Machamp Guide: Builds and Best Items | Pokemon UNITE

The best guide on how to play Machamp 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!

Machamp Latest Nerfs & Buffs (9/2)

September 2 Update (Version 1.7.1.2)

Machamp Move Changes (September 2)
Dynamic Punch	• Damage decreased from 1240 to 896 (-28%).
Submission	• Cooldown decreased from 11s to 9s (-2s).

Machamp Basic Info

Machamp
	Tier Rating: Role: All-Rounder Attack Type: Melee Damage Type: Physical Difficulty: Intermediate Cost: 8000 / 460
"Machamp is a Pokémon that specializes in melee combat, powered by its strong fighting moves."

Pokemon Unite Tier List

Machamp Best Lanes

Top	Jungle	Bottom

Tips & Strategies for Every Lane

Strengths and Weaknesses

Best Builds for Machamp

Machamp Builds
Brawler Build
Initiator Build	Critical-Hit Build

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

Brawler Build

Brawler Build
Moveset			Held Items
Close Combat Dynamic Punch			Muscle Band Focus Band Weakness Policy
Battle Item
Potion
Item Effects (at Level 30)			Recommended Lane
Attack: +30 Defense: +30 Sp. Def: +30 Attack Speed: +7.50% HP: +210			Top Lane Jungle Bot Lane
Emblem Color Combination			Target Emblem Stats
Brown x6 White x4			Positive Stats: • HP • Attack Free Negative Stats: • Sp. Atk
Note: The emblem color and stats here are suggestions only. The builds are still viable even without the suggested emblems.

This is an initiator build centered on setting up engagements with Dynamic Punch, then following up with Close Combat to deal insane amounts of damage in an area. This build is especially effective when Machamp is paired in a lane with an Attacker so it can follow up with more damage.

Muscle Band adds more damage when Machamp bombards its target with attacks. Weakness Policy fits well into the Pokemon's tanky initiator gameplay, increasing its damage as it faces the enemy head-on. For defense, Focus Band helps Machamp survive the first few fights in the early game and gives extra protection for team fights.

Potion synergizes well with the bonus HP from Weakness Policy since HP recovery scales depending on the Pokemon's max HP. This gives Machamp extra protection as it charges the enemy team to disable them.

The build's Boost Emblem loadout should consist of 6 Brown Emblems for maximum damage and 4 White Emblems for additional HP. Equip Emblems that improve Attack or HP to balance Machamp's offense and defense. Sp. Atk. can be freely traded for the other stats.

Initiator Build

Initiator Build
Moveset			Held Items
Close Combat Submission			Weakness Policy Focus Band Buddy Barrier
Battle Item
Potion
Item Effects (at Level 30)			Recommended Lane
Attack: +15 Defense: +30 Sp. Def: +30 HP: +660			Top Lane Bot Lane
Emblem Color Combination			Target Emblem Stats
Brown x6 White x4			Positive Stats: • Attack • Critical-Hit Rate Free Negative Stats: • Sp. Atk
Note: The emblem color and stats here are suggestions only. The builds are still viable even without the suggested emblems.

This is a defensive build that centers on initiating and setting up fights using Submission and Close Combat, turning Machamp into an initiator.

Weakness Policy improves Machamp's defense through HP and offense through its effect, increasing the Pokemon's damage as it take hits. Focus Band and Buddy Barrier are a strong defensive item duo, giving increased defenses, HP, and a teamfight tool.

Potion gives extra survivability to stay in fights longer. However, X Speed or Eject Button can be good alternatives for additional mobility.

The build's Boost Emblem loadout should consist of 6 Brown Emblems for maximum damage and 4 White Emblems for additional HP. Equip Emblems that improve Attack or HP for more damage or durability. Sp. Atk. can be freely traded for the other stats.

Critical-Hit Build

Critical-Hit Build
Moveset			Held Items
Cross Chop Submission			Scope Lens Razor Claw Focus Band
Battle Item
X Speed
Item Effects (at Level 30)			Recommended Lane
Attack: +15 Defense: +30 Sp. Def: +30 Critical-Hit Rate: +8.1%% Critical-Hit Damage: +12%			Top Lane Jungle Bot Lane
Emblem Color Combination			Target Emblem Stats
Brown x6 White x4			Positive Stats: • Attack • Critical-Hit Rate Free Negative Stats: • Sp. Atk
Note: The emblem color and stats here are suggestions only. The builds are still viable even without the suggested emblems.

This is a critical-hit and high-mobility build centered on charging targets using Submission and Cross Chop.

Scope Lens improves Machamp's critical-hit damage and rate, which goes well with the moveset. Razor Claw adds a little more critical-hit rate, but its primary purpose is to enhance Machamp's attacks. Focus Band increases Machamp's defenses and allows it to survive fights. However, Focus Band can be replaced with Buddy Barrier instead for HP and the shield it gives when using a Unite move.

X Speed gives Machamp more mobility to chase down targets or get out of dangerous situations. This is especially useful for quickly retreating from an enemy goal zone before your opponent gets close.

The build's Boost Emblem loadout should consist of 6 Brown Emblems for maximum damage and 4 White Emblems for additional HP. Equip Emblems that improve Attack or Critical-Hit Rate to improve Machamp's critical-hits. Sp. Atk. can be freely traded for the other stats.

Machamp Best Items & Moveset

Best Held Items

Item	Explanation
Attack Weight	Each stack of Attack Weight significantly increases Machamp's damage output. This allows it to burst down its targets easily when it combos off.
Score Shield	Score Shield increases Machamp's HP and helps it score goals without being interrupted. This is especially useful when combined with other score-related items.
Focus Band	Focus Band is a good alternative item for dealing with burst-type enemies, giving Machamp breathing room to retaliate.
Scope Lens	Scope Lens maximizes Machamp's critical-hit rate and critical-hit damage output. Perfect for chasing fights.
Muscle Band	Muscle Band is good for improving Machamp's basic attacks, giving it increased attack speed and percentage-based attacks.
Razor Claw	Razor Claw provides a small critical-hit increase which improves Machamp's basic attack damage and gives its basic attacks a movement slow effect after using moves.

List of Held Items

Best Battle Items

Item	Explanation
Full Heal	Full Heal protects Machamp from disables when it gets aggressive.
Eject Button	Eject Button gives Machamp more mobility to set up more team plays, extends its chases, and improves the chances of escaping sticky situations.
X Attack	X Attack boosts Machamp's critical-hit damage output significantly as well as increasing its attack speed.
Potion	Potion helps Machamp stay in the fight longer by restoring HP.

List of Battle Items

Best Moveset

Move	Explanation
Dynamic Punch	Dynamic Punch gives both disable and damage which Machamp can follow up with its other move. It also makes MAchamp more mobile, allowing the Pokemon to get close to the target.
Close Combat	Close Combat extends Machamp's reach and deals damage to opponents caught in the move's path. Moreover, being able to reposition while using the move gives you enough control to align your shots.

Thanks to its innate endurance and immunity to disables, Machamp's only problem will be having enough damage to kill a chosen target. With this moveset combo, you ensure that you can get away from any bad situation and also have all the tools you need to catch up to enemies and stop them in their tracks.

If you want a more direct way of gaining mobility while also having a crowd control outlet, use Submission instead. With the right build, Cross Chop's high critical hit potential can be helpful for picking off single targets.

Which Moveset Do You Think Is Best For Machamp?

Let us know why in the comments!

Previous Poll Result

How to Play Machamp

Jump to Section
Force Early-game Engagements
Pair Up Moves for Varied Playstyles
Flank Enemies
Use Submission and Barrage Blow Buff Together

Force Early-game Engagements

Machamp has considerable damage even in the early game. A quick Karate Chop together with Bulk Up can run down enemies. Try to apply pressure on your enemies and take fights early on, but be careful not to overextend.

Pair Up Moves for Varied Playstyles

Machamp's moves grant it various buffs and immunities, giving the Pokemon a certain advantage over its targets. Pairing certain moves gives Machamp a variety of playstyles to work with.

Pair Cross Chop with Dynamic Punch for Stronger Attacks

Cross Chop and Dynamic Punch can improve Machamp's basic attacks via increased critical-hit rate, Attack, attack speed, and movement speed. Additionally, this move combination gives Machamp incredible mobility, allowing you to easily dive targets.

Pair Close Combat with Submission for Easy Lock Downs

Close Combat and Submission give you a great way to lock down target, turning you into an initiator. Use Submission first to gain immunity from hindrances as you approach and grab your target. Then follow up with Close Combat to deal heavy damage.

Pair Close Combat with Dynamic Punch for a Balanced Kit

Close Combat and Dynamic Punch is an all-purpose move combination, giving you mobility, damage, and a stun. It works decently for almost all scenarios.

Flank Enemies

Although Machamp can ignore stuns and other negative status effects, it's still prone to high burst damage from Attackers since it isn't as durable as Defenders. Given this, it's best to approach enemies from the grass or flank to reach your targets and minimize the damage you take.

Use Submission and Barrage Blow Buff Together

Using the buffs from Submission and Barrage Blow grant you a massive boost in damage and attack speed. Don't use Barrage Blow just for the finisher since it has a lengthy buff so use it at the beginning of the fight.

Progression and Leveling Guide

Top or Bottom Lane Guide

Jungle Guide

Machamp Combos

Early Game Combo

Early Game Combo
► ► ~
Bulk Up ► Karate Chop ► Standard Attack ~
This is Machamp's early game combo. Take advantage of the protection and movement speed you get from Bulk Up to get close to the target. Once you are within range, Use Karate Chop to deal damage. Proceed to pressure the target with Standard Attacks.

High Crit Beatdown Combo

High Crit Beatdown Combo
► ► ~
Submission ► Cross Chop ► Standard Attack ~
This is your single target burst combo that is great for chasing down opponents and putting them in a bad spot. Start by activating Submission to get a boost in movement speed and locate your target. Once you get close enough, dealing damage with a Standard Attack will make Machamp carry the target and incapacitate them, allowing you to follow up with a Cross Chop. When Cross Chop lands, Machamp's critical hit rate increases, which can help you burst down the target faster.

Barrage Blow Combos

This set of combos focuses on setting up Barrage Blow to pin down targets.

Ultimate Thousand Punches Combo

Ultimate Thousand Punches Combo
► ► ► ►
Barrage Blow ► Dynamic Punch ► Close Combat ► Barrage Blow ► Standard Attack
Start by activating Barrage Blow and seek out a target. Initiate the fight with Dynamic Punch and quickly follow up with a Close Combat while they are stunned. After that, use Barrage Blow's second activation to deal more punches and knock the target down.

Ultimate Displacer Combo

Ultimate Displacer Combo
► ► ► ►
Barrage Blow ► Submission ► Cross Chop ► Standard Attack ► Barrage Blow
Start by activating Barrage Blow and Submission. Once you have your sights on a target, quickly get close to them with Cross Chop. After that, a Standard Attack once to incapacitate them with Submission's effect. When the target is lined up, you can then activate Barrage Blow's second activation.

Matchups & Counters for Machamp

Machamp Matchups

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

Hard Counter With Evasive or Stronger Pokemon

Since Machamp can't usually be stopped by normal means because of its buffs and immunities, the best alternative is to be evasive or be able to go toe to toe and survive.

Best Counters

Pokemon	Explanation
Snorlax	Rating: ★★★★★ • Can control Machamp's movements and counter Submission using Block. • Can recover HP quickly using Power Nap.
Crustle	Rating: ★★★★ • Can stop Machamp's assaults using Rock Tomb and Stealth Rock. • Can escape Machamp using Shell Smash. • Can counter Machamp when it gets close using Rubble Rouser.
Trevenant	Rating: ★★★★ • Can recover HP faster than Machamp can deal damage. • Can redirect damage back to Machamp using Pain Split. • Can control Machamp and deal burst damage using the Horn Leech-Curse combo. • Can increase its allies damage against Machamp using Phantom Forest.
Mamoswine	Rating: ★★★★ • Can control Machamp using Ice Fang, High Horsepower, and boosted attacks. • Has more than enough durability to survive Machamp's damage.

Even Matchups for Machamp

Machamp can utilize its buffs and immunities to get on top of these Pokemon, ignore disables, and pummel them.

Get Ahead in Levels

Pokemon with Weak Early Game
How to Beat
• These Pokemon have slow early game progression, so focus on crippling their progress early game by stealing enemy camps and get ahead in levels. • Use Close Combat to gain the unstoppable buff as you deal damage to enemies. • Perform your combos and prevent these enemies from maximizing their boosted attacks by using Barrage Blow.

Prevent Them from Triggering Their Mechanics

Pokemon with Special Mechanics
How to Beat
• These Pokemon deals big damage once they finish setting up their moves, so use abilities that can disable and prevent them from gaining boosted attacks. • Activate Barrage Blow and lock them down with Submission, then follow up with Close Combat and Barrage Blow's second activation to prevent them from attacking and using their moves.

Avoid Their Setups

Pokemon that Need Setup
How to Beat
• Use Submission, Dynamic Punch, or Cross Chop to reposition when these enemies try to set up their moves. • Utilize the unstoppable buff from Submission to ignore stuns and slows, then burst them down quickly with your combos. • Use Dynamic Punch to pass through their Barriers, and use Submission to avoid getting knocked back.

Easy Matchups for Machamp

Easy matchups are Pokemon that have low durability and low mobility, making hard for them to stop Machamp's aggression.

Get to Melee Range Quickly

Fragile Ranged Attackers
How to Beat
• Get to melee range quickly using Submission or Dynamic Punch and/or Barrage Blow, then burst them down quickly using Close Combat, Cross Chop, or Barrage Blow's second activation.

Lock Them Down When They Dive

Pokemon that Dives into Fights
How to Beat
• These Pokemon are equipped to dive in clashes, so bait out their dash moves and dodge, then immediately activate Submission or Dynamic Punch to deal damage or burst them down using Barrage Blow.

Group Up with Allies

Durable Pokemon
How to Beat
• Group up with your allies and take them down. • Lock them down using Submission or Dynamic Punch. • Only use Barrage Blow if it's neccessary, otherwise, just stay on top of them.

Knock them Out First

Supporters that Always Sticks with an Ally
How to Beat
• Burst them down first if they're with an ally. • Lock them down using Submission or Dynamic Punch to prevent them from using their moves. • Use Barrage Blow when they're with an ally/allies, especially when they're close together.

Best Teammates for Machamp

Pokemon	Explanation
Alolan Ninetales Pikachu	Aggressive Stallers
	These Pokemon have powerful burst attacks that are capable of disrupting enemies. When partnered up with these Pokemon, Machamp can easily take down enemies and push lanes.
Mr. Mime Sableye	Stuns and Debuffs
	These Pokemon have the means of inflicting debuffs and shutting down targets with their moves. This helps Machamp dominate the lane quickly and have enough time to steal enemy camps.
Slowbro Snorlax	Tanky Disablers
	These Pokemon can lead the charge, soak up damage, and help Machamp setup its attacks thanks to their disabling moves.
Gengar 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

Machamp Moves

Move Slot 1 (R)

Karate Chop (Lv. 1 or 3)	Move Type: Melee Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 6s Total Damage: / 733
Attacks opposing Pokemon with a sharp chop.
Cross Chop (Lv. 7) Upgrade Lv. 11	Move Type: Dash Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 6s Total Damage: 588 / 941
Has the user deliver a double chop with forearms crossed while dashing forward. This also increases the user's critical-hit rate. Upgrade: Increases Attack with each basic attack, up to a set max.
Close Combat (Lv. 7) Upgrade Lv. 11	Move Type: Melee Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 7s Total Damage: 1360 / 2521
Unleashes a series of punches in the designated direction, dealing increased damage with the last punch. The user can move while using this move and becomes immune to hindrances. Upgrade: Deals increased damage to Pokemon that are afflicted by a status condition.

Move Slot 2 (ZR)

Bulk Up (Lv. 1 or 3)	Move Type: Buff Damage Type: Status Cooldown: 10s
After using this move, the user becomes immune to hindrances for a short time, its movement speed and Attack are increased, and its basic attack speed is increased. The user's next basic attack also becomes a boosted attack.
Submission (Lv. 5) Upgrade Lv. 13	Move Type: Hindrance Damage Type: Status Cooldown: 9s
Increases the user's movement speed and makes it immune to hindrances. When the user's next basic attack hits, the attack deals increased damage and slams the opposing Pokemon onto the ground, leaving it unable to act. Once this move ends, the user's critical-hit rate and basic attack speed are increased for a short time. Upgrade: Further increases critical-hit rate and increases basic attack speed.
Dynamic Punch (Lv. 5) Upgrade Lv. 13	Move Type: Dash Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 9s Total Damage: 476 / 896
Has the user jump to the designated location, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect and leaving them unable to act when it hits. For a short time after using this move, the user becomes immune to hindrances and its movement speed and Attack are increased. The user's next basic attack also becomes a boosted attack. Upgrade: Further increases Attack and movement speed.

Unite Moves (ZL)

Barrage Blow (Lv. 9)

Move Type: Buff Damage Type: Status Cooldown: 133s

Increases Movement Speed, attack, Defense, Sp. Defense for a short duration. If used again, unleashes a combo attack, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect and shoving them. The final blow deals an especially large amount of damage. After using Barrage Blow, the Pokemon gains the following buff(s) for a few seconds: Attack, Defense, Sp. Defense and Movement Speed increased for a short time.

Standard Attack

Standard Attack	Becomes a boosted attack with every third attack, dealing increased damage and slowing Movement Speed of the target when it hits.

Ability (Passive)

Guts	All Evolution Stages Increases the Pokemon's Attack when the Pokemon is afflicted by a status condition.

Machamp Stats & Evolutions

Machamp Evolutions

1st Evolution	2nd Evolution	Final Evolution
Machop (Lv. 1)	Machoke (Lv. 5)	Machamp (Lv. 9)

Machamp Stats

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

Machamp In-Game Stat Listings

Offense	Endurance	Mobility	Scoring	Support

Machamp Skins (Holowear)

Holowear
Beach Style Zirco Trading: 350 / 18	Adept Style Zirco Trading: 2499
Excavation Style Event: Badge Exchange	Punk Style Zirco Trading: 1050
Tuxedo Style Event: UNITE Club Membership

All Pokemon Skins (Holowear)

Machamp Character Spotlight

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	Chandelure
Charizard	Cinderace	Clefable	Comfey
Cramorant	Crustle	Decidueye	Delphox
Dodrio	Dragapult	Dragonite	Duraludon
Eldegoss	Espeon	Garchomp	Gardevoir
Gengar	Glaceon	Goodra	Greedent
Greninja	Hoopa	Lapras	Leafeon
Lucario	Machamp	Mamoswine	Mew
Mr. Mime	Pikachu	Sableye	Scizor
Slowbro	Snorlax	Sylveon	Talonflame
Trevenant	Tsareena	Tyranitar	Umbreon
Urshifu	Wigglytuff	Venusaur	Zacian
Zeraora	Zoroark	-	-

Upcoming Pokemon

Upcoming Pokemon
Inteleon July 2023

Top 5 Master Rank Picks & Win Rate

Pokemon	Tier	Most Played %	Average Win %
Zacian		22%	75%
Zoroark		17%	73%
Lapras		12%	78%
Glaceon		8%	75%
Slowbro		8%	73%

Top Picked Pokemon Per Role

Attacker	All- Rounder	Supporter	Defender	Speedster
Glaceon	Zacian	Hoopa	Lapras	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