Slowbro Guide: Builds and Best Items

The best guide on how to play Slowbro in Pokemon UNITE for Nintendo Switch and Mobile. Check here for the best builds, Held and Battle items, movesets, as well as the latest nerfs, buffs, counters, matchups, and more!

Slowbro Latest Nerfs & Buffs (9/14)

Version 1.12.1.3 Patch Notes

Slowbro Move Changes (September 14)
Telekinesis	• Fixed a bug where the move doesn't get interrupted after getting hit by a hindrance move.

Slowbro Basic Info

Slowbro
	Tier Rating: Role: Defender Attack Type: Ranged Damage Type: Special Difficulty: Intermediate Cost: 6000 / 345
"No matter the situation, Slowbro goes about life at its own pace. With its characteristic high defense and blissful unawareness, Slowbro is unfazed by opponents’ attacks."

Pokemon Unite Tier List

Slowbro Best Lanes

Top	Jungle	Bottom

Tips & Strategies for Every Lane

Strengths and Weaknesses

Best Builds for Slowbro

Builds
Scald Soaker Build
Support Build	-

The Best Build for Slowbro is the one with the gold crown!

Scald Soaker Build

Scald Soaker Build
Moveset			Held Items
Scald Amnesia			Choice Specs Slick Spoon Focus Band
Battle Item
Eject Button
Item Effects (at Level 30)			Recommended Lane
Sp. Atk: +69 Defense: +30 Sp. Def: +30 HP: +210			Top Lane Bot Lane
Emblem Color Combination			Target Emblem Stats
Green x6 White x4			Positive Stats: • HP • Sp. Atk Free Negative Stats: • Attack • Critical-Hit Rate
Note: The emblem color and stats here are suggestions only. The builds are still viable even without the suggested emblems.

Scald Soaker Build Explanation

Scald Soaker Build Damage Test

Since the build is centered on Scald, equipping items that will maximize the move's damage is the ideal item combination. Focus Band is a staple item for the build, leaving only two (2) slots left for consideration.

Although Choice Specs and Slick Spoon did not generate the highest damage possible for Scald, the item combination does not require Slowbro to perform extra tasks like stacking an item or triggering an effect first to maximize damage.

As for alternatives, replacing Choice Specs with Sp. Atk. Specs would be the ideal choice. The item combination produced the best results for Scald. However, it does require Slowbro to fully stack Sp. Atk. Specs first for optimal damage.

Support Build

Support Build
Moveset			Held Items
Surf Telekinesis			Choice Specs Exp. Share Focus Band
Battle Item
Eject Button
Item Effects (at Level 30)			Recommended Lane
Sp. Atk: +39 Defense: +30 Sp. Def: +30 Movement Speed: +150 HP: +240			Top Lane Bot Lane
Emblem Color Combination			Target Emblem Stats
Green x6 White x4			Positive Stats: • HP • Sp. Atk Free Negative Stats: • Attack • Critical-Hit Rate
Note: The emblem color and stats here are suggestions only. The builds are still viable even without the suggested emblems.

Support Build Explanation

Support Build Damage Test

Since the build's main source of damage is Scald or Surf, equipping items that will maximize the move's damage output is the ideal item combination. Exp. Share and Focus Band are core items for the build, leaving only one item for consideration.

As the results show, Choice Specs will yield the best outcome for Slowbro. Although the item did not produce the highest damage for both moves, its results come in second and are not far from the top score.

As for alternatives, Slick Spoon would be the ideal option. Its results are only slightly lower than the highest one. However, it does compensate via additional HP, which is always great for Slowbro.

Slowbro Best Items & Moveset

Best Held Items

Item	Explanation
Assault Vest	Assault Vest gives Slowbro a layer of protection from Sp. Atk. moves. It also provides extra HP and Sp. Defense.
Exp. Share	Exp. Share allows Slowbro to keep with in EXP while it focuses on supporting its allies. It also provides beneficial stats for Slowbro
Buddy Barrier	Buddy Barrier gives Slowbro a shield when performing its Unite Move, also granting shields to nearby teammates responding to Slowbro.
Focus Band	Focus Band is crucial for tankier Pokemon and Slowbro is no exception. Having a sudden health regen is good for surviving teamfights longer.
Wise Glasses	Wise Glasses increases Slowbro's Sp. Atk. stat by a significant amount. This makes Pokemon's moves even more deadly .
Shell Bell	Since most of Slowbro's moves are easy to hit, Shell Bell is a decent item to have for HP regen when in a tight spot. It also gives a small amount of cooldown reduction for Slowbro's moves.
Choice Specs	Choice Specs adds more punch to Slowbro's damage moves based on the Pokemon's Sp. Atk. Stat. Use this if you are looking to make Slowbro more aggressive in combat.
Slick Spoon	Slick Spoon enhances Slowbro's offense by allowing the Pokemon to ignore a portion of its target's Sp. Def. It also provides a good mix of offensive and defense via its Sp. Atk. and HP bonuses, which fits well with the Pokemon's gameplay.

List of Held Items

Best Battle Items

Item	Explanation
Slow Smoke	Slow Smoke slows down the momentum of any damage dealing enemy pokemon. Giving slowbro wiggle room to isolate and pick targets to bully.
Eject Button	Eject Button allows for surprise combos like catching lone enemy pokemon by surprise. It also adds more mobility to Slowbro's kit.
Potion	Potion gives that clutch healing which can make or break a game when trying to support allies in a teamfight.

List of Battle Items

Best Moveset

Move	Explanation
Amnesia	Amnesia allows Slowbro to recover a huge portion of its missing HP, making the Pokemon hard to knock out.
Scald	Scald damages and slows enemies in an area. It's great for offensive and defensive situations.

This moveset offers offense and defense. Scald deals decent damage in an area while also slowing enemies, making it a great teamfight tool. On the other hand, Amnesia allows Slowbro to tank more damage whilst in the frontlines.

For more crowd control, consider learning Telekinesis and Surf instead.

Which Moveset Do You Think is Best for Slowbro?

Let us know why in the comments!

Previous Poll Result

How to Play Slowbro

Jump to Section
Take Advantage of Initial Moveset
Stay Beside Damage Dealers
Use Slowbeam on Key Targets

Take Advantage of Initial Moveset

Use Slowbro's initial moveset to get the upper hand in the lane, allowing you and your team to have a better transition to the mid game and late game.

Secure or Steal Wild Pokemon with Water Gun

Use a fully charged Water Gun to secure or steal wild Pokemon. You do need to time it properly to get the last hit.

Water Gun: Blastoise Move Effect and Cooldown

Use Slack Off Strategically

Remember that the healing from Slack Off persists even if its cancelled early for any reason, but the healing is reduced. Utilize this mechanic to make stragetic plays and get the upper hand.

You can also use it while on an allied goal zone for faster healing.

Slack Off: Slowbro Move Effect and Cooldown

Stay Beside Damage Dealers

Your primary job is to make sure your team's damage dealers are protected, so they can dish out their damage. Stay beside or near them and look out for enemies that attempt to target them. You should also utilize your ranged attacks to help out in dealing damage.

Disable Incoming Enemies

Use Surf and/or Telekinesis to stop enemies attempting to knockout your team's damage dealers.

Help Dish Out Damage Using Scald

Use Scald to help dish out damage and slow enemies who approach your allies.

Scald : Slowbro Move Effect and Cooldown

Tank Damage with Amnesia

After taking significant damage, use Amnesia to recover HP and prolong your life. Take note that the light blue area in your HP bar indicates how much HP you can recover when you use the move.

Amnesia : Slowbro Move Effect and Cooldown

Use Slowbeam on Key Targets

As a Defender, your job is to soak damage for your team and to prevent your allies from getting wiped out. Use Slowbeam on damage dealers such as Attackers and Speedster to completely stop their assault and put them in a vulnerable position, allowing your allies to burst them down. Remember that Slowbeam pierces through immunities like Unstoppable, making it extremely effective against Pokemon that can gain immunities like Machamp or Blastoise.

Moreover, you can use Eject Button to quickly get to range and lock down your target.

Slowbeam: Slowbro Move Effect and Cooldown

Progression and Leveling Guide

Top or Bottom Lane Guide

Slowbro Combos

Lift and Surf Combo

Lift and Surf Combo
► ► ~
Telekinesis ► Surf ► Standard Attack ~
This is Slowbro's bread and butter combo, especially if you're starting a fight. Use Telekinesis to immobilize an opponent. Then, use the move's second activation to pull the opponent close to you. Use Surf to deal the full amount of damage while also stunning them in place. Remember to continuously bombard them with Standard Attacks while they are stunned. You can also choose to use Eject Button at the start to surprise your opponents.

Ultimate Lockdown Combo

Ultimate Lockdown Combo
► ►
Surf ► Telekinesis ► Slowbeam
This is similar to the Lift and Surf combo, but with the addition of Slowbeam to ensure that the unlucky Pokemon caught in this combo will stay glued to one spot. Prioritize landing this combo on high damage dealing opponents like Speedsters and Attackers. If this combo connects during a teamfight, your team can practically wipe out the target with little effort.

Matchups & Counters for Slowbro

Slowbro Matchups

Matchup Notes
Hard Counter	Even Matchup	Easy Matchup
1. The chart is based on our own experience playing Slowbro. 2. Pokemon within each tier are unordered 3. Any Pokemon not shown here are still under investigation.

Hard Counter with Long Range, Immunity, or High Durability

Although a durable Pokemon, Slowbro has poor mobility, making Slowbro vulnerable to long-ranged attacks. Be wary of Pokemon with unstoppable moves that can prevent Slowbro from disabling them.

Best Counters

Pokemon	Explanation
Cinderace	Rating: ★★★★★ • Its speed, offense, and range are too much for Slowbro to handle. • Can reposition with Blaze Kick, making it a hard target to pin down.
Garchomp	Rating: ★★★★ • Its fast, HP-based Boosted Attack damage will quickly pressure Slow bro's HP.
Blastoise	Rating: ★★★★ • Has high durability while also packing a punch with Rapid Spin and Hydro Pump.
Duraludon	Rating: ★★★ • Unless it learns Scald, Duraludon's long-ranged burst moves will quickly deplete Slowbro's HP.

Even Matchups for Slowbro

Slowbro is sturdy enough to sustain plenty of hits, thanks to its high defenses. Make use of its arsenal of crowd control moves during brawls to open opponents up for your allies to follow through.

Avoid Prolonged Fights

Pokemon that Will Win in a Brawl
How to Beat
• These Pokemon have the means to either sustain themselves or disable Slowbro continuously, which you will likely lose if the brawl gets long. Use your moves defensively and only take on these Pokemon with teammates so they can take advantage of Telekinesis or Surf.

Ignore Completely

Pokemon with High HP
How to Beat
• Like these Slowbro, these Pokemon can take a beating. You will want to use Scald or Surf against them if you want to win the damage race. However, it is generally best to ignore them and focus on low HP targets instead. • When they manage to get momentum, shut them down completely with Telekinesis or Slowbeam.

Fight with Scald

Pokemon Low SP Def.
How to Beat
• Take advantage of their low Sp. Defense by pressuring them with Scald. • Greatly decrease their damage towards you by activating Amnesia to mitigate their burst attacks.

Tank the Damage and Disable

Burst Type Pokemon
How to Beat
• Soak up their initial burst damage for your teammates. Recover HP by healing with Amnesia to mitigate their burst attacks. • Disable their combos completely by pinning them down with Telekinesis or Surf.

Easy Matchups for Slowbro

Slowbro is at its best when it gets to pin down key targets and soak up high amounts of damage only to get it back with Amnesia.

Not Fast Enough to Pressure HP

Pokemon with High Damage Output
How to Beat
• These Sp. Attackers are capable of dealing massive damage. However, they are not fast enough to burst down Slowbro. Pressure them from afar with Scald or engage them aggressively with Surf. • Utilize Slowbro's Amnesia to more effectively tank hits and escape or fight back.

Susceptible to Disables

Pokemon with High Mobility
How to Beat
• Even with high mobility, Slowbro will still be able to stop them in their tracks and make it hard to fight. Use Telekinesis or Slowbeam to pin them down.

Best Teammates for Slowbro

Pokemon	Explanation
Alolan Ninetales Delphox	High Damaging Snipers
	These Pokemon have powerful burst attacks and are capable of stunning enemies from a safe distance. Slowbro can lead the charge for these Pokemon while they deal damage and secure objectives.
Blissey Mr. Mime	Shields and Sustain
	These Pokemon are capable of providing buffs, shields, and AoE heals during fights. This allows Slowbro to become sturdier and easily dominate lanes.
Crustle Snorlax	Tanky Disablers
	As fellow Defenders that have disabling abilities, these Pokemon can lead the charge, soak up damage, and help Slowbro setup its attacks with their disabling moves.
Absol Zoroark	High Burst Damagers
	These Pokemon help contribute damage through pinning down enemies with combos and burst attacks. While it's still recommended to go with either a Defender or Supporter ally, Speedsters are a huge help when trying to dominate lanes as early as possible.
Tsareena Urshifu	Hard-hitting Initiators
	These Pokemon are very dependable allies as they have means to buff or sustain themselves. Whether it's securing objectives or pushing lanes, Tsareena and Urshifu are built to initiate clashes, stun enemies, and create openings for their teammates.

Looking for teammates to synergize with you? Head over to our Friend Request Board to find other trainers to join you in your grind or just to hang out with!

Friend Request Board

Slowbro Moves

Move Slot 1 (R)

Water Gun (Lv. 1 or 3)	Move Type: Melee Damage Type: Special Cooldown: 5s Starting Damage: No Charge: 313, Full Charge: 627 Final Damage: No Charge: 364, Full Charge: 728
Shoots water forcefully, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon and decreasing their movement speed for a short time when it his. Holding down the button for this move increases its area of effect and damage.
Surf (Lv. 4) Upgrade Lv. 11	Move Type: Dash Damage Type: Special Cooldown: 8s Starting Damage: 1035 Final Damage: 2151
Has the user charge forward on a wave, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect and throwing them. This is followed by two more waves that deal damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect and decrease their movement speed for a short time. Upgrade: The second and third waves become larget and also throw opposing Pokemon like the first wave does.
Scald (Lv. 4) Upgrade Lv. 11	Move Type: Melee Damage Type: Special Cooldown: 5s Starting Damage: 1170 Initial damage: 295 x 3, Burn damage: 57 x 5 Final Damage: 2647 Initial damage: 669 x 3, Burn damage: 128 x 5
Shoots boiling hot water, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon and creating steam when it hits. Opposing Pokemon inside the stream's area of effect are left burned and have their movement speed decreased for a short time. Upgrade: Increases the vapor's area of effect.

Move Slot 2 (ZR)

Slack Off (Lv. 1 or 3)	Move Type: Recovery Damage Type: Status Cooldown: 11s Starting Damage: N/A Final Damage: N/A
Has the user slack off, continually restoring its HP for a short time. While the user is slacking off, if the user moves, performs a basic attack, uses a move, has a hindrance inflicted on it, or is otherwise interrupted, the HP restoration effect continues at decreased power.
Telekinesis (Lv. 6) Upgrade Lv. 13	Move Type: Hindrance Damage Type: Status Cooldown: 7.5s Starting Damage: N/A Final Damage: N/A
Makes opposing Pokemon float with psychic power. If used again, pulls the opposing Pokemon toward the user. Upgrade: Increases this move's speed and range.
Amnesia (Lv. 6) Upgrade Lv. 8	Move Type: Recovery Damage Type: Status Cooldown: 8s Starting Damage: N/A Final Damage: N/A
Has the user recover some of its HP using its stored-up lost HP. For a short time after this move, the user becomes immune to hindrances and gains increased Defense. Upgrade: Increases Sp. Def.

Unite Moves (ZL)

Slowbeam (Lv. 9)	Move Type: Hindrance Damage Type: Special Cooldown: 112 Starting Damage: 2100 350 x 6 Final Damage: 3240 540 x 6
Has the user stare at one of the opposing team's Pokemon and attack continually, dealing damage and binding it. Grants the user a shield and makes the user immune to hindrances while it's using this move.

Standard Attack

Standard Attack	Becomes a boosted attack with every third attack.When this boosted attack hits, it deals damage to nearby opposing Pokemon and decreases their movement speed for a short time.

Ability (Passive)

Oblivious	All Evolution Stages Has the Pokemon store up lost HP for a short time. When hitting an opposing Pokemon with a move, the Pokemon recovers some of its HP using the stored-up HP, and it also decreases the opposing Pokemon's Sp. Def for a short time.

Slowbro Stats & Evolutions

Slowbro Evolutions

1st Evolution	Final Evolution
Slowpoke (Lv. 1)	Slowbro (Lv. 4)

Slowbro Stats

Attack Damage is the damage of the Basic Attack as tested against the Training Dummy.

Slowbro In-Game Stat Listings

Offense	Endurance	Mobility	Scoring	Support

Slowbro Skins (Holowear)

Holowear
Training Style Zirco Trading: 400	Bonfire Style Zirco Trading: 350 / 18
Tuxedo Style Zirco Trading: 400	Gardening Style Event: Cramorants Daily Walk
Professor Style Zirco Trading: 1200	Wanderer Style Zirco Trading: 1050

All Pokemon Skins (Holowear)

Slowbro Character Spotlight

Slowbro Achievements

Oblivious Achievement

Oblivious
Pokemon	Move
Slowbro	Oblivious
Mission: In a single battle, recover 5000 or more HP with Oblivious (5/10/20 battles total)
Medals & Points	Rewards
Beginner 5	Aeos Ticket x100
Expert 5	Aeos Coin x300
Master 10	Holowear Ticket x3

List of Defender Pokemon Achievements

Pokemon UNITE Related Guides

List of All Pokemon

All Pokemon Guides and Builds

Best Build for Each Pokemon

Pokemon Roster
Absol	Aegislash	Alolan Ninetales	Azumarill
Blastoise	Blaziken	Blissey	Buzzwole
Chandelure	Charizard	Cinderace	Clefable
Comfey	Cramorant	Crustle	Decidueye
Delphox	Dodrio	Dragapult	Dragonite
Duraludon	Eldegoss	Espeon	Garchomp
Gardevoir	Gengar	Glaceon	Goodra
Greedent	Greninja	Hoopa	Inteleon
Lapras	Leafeon	Lucario	Machamp
Mamoswine	Mega Mewtwo X	Mega Mewtwo Y	Mew
Mr. Mime	Pikachu	Sableye	Scizor
Slowbro	Snorlax	Sylveon	Talonflame
Trevenant	Tsareena	Tyranitar	Umbreon
Urshifu	Wigglytuff	Venusaur	Zacian
Zeraora	Zoroark	-

Upcoming Pokemon

Upcoming Pokemon
Mimikyu October 19, 2023	Meowscarada TBA

Top 5 Master Rank Picks & Win Rate

Pokemon	Tier	Most Played %	Average Win %
Mega Mewtwo Y		41.3%	75%
Inteleon		12.7%	74.75%
Blissey		11.1%	76.43%
Zacian		6.3%	76.5%
Urshifu		6.3%	73.5%

Top Picked Pokemon Per Role

Attacker	All- Rounder	Supporter	Defender	Speedster
Mega Mewtwo Y	Zacian	Blissey	Umbreon	Leafeon

Master Rank: Top Ranked Win Rates

Pokemon by Role

All Pokemon Roles
Attackers		All-Rounders		Defenders
Speedsters			Supporters

Pokemon by Characteristics

Attack Type
Melee Pokemon	Ranged Pokemon
Physical Pokemon	Special Pokemon
Stat Rankings
HP Ranking	Defense Ranking
Sp. Def. Ranking	Basic Attack Ranking