Is Mega Kick or Mega Punch the better Pokémon move? While Mega Kick delivers a fierce 120 damage punch, Mega Punch offers more reliability with 80 damage and a generous 20 PP, making Mega Punch generally the better choice for most battle scenarios.
Breaking Down the Battle: Mega Kick vs Mega Punch
Imagine you’re in the heat of a Pokémon battle. You’re down to the wire, and your choice is between Mega Kick and Mega Punch. Which move do you pick?
Mega Kick packs a powerful punch with a strength rating of 120. It sounds like the heavy hitter your Pokémon needs to land a knockout. But here’s the catch—it only has 5 PP (number of times it can be used) and an accuracy of 75%. That means your Pokémon might miss one out of every four or five attempts. Oof, that’s like swinging your fist and airballing repeatedly.
On the other hand, Mega Punch hits a bit softer with 80 damage but compensates by being more accurate at 85% and offering 20 PP. That’s four times the usage of Mega Kick! It’s the move you turn to for consistency and endurance in a prolonged fight.
“I’d say Mega Kick, but two Mega Punches are more powerful and have a better chance of hitting.” — A seasoned Pokémon Trainer
Why Accuracy and PP Matter More Than Raw Power
It’s tempting to pick the stronger move instantly, but Pokémon battles aren’t all about muscle; precision and stamina count. Using Mega Kick is akin to betting big on a single slot machine pull — potentially rewarding, but risky. Missing a Mega Kick doesn’t just waste your turn, it helps your opponent capitalize on the downtime, especially since Mega Kick requires a brief charging period before execution.
Mega Punch’s reliability is a boon. With its higher PP and better accuracy, it allows your Pokémon to keep chipping away at the opponent safely and steadily. For trainers who value endurance and maximizing move usage, Mega Punch wins hands down.
Type Matters: Normal, Not Fighting

Contrary to what some might think, both Mega Punch and Mega Kick are categorized as Normal-type moves. Despite their names and the powerful image they evoke, these are “regular” attacks—like a standard punch or kick anyone might throw. No special martial arts finesse here! Think of Mega Kick as akin to getting kicked by a horse rather than a ninja strike.
In-Game Availability and Strategic Value
Move | Generation I TM | Notable Pokémon | Strength | Accuracy | PP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mega Kick | TM05 | Hitmonlee (Gen II) | 120 | 75% | 5 |
Mega Punch | Varies | Varies | 80 | 85% | 20 |
Both moves are classic TMs and have been around since the early Pokémon generations. Mega Kick, especially in Gen II, is a signature move of Hitmonlee. However, both moves lack secondary effects; for instance, they don’t cause status changes or other battle conditions.
While they might seem like great choices to land some serious damage, that modern Pokémon games introduce moves like Secret Power which quickly outclass both Mega Punch and Mega Kick, reducing their in-game value.
Competitive Play: When Strategy Trumps Power
In the PvP arena, consistency rules. Mega Punch’s larger PP and better accuracy make it the more reliable choice when battling real players. Missing a move in competition can mean an instant loss. Mega Kick’s 75% accuracy and scarce PP make it a liability here, except possibly for surprise KO attempts.
Some seasoned players prefer Mega Kick’s knockout potential, using it sparingly to catch opponents off-guard. However, most trainers gravitate towards more versatile moves with better accuracy and PP.
When to Use Which Move?
- Use Mega Kick if: You want raw knockout power and don’t mind the risk of missing. Great for surprise attacks or when your Pokémon has a high chance to land the move.
- Use Mega Punch if: You need consistent damage output, longer battle endurance, and less risk of flubbing your attack.
Neither move is a must-have in your arsenal, especially once you unlock better options such as Double-Edge, Explosion, or specialized Fighting-type moves like Blaze Kick or Dynamic Punch.
Final Thoughts: Is Mega Punch or Mega Kick Better?
Both moves bring nostalgic flair and some punch to your Pokémon’s arsenal. Still, %accuracy and move endurance often weigh heavier than raw power in actual gameplay. Mega Punch’s higher PP and accuracy tend to win the day for most trainers. Yet, if you’re looking for that hefty damage hit with a pinch of gamble and excitement, Mega Kick could be your go-to move.
Ultimately, the best move depends on your battle style and your Pokémon’s build. Pairing these moves with status effects, such as Thunder Wave or Substitute, can amplify their effectiveness. So, mix, match, and test—because Pokémon battles, like life, are unpredictable, and sometimes a lucky Mega Kick is exactly what you need.
And as your trusty Pokémon partners deliver these classic punches and kicks, that in the world of Pokémon, it’s not always the strongest move that wins but the smartest play.
Which move is better for consistent hits in battles, Mega Kick or Mega Punch?
Mega Punch is better for consistent hits. It has 85 accuracy and 20 PP, making it reliable over time. Mega Kick only has 75 accuracy and 5 PP, so it may miss more often.
When should I choose Mega Kick over Mega Punch for my Pokémon?
Choose Mega Kick if you want high damage (120) to attempt quick knockouts. It’s useful for surprise KO attempts but carries risk due to lower accuracy and vulnerable charging time.
Are Mega Kick and Mega Punch considered Fighting-type moves?
No, both Mega Kick and Mega Punch are Normal-type moves. They are basic physical attacks rather than refined Fighting techniques, which affects their STAB and effectiveness.
Does Mega Punch have any advantage in competitive Pokémon play?
Yes, Mega Punch is favored in competitive play for its higher accuracy and large PP pool, allowing sustained use. Mega Kick’s low accuracy and few PP make it a liability.
Are Mega Kick and Mega Punch worthwhile moves to keep after learning other attacks?
Generally, no. Both moves are outdated and often replaced by stronger or more strategic moves like Secret Power. Saving move slots for versatility is usually better than keeping these.