Is attack, defense or HP more important Pokemon go

Several years in, and there's still a thriving community for the endlessly appealing AR mobile game, Pokemon Go. You may still see gaggles of people conglomerating in an attempt to lock down a gym or to get in on some exciting raid action with friends. Of course, raids can also be remote these days, so that last bit is a little rarer.

Though the mobile game's popularity may have waned a bit, the allure of capturing a powerful (or frankly, just cute) Pokemon will always be there. For the purpose of holding down the fort for your team and being an asset in those tricky Raid battles, nabbing high-HP Pokemon is crucial. This list will cover the beefiest, tankiest fighters who will aid you in the game's battles of attrition and land you Poke-riches. These are the Pokemon with the absolute highest HP.

Updated July 31, 2022 by Stephen LaGioia: Pokemon Go, and the monster-hunting franchise at large, has remained a dominant force in gaming and pop culture. With so much appealing content, and an ever-increasing lineup of colorful monsters, the longevity seems boundless.

This is spurred by a stream of updates, events, and new features in the Pokemon Go universe (like the Daily Adventure Incense). And of course, various newer titles, like the DS remaster Brillant Diamond & Shining Pearl, and the anticipated all-new Scarlet & Violet for Nintendo Switch have also helped keep the fire going. With a staggeringly large lineup of Pokemon now featured in Go, we decided to update our list with the highest HP Pokemon in the game.

20/20 Cresselia - 260 HP

Don't let its grace and pretty appearance fool you—this majestic Psychic-type from Generation 4 is a defensive (and special defensive) powerhouse. The swan-like Pokemon can cook the goose of its opponents, with a slew of powerful (mostly) Psychic moves and ample HP to handle enemy assaults.

As one might expect, this is a rare find—you can only catch Cresselia during limited-time Raids.

This solid Steel-type behemoth is a natural choice for the tank-minded among you in Pokemon Go. Smashing onto the scene in Generation 7, this mechanical monster established itself as a powerhouse in terms of raw strength. It's not going to dazzle in terms of special moves, but its HP and defense makes it great for spamming against Team Rocket's minions, or as a prominent presence at gyms.

As of now, you'll need a Pokemon Home account to transfer Melmetal, and/or evolve one from Meltan using a whopping 400 Candies.

18/20 Aurorus - 265 HP

An evolution of Amaura, this icy beast is rock-solid with potent HP and high offensive potential with charged attacks. The Rock-Ice-type is a quiet yet deadly force of nature, being described in Alpha Sapphire's Dexas "instantly being able to create a wall of ice to block an opponent's attack."

You will first need to obtain an Amaura in Pokemon Go, then collect a sizable 50 Candies, before waiting for nightfall to evolve it.

17/20 Gogoat - 265 HP

You won't always think of straight up Grass-types when you think of robust, survivalist types—but with a solid 265 HP, that's how this grassy goat can be described. The mountain-inhabiting creature is a bit of a paradox, as its defense is actually its weakest quality—making it not ideal as a tank.

You can obtain this Generation 6 Pokemon by catching a Skiddo and feeding it 50 Candies.

16/20 Lanturn - 268 HP

This luminous deep-sea dweller has been a go-to for Water-type fans since its Generation 2 debut. While fairly average in most categories, this "deep-sea star" really excels when it comes to HP. The unique Water-Electric combo makes it a great wildcard in battle; one that can exploit the weaknesses of opponents and throw them off.

This one is quite rare, but has been reportedly spotted near various bodies of water. But being part-Electric, it can also be found in industrial areas and train stations.

15/20 Wailmer - 277 HP

The pre-evolution of Wailord, the large seafaring Wailmer, boasts some very high HP and stamina. It's interesting to note just how many of these high HP Pokemon are Water-types when you look at the whole list. Regardless, Wailmer is a lot like Wailord in that it is known for having a high HP stat and not much else. In Pokemon Go, it's pretty much the same case.

It doesn't have the low speed of the main games, but it also doesn't exactly have a strong base defense. However, since it has an absurd requirement of 400 Candies, it will probably take some time to actually get the Wailord of one's dreams. Until then, Wailmer will have to suffice.

14/20 Lapras - 277 HP

Another bulky Water-type, Lapras can be the Pokemon to carry you to victory. With powerful Ice-type moves to challenge dragons and powerful Water-type moves to battle blazing infernos, Lapras can do almost anything. It's also a somewhat rare Pokemon, often appearing in special research or other similar events.

It isn't the most offensively potent Pokemon, but it can hold its own for a long time. Above all, it's a majestic sea creature ready to deliver pain with a lovely Aurora Beam. Lapras is a perfect friend for any tanky team.

13/20 Vaporeon - 277 HP

As this list has expanded slightly, some old friends are able to edge their way onto the list. It's always good to look back at those that were left behind. That includes Vaporeon, the Water-type evolution of Eevee.

This Pokemon has always posted a powerful HP stat, and in Pokemon Go it has always been decent. It also has strong defensive typing and a solid attack stat, making it good for both defending and attacking gyms. With this evolution at one's side, defending a gym will be just another motion of the ocean.

12/20 Giratina - 284 HP

While the unevolved form of Snorlax, Munchlax, slightly edges out this Legendary Ghost/Dragon type in HP, Giratina easily deserves a spot on this list. Both the Origin and Altered Giratina have a respectable 284 HP of their own, solid defense, and a CP potential that's absurd, getting close to 4,000.

Good luck catching one though, since as of the time of writing, only specific Raid events allow you to get your hands on this rare winged beast. Even then, it'll be a struggle, as it has very tough Charge Attacks. You'll likely need several people at least close to the level cap of 40, as well as some dragon Pokemon, to have a fighting chance.

11/20 Slaking - 284 HP

Slaking comes with an appearance that doesn't exactly ring as intimidating. It's perhaps second only to Snorlax in its lazy and sedentary lifestyle. Yet this Generation 3 Normal-type can be anything but normal when it comes to its power.

Not only does this bearded ape-like creature rank high in the top ten when it comes to strength, but its HP is also no slouch, sitting at 284. Its moves can send foes running for the hills too, with its powerful Earthquake and Hyper Beam attacks.

10/20 Munchlax - 286 HP

Munchlax was originally left off of this list to make room for the Legendary Pokemon, Giratina. However, the hungry lad still deserves to be mentioned for being a baby with astronomical defensive strength. It boasts a sizeable 252 HP, beating out a number of fully-evolved Pokemon.

Unfortunately, it's essentially a smaller, weaker Snorlax, which makes it more of a gimmick than anything else for practical purposes. However, for those of you out there interested in flexing on your friends and neighbors, dropping a small but mighty Munchlax is the perfect play. It can be deceptively good at survival.

9/20 Wigglytuff - 295 HP

Those attending college may want to keep their eyes peeled for this evolution of Jigglypuff, as they can often be seen singing the night away at campuses and other places of interest. Don't let its cute and non-threatening appearance fool you though, these little guys can be decievingly tough.

Its potential move set is impressive, to say the least, featuring a devastating Ice Beam, Hyper Beam, and Dazzling Gleam. Not only this but it's also got one of the highest HP totals in the game despite its somewhat small size. Simply put, you don't want to be lulled to sleep by this friend's serenading lullaby.

8/20 Hariyama - 302 HP

A fighting force of nature, Hariyama has far more going for it than his offensive prowess. With potent attack of 209 and HP over 300, this is one of the most effective Fighting Pokemon to battle with, bar none.

Its Charged Attacks like Heavy Slam and Dynamic Punch can pack quite a punch indeed, and its Counter move further makes him a solid choice for both an offensive and defensive weapon. As they can be found practicing their moves in a variety of locations they're also not particularly hard to get, especially if you opt for its more common unevolved form, Makuhita.

7/20 Drifblim - 312 HP

via: deviantart.com (3DBear)

Drifblim is a Flying and Ghost hybrid Pokemon that appears to be a cross between a ghoul and a hot air balloon. These suckers aren't easy to catch, but can often be seen wandering (or perhaps haunting?) residential areas and churches, particularly at night. They can also be evolved from the more common Drifloon.

Simply put, there's a reason this ghostly balloon managed to defeat Ash's well-seasoned Pikachu in the TV series; it's a force to be reckoned with.

6/20 Snorlax - 330 HP

Ah yes, the laziest Pokemon of them all, the great Snorlax. Despite being a Generation 1 relic, Snorlax holds its own as one of the top five highest HP Pokemon, and is a go-to when seeking a solid damage sponge.

It may be slow and cumbersome, but it's worth having patience with the sluggish beast. Its massive body allows it to withstand quite a few blows from trainers looking to claim his resting place at gyms. In the many wars of attrition you'll be waging in Pokemon Go, slow and steady often wins the race, and Snorlax can outlast just about anyone under the right circumstances.

5/20 Alomomola - 338 HP

Alomomola is the only Unova Pokemon to make its way onto this list, and it isn't even at the bottom. This bootleg Luvdisc boasts an incredible 338 stamina, higher than some of the biggest high-HP titans. Its other stats leave a lot to be desired, but since it doesn't have to worry about its usually poor defenses as much in Pokemon Go, it's a lot more useful.

Having solid defensive typing especially helps enhance the effectiveness of this fish. It may not look scary, but Alomomola's friendly appearance is a front to the wars of attrition it can wage.

4/20 Wailord - 347 HP

Yes, as it turns out, this Generation 3 Water-type can be quite useful beyond simply transporting Ash across the ocean, as occurred in the TV series. It's also a beast when it comes to HP, and can help you outlast opponents in Pokemon Gorather effectively.

It might go without saying that this huge whale Pokemon can withstand some devastating blows. But what you might not know is that this beast has among the highest average base stats for water type Pokemon, as well as the highest HP of that type, with a whopping 347. Sorry Lapras, but when it comes to sea creatures, Wailord reigns supreme.

3/20 Wobbuffet - 382 HP

Many Pokemon fans, particularly of the old-school Generation 1 ilk, think of this Pokemon as a strange nuisance that obstructed everything in earlier Smash Bros. games. Yet, getting beyond its amusing punching-bag presence, this oddball Psychic-type is actually pretty useful.

This evolution of Wynaut can pack quite a punch in Pokemon Go, as his Counter and Mirror Coat moves come with a super high DPS. But, because of Wobbuffet's defensive/protective nature - especially with its tail — it's also effective in the wars of attrition that are Raid and gym battles. It comes with a robust amount of HP; taking a top three position in the game.

2/20 Chansey - 487 HP

Unlike its older, more powerful sibling, Chansey's role is more confined to merely holding down a gym and gathering as many coins as you can. This is because its base attack is rather weak compared to other tanky Pokemon. However, it's still is capable of the same attacks that Blissey is, and its base HP sits at a robust 487.

This is still quite a separation from the remaining several tanky Pokemon featured on this list. Because of these factors, Chansey proves a highly effective weapon for gyms and Raids in Pokemon Go, regardless of whether or not you're able to evolve it.

1/20 Blissey - 496 HP

This Normal-type egg-nestling beast clocks in at a huge average base stat of about 265. For the sake of reference, this is compared to some of the weaker, more common Pokemon that hover near or at the low 100's. It currently has the highest base HP as well.

Unlike its unevolved counterpart, Blissey is very tanky and somewhat offensive, with its devastating Hyper Beam Charge attack. Though, since it's an evolution of Chansey—an already somewhat rare variety—it's not easy to snag. You'll at least have an outside chance of catching one when prowling populated areas or using ample candies to evolve your Chansey. You can also walk around with a rare egg in the hopes that one will hatch.

NEXT: Facts You Didn’t Know About Pokemon Go Critical Catch