replacing it if they grow frustrated with its tendency to miss at important moments. To help mitigate this issue, players can equip their Cross Chop user with the Wide Lens, which boosts accuracy by 10%.
5 Gen VI: Flying Press
- Base Power: 100
- Base Accuracy: 95%
- PP: 10
As Hawlucha's signature move, Flying Press is unique in that its damage is both Fighting and Flying-type. Thus, it will deal super-effective damage to Pokemon who are weak to either type (though it will not deal 4x damage if the target is weak to both). When it comes to boosting power through held items, however, this attack will only take boosts from items geared towards Fighting-type moves.
Due to this dual-type damage as well as its high base power, Flying Press can be an incredibly useful attack. Though it's not the most powerful Fighting-type move of all time, Hawlucha can dish out this attack to help its trainer gain the upper hand.
4 Gen IV: Close Combat
- Base Power: 120
- Base Accuracy: 100%
- PP: 5
Few moves with such high power boast 100% accuracy to boot. Close Combat, quite literally, packs a powerful punch. The drawback to this move lies in its recoil, which reduces the user's Defense and Special Defense.
With this in mind, it's often best to use this move against opponents who may not hit as hard, but are infamous for tanking tons of hits and dragging battles out. Alternatively, players can teach their Pokemon Defense or Sp. Def. boosting move alongside Close Combat, allowing them to essentially erase the recoil damage on their next turn.
3 Gen I: High Jump Kick
- Base Power: 130
- Base Accuracy: 90%
- PP: 10
The downside to this move lies in its crash damage. If the attack misses, the user will take damage equal to half of its maximum HP. This means that users can actually faint if they use this attack and miss, especially if they have been hit prior to using it.
Players can help reduce this risk by using Accuracy-boosting items. A Pokemon can hold the Wide Lens as mentioned before, or players can use an X Accuracy in battle to help decrease the chance of crashing. With the potential to land a heavy hit, these measures are worth it.
2 Gen III: Focus Punch
- Base Power: 150
- Base Accuracy: 100%
- PP: 20
Focus Punch can be tricky to use effectively. It is a decreased priority move, and will fail if the user is hit by a damaging attack in the same turn before it can let its punch rip. When it does land, though, it deals massive amounts of damage. What's more, its PP ensures that players have a number of chances to use this attach.
One way to help ensure Focus Punch lands is to inflict the target with a status condition such as Paralysis, Sleep, or Confusion that may prevent the Pokemon from moving. This will prevent the user's focus from being broken.
1 Gen VIII: Meteor Assault
- Base Power: 150
- Base Accuracy: 100%
- PP: 5
Very few moves have such high base power and 100% accuracy to boot. Yet, Meteor Assault deals massive damage with a solid chance to hit its target. The only drawback is its recharge — the user cannot move on the following turn. Additionally, this move is rare, as it is currently the signature move of Sirfetch'd, making this Galarian Pokemon a fantastic choice for Fighting-type lovers everywhere.
However, it may not stay as rare as it is forever. Who knows — Gen IX may bring a host of powerful fighting types, and some may be able to use Meteor Assault.