Absol Guide: Builds and Best Items

The best guide on how to play Absol 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, and more!

Absol Latest Nerfs & Buffs (10/18)

Version 1.12.1.4 Balance Patch Notes

Absol Changes (October 18)
Stat Buff	• Attack increased from 140-610 to 140-670 (Lv. 1 to Lv. 15).
Sucker Punch	• Cooldown decreased from 6s to 5s.
Midnight Slash	• UNITE Gauge needed to fill reduced by 25%.

Absol Stat Increases

Absol's Attack stat buff increased its Standard Attack and move damage.

Absol Basic Info

Absol
	Tier Rating: Role: Speedster Attack Type: Melee Damage Type: Physical Difficulty: Expert Cost: 10000 / 575
"Absol is a Pokémon that can close the distance in an instant and deal massive amounts of damage."

Pokemon Unite Tier List

Absol Best Lanes

Top	Jungle	Bottom

Tips & Strategies for Every Lane

Strengths and Weaknesses

Best Builds for Absol

Absol Builds
Night Slash Build
Pursuit Build	-

Night Slash Build

Night Slash Build
Moveset			Held Items
Night Slash Psycho Cut			Scope Lens Razor Claw Energy Amplifier
Battle Item
Eject Button
Item Effects (at Level 30)			Recommended Lane
Attack: +33 Critical-Hit Rate: +8.10% Critical-Hit Damage: +12% Cooldown: -4.50% Unite Move Charge Rate: +6.00%			Top Lane Jungle Bot Lane
Emblem Color Combination			Target Emblem Stats
Brown x6 White x6			Positive Stats: • Attack • Critical-Hit Rate Free Negative Stats: • Sp. Atk • Defense • Sp. Def
Note: The emblem color and stats here are suggestions only. The builds are still viable even without the suggested emblems.

Night Slash Build Explanation

This is build is centered on slowing opponents with Psycho Cut, then pouncing on them with Night Slash and a couple of basic attacks for a consistent stream of critical damage. Alternatively, learning Sucker Punch instead of Pyscho Cut can also work, giving Absol more mobility and a way to set up Night Slash. Remember that the critical-hit rate increase Absol gets from the Night Slash's second activation is based on the target's missing health, so it's crucial to deplete the target's HP first before lunging.

• Scope Lens improves Absol's critical-hit rate and damage, particularly for its moves.
• Razor Claw further improves Absol's critical-hit rate, and it works well with the Pokemon's low cooldown moves.
• Energy Amplifier provides Absol with a large damage boost whenever it activates Midnight Slash. It also reduces the cooldown of its moves, which is benefitial for Absol's aggressive gameplay.
• However, Muscle Band can be a replacement for Energy Amplifier, improving Absol's attacks via increased damage and attack speed, which is useful for clearing jungle camps faster in the early game.
• Eject Button gives Absol a repositioning tool to quickly get close to its targets or to make a quick escape.
• X Speed can also work for the build, improving Absol's overall mobility.
• The build's Boost Emblem loadout should consist of 6 Brown Emblems for more damage and 6 White Emblems additional HP. This can be achieved by having at least two (2) Emblems that are both Brown and White.
• Equip Emblems that improve Attack or Critical-Hit Rate to further improve Absol's damage.
• Sp. Atk., Sp. Def., and Defense can be freely traded for the other stats.

Night Slash Build Damage Test

Since the build is centered on Night Slash, equipping items that will maximize its damage is the ideal item combination.

Out of all the item combinations, Scope Lens, Razor Claw, and Energy Amplifier will be the best for the build. Having both Scope Lens and Razor Claw better suits Absol's gameplay due to their critical-hit rate and damage effects. Energy Amplifier's bonus damage effect should be more than enough for Absol to potentially one shot opponents, and its cooldown reductions are also benefitial for Absol. Moreover, Attack Weight isn't ideal for Absol's gameplay, since it relies primarily on critical-hits and not on base damage.

As for alternatives, replacing Energy Amplifier with Muscle Band would be the best choice. Muscle Band will improve Absol's attacks through increased damage and attack speed, which can be useful for clearing jungle camps faster in the early game.

Pursuit Build

Pursuit Build
Moveset			Held Items
Pursuit Sucker Punch			Scope Lens Razor Claw Float Stone
Battle Item
Eject Button
Item Effects (at Level 30)			Recommended Lane
Attack: +39 Critical-Hit Rate: +8.10% Critical-Hit Damage: +12% Movement Speed: +150			Top Lane Jungle Bot Lane
Emblem Color Combination			Target Emblem Stats
Brown x6 White x6			Positive Stats: • Attack • Critical-Hit Rate Free Negative Stats: • Sp. Atk • Defense • Sp. Def
Note: The emblem color and stats here are suggestions only. The builds are still viable even without the suggested emblems.

Pursuit Build Explanation

This is a high-mobility build centered on setting up Pursuit with Sucker Punch, allowing Absol to attack the target from behind and trigger Pursuit's cooldown reduction effect.

• Scope Lens improves Absol's critical-hit rate and damage, especially for its moves.
• Razor Claw works well with Pursuit, allowing Absol to slow and deal extra damage when it attacks the target.
• Float Stone is a core item for the build, improving Absol's mobility through increased movement speed. It also provides a decent amount of Attack stat for more damage.
• Muscle Band can be a replacement for Razor Claw, which also improves Absol's damage when it attacks with Pursuit.
• Eject Button further improves Absol's mobility on top of Pursuit, Sucker Punch, and Float Stone.
• X Speed can also work for the build for the same purpose.
• The build's Boost Emblem loadout should consist of 6 Brown Emblems for more damage and 6 White Emblems additional HP. This can be achieved by having at least two (2) Emblems that are both Brown and White.
• Equip Emblems that improve Attack or Critical-Hit Rate to further improve Absol's damage.
• Sp. Atk., Sp. Def., and Defense can be freely traded for the other stats.

Pursuit Build Damage Test

Since the build is centered on Pursuit and Sucker Punch, equipping items that will maximize their damage is the ideal item combination. Float Stone is a core item for the build, leaving only two (2) items for consideration.

Out of all the item combinations, Scope Lens and Razor Claw will be the best for the build. The item combination will deal consistent damage since it doesn't require Absol to do other tasks like scoring or activating its Unite Move to maximize its damage output.

As for alternatives, replacing Razor Claw with Muscle Band would be the ideal option. Muscle Band's bonus damage effect works great with Pursuit since Absol will perform a normal attack when it pounces on a target, dealing damage based on the target's remaining HP.

Absol Best Items & Moveset

Best Held Items

Item	Explanation
Energy Amplifier	Energy Amplifier gives Absol a large damage boost when it uses Midnight Slash. It also reduces the cooldowns of its moves.
Focus Band	Focus Band improves Absol's durability and survivability, which works well with the Pokemon's aggressive gameplay.
Scope Lens	Scope Lens adds more critical damage on top of Absol's innately high critical chance.
Muscle Band	Muscle Band's bonus attack speed allows Absol to land more Standard Attacks, which helps increase the rate of critical hits it can deal.
Razor Claw	Razor Claw allows Absol to stick to its targets by slowing them down with every ponuncing move it delivers.

List of Held Items

Best Battle Items

Item	Explanation
Eject Button	Eject Button further extends Absol's reach for pursuing fleeing enemies or getting out of danger.
X Speed	X Speed allows Absol to get into position quickly without using its dash moves. It will also help it rotate to different lanes faster.
X Attack	X Attack adds more firepower to Absols attack, ensuring targets will be knocked down.

List of Battle Items

Best Moveset

Move	Explanation
Psycho Cut	Psycho Cut is great tool for chasing targets and setting up for Absol's other moves since it slows targets and allows the Pokemon to deal increased damage.
Night Slash	Night Slash is a powerful assassination move due to its potential to deal tons of damage to multiple targets when it critical-hits.

This moveset allows Absol to take out multiple targets swiftly in one move. Pyscho Cut slows targets and allows Absol to deal increased damage to them, which works for both its attacks and moves. Night Slash has the potential to deal devastating damage to all opponents hit by it when it deals a critical-hit, especially when they're affected by Psycho Cut.

Night Slash and Pursuit are Absol's primary damage move. Although both can deal critical-hit, which can potentially knock out targets in one shot, the primary difference is that Night Slash can hit multiple targets while Pursuit can only hit one target.

On the other hand, Psycho Cut and Sucker Punch are complimentary moves that help Absol in setting up Night Slash or Pursuit. Any move combination can theoretically work for Absol since the Pokemon's gameplay relies primarily on dealing critical-hits.

Which Moveset Do You Think Is Best For Absol?

Let us know why in the comments!

Previous Poll Result

How to Play Absol

Jump to Section
Get Aggressive Early On
Take the Jungler Role
Keep Hunting Targets
Disengage When Moves Miss
Utilize Psycho Cut's Effects

Get Aggressive Early On

Absol is strong even early on thanks to its high critical-hit rate and damage. Get aggressive in the early game to pressure your enemies and force them to be defensive.

Take the Jungler Role

Absol is best played as a jungler so it can level up faster and learn its primary moveset. Make sure to communicate with your team that you'll be going to the jungle before the match begins to avoid confusion and tensions.

Jungle Guide and Best Junglers

Keep Hunting Targets

You can set the tempo of the game if you can keep hunting targets. This allows you to create space for your team to level up and take objectives while crippling the enemy team. It's also the best way for Absol to snowball and take over the game.

Aim for Isolated Targets

If you encounter an opponent that's far away from its team, aim for them and burst them down. You'll have more chances of winning in this situation since Absol excels in 1v1 fights.

Approach from the Side or Behind or In Grass

When hunting enemies or during teamfights, it's best to approach your target from the side, behind, or grass. This allows you to avoid the frontline and dive the backlines quickly and safely.

Disengage When Moves Miss

Disengage immediately when your moves miss, and don't try to force a fight, especially against Pokemon that have disables or burst damage. Wait until your moves become available again before attempting to fight once more.

Use Midnight Slash

If it becomes difficult for you to disengage, use Midnight Slash as an emergency escape tool. However, it's not neccessary to do this all the time, only in dire situations. Remember that Midnight Slash is a powerful offensive move so using it defensively is risky.

Midnight Slash: Absol Move Effect and Cooldown

Utilize Psycho Cut's Effects

Although Psycho Cut is a simple move, you can utilize its effects in various scenarios, increasing its overall effectiveness. It's best to use it first before going in for the kill.

Psycho Cut: Absol Move Effect and Cooldown

Catch Up to Enemies

Psycho Cut has a decent cast range and slows targets when it hits, allowing you to catch up to fleeing enemies.

Prioritize Affected Targets

You can deal more damage with your attacks against targets hit by Psycho Cut. It's best to prioritize affected targets during fights to take advantage of the increased damage.

Progression and Leveling Guide

Top or Bottom Lane Guide

Jungle Guide

Absol Combos

Early Combo

Early Combo
► ► ~
Feint ► Slash ► Standard Attack ~
This is Absol's bread and butter combo during the early game. Get close to the target with Feint then quickly follow it up with a Slash. When Slash lands, Absol's critical hit rate will increase, making it easier for you to burst down targets with Standard Attacks. Use it to clear Wild Pokemon camps fast or burst down easy matchups when ganking lanes.

Psycho Slash Combo

Psycho Slash Combo
► ► x3►
Night Slash ► Psycho Cut ► Standard Attack x3► Night Slash
This is a single target execution combo where you take advantage of Psycho Cut damage boost. Start by marking a target with Psycho Cut then use Night Slash to quickly get close. Bombard the target with Standard Attacks then use Night Slash's second activation for massive damage.

Cut to Pursuit Combo

Cut to Pursuit Combo
► ► ► ►
Psycho Cut ► Pursuit ► Standard Attack x3► Pursuit ► Standard Attack
This is combo utilizes Pursuit's quick hits for easy pressure. Start by marking the target with Psycho Cut to boost the next damage. After that, alternate between Pursuit and a Standard Attack to get easy hits.

Blink Slash Combo

Blink Slash Combo
► ► X3 ►
Sucker Punch ► Night Slash ► Standard Attack X3 ► Night Slash
This combo isolates a target of your choice using Sucker Punch, then quickly following up with Night Slash. While Night Slash's second activation is ticking, attack your target at least three times to chip away as much HP as possible before ending the combo with Night Slash's second activation, dealing massive damage if it crits.

Ultimate Psycho Slash Combo

Ultimate Psycho Slash Combo
► ► ►
Psycho Cut ► Night Slash ► Midnight Slash ► Night Slash
This is a high burst combo that is great for taking down both single and multiple targets. Start by marking the enemy with a Psycho Cut to increase your damage output. Then, get close and deal damage with Night Slash. Once you get close, activate Midnight Slash. Finish the combo by hitting the enemy with Night Slash's second activation.

Matchups & Counters for Absol

Absol Matchups

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

Hard Counter with Durable Pokemon

Pokemon that are highly durable, and have a hard disable can counter Absol's critical-hit gameplay. High-durability prevents Absol from bursting down a Pokemon quickly, discouraging Absol to pursue the Pokemon. Hard lockdowns completely shut down Absol's gameplay, preventing Absol to position properly to deal damage.

Best Counters

Pokemon	Explanation
Trevenant	Rating: ★★★★★ • The combination of HP recovery and disable with Horn Leech make Trevenant hard to burst down. • Almost all moves have some sort of HP recovery, allowing Trevenant to sustain more attacks and prolong the fight in its favor.
Snorlax	Rating: ★★★★ • Highly durable, can soak up Absol's critical-hits, especially while in Block. • Can disable or prevent Absol's assault using Heavy Slam, Yawn, or Block • Can recover HP using Power Nap.
Tyranitar	Rating: ★★★★ • Innate durability and constant pressure with Sand Stream can trap Absol in a bad position. • Can negate slow effects with Ancient Power. • A couple of stomps from Tyrannical Rampage are enough to knock down Absol quickly.
Crustle	Rating: ★★★ • Can avoid a fight using Shell Smash • Can fight back and pin down Absol with X-Scissor. • Can mitigate Absol's critical-hits using Rubble Rouser.

Even Matchups

Since Absol relies on its critical strikes to get an advantage over the opponent, it is important that you always get the first strike when facing even matchups. This also means that you have to learn how to target your moves properly, otherwise you will be left vulnerable if you miss.

Fight Through the Sustain

Pokemon with Healing and Shielding Moves
How to Beat
• Get the first strike by hiding in the tall grass and initiating the fight with either Pursuit or Sucker Punch. • Once in melee range, focus all your attacks on the target. Do not use your moves defensively. • Make use of Psycho Cut to increase your Standard Attack Damage.

Outplay Mobility Moves

Pokemon with High Mobility
How to Beat
• Move around and evade their moves, utilizing Pursuit's cooldown reset mechanic • Getting the full, double activation of Night Slash is enough to deplete their HP enough for a quick knock down. • Decrease their movement speed with Psycho Cut for an easier chase.

Keep Constant Pressure

Pokemon With High Durability
How to Beat
• Increase your chances of landing critical hits with Psycho Cut. • Dodge their attacks by going around them with Pursuit or Sucker Punch. • When using Midnight Slash to knock them down, make sure that they are the only target present to deal the full damage

Bait Out Moves then Counter Attack

Pokemon that Require Proper Positioning
How to Beat
• Move around and evade their moves, utilizing Pursuit's cooldown reset mechanic. • Reposition yourself behind them with Sucker Punch.

Easy Matchups for Absol

Most of Absol's easy matchups are Pokemon with low HP or Pokemon that are easy targets during the early game. Take advantage of Absols high burst damage when you are pitted against them!

Prone to One-Shot Crits

Fragile Ranged Pokemon
How to Beat
• Pounce on them immediately using either Night Slash or Sucker Punch. • Maintain a melee range and keep attacking • Be cautious of their sure-hit burst moves.

Take Advantage of Stationary Moves

Pokemon with Channeling Moves
How to Beat
• These Pokemon have moves that make them stationary. Take advantage of it by bursting them down with Night Slash • Maintain a melee range and keep attacking.

Poses No Threat

Pose No Threat
How to Beat
• Target them first in a team clash or when they are isolated. Use Sucker Punch to quickly close the gap. • Cut off their escape with Pursuit.

Bad Early Game

Pokemon with a Slow Start
How to Beat
• Take advantage of their evolution phases and cripple their growth during the early game.

Best Teammates for Absol

Pokemon	Explanation
Gardevoir Pikachu	Easy enemy takedowns
	These Pokemon have powerful burst attacks and are capable of stunning enemies from a safe distance, allowing Absol to concetrate on dealing damage.
Blissey Mr. Mime	Buffs and Sustain
	These Pokemon have means of stunning and shutting down targets with their moves. They also provide healing opportunities for Absol so that it can stand its ground and fight longer during clashes.
Crustle Snorlax	Tanky Disablers
	These Pokemon can lead the charge and assist Absol in pushing lanes or securing objectives. This way, Absol can dominate lanes and take enemy camps to stall the enemy's level progression.
Talonflame 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.
Machamp Tsareena	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, Machamp and Tsareena 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

Absol Moves and Ability

Move Slot 1 (R)

Feint (Lv. 1 or 3)	Move Type: Dash Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 8s Starting Damage: 222 Final Damage: 284
Has the user dash in an arc, attacking Pokemon it comes in contact with. This move ignores Defense stat and shield effects of opposing Pokemon.
Pursuit (Lv. 5) Upgrade Lv. 11	Move Type: Dash Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 5s Starting Damage: Front/Side: 506, Back: 923 Final Damage: Front/Side: 1083, Back: 1988
Has the user dash to the designated location and quickly charge an opposing Pokemon with the next basic attack. If the basic attack lands from behind, its damage is increased and this move's cooldown is reduced. Upgrade: Increases the user's movement speed.
Night Slash (Lv. 5) Upgrade Lv. 11	Move Type: Dash Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 5s Starting Damage: 802 First dash: 321, Second dash: 481 Final Damage: 1715 First dash: 686, Second dash: 1029
Has the user dash in an outward arc, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon. If this first attack hits, a second attack can also be performed. The second attack has the user dash straight ahead, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon and increasing the user's critical-hit rate. The lower the opposing Pokemon's HP, the more the user's critical-hit rate is increased. Upgrade: Using this move again will restore the user's HP.

Move Slot 2 (ZR)

Slash (Lv. 1 or 3)	Move Type: Melee Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 6s Starting Damage: 324 Final Damage: 457
Slashes with sharp claws in front of the user, increasing this move's critical-hit rate.
Sucker Punch (Lv. 7) Upgrade Lv. 13	Move Type: Hindrance Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 5s Starting Damage: 501 Final Damage: 952
Has the user look for an opening to attack an opposing pokemon, decreasing the movement speed of the user and the opposing Pokemon for the duration. After a short time, the user charges to attack the opposing Pokemon. However, if the user receives damage or gets attacked before it charges, it attacks immediately and shoves the opposing Pokemon. Upgrade: Increases basic attack speed for a short time when this move hits.
Psycho Cut (Lv. 7) Upgrade Lv. 13	Move Type: Melee Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 7s Starting Damage: 142 Final Damage: 274
Has the user attack with blades formed by psychic power that decreases the movement speed of opposing Pokemon for a short time when the move hits. Also, after this move hits, the user's attacks deal additional damage to affected opposing Pokemon (up to three times). Upgrade: Also increases the user's movement speed for a short time when the user gets close to the opposing Pokemon that this move hit.

Unite Moves (ZL)

Midnight Slash (Lv. 9)	Move Type: Area Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 100s Starting Damage: 4217 Slash: 555 x 6, Knockback: 166 x 2 Final Damage: 5967 Slash: 865 x 6, Knockback: 259 x 2
Unleases a flurry of slashes in front of the user. This move ends by unleashing powerful blades of energy, dealing increased damage to opposing Pokemon and shoving them.

Standard Attack

Standard Attack	Becomes a boosted attack with every third attack, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon and decreasing their Defense when it hits. If this boosted attack hits only a single opposing Pokemon, it deals increased damage.

Ability (Passive)

Super Luck	Absol Increases the Pokemon's critical hit-rate.

Absol Stats & Evolutions

Absol Evolutions

Absol This Pokemon does not evolve.

Absol Stats

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

Absol In-Game Stat Listings

Offense	Endurance	Mobility	Scoring	Support

Absol Skins (Holowear)

Holowear
Fashionable Style Zirco Trading: 400 / 18	Dark Suit Style Event: Season 4 Battle Pass
Sweet Style Zirco Trading: 400	Sacred Style Event: UNITE in the Spotlight
Pokebuki Style Zirco Trading: 1200	Beach Style Zirco Trading: 1050
Explorer Style Event: UNITE Club Membership

All Pokemon Skins (Holowear)

Absol Character Spotlight

Absol Achievements

Pursuit Achievement

Pursuit
Pokemon	Move
Absol	Pursuit
Mission: In a single battle, reduce the cooldown of Pursuit or Pusuit+ 10 or more times by attacking a Pokemon from the opposing team from behind after using the move. (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 Speedster 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
Mimikyu	Mr. Mime	Pikachu	Sableye
Scizor	Slowbro	Snorlax	Sylveon
Talonflame	Trevenant	Tsareena	Tyranitar
Umbreon	Urshifu	Wigglytuff	Venusaur
Zacian	Zeraora	Zoroark	-

Upcoming Pokemon

Upcoming Pokemon
Meowscarada December 7, 2023	Metagross December 26, 2023

Top 5 Master Rank Picks & Win Rate

Pokemon	Tier	Most Played %	Average Win %
Mew		21.5%	74.21%
Inteleon		13.8%	72.89%
Blaziken		12.3%	71.63%
Hoopa		10.8%	77.86%
Zacian		6.2%	76.50%

Top Picked Pokemon Per Role

Attacker	All- Rounder	Supporter	Defender	Speedster
Mew	Blaziken	Hoopa	Umbreon	Zoroark

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