With over twenty different Pokémon to choose from in Pokémon Unite, players entering the game may wonder what characters can help their team the most. The characters on the roster are split into five different Battle Types, each of which fulfills a unique role in combat and team composition. Attackers are focused on ranged offense but lack the bulkiness and endurance of Defenders, who will defend their team and goals. Speedsters fulfill a similar role to Attackers but have increased mobility to score points, cut opponents off, and escape dangerous situations. Supporters will heal their teammates, grant increased movement, and inflict powerful status effects on opponents, making them vital. Then there are All-Rounders, who have nearly equal stats and can be dangerous opponents if faced alone.

Despite the tiers Pokémon Unite has divided its roster into, there are a few strengths that the most useful Pokémon of each team must have. As the game grows older and players begin to create different in-game strategies, it's important to understand what the most useful character traits are. However, it's also important to acknowledge the many situations that Pokémon Unite will place teams in across its different game modes. One Pokémon will not suit all situations, and skilled players should be able to make the most of any monster, but there are a few aspects of all characters on Unite's roster that shouldn't be underestimated.

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One of the most important skills of the many Pokémon characters in Pokémon Unite is their mobility. Sometimes players will be pulled into an ambush by the enemy team. To avoid losing hard-earned points, having a quick Pokémon can help escape pursuers and regroup with teammates. High speed and movement-based abilities can also ensure that players can assist teammates in a tight spot, turning a defensive situation into an offensive charge down one of the lanes. Perhaps one of the most important events in Pokémon Unite's standard matches is the spawning of Zapdos, which can quickly turn the tides of even the most significant of leads. Choosing a Pokémon with movement-based abilities can open the opportunity to steal the Zapdos kill from the opposing team, no matter how outnumbered a player is.

In Pokémon Unite, Character Builds Make All The Difference

Pokemon Unite Team

Like many MOBAs, Pokémon Unite has a feature that allows players to augment their Pokémon's moves and abilities as they level up. Though simplified when compared to other games like League of Legends, Pokémon Unite rewards players who have a deeper understanding of what builds suit their characters most effectively. One of the most popular examples right now is Gengar, whose Hex and Sludge Bomb combo will result in sharply reduced cooldowns and severely increased damage output. Additionally, Pokémon Unite has a collection of in-game items that are suited to different Battle Types over others. The Rocky Helmet is more suited to Defender Pokémon such as Snorlax, who are created to take damage from their opponents to defend teammates. Meanwhile, items like the Potion are more suited to Attackers or Speedsters seeking to venture into enemy territory to score points or defeat enemies.

Perhaps the most powerful move in any Pokémon's arsenal is their Unite Move, which is unlocked after leveling up and recharges depending on damage dealt, number of defeated players, and points scored. In a situation where players are outnumbered or are looking to swiftly defeat a powerful enemy, a Pokémon's Unite Move can turn the tables with devastating damage. Unfortunately, some Unite Moves lack worthwhile power or strategic value, such as Crustle's rather useless Rubble Rouser that temporarily prevents opponents from reaching it. When choosing a Pokémon off of Pokémon Unite's roster, the usability of its Unite Move is an important consideration for the team's overall survival and effectiveness in battle.

While each Pokémon can be utilized effectively in the right hands, mobility, character build, and Unite Move are all traits that make certain Pokémon more valuable to their team than others. As the metagame evolves, players will prioritize certain picks over others and seek to secure only the most effective Pokémon on their team composition. So long as players remember the key traits of each character, and invest time in playing to their strengths, victory can be assured for their team and themselves in Pokémon Unite.

Next: Pokémon Unite: Blastoise Release Date Leaks & Rumors