Pokémon Unite is Nintendo's new MOBA styled Pokémon game for mobile and Nintendo Switch, and with its new type of gameplay for the series come questions regarding character strength and tier lists. While more Pokémon are set to be added to the game in the future, which Pokémon Unite Pokémon are currently best-in-class?
Pokémon Unite splits up its roster of playable characters into five classes known as Battle Types: All-Rounders, Speedsters, Attackers, Defenders, and Supporters. All of these hold special roles within a team's composition, though within each class, some Pokémon are more powerful than others.
Pokémon Unite's roster currently has 20 Pokémon to choose from, and players will most likely naturally gravitate to the types that best suit the way they enjoy playing. Despite the game's recent release, strategies are already being theorized, and while all classes have their uses, some Pokémon have regularly risen above the rest.
Pokemon Unite's Best All-Rounder: Garchomp
The All-Rounder class in Pokémon Unite is composed of Pokémon whose stats are primarily focused on Endurance and Offense, but still maintain average performance in Mobility and Scoring. Of the four All-Rounders currently available on the Pokémon Unite roster, Garchomp reigns supreme. Sporting the Rough Skin ability, Garchomp has a chance to damage opponents who are attacking it. Its flanking Dig Attack combined with its special Unite Move, Livid Outrage, also make Garchomp an intimidating powerhouse for any Pokémon Unite team.
Pokemon Unite's Best Speedster: Zeraora
The Speedster class in Pokémon Unite is full of some of the most impressive characters in the entire game. Talonflame, Absol, Gengar, and Zeraora all have extremely powerful and adaptable kits. These Pokémon are able to rush in and out of battle, both scoring points and dealing damage with swift attacks. In Pokémon Unite, Zerora's AOE and stun abilities are useful in both scoring and PvP encounters. Its ability to clear large distances ensures that no foe is beyond its reach, and its Unite Move, Plasma Gale, punishes foes for grouping together, helping when teammates are outnumbered. Those looking for a swift and deadly scorer should draft Zeraora to their Pokémon Unite team.
Pokemon Unite's Best Attacker: Pikachu
Pokémon Unite's roster features many Attackers, who have all been equipped with astounding powers. Starring as the game's most powerful Attacker is Pikachu, whose abilities and difficulty level make it the perfect starting choice for any Unite player. Attackers are best suited for offensive plays, with a special focus on eliminating enemies and clearing the way for teammates. Pikachu is equipped with electric attacks that have a chance to paralyze foes, creating the opportunity for teammates to swoop in and finish the job. Pikachu's Unite Move is called Thunderstorm, and serves as the perfect counter to ambushes from enemy teams.
Pokemon Unite's Best Defender: Snorlax
Defenders are crucial to Unite teams, protecting allies as they push forwards into combat with the enemy or run to score points. Defenders are equipped with high Endurance stats to absorb damage from multiple sources and stay standing, even against impossible odds. Out of the three available Defenders in-game, Snorlax reigns supreme, with a five-star rating in Endurance. Its Unite Move also allows it to block opponents from pursuing teammates too far. With a Novice difficulty rating, Snorlax is a perfect Defender for all Pokemon Unite players, allowing even newer players to help their team.
Pokemon Unite's Best Supporter: Eldegoss
No team in Pokémon Unite is complete without a Supporter, whose role is to heal allies and inflict crippling status effects on enemies that get too close. There are currently three available Supporters: Eldegoss, Mr. Mime, and Wigglytuff. Each character has different kits and abilities, but Eldegoss is the most effective by a fair margin. Able to turn the tide with massive HP boosts to allies, Eldegoss is also able to help its teammates escape potentially fatal situations by boosting movement speed. Its Unite Move, Cotton Cloud Crash, gives Eldegoss the ability to simultaneously heal allies and damage enemies within a certain radius, furthering its tendency to turn the tide in battle.
Each character in the Pokémon Unite MOBA has their own strengths in-game, with skill and items both contributing to the usefulness of each Pokémon. Strategies and the available roster will only continue to grow, introducing more variables to further diversify the current meta. Pokémon Unite is available now for free on mobile and Switch.