Hitmonchan

Hitmonchan is one of the most mechanically important Pokémon in Pokopia's early game. It teaches Rock Smash, which yields Stone, which builds the Workbench, which unlocks the entire crafting system. But before you can befriend a Hitmonchan, you need to give it somewhere appropriate to train. That specific requirement teaches the habitat system better than any tutorial.

How to Attract Hitmonchan

Place an Exercise Resting Spot habitat — a punching bag and rest area — in a cleared section of the Wasteland. Hitmonchan will appear. This is one of Pokopia's clearest examples of its design philosophy: matching the habitat to the Pokémon's nature rather than providing a generic 'grass patch'. Hitmonchan is a boxer. Give it somewhere to box.

Rock Smash and the Crafting Chain

Once befriended, Hitmonchan shares Rock Smash. Use it on boulders to clear paths and gather Stone. Two Stone build a Workbench. With a Workbench, virtually every other item in the game becomes craftable. Hitmonchan's move is the fulcrum of the early game's economic engine.

Pokémon Notes

Fighting-type from Kanto, the punching counterpart to the kicking Hitmonlee. Hitmonchan's boxing gloves and methodical fighting style translate beautifully into Pokopia's construction context: same energy, different application. Punching rocks and punching opponents aren't so different when you think about it.