Shadow Hitmontop

Best PvE Offensive Moveset

• Counter is superior to Rock Smash on offense.
• Close Combat is the best attack option for Shadow Hitmontop given the overall synergy with everything else that it has.
• Gyro Ball, Triple Axel, and Stone Edge don't have much use at all on an offensive Hitmontop.

Best PvE Defensive Moveset

• Rock Smash is better than Counter on defense.
• Triple Axel stands head-and-shoulders above the competition on Defense.
• Gyro Ball is two-bar, so it's the second best option.
• Close Combat and Stone Edge both have early damage windows and good power, but Hitmontop probably won't have time to charge them.

Counter is a solid move overall, with incredible damage output. and decent energy generation. Rock Smash is outright horrendous.

Triple Axel is tied with Close Combat for being Hitmontop's cheapest Charged Attack. It also offers valuable anti Flying coverage while boosting Hitmontop's Attack. Stone Edge can provide additional coverage to certain Pokemon not covered by Triple Axel. Close Combat does not provide type coverage, but it has incredible DPE and can burst down opponents who might expect Hitmontop's other Charged Attacks.