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 (9/5)

Version 1.16.1.2 Patch Notes

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	-

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 x6			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

This build is centered on staying alive as long as possible with the help of Amnesia to deal as much damage as possible with Scald.

• Choice Specs provides Slowbro a decent amount of Sp. Atk. and increases its minimum move damage.
• Slick Spoon further increases Slowbro's Sp. Atk. stat and improves its damage output by ignoring a portion of its opponent's Sp. Def. It also provides a nice amount of HP.
• Focus Band improves Slowbro's overall durability through increased defenses and provides more survivability on top of Amnesia.
• Sp. Atk. Specs can be a great replacement for Choice Specs, giving Slowbro more damage, especially when fully stacked.
• Eject Button gives Slowbro a quick repositioning tool to set up Slowbeam.
• The build's Boost Emblem loadout should consist of 6 Green Emblems to maximize Slowbro's move damage and 6 White Emblems for additional HP. This can be achieved by equipping at leas two (2) Emblems that are both Green and White.
• Equip Emblems that improve Sp. Atk or HP to maximize Scald's damage but remain as a tank.
• Attack, and Critical-Hit Rate can be freely traded for the other stats.

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 x6			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

This is a flexible support build for Slowbro. By default, Scald and Telekinesis are recommended moveset, however, any move combination will work.

• Choice Specs provides Slowbro a decent amount of Sp. Atk. and increases its minimum move damage.
• Exp. Share is Slowbro's core support item, making leveling up for the Pokemon and its lane partner faster. It also gives a decent amount of HP and movement speed.
• Focus Band improves Slowbro's overall durability and survivability through increased defenses and healing, respectively.
• Slick Spoon can be a great replacement for Choice Specs, which outputs almost the same damage as the latter. It also adds more HP for extra durability.
• Eject Button gives Slowbro a quick repositioning tool to set up Slowbeam.
• X Speed can also work, giving Slowbro better mobility overall.
• The build's Boost Emblem loadout should consist of 6 Green Emblems to maximize Slowbro's move damage and 6 White Emblems for additional HP. This can be achieved by equipping at leas two (2) Emblems that are both Green and White.
• Equip Emblems that improve Sp. Atk or HP to balance damage and durability.
• Attack, and Critical-Hit Rate can be freely traded for the other stats.

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
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 it and its 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. It does need to be timed 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.

Tip	Use Slack Off on allied goal zones for faster healing.

Slack Off: Slowbro Move Effect and Cooldown

Stay Beside Damage Dealers

Slowbro's primary job is to make sure its team's damage dealers are protected, giving them space to safely dish out damage during fights. Stay beside or near them and look out for enemies that attempt to target them. Slowbro can also utilize its ranged attacks to help out in dealing damage.

Disable Incoming Enemies

Use Surf and/or Telekinesis to stop enemies attempting to knockout the team's damage dealers.This can leave them open for counter attacks.

Help Dish Out Damage Using Scald

Use Scald to help dish out damage and slow enemies who approach allies. It can also be used just to poke opponents without fully engaging in a fight.

Scald : Slowbro Move Effect and Cooldown

Tank Damage with Amnesia

After taking significant damage, use Amnesia to recover HP and prolong Slowbro's life. Take note that the light blue area in the Pokemon's HP bar indicates how much HP it can recover when the move is used.

Amnesia : Slowbro Move Effect and Cooldown

Use Slowbeam on Key Targets

As a Defender, Slowbro's job is to soak damage for its team and to prevent its allies from getting wiped out. Use Slowbeam on damage dealers such as Attackers and Speedsters to completely stop their assault and put them in a vulnerable position, allowing Slowbro's 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 1 to 4

• Secure as many Wild Pokemon as you can and get EXP to reach level 4.
• Once at level 4, learn either Scald or Surf.
• Continue to farm wild Pokemon and level up, defend the lane, score points, and knock out opponents.

Level 5 to 9

• Once at level 6, learn either Telekinesis or Amnesia, and start to get aggressive.
• Continue to farm wild Pokemon, defend the lane, score points, and knock out opponents to level up.
• Help your allies secure Regieleki and/or Regice, Registeel, or Regirock.
• Once at level 9, learn Slowbeam to get all moves.

Level 10+

• Continue to farm and level up.
• Stick with allies to defend or push lanes, secure objectives, and win teamfights.
• Reach at least level 13 on or before Rayquaza spawns for a full-upgraded moveset.
• Help your allies win a team fight and secure Rayquaza.
• After securing Rayquaza, just score points to gain the score lead, then immediately return to base and just defend the remaining goal zones until the match ends.

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 by Kiting

Although a durable Pokemon, Slowbro has poor mobility, making Slowbro vulnerable to long-ranged attacks.

Best Counters

Pokemon	Explanation
Cinderace	Rating: ★★★★★ • Can kite Slowbro with fast ranged attacks. • Can dodge Slowbro's moves with Flame Charge or Feint.
Mega Mewtwo Y	Rating: ★★★★ • Can push back Slowbro with Future Sight and kite it with strong and fast ranged attacks. • Can dodge Slowbro's moves with Teleport or become immune to them using Psystrike.
Alolan Ninetales	Rating: ★★★★ • Can freeze Slowbro and prevent it from setting up its moves using Avalanche and Blizzard.

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 its allies to follow through.

Find an Opening and Disable Them

Ranged, Fragile Pokemon with High Damage
How to Beat
• These Pokemon prefer to keep their distance from opponents when fighting and have high damage potential. However, they are fragile and have low mobility, making them vulnerable to disables. • Dodge their moves or attacks as much as possible or tank them with Amnesia. • Wait or find an opening where they are exposed and can get easily caught with Slowbro's disabling moves.

Disrupt Their Attacks/Combos

All-Rounders
How to Beat
• All-Rounders excel in close combat and rely mostly on their attacks or moves to deal damage. They are also durable. However, they have to come close to their targets first to attack or do their combos, putting them in range of Slowbro's disabling moves. • Disrupt their attacks or combos with Surf, Telekinesis, or Slowbeam but make sure there are allies nearby to follow up. • Slow them and deal damage using Scald.

Aim for Them First

Supporters
How to Beat
• These Pokemon usually stick with their allies and rarely venture alone. Although they themselves pose no threat to Slowbro, their support capabilities makes them valuable during fights. • Target them first with Slowbro's disabling moves to temporarily remove them from the fight or allow allies to burst them down.

Group Up with Allies

Highly Durable Pokemon
How to Beat
• Much like Slowbro, these Pokemon are extremely durable and have crowd control moves, making them a difficult target to take down. With that, it's best to group up with allies to bring them down with the help of Slowbro. • Keep them in place with Surf, Telekinesis, or Slowbeam and allow Slowbro's allies to finish them off.

Easy Matchups for Slowbro

Slowbro has a lot of disabling moves. Pokemon that are susceptible to disables are easy targets for Slowbro.

Find an Opening and Disable Them

Ranged, Fragile Pokemon with High Damage
How to Beat
• These Pokemon prefer to keep their distance from opponents when fighting and have high damage potential. However, they are fragile, have low mobility, and tend to move quite close to the frontlines when they attack, making them vulnerable to disables. • Wait or find an opening where they are exposed and can get easily caught with Slowbro's disabling moves.

Disrupt Their Attacks/Combos

All-Rounders
How to Beat
• All-Rounders excel in close combat and rely mostly on their attacks or moves to deal damage. They are also durable. However, they have to come close to their targets first to attack or do their combos, putting them in range of Slowbro's disabling moves. • Disrupt their attacks or combos with Surf, Telekinesis, or Slowbeam but make sure there are allies nearby to follow up. • Slow them and deal damage using Scald.

Disable Them When They Approach or Miss Their Attempt

High-mobility Pokemon with Burst Damage
How to Beat
• These Pokemon are incredibly agile and deal high burst damage. However, they are susceptible to getting disabled since they have to come close to their targets to damage them and become vulnerable when they miss their burst damage attempt. • Use Surf, Telekinesis, or Slowbeam once they approach to prevent them from attacking but make sure there are allies nearby to follow up. • Alternatively, Slowbro can also wait for them to miss their attempt before disabling them.

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: 7s 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
Porcelain Style Zirco Trading: 400	Champion Style Zirco Trading: 2199

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	Armarougue
Azumarill	Blastoise	Blaziken	Blissey
Buzzwole	Ceruledge	Chandelure	Charizard
Cinderace	Clefable	Comfey	Cramorant
Crustle	Darkrai	Decidueye	Delphox
Dodrio	Dragapult	Dragonite	Duraludon
Eldegoss	Espeon	Falinks	Garchomp
Gardevoir	Gengar	Glaceon	Goodra
Greedent	Greninja	Gyarados	Ho-Oh
Hoopa	Inteleon	Lapras	Leafeon
Lucario	Machamp	Mamoswine	Mega Mewtwo X
Mega Mewtwo Y	Meowscarada	Metagross	Mew
Mimikyu	Miraidon	Mr. Mime	Pikachu
Psyduck	Sableye	Scizor	Slowbro
Snorlax	Sylveon	Talonflame	Tsareena
Tyranitar	Umbreon	Trevenant	Urshifu
Wigglytuff	Venusaur	Zeraora	Zoroark

Upcoming Pokemon

Upcoming and New Pokemon

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