Best Defenders to use in Pokemon Unite Season 22

In the strategic and fast-paced world of Pokemon Unite, the role of a Defender can often be the cornerstone of a winning team. With Season 22 in full swing, several Defenders are standing out as exceptional picks for players looking to climb the ranks, especially in solo queues. In this article, we will delve into some top choices for Defenders, complete with builds and essential tips to maximize their effectiveness on the battlefield.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinions.

Trevenant, Slowbro, and three other best Defenders to use in Pokemon Unite Season 22

1) Trevenant

Trevenant in Pokemon Unite (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Trevenant stands out as the best defender in Pokemon Unite, thanks to its incredible power and versatility. This Pokemon's strength is so formidable that a nerf might be imminent. Trevenant excels with various builds, whether it's Curse Pain Split, Curse Horn Leech, or Wood Hammer. The most effective option appears to be Wood Hammer due to its ability to reposition enemies and deliver massive stuns.

For optimal builds, consider double stacking or at least using an Attack Weight, along with a Weakness Policy and a defensive item like Focus Band, Resonant Guard or Assault Vest. These combinations make Trevenant a formidable presence at all stages of the game. An alternative item setup could include Exp. Share, which works well depending on your lane partner.

Regarding emblems, the recommended setup is six white and six brown, prioritizing extra HP and reducing critical hit chances, which aligns perfectly with Trevenant's tanky nature. As for battle items, Eject Button or X Speed are ideal for staying in the enemy's face and becoming nearly unkillable. Trevenant’s dominance in the current meta is undeniable.

2) Slowbro

Slowbro in Pokemon Unite (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Slowbro is a defender that excels in stabilizing chaotic matches. Its versatility with builds like Scald Amnesia and Scald Telekinesis offers fun and effectiveness, though Surf is the more defensively sound choice. In solo queue, a tank-attacker hybrid build can work well, making Scald an excellent option.

Recommended items for Slowbro include Exp. Share, Assault Vest, and Choice Specs. Choice Specs enhance early-game securing with Water Gun, giving you an edge in securing objectives. Eject Button is preferred for positioning Slowbeam, while Potion can be viable with Amnesia for double healing.

For emblems, a setup of six white, six blue, and two green provides a balanced mix of durability and offensive capability. Slowbro’s importance rises as opponents become more chaotic, with Slowbeam being a crucial tool for controlling the battlefield.

3) Crustle

Crustle in Pokemon Unite (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Crustle has been a consistent defender in Pokemon Unite, especially with its Rock Tomb and X-Scissor build. This combination remains effective even after the damage from X-Scissor was reduced, indicating the intended playstyle. Shell Smash X-Scissor is still viable but less favored.

For item builds, Exp. Share, Assault Vest, and Focus Band are top choices, with Attack Weight as an optional addition for extra damage. Razor Claw can be effective, but Crustle benefits more from bulkiness and stun potential. The Eject Button is crucial for repositioning during X-Scissor and Unite move activations, although X Speed or Potion can be alternatives.

Emblems should follow the six white and six brown setup for enhanced bulkiness. Crustle’s ability to control the battlefield with stuns and durability makes it a significant asset to any team.

4) Umbreon

Umbreon in Pokemon Unite (Image via The Pokemon Company) Enter caption Enter caption

Umbreon is another top-tier defender in Pokemon Unite, with versatile builds such as Foul Play and Wish or Mean Look and Wish. However, the standout combination is Snarl and Foul Play. This build offers excellent repositioning and stunning capabilities, making it incredibly effective in battle.

If your team lacks a supporter, switching to Wish provides necessary healing. Otherwise, Foul Play Snarl allows Umbreon to dive into enemies, stun them, and push them towards your side while stealing shields with its Unite move. The optimal items for Umbreon include Exp. Share, Aeos Cookie, and Assault Vest. Buddy Barrier can replace Aeos Cookie if preferred, but stacking an attack weight is generally less beneficial for Umbreon’s role.

The emblem setup mirrors Trevenant's with six white and six brown for reduced critical hits. For battle items, Eject Button and X Speed are recommended for maintaining Umbreon’s presence in fights. Umbreon excels in providing substantial support and defense, especially in solo play.

5) Ho-Oh

Ho-Oh in Pokemon Unite (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Ho-Oh is renowned for its exceptional durability and survivability, making it an outstanding defender in Pokemon battles. Its versatility is evident in its varied movesets, allowing it to adapt to different combat scenarios. One of Ho-Oh's unique strengths is its ability to revive fallen allies, which can be a game-changer in tough battles. Additionally, Ho-Oh boasts strong DPS (damage per second) and burst damage capabilities, making it a formidable opponent.

When it comes to movesets, Ho-Oh can be tailored for offensive or defensive play. An offensive build typically includes Flamethrower and Fly. This combination provides a balanced and versatile kit, with Fly offering various strategic options during fights. Fly can be used both offensively and defensively, depending on the situation, while Flamethrower delivers consistent DPS that complements Fly's mechanics.

On the other hand, a defensive build might feature Sky Attack and Fire Spin, emphasizing damage absorption and sustaining presence on the field. Despite the flexibility, Flamethrower and Fly remain the more popular choices due to their well-rounded capabilities.

What truly elevates Ho-Oh's value in team compositions is its Unite Move, Rekindling Flame. This powerful ability allows Ho-Oh to revive knocked-out allies by consuming Aeos energy. When an ally is defeated, a feather is left in their place until they respawn at base. Activating Rekindling Flame spreads Ho-Oh's wings and revives these fallen allies at their feather locations, restoring 60% of their maximum HP. The ability can only be used if there are feathers nearby, and the number of available revivals depends on the amount of Aeos energy consumed.

While the meta of the MOBA is always shifting, these Defenders provide solid foundations for any team in Pokemon Unite Season 22. Whether you're controlling the flow of battle with Trevenant, making waves with Slowbro, fortifying positions with Crustle, or darkening the battlefield with Umbreon, each brings unique strengths that can lead to victory.

Remember, synergy with your team and mastery of your chosen Pokemon’s build and playstyle are key to climbing the ranks in the game.

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Edited by Siddharth Satish