Summary

  • Different Pokemon have unique stats to consider, like Attack for physical moves and Special Attack for distance attacks.
  • Powerful Pokemon like Groudon and Zekrom have high Attack stats, making them formidable contenders in battles.
  • It's crucial to choose Pokemon wisely for battle, considering their stats and abilities for strategic advantages.

The countless Pokemon available for catching and training at the moment all are unique in their own ways, even when it comes to their sets of stats — some are weaker, others stronger; some are speedier while others emphasize special moves. HP, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, Speed, and Attack are all important factors to weigh when choosing monsters to battle and explore with.

Dragonite and Garchomp hovering in a flowery field and dark landscape respectively
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Attack refers to how much raw damage a Pokemon does to another when using a physical move. Whereas Special Attack means attacking from a distance typically, not quite making physical contact with the other Pokemon, Attack refers to the physical attacks. These are the moves that see Pokemon punching and kicking or slicing and dicing each other.

Updated June 24, 2024 by Stephen LaGioia: The lineup of Pokemon continues to expand with countless colorful monsters — much like the franchise at large. With this comes more elaborate battle systems, and a slew of players becoming more skilled at competitive combat. As such, zeroing in on the most powerful Pokemon to use in battle is more crucial than ever.

Added to this is the growing lineup of monsters, which now stands at a whopping 1025 Pokemon to pick from, scattered among the various releases — and more of them taking on different forms. With such an overwhelming roster, we thought we should revisit this list and highlight more of the highest attack Pokemon guaranteed to put up a fight even in this increasingly vast, complex battlefield.

This list will primarily rank and focus on default or normal forms of each Pokemon rather than Mega, Ultra, or other super-charged forms. However, their increase in power via these stronger forms will be factored into the rankings and mentioned when significant. For instance, Mega Mewtwo X/Y is placed higher because of the high power in its Mega form.

Special Attack will not be factored in — though a high Special Attack is often correlated with a high raw Attack.

25 Cranidos

Head Butt Pokemon

pokemon scarlet violet indigo disk cranidos evolve

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

67

125

40

30

30

58

350

This little guy actually packs quite a punch, at least in terms of raw attack power. Unfortunately, the spiked Rock-type is a bit of a one-trick Pokemon, as its stats and abilities are a bit tepid elsewhere. However, Cranidos is a dinosaur, despite being small in stature, so not surprisingly, it can deal ample damage.

To put it into perspective, this monster boasts a higher Attack than Mewtwo (when not in its Mega X form, at least). That in and of itself is pretty impressive. However, it's also capable of learning the devastating move, Head Smash, which yields 150 power.

All statistics listed in the tables are the Pokemon's base stats as of the most current Generation.

24 Armaldo

Plate Pokemon

Pokemon Diamond and Pearl Armaldo

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

75

125

100

70

80

45

495

For those lucky Pokemon masters that secure a Claw Fossil and can evolve their Anorith at level 40, Armaldo will surely make an impact, being one of the strongest Bug-types on the roster. Given its tough, scaly body and Rock-type hybrid nature, it's no surprise that Armaldo boasts a stout defense that hits triple digits.

However, the tough, overgrown insect thrives when it comes to raw attack power. The Pokemon can shatter stones with its strong claws, and punch through steel slabs with little sweat.

23 Honchkrow

Big Boss Pokemon

Honchkrow soaring through the sky in Pokemon anime
Honchkrow

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

100

125

52

105

52

71

505

This large Dark-type bird isn't given the tag "Big Boss" for nothing. The ominous avian's fur has an appearance that resembles a well-dressed mob boss. Though it also has the dangerous, ruthless behaviors to further support this caricature. The bird is a natural leader, being able to summon a murder of companions that can do its dirty work with a mere cry into the skies.

This bird excels at just about all areas of offense, with a respectable Special Attack power that complements its raw power. Moves like Foul Play and Dark Pulse can quickly cause Honchkrow's opponents to "sleep with the fishes".

22 Gallade

Blade Pokemon

A wild Gallade appearing at sunset in Scarlet/Violet

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

68

125

65

65

115

80

518

This Psychic-Fighting-type powerhouse emerges from the already potent Kirlia when exposed to a Dawn Stone. It shares "final form" status from Ralt with the similarly dangerous Gardevoir. This fighter can also Mega Evolve into Mega Gallade by way of the Galladite. This variant boasts a whopping 165 attack.

Still, the normal version and its 125 attack — along with total stats that clock in over 500 — are impressive in their own right. The Pokemon wields sharp extendable elbows, and fittingly has a head shaped like a Gladiator's helmet. This monster is fairly quick and can anticipate the moves of its opponents, favoring striking foes from behind like a deadly assassin. Just don't get near it when it uses the potent Close Combat or Future Sight.

21 Azelf

Willpower Pokemon

pokemon-legends-arceus-every-mythical-legendary-03-azelf

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

75

125

70

125

70

115

580

This mysterious Psychic-type is among the Legendary trio discovered in the Sinnoh region known as the "Lake Guardians". As one might expect given its hovering abilities, glowing aura, and red jeweled tail, Azelf excels when it comes to magic, and thus, Special Attack. Though it also packs a punch for its size.

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Legend has it that Azelf holds the power to sap the very will and mobility of humans that harm it. Even if this is untrue, a target of Azelf will surely be doomed when unprepared to fight it. It can learn moves that range from 120 to a whopping 250 power.

20 Pinsir

Stag Beetle Pokemon

Pokemon GO Mega Pinsir Mega Raid Counters
Pokemon GO Mega Pinsir Raid Counters

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

65

125

100

55

70

85

500

This large insectoid Pokemon is one of the largest and most potent of its kind; that kind being a Bug-type, which also grows the Flying-type when evolving to Mega Pinsir form. Of course, this big-winged variant has ample attack power, specifically 155. But its basic form is still not to be trifled with. It boasts great offensive and defensive capabilities, making it a difficult out during a heated battle.

As one might guess from its distinct design, the most dangerous part of Pinsir is its sharp, tough, and flexible pincers, which can easily slice up and toss opponents around like rag dolls. In essence, any who find themselves unlucky enough to be trapped in a death pinch by Pinsir will not escape until the Pokemon tires of its attack.

19 Gyarados

Atrocious Pokemon

Gyarados In The Pokemon Anime

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

95

125

79

60

100

81

540

One of the original Pokemon amongst the vast lineup remains one of the toughest. It's no surprise, given the massive form and razor-sharp teeth of this slithering sea creature. Gyarados resembles an ocean-dwelling dragon, despite being of the Water and Flying-types — though it's perhaps even more intimidating than the likes of, say, Dragonite.

As described in the early Dex, this creature can demolish entire cities in a rage. Its impressive moveset supports this legend, with moves like Hydro Pump and Hyper Beam blasting foes into oblivion.

It's quite ironic that one of the least intimidating Pokemon in the game — Magikarp — transforms into one of the most powerful. One could look at Gyarados as a suitable reward for trainers with patience to train it in its pre-evolved fish form.

18 Scizor

Pincer Pokemon

Pokemon Scizor Battling in Stadium

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

70

130

100

55

80

65

500

With solid defense and an even stronger attack stat, Scizor is a hard opponent to defeat when it comes to basic moves. Its metallic exoskeleton allows it to fend off various attacks from others. Yet it's the creature's massive pincers that are really what elevates this Bug/Steel-type.

Beyond just its sharp claws, its muscles are made of solid metal, allowing it to crush those in its grasp with little effort. Scizor boasts a nice lineup of strong Normal and Steel-type moves, giving trainers many offensive options when battling it.

17 Necrozma

Prism Pokemon

pokemon sword and shield legendary clue 4
pokemon sword and shield necrozma

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

97

107

101

127

89

79

600

Easily one of the most unique Pokemon ever designed, Necrozma is a Psychic-type with the ability to transform into something rather powerful via its different forms. Those looking for a physical attacker can opt for the Dusk Mane form, which gives it a whopping 157 Attack, while still maintaining a solid defense.

Although Necrozma is a bit sluggish, those who can manage to take a few hits from speedier Pokemon can really dish out the damage with an array of punishing moves. Ultra Burst Necrozma amps things up even further, adding a lot of Speed and a bit more Attack to bring the total base to 167.

16 Groudon

Continent Pokemon

Pokemon Groudon
Pokemon Groudon

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

100

150

140

100

90

90

670

According to Pokemon Emerald, "Groudon has appeared in mythology as the creator of the land. It sleeps in magma underground and is said to make volcanoes erupt on awakening."

When Groudon awakens, it is no wonder volcanoes just straight-up erupt because it has a base Attack stat of 150.

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Groudon is the core of all Ground-type Pokemon, with the highest amount in this regard. (It is also the heaviest!) The origin of Groudon is a Behemoth except mixed with a dinosaur. Its name is a combination of "ground" and perhaps "don" (Spanish for "lord).