Highlights

  • Attack is an important stat in Pokemon battles, as it measures the raw damage a Pokemon can inflict with physical moves.
  • The strongest Pokemon in terms of attack power include Pinsir, Gyarados, Scizor, Necrozma, Groudon, Zekrom, Rayquaza, Regigigas, Slaking, and Garchomp.
  • These Pokemon have high attack stats and possess unique abilities and moves that make them formidable opponents in battles.

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.

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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 November 29, 2023 by Stephen LaGioia: The lineup of Pokemon continues to expand with countless colorful monsters — much like the franchise at large. This has culminated with the open-world Scarlet and Violet, which itself continues to grow with DLC and new monsters.

Even without these additions though, the lineup now has a whopping thousand Pokemon to pick from, scattered among the various releases. With such an overwhelming roster, we thought it would make sense to revisit this list and cut to the chase, highlighting more of the highest attack Pokemon.

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 will be factored in and mentioned when significant. Large increases in the attack stat will still be highlighted for these evolved variants.

20 Pinsir

Stag Beetle Pokemon

New Pokemon Snap Pinsir Heracross

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 sitll not to be triffled 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 has the ability to 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 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 elavates 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

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 that 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

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 together with a dinosaur. Its name is a combination of "ground" and perhaps "don" (Spanish for "lord).

15 Zekrom

Deep Black Pokemon

Pokemon Zekrom

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

100

150

120

120

100

90

680

According to Pokemon Shield, "Mythology tells us that if people lose the righteousness in their hearts, their kingdoms will be razed by Zekrom's lightning." While lightning is deadly enough on its own, Zekrom's lightning in particular is even worse since it holds a base Attack stat of 150.

It is the god of all Electric-type Pokemon when it comes to Attack. (And, Zekrom is the heaviest Electric-type Pokemon!) Reshiram is based on the "yang" of yin and yang so Zekrom is the "yang." The name itself is actually derived from "kuro," which means "black" in Japanese.

14 Rayquaza

Sky High Pokemon

Pokemon Rayquaza

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

105

150

90

150

90

95

680

According to Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen, "It has lived for hundreds of millions of years in the ozone layer. Its flying form looks like a meteor."

Rayquaza boasts a base Attack of 150 so this is one powerful beast. Of all the Dragon-type and Flying-type Pokemon, it is the best here. Rayquaza resembles the traditional Chinese Dragon, as well as the Lindworm (ancient Swedish dragon snake). Its name probably is a combination of "ray" and "quasar" (a celestial object).

13 Regigigas

Colossal Pokemon

Pokemon Regigigas near icy dungeon wall

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

110

160

110

80

110

100

670

According to Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, "It is believed to have shaped Regirock, Regice, and Registeel out of clay, ice, and magma."

Besides the power to literally create Pokemon, Regigigas has a base Attack stat of 160. It is one of the greats in this area of all the Normal-type Pokemon that exist. Regigigas is a golem, of course. The name even is a combination of "regis" (Latin for "royal") and "gigas" (Greek for "giant").

12 Slaking

Lazy Pokemon

Pokemon Slaking Sleep

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

150

160

100

95

65

100

670

According to Pokemon Omega Ruby, "Slaking spends all day lying down and lolling about. It eats grass growing within its reach. If it eats all the grass it can reach, this Pokemon reluctantly moves to another spot."

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Somehow, Slaking is able to convert the food and laziness into muscle because it has a base Attack stat of 160. Among all Normal-type Pokemon, Slaking has the highest amount for Attack. Origin-wise, it is based on a sloth, of course. The name relates too, as it is a combination of "slack" and "king."

11 Garchomp

Mach Pokemon

Pokemon Garchomp hands on hips

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

108

130

95

80

85

102

600

Garchomp is easily one of the most iconic Pokemon ever released, thanks to the absolutely punishing battle that players had to go through with Champion Cynthia in Pokemon Diamond and Pearl. The Ground and Dragon-type already had an immense amount of power with a base Attack of 130 but Game Freak supercharged the beast by giving it a powerful Mega Evolution.

This new-and-improved Garchomp was capable of outputting some serious physical attack damage thanks to its 170 base attack. Depending on nature and other variables, players could increase that number to a downright scary 482 when it's maxed out.

10 Rampardos

Head Butt Pokemon

Pokemon Rampardos action screen

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

97

165

60

65

50

58

495

According to Pokemon Y, "Its skull is as hard as iron, it is a brute that tears down jungle trees while catching prey."

While rather dimwitted, Rampardos relies on its brawn which allows it a base Attack stat of 165. Rampardos is the king of all Rock-type Pokemon when it comes to this stat. Obviously, it is a dinosaur, but more specifically a Stegoceras. Rampardos's name is derived from "ram" or possibly "rampage."

9 Banette

Marionette Pokemon

The Ghost type Pokemon Banette

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

65

115

65

83

63

65

455

Evolving at level 37 from the far less intimidating Shuppet, Banette manages to be both creepy and a bit silly. Yet, the ghostly doll Pokemon definitely errs on the side of eerie when taking on its spookier Mega Evolution form, which has a much higher attack stat of 165.

Cursing its victims by piercing its voodoo doll-like body, Banette can already be threatening with its base Attack stat of 115. But in Mega form, this skyrockets to a solid 165. Given its raw power, and the fact that it's weak to very few Elemental types, Banette can be truly tough to vanquish.

8 Gallade

Blade Pokemon

Gallade Pokemon Card Art

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

68

125

65

65

115

80

518

While it may appear elegant and graceful, this Physic/Fighting-type is anything but. The creature boasts a solid 125 base Attack stat from the get-go (after evolving from a male Kirlia when given a Dawn Stone). This Pokemon can strike swiftly and emphatically, with its tonfa-like arms and blade elbows.

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Fittingly, its head resembles a gladiator's helmet, further driving home its fighting nature. At least when it comes to default forms, Gallade is one of the strongest creatures in the game and is capable of learning a number of potent moves. This gets amped up quite a bit when Mega-evolved, specifically to a solid 165.

7 Kyurem

Boundary Pokemon

All Legendaries in Sword And Shield's Dynamax Adventures

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

125

130

90

130

90

95

660

This Legendary Gen-five monster is distinct, and not just with its alluring Dragon/Ice-type combination. While it doesn't evolve, Kyurem can take on two alternate forms, which are even more potent than the already strong default version. With the process of Absofusion, it can morph into either White or Black Kyurem, fittingly acting as the symbol for Pokemon Black and White (2).

While it's more than capable in its original form in terms of Attack and Special Attack, the Black variant is particularly powerful, clocking in at 130 Attack. The White Variant boasts a far more capable Special Attack stat, white its base Attack is a bit more average. In any case, with moves like Blizzard, Outrage, and Freeze Shock, opponents will be hard-pressed to overcome this icy behemoth.

6 (Ice Rider) Calyrex

High King Pokemon

Pokemon Calyrex Ice Rider

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

100

165

165

150

130

50

680

As mentioned in the Pokemon Sword Dex, "According to lore, this Pokémon showed no mercy to those who got in its way, yet it would heal its opponents' wounds after battle." No mercy indeed as Ice Rider Calyrex beholds a base Attack stat of 165. Of all the Ice-type Pokemon, it reigns supreme with this amount.

Design-wise, Calyrex is based on an artic hare mixed with a crown; whereas Glastrier is an ice horse. The name for Calyrex is a combination of "calyx" (Latin for "bud") and "rex" (Latin for "king"); whereas Glastrier is a combination of "glacier" and "destrier" (a medieval war horse).

5 Zacian

Warrior Pokemon

Pokemon Zacian

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

92

130

115

80

115

138

670

According to Pokemon Sword, "Now armed with a weapon it used in ancient times, this Pokémon needs only a single strike to fell even Gigantamax Pokémon." Even though it is the Crowned Sword form in question here, Zacian will destroy any Pokemon (Gigantamax or not) that messes with Galar.

When it comes to Fairy-type and Steel-type Pokemon, it sits on a throne at the top. (Also, Zacian is the heaviest Fairy-type Pokemon!) Besides being a wolf, perhaps the design of it is based on King Arthur and the sword Excalibur. As for the name, however, that may be derived from simply "the cyan."

4 Deoxys

DNA Pokemon

Pokemon Deoxys

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

50

150

50

150

50

150

600

According to Pokemon FireRed, "This Deoxys has transformed into its aggressive guise. It can fool enemies by altering its appearance." To no one's surprise, Attack Forme Deoxys has an aggressively astronomical base Attack stat of 180. It is the best of the best for this stat of all Psychic-type Pokemon.

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In case it was not obvious already, Deoxys is an alien mixed with the nucleic acid double helix or a chromosome package. The name itself even is a straight-up abbreviation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

3 Kartana

Drawn Sword Pokemon

Pokemon Kartana

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

59

181

131

59

31

109

570

According to Pokemon Moon, "One of the Ultra Beast life-forms, it was observed cutting down a gigantic steel tower with one stroke of its blade." With the ability to chop down an entire building in one swing, Kartana has a base Attack stat of 181.

Besides holding the title of most powerful Grass-type and Steel-type Pokemon (in terms of Attack), it maintains the highest base Attack stat of all Pokemon. The reason Kartana looks the way it does is that it is based on origami and samurai. Its name even is a combination of "katana" and "card."

2 Heracross

Single Horn Pokemon

pokemon-heracross-crochet-doll

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

80

125

75

40

95

85

500

Heracross is a Pokemon that is often forgotten by many characters. The large beetle is more than capable of dishing out some serious damage and has decent base stats. It's definitely an all-out attacker, with middling HP and Speed, and a low Sp. Attack.

Its regular Attack stat, however, sits at a base of 125. With a dual-typing of Bug and Flying, it's capable of dealing with most Pokemon in a one-on-one situation, though it will find itself hopelessly outmatched by Flying-types. What makes Heracross even more impressive is its robust Mega Evolution. This form pushes its base attack to an immense 185.

1 Mewtwo

Genetic Pokemon

Shiny Shadow Mewtwo in Pokemon GO

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

Total

106

110

90

154

90

130

680

Despite dating back to the original 150, this iconic Legendary Pokemon still boasts among the highest offensive potential in the game, even when absent its Mega evolution forms (X and Y). The intimidating Psychic/Fighting-type can wipe out opponents, particularly with Special moves and swiftness.

However, when morphed into its Mega X form, Mewtwo towers above all other Pokemon. The already decent 110 base Attack heightens to a whopping 190, making it the strongest monster in the game (when evolved). This product of gene splicing and DNA experimentation remains one of the biggest allures for Pokemon trainers.

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