Machamp has been one of the strongest Fighting-type Pokémon in Pokémon Go since the early days. Thanks to its versatile moveset, high attack stat, and accessibility, Machamp remains a top choice for raids, PvP battles, and gym offense. Many trainers still ask the same question: what is Machamp’s best moveset in 2025?
In this guide, we’ll break down every aspect of Machamp’s moves, including fast moves, charged moves, Shadow Machamp performance, and the ideal setups for both raids and PvP. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to power up your Machamp and which moveset to use in every situation.
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Why Movesets Matter for Machamp
Movesets in Pokémon Go are the difference between average and top-tier performance. Machamp has access to several fast and charged moves, but not all of them offer the same efficiency. A well-optimized moveset means higher damage per second (DPS), better energy generation, and improved type coverage in both raids and PvP.
Machamp’s Role in Pokémon Go
Machamp fills a crucial niche as a Fighting-type attacker, excelling against Normal, Dark, Rock, Steel, and Ice Pokémon. It’s especially valuable in raids when countering bosses like Tyranitar, Regigigas, Snorlax, and Dialga. In PvP, Machamp dominates Ultra League and Master League as an answer to Steel-types like Registeel, Melmetal, and Dialga.
Best Machamp Moveset (Quick Answer)
If you just want the short version, here it is:
- Best Overall Machamp Moveset: Counter + Dynamic Punch
- Best Raids Moveset: Counter + Dynamic Punch
- Best PvP Moveset: Counter + Cross Chop + Rock Slide
- Shadow Machamp Best Moveset: Counter + Dynamic Punch (maximum DPS)
Now let’s dive deeper into why these moves stand out.
Fast Moves Breakdown
Machamp can learn the following fast moves:
- Counter (Fighting, 4.0 DPT, 3.5 EPT)
- Karate Chop (Fighting, lower DPS and EPT)
- Bullet Punch (Steel, weaker coverage)
Best Pick: Counter
Counter is one of the strongest fast moves in the entire game, offering excellent damage and fast energy generation. It directly benefits from Machamp’s Fighting typing and makes every set viable.
Charged Moves Breakdown
Machamp has access to multiple charged moves:
- Dynamic Punch (Fighting, 90 dmg, 50 energy) – Best for raids.
- Cross Chop (Fighting, 50 dmg, 35 energy) – Best for PvP due to cheap cost.
- Rock Slide (Rock, 80 dmg, 45 energy) – Provides coverage against Flying-types.
- Payback (Dark, 110 dmg, 60 energy) – Situational but useful against Psychic- and Ghost-types.
- Close Combat (Fighting, 100 dmg, 50 energy, defense drop) – Risky due to self-debuff.
Best Combo:
- Raids: Counter + Dynamic Punch
- PvP: Counter + Cross Chop + Rock Slide
Shadow Machamp vs Regular Machamp
Shadow Machamp has increased attack power but reduced defense. This makes it one of the highest DPS Fighting-type attackers in raids. However, it faints faster in PvP, so trainers need to manage shields carefully.
- Best Shadow Machamp Moveset: Counter + Dynamic Punch
- Use Shadow for Raids: Yes, especially for max damage output.
- Use Regular for PvP: Often safer due to better bulk.
Best Machamp Moveset for Raids
For raids, the goal is maximum DPS. The best moveset is:
- Counter + Dynamic Punch
This combo ensures Machamp remains a top-tier Fighting-type raid attacker. It shines against bosses like Snorlax, Kyurem (with Ice moves), and Steel-type legendaries.
Best Machamp Moveset for PvP
In PvP, coverage and shield pressure matter more than pure DPS. The best moveset is:
- Counter (fast)
- Cross Chop (cheap Fighting move)
- Rock Slide (coverage vs Flying, Psychic, and Fairy)
This setup makes Machamp unpredictable and efficient in Ultra League and Master League battles.
FAQs
Counter + Dynamic Punch is the go-to combo. It gives Machamp the strongest damage output and overall efficiency across raids and PvP.
Shadow Machamp deals higher DPS in raids, making it a powerhouse for bosses. The regular Machamp, with better bulk, is more consistent in PvP battles.
In PvP, Counter + Cross Chop + Rock Slide is the best setup. It balances damage, speed, and coverage against Flying- and Psychic-types.
Yes. Even with strong rivals like Terrakion and Buzzwole in the meta, Machamp remains a top Fighting-type because it’s accessible, versatile, and still highly effective.
It can. Payback is useful for surprising Psychic-types, while Close Combat hits hard but lowers your defense, so it’s more situational.
Final Thoughts
Machamp remains one of the most valuable Pokémon in the game, thanks to its strong moveset and versatility across raids and PvP. While Shadow Machamp dominates raw DPS charts, regular Machamp is still essential for competitive PvP play.
If you’re looking for more guides beyond Pokémon Go, check out our other resources. We’ve covered everything from Whiteout Survival codes and Phase 10 free energy codes to Bingo Blitz promo codes and Starpets promo codes, helping players get the most out of their favorite games.
Stay prepared, train smart, and keep your Machamp ready for battle in 2025.
