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 (01/20)

Version 1.4.1.2 Patch Note Updates (01/20)

Machamp Move Changes (January 20)
Standard Attack	• After level 7, the health recovery effect of normal attacks is increased.
Karate Chop	• Damage is increased (+11%).
Dynamic Punch	• Move range increased.
Submission	• Effect on Machamp will still apply even if the effects of Submission does not affect the opponent Pokemon.

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

Strengths	Weaknesses
✔︎ High offense ✔︎ Can ignore hindrances ✔︎ Mobile	✖︎ Weak early game

Best Builds for Machamp

Machamp Builds
Critical-Hit Build
Initiator Build	Chase Down Build

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

Critical-Hit Build

Critical-Hit Build
Moveset			Held Items
Cross Chop Submission			Muscle Band Scope Lens Focus Band
Battle Item
X Attack
Item Effects (at Level 30)
Attack: +15 Defense: +30 Sp. Def: +30 Critical-Hit Rate: +6% Critical-Hit Damage: +12% Attack Speed: +7.50%
Recommended Lane
Top Lane		Jungle		Bot Lane

This build utilizes Machamp's critical-hit potential with an easy burst combo. Your gameplay involves cutting off single targets and with Submission then quickly following it up with a Cross Chop to increase Machamp's critical hit rate.

Scope Lens increases both your critical-hit rate and critical-hit damage, potentially making your Cross Chop into a deadly move. Adding to that, Muscle Band increases Machamp's Standard Attack speed, allowing the Pokemon to deal consistent damage. Finally, Focus Band gives Machamp more protection during the early game as it contests Wild Pokemon from the enemy team.

X Attack is the cherry-on-top for the build, boosting your critical-hit damage significantly as well as increasing your attack speed.

Initiator Build

Initiator Build
Moveset			Held Items
Close Combat Submission			Weakness Policy Focus Band Buddy Barrier
Battle Item
Potion
Item Effects (at Level 30)
Attack: +15 Defense: +30 Sp. Def: +30 HP: +660
Recommended Lane
Top Lane		Jungle		Bot Lane

This is a defensive initiator build centered on setting up kills for your team by isolating targets using Submission, then following up with Close Combat. This build is especially effective when you are paired in a lane with an Attacker so it can follow up your moves with more damage.

Weakness Policy, Focus Band, and Buddy Barrier fit well into your tanky initiator gameplay, giving you increased damage, boosted defenses, survivability, and better team fight. Buddy Barrier, gives you a shield when you activate Machamp's Unite move, Barrage Blow. Try to make the most out of the move's first activation, chasing down targets first with Submission, and only activating it again to finish off targets or when enemies are lined up.

Potion synergizes well with the bonus HP you get from your items since HP recovery scales depending on the Pokemon's max HP. This gives you extra protection as your charge the enemy team to disable them. You can also equip Slow Smoke instead, giving you more crowd control to set up plays for your allies.

Chase Down Build

Chase Down Build
Moveset			Held Items
Cross Chop Dynamic Punch			Attack Weight Razor Claw Score Shield
Battle Item
Eject Button
Item Effects (at Level 30)
Attack: +15 Critical-Hit Rate: +2.10% HP: +450
Recommended Lane
Top Lane		Jungle		Bot Lane

This is a high mobility build centered around pouncing targets using Dynamic Punch and Cross Chop. It also employs goal-stacking to get an extra advantage over the enemy team.

Attack Weight increases Machamp's overall damage output as you score goals. The item synergizes well with Score Shield, which helps the Pokemon score goals without being interrupted. Razor Claw provides a small critical-hit increase, improves your basic attack damage, and gives your basic attacks a movement slow effect after using your moves. It also works well with Attack Weight, increasing the minimum damage effect as you stack the attack stat bonus from the item. However, you can substituteScore Shield with Muscle Band if you are confident enough to score goals without protection.

Eject Button 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. Alternatively, you can equip Full Healfor extra protection from being disabled.

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
Submission	Submission is good for isolating targets, making it a good move for targeting squishier enemies. Removing them from dealing any support or burst damage.
Cross Chop	Cross Chop is a great move to catch up to fleeing enemies. Not only does it deal high crit damage but also gives Machamp decent mobility.

The most effective build to play for Machamp. Thanks to their 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.

Which Moveset Do You Think Is Best For Machamp?

Let us know why in the comments!

Previous Poll Result

How to Play Machamp

Force Engage Even On Early Levels

Machamp is a straight up fighter. It packs heavy firepower despite not being an attacker, and also comes with a bit of tankiness to him ensuring his survivability. A quick Chop together with Bulk Up can run down enemies early on so force fights against enemies that are far from their goal zones as much as possible.

Find Ways to Flank Opponents

Machamp is tanky but not as durable as defenders like Snorlax and Crustle. Even if Machamp ignores disables, the damage from attackers can still quickly whittle its HP down. Approach from the grass or flank to easily reach enemy attackers without suffering lots of damage while trying to get in range. Machamp is a melee fighter, so try to close the gap to your opponent as quickly as possible before pounding them with your combos. Your goal is to knock out the enemy, then score points while they're respawning.

Burst Down Key Targets During Team Fights

Machamp can ignore the opponents' disables with Submission then jump straight to its targets. With empowered basic attacks and crits, bursting down targets is extremely easy.

Use Cross Chop together with Submission for Easy Engages

Submission is a buff and is not canceled by using a different move! Follow it up with a Cross Chop to dash through enemy ranks, then basic attack your key target while having the Submission buff to gain a huge amount of damage, critical chance, and attack speed while your target gets disabled for a few seconds!

Use Submission and Barrage Blow Buff Together

These two buffs when used in tandem, turn you into an unstoppable source of damage. It grants you a massive source of damage and attack speed. Don't useBarrage Blow just for the finisher, it has a lengthy buff so use it at the beginning of the fight!

Machamp Combos

Early Game Combo

Early Game Combo
► ►
Bulk Up ► Standard Attack ► Karate Chop
This is Machamp's early game combo. Weaving in that extra basic attack before Karate Chop is not too crucial but it is needed if you want to maximize your early game damage due to Bulk Up's basic attack enhancement property.

Critical Burst Build Combo

Critical Burst Build Combo
► ►
Submission ► Cross Chop ► Standard Attack
This is your single target burst combo. Submission is a lengthy dash move that allows you to somersault an enemy by using your basic attack while in your Submission buff. This buff is not canceled by Cross Chop and can be used in conjunction. Buff with Submission, dash into your target with Cross Chop, then basic attack them to oblivion.

All-Out Burst Build Combo

All-Out Burst Build Combo
► ►
Dynamic Punch ► Close Combat ► Standard Attack
This combo focuses on pushing the enemy Pokemon away after using Dynamic Punch. If the enemy tries to reposition themselves after landing Dynamic Punch, make sure to adjust your Pokemon accordingly for Close Combat and push them back!

Tank DPS Build Combo

Tank DPS Build Combo
► ► ► ►
Barrage Blow ► Dynamic Punch ► Cross Chop ► Barrage Blow ► Standard Attack
Since the Tank DPS build is tailored for you to be an off-tank during team fights, your goal will be controlling the enemies' movement and repositioning them with your Barrage Blow and Dynamic Punch. After activating Barrage blow, jump on the enemies with Dynamic punch. After that, get behind them with Cross Chomp and then use Barrage Blow again to bring them closer to your teammates.

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 Submission, the best alternative is to be evasive or be able to go to to toe and survive.

Best Counters

Pokemon	Explanation
Slowbro	Rating: ★★★★★ • Can pierce through Machamp's immunity using Slowbeam
Crustle	Rating: ★★★★ • Can stop Machamp's assaults using Rock Tomb and Stealth Rock • Has better mobility via Shell Smash • Can counter Machamp when it gets close using Rubble Rouser
Cinderace	Rating: ★★★ • Can kite Machamp from long range with rapid attacks • Can reposition quickly using Blaze Kick and/or Flame Charge • Can evade Machamp's disables using Feint

Even Matchups for Machamp

Even matchups are always a matter of skill, luck, and timing. Here are some tips to help push Machamp ahead against other Pokemon on equal footing.

Group Up with Allies

Pokemon with Crowd Control and Sustain
How to Beat
• Group up with your allies • For Venusaur, lock it down with Submission and follow up with Barrage Blow

Bait or Wait Against Mobile Pokemon

Mobile Pokemon
How to Beat
• Bait out their moves, then pummel them with your own moves • Utilize your buffs to win duels

Easy Matchups for Machamp

Fragile and Low Mobility

Fragile Pokemon with Low Mobility
How to Beat
• Chase them down using Submission and Barrage Blow • Prevent them from attacking or using their moves during teamfights with Dynamic Punch

Can't Outrun Machamp

Can't Outrun Machamp
How to Beat
• Chase them down using Submission and Barrage Blow • Lock them down when with your disabling moves

Moves Can't Pierce Through Immunity

Moves Can't Pierce Through Immunity
How to Beat
• Utilize your immunities and buffs to fight them head on

Best Teammates for Machamp

Pokemon	Explanation
Lucario Gengar	Can eliminate any Pokemon almost instantly
	With a combination of Submission and Cross Chop, you can easily stun an opponent in place which will allow melee fighters such as Lucario and Gengar to wipe out the rest of the group.
Snorlax Crustle	Can prevent Pokemon from escaping
	Pokemon that can block or prevent Pokemon from escaping while you smack the unfortunate Pokemon trapped will work well with an basic attack based Pokemon like Machamp.
Blissey Eldegoss	Pokemon that provide shields or heals
	Thankfully, Machamp is tough enough in that they can't be burst down like other Pokemon. But this is why you will need healers or shielders that can top you back up to keep you in the fight. The longer you stay, the more sustained damage you can do.

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: 11s
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: 656 / 1240
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.

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

Level	HP	Defense	Special Defense	Attack Damage
1	3250	98	64	165
2	3313	104	68	170
3	3389	111	72	175
4	3480	118	77	181
5	3809	148	96	205
6	3940	160	104	214
7	4097	174	113	225
8	4286	191	124	239
9	4953	250	163	287
10	5225	274	179	306
11	5551	303	198	329
12	5942	338	221	357
13	6411	380	248	391
14	6974	430	281	431
15	7650	490	320	479

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

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	Charizard	Cinderace
Cramorant	Crustle	Decidueye	Dragonite
Duraludon	Eldegoss	Espeon	Garchomp
Gardevoir	Gengar	Greedent	Greninja
Hoopa	Lucario	Machamp	Mamoswine
Mr. Mime	Pikachu	Slowbro	Snorlax
Sylveon	Talonflame	Trevenant	Tsareena
Venusaur	Wigglytuff	Zeraora
Upcoming Pokemon
No CONFIRMED Upcoming Pokemon

Top 5 Master Rank Picks & Win Rate

All data is based on Season 04 Master Rank Top 100. Last Updated: May 4, 2022

Pokemon	Tier	Most Played %	Average Win %
Greninja		29%	75.6%
Hoopa		15%	75.1%
Lucario		14%	73.6%
Blissey		8%	78.0%
Blastoise		5%	75.0%

Top Picked Pokemon Per Role

Attacker	Supporter	All- Rounder	Defender	Speedster
Greninja	Hoopa	Lucario	Blastoise	Absol

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