Pokémon Unite surprised fans this summer by being a well-designed MOBA with deeper mechanics and a more interesting roster than fans were expecting. While Pokémon's family-friendly nature makes it more approachable than other games of its genre, Unite is still a highly-competitive game, and newcomers will need to understand how its characters work if they want to be vital asset to a winning team.
Each Pokémon on the game's growing roster fits into one of five roles: Attacker, Speedster, All-Rounder, Defender and Supporter. Here's what players should know about how to use each type and the Pokémon that fall into each category.
Pokémon Unite's Attackers
Players who want to serve as their team's main damage dealers will want to check out Attacker Pokémon. Attackers can take out opponents quickly with their high damager per second, however, they best do so from a distance. They generally have low endurance and average defense, making them fairly easy to take out. Since they can't really take hits, it's a good idea to keep an Attacker near a Defender or All-Rounder who can protect them as they take down Wild Pokémon or defend their team's goals.
Currently, there are seven Attackers in Pokémon Unite -- more than any other role. They are Pikachu, Greninja, Venusaur, Alolan Ninetales, Cramorant, Cinderace and Gardevoir. Unsurprisingly, franchise mascot Pikachu is considered one of the best options, as its easy for newcomers to pick up and remains strong and reliable as the game goes on.
Pokémon Unite's Speedsters
As their name suggests, Speedsters are the game's fastest options. They are incredibly mobile, making it easy for them to score goals or deal damage and get away before the opponent realizes what hit them. However, they are quite fragile and, therefore, should stay away from the frontlines. Speedsters are a bit harder to use, as they are best when adapting on the fly and quickly assisting an ally who needs help before moving on to the next. This also means players will have to think tactically and know the map like the back of their hand.
There are currently four Speedsters in Unite: Talonflame, Absol, Gengar and Zeraora. Of them, Zeraora is generally considered the best for being both fast and strong -- fitting for a Mythical Pokémon.
Pokémon Unite's All-Rounders
Players who want to be able to fill any position their team needs will want to play as an All-Rounder. These jack-of-all-trade Pokémon are good at both taking and dealing damage, though they really don't excel at anything. Still, they're good at fighting aggressively, getting closer to opponents than Attackers should. All-Rounders are best when the player is hyperaware of what's going on in the arena and adapts their playstyle accordingly.
Pokémon Unite currently has four All-Rounders: Charizard, Lucario, Machamp and Garchomp. Most consider Lucario the best option thanks to its combination of speed and strong attacks, though Machamp is another solid option with its higher attack stat.
Pokémon Unite's Defenders
Like in any competitive game, a team as only as strong as its defense, and Pokémon Unite's Defenders are incredibly important. While their mobility is limited and they can't deal much damage, their high HP and defense make them tough to take down, allowing them to protect their more fragile teammates by sticking to the frontlines and taking hits. Defenders are also great at crowd control and keeping enemies away from their team's goals.
Right now, the game has four Defenders: Snorlax, Crustle, Slowbro and Blastoise. Each of them boast their own play-styles, though Snorlax is widely considered the best for its high endurance and health regeneration options. Crustle is an interesting option due to its ability to deal damage, while Blastoise and Slowbro excel at crowd control.
Pokémon Unite's Supporters
Players who would rather keep everyone else in fighting shape instead of doling out hit themselves should take on the Supporter role. These are great utility characters who can heal, buff and shield allies while disrupting enemies. Supporters can keep everyone in fighting shape, but they really need to stick by their allies to fulfill their role.
Pokémon Unite's four Supporter options are Eldegoss, Mr. Mime, Wigglytuff and Blissey. While Eldegoss was considered the best Supporter early on, it has since been nerfed by patches and Blissey's addition to the roster. Currently, Wigglytuff is seen as the best option for debuffing enemies, while Blissey is largely considered the best healer.