Slowbro Guide: Builds and Best Items | Pokemon UNITE

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 (11/16)

Version 1.7.1.11 Balance Patch Notes

Slowbro Move Changes (November 16)
Telekinesis	• Cooldown reduced from 9s to 7.5s. (-1.5s)
Stat Buff	• Defense and Sp. Defense increased.

Slowbro Stat Buffs
Level	Defense	Sp. Defense
5	144 → 156 (+8%)	124 → 136 (+10%)
10	237 → 263 (+11%)	202 → 231 (+14%)
15	421 → 480 (+14%)	360 → 420 (+17%)

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

Strengths	Weaknesses
✔︎ Decent Standard Attack range. ✔︎ Great support skills that can isolate opponents. Can vary builds based on moveset	✖︎ Low damage output. ✖︎ Low HP for a Defender.

Best Builds for Slowbro

Builds
Support Build
Damage Soaker Build	Tank Build

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

Support Build

Support Build
Moveset			Held Items
Surf Telekinesis			Choice Specs Focus Band Buddy Barrier
Battle Item
Eject Button
Item Effects (at Level 30)			Recommended Lane
Sp. Atk: +39 Defense: +30 Sp. Def: +30 HP: +450			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.

This build focuses on supporting your allies by constantly disabling enemies and setting up kills using either Surf or Telekinesis. Your gameplay should consist of sticking in the front lines, soaking up damage, and shutting down key targets for your allies to knock them down from the fight quickly.

Focus Band and Buddy Barrier allow Slowbro to stay in the fight longer and make the Pokemon sturdy enough to withstand heavy attacks while it pins down opponents. Choice Specs increases Slowbro's Sp. Attack stat while also adding extra damage to Surf when it hits opponents.

Eject Button is a versatile mobility tool that is great for all sorts of situations. Use it to quickly position Slowbro behind targets so it can shove them toward your allies with Surf. It is also a great disengage tool for escaping dangerous situations. However, you can also equip X Speed instead, if you prefer a more consistent way to get extra mobility.

Your Boost Emblem loadout should consist of 6 Green Emblems for maximum Sp. Atk and 4 White Emblems for more HP. Equip Emblems that improve Sp. Atk or HP since you'd want to balance damage and durability. You can freely trade Attack and Critical-Hit Rate.

Damage Soaker Build

Damage Soaker Build
Moveset			Held Items
Scald Amnesia			Wise Glasses Choice Specs Shell Bell
Battle Item
X Speed
Item Effects (at Level 30)			Recommended Lane
Sp. Atk: +102 Cooldown: -4.50%			Top Lane Bot Lane
Emblem Color Combination			Target Emblem Stats
Green x6 White x4			Positive Stats: • HP • Sp. Atk Free Negative Stats: • Attack • Movement Speed • Critical-Hit Rate
Note: The emblem color and stats here are suggestions only. The builds are still viable even without the suggested emblems.

This build invests more in Slowbro's damage potential via Scald. This turns Slowbro into a ranged, damage dealer with the ability to soak damage with Amnesia. Since this build does not run defensive items, expect Slowbro to be less durable. Adjust your playstyle accordingly.

Wise Glasses, Choice Specs, and Shell Bell should provide all the Sp. Atk. boost you need to get the most damage out of Scald. Shell Bell, in particular, also offers a slight cooldown reduction to Slowbro's moves and some sustain with HP recovery.

X Speed increases Slowbro's movement speed, giving it a mobility tool to get aggressive or defensive. However, you can equip Eject Button instead for a similar effect, albeit a more direct way of repositioning.

Your Boost Emblem loadout should consist of 6 Green Emblems to maximize your moves' damage and 4 White Emblems for additional HP. Equip Emblems that improve Sp. Atk or HP since you'd want to maximize Scald's damage but remain as a tank. You can freely trade Attack, Critical-Hit Rate, and Movement Speed.

Tank Build

Tank Build
Moveset			Held Items
Surf Amnesia			Assault Vest Focus Band Buddy Barrier
Battle Item
Potion
Item Effects (at Level 30)			Recommended Lane
Defense: +30 Sp. Def: +30 HP: +720			Top Lane Bot Lane
Emblem Color Combination			Target Emblem Stats
Blue x2 Purple x2 White x6			Positive Stats: • HP • Defense • Sp. Def 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.

This build turns Slowbro into the ultimate tank. It is centered on soaking up damage for your allies with the help of Amnesia while constantly providing crowd control with Surf. Expect to have Slowbro leading the charge at the front lines. Since this build does not run offensive items, it is best to stick to allies at all times to compensate for the lack of damage.

Both Assualt Vest and Buddy Barrier add a significant amount of HP to Slowbro's already high health pool. Assault Vest, in particular also provides a shield against Special Attacks. Moreover, Focus Band adds more defensive stats for Slowbro while also giving a healing effect whenever Slowbro's HP gets low. Alternatively, you can equip Exp. Share instead, but only if you are in a coordinated team. All of these items should provide all the durability and survivability you need via increased HP and defenses to soak as much damage as you can from the enemy team.

Potion is a low-cooldown recovery tool perfect for staying alive for as long as possible. Since its effectiveness scales with the Pokemon's HP, the item synergizes well with items that increase Slowbro's HP further. However, if you are looking to contribute to team fights, you can opt for Slow Smoke to add more hindrances to Slowbro's kit.

Your Boost Emblem loadout should consist of 6 White Emblems for maximum HP and a combination of 2 Emblems of Blue and Purple each for additional defensive stats. Equip Emblems that improve HP, Defense, or Sp. Def since you'd want to be as durable as possible. You can freely trade Attack and Critical-Hit Rate.

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.

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
Telekinesis	Telekinesis is a good disabling move unique to Slowbro! Telekinesis singles out an enemy pokemon and also leaves them vulnerable to attacks.
Surf	Surf is a good tool for pushing enemy pokemon away. Especially if they are chasing squishier damage dealing ally Pokemon.

This moveset offers the best crowd control, from grouped enemies to single targets. Expect to play Slowbro as a support that opens up opponents for the team to knock down.

Alternatively, Scald is a good move if you are going for more damage instead of disables. Moreover, pick Amnesia if you want to turn Slowbro into an undying tank.

Which Moveset Do You Think is Best for Slowbro?

Let us know why in the comments!

Previous Poll Result

How to Play Slowbro

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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

Level	Objectives
1 - 4	• Secure as many wild Pokemon as you can to level up quickly • If you're at the bottom lane, prioritize taking Indeedees for more exp. • You can try to get early kills, but don't overextend • Choose Water Gun immediately, as this move is great for finishing off Bunnelby as quickly as possible.
5 - 9	• Use Scald and its quick cooldown against Wild Pokemon and Pokemon from the opposing team • Help your allies secure Regieleki and/or Regice, Registeel, or Regirock
10+	• Stick with your team to hunt targets, secure objectives, and push lanes • Reach level 13 before or when Rayquaza spawns for a fully-upgraded moveset • Make sure you have Slowbeam available when Rayquaza spawns • Help your allies win a teamfight and secure Rayquaza

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 Cinderace	Can deal the damage Slowbro lacks
	Slowbro's low damage output means that he'll enjoy having any companion that can deal high amounts of damage. Attacker Pokemon in particular love it when Slowbro turns opponents into piñatas for them to whack.
Wigglytuff	Can chain disables together
	Slowbro has powerful disables that can keep enemy Pokemon unable to act, and so does Wigglytuff. You can use each other's disables to setup your own disable, and keep the opponenet disabled for much longer.

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 Total Damage: No Charge: 313, Full Charge: 627 / 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 Total Damage: 1035 / 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 Total Damage: 999 / 2263
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
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
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
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 Total Damage: 1418 / 2487
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. After using Slowbeam, the Pokemon gains the following buff(s) for a few seconds: Shield granted. Movement Speed increased for a short time.

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

Level	HP	Defense	Special Defense	Attack Damage
1	3241	70	60	150
2	3378	79	68	153
3	3535	89	77	157
4	4334	142	124	175
5	4543	156	136	180
6	4783	172	150	186
7	5058	190	166	192
8	5375	211	185	199
9	5740	235	206	207
10	6160	263	231	217
11	6643	295	259	228
12	7199	332	291	241
13	7838	375	328	256
14	8572	424	371	273
15	9416	480	420	292

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)

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	Blissey	Buzzwole	Clefable
Charizard	Cinderace	Cramorant	Crustle
Decidueye	Delphox	Dodrio	Dragonite
Duraludon	Eldegoss	Espeon	Garchomp
Gardevoir	Gengar	Glaceon	Greedent
Greninja	Hoopa	Lucario	Machamp
Mamoswine	Mew	Mr. Mime	Pikachu
Sableye	Scizor	Slowbro	Snorlax
Sylveon	Talonflame	Trevenant	Tsareena
Tyranitar	Urshifu	Wigglytuff	Venusaur
Zeraora	Zoroark

Top 5 Master Rank Picks & Win Rate

All data is based on Season 07 Master Rank Top 100. Last Updated: November 29, 2022

Pokemon	Tier	Most Played %	Average Win %
Mew		22%	75%
Mr. Mime		19%	75%
Dodrio		14%	76%
Tsareena		10%	76%
Zoroark		7%	74%

Top Picked Pokemon Per Role

Attacker	Supporter	All- Rounder	Defender	Speedster
Mew	Mr. Mime	Tsareena	Mamoswine	Dodrio

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