Pokemon Unite is a spinoff title that melds familiar Pokemon mechanics into the established MOBA genre. Longtime Pokemon fans will be used to leveling up their Pokemon, teaching them moves, and deciding on which Hold Item to give them. As a MOBA game, Pokemon Unite puts trainers in the position to foster the build and development of their Pokemon in each match. This guide will focus on helping players discover effective Pikachu builds in Pokemon Unite.
It goes without saying that Pikachu is the most well-known Pokemon in the franchise. It's sure to be a top choice for Pokemon Unite players due to its popularity. But actually, Pikachu should be considered more so for its capability in battle. Pikachu is a Ranged Attacker and one of the best there is in the game.
Fans can choose Pikachu as their starter Pokemon when beginning Pokemon Unite for the first time, but those who didn't pick Pikachu will have to learn how to unlock Pokemon to get their hands on this electrifying attacker.
Best Moves for Pikachu in Pokemon Unite
Pokemon start with two basic moves they can use in battle. Pikachu's starting moveset consists of Thunder Shock and Electroweb. At Lv. 4, Pikachu can upgrade Thunder Shock into one of two more advanced techniques. At Lv. 6, Pikachu can upgrade Electroweb to one of two more advanced techniques. The best move upgrades for a strong Pikachu build are as follows:
- Thunder Shock -> Electro Ball - Area-of-effect damage that paralyzes opposing Pokemon.
- Electroweb -> Thunderbolt - Strong area-of-effect damage that stuns opposing Pokemon.
Best Items for Pikachu in Pokemon Unite
Hold Items are a mainstay of the Pokemon series, and they are present in Pokemon Unite as well. As the player raises their trainer level, they will eventually be able to equip three Hold Items to a Pokemon during battle. It's also possible to upgrade items in Pokemon Unite to increase their effectiveness. The best items to give Pikachu to maximize its potential are as follows:
- Float Stone - Increases movement speed and damage
- Shell Bell - Raises Sp. Atk, lowers Move cooldown, and restores HP based on Sp. Atk. (Pikachu's main stat)
- Muscle Band or Wise Glasses - Either choice will serve to raise damage further
For the additional Battle Item, players can rely on the dependable Potion for extra healing, or X Attack to further ensure that Pikachu dishes out as much damage as possible.
How to Use Pikachu in Pokemon Unite
Pikachu is a glass cannon that also provides crowd control utility. The starting move Electroweb provides some minor crowd control, but it's the advanced moves that make Pikachu shine. The paralysis and stun capabilities of Electro Ball, Thunderbolt, and Static will leave enemies helpless while Pikachu and other teammates blast them down with raw power.
To give the team a strong start, Pikachu players should head up to the top lane on each Pokemon Unite map. When Rotom spawns, the team that defeats it first will gain a significant advantage when enemy goals become defenseless. Since Pikachu will likely be one of the team's top damage dealers, fighting Rotom should be prioritized.
Pikachu is a very easy Pokemon to learn and master. That ease-of-use coupled with high usefulness will make it a solid choice for new players and veterans alike. Anyone who is just starting the game would do well to grab Pikachu when deciding which Pokemon to unlock first. Doing so will guarantee a prosperous start with the new Pokemon MOBA.
Pokemon Unite is available now for Nintendo Switch, with a mobile version in the works.
