Cinderace Guide: Builds and Best Items | Pokemon UNITE

The best guide on how to play Cinderace 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!

Cinderace Latest Nerfs & Buffs (05/30)

May 30 Update

Cinderace Move Changes (05/30)
Blaze Kick	• Damage dealt to the opposing Pokemon decreased from 1002 to 875 (-13%).
Pyro Ball +	• Effects on the user strengthened.
Feint	• The move's movement speed increased has been strengthened.

Cinderace Basic Info

Cinderace
	Tier Rating: Role: Attacker Attack Type: Ranged Damage Type: Physical Difficulty: Novice Cost: 8000 / 460
"Cinderace doesn’t just have high attack power—it’s also got the speed to drive opponents crazy."

Pokemon Unite Tier List

Cinderace Best Lanes

Top	Jungle	Bottom

Tips & Strategies for Every Lane

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths	Weaknesses
✔︎ High Attack speed and Damage ✔︎ long auto attack range ✔︎ Effective Dash moves.	✖︎ Very weak early game ✖︎ Low Defense.

Best Builds for Cinderace

Cinderace Builds
Carry Build
Pyro Ball Build	Damage Stack Build

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

Carry Build

Carry Build
Moveset			Held Items
Blaze Kick Flame Charge			Muscle Band Scope Lens Razor Claw
Battle Item
Eject Button
Item Effects (at Level 30)			Recommended Lane
Attack: +30 Critical-Hit Rate: +8.1% Critical-Hit Damage: +12% Attack Speed: +7.50%			Jungle
Emblem Color Combination			Target Emblem Stats
Red x7 Brown x2 Any Color x1			Positive Stats: • Attack • Critical-Hit Rate Free Negative Stats: • Sp. Atk • Movement Speed
Note: The emblem color and stats here are suggestions only. The builds are still viable even without the suggested emblems.

This build focuses on making Cinderace into a late-game damage powerhouse, mixing damage and mobility via Blaze Kick and Flame Charge.

Muscle Band, Scope Lens, and Razor Claw give you all the firepower you need to carry the game through damage, attack speed, and critical-hits. However, if you need more durability, replace Razor Claw with Buddy Barrier.

Eject Button gives you more mobility on top of your moveset, allowing you to make defensive and offensive plays.

Your Boost Emblem loadout should consist of 7 Red Emblems for maximum Attack Speed, 2 Brown Emblems for a bit of damage, and 1 Emblem of any color. Equip Emblems that improve Attack or Critical-Hit Rate since this is an all-in damage build. You can freely trade Sp. Atk. and Movement Speed.

Pyro Ball Build

Pyro Ball Build
Moveset			Held Items
Pyro Ball Feint			Muscle Band Scope Lens Buddy Barrier
Battle Item
Eject Button
Item Effects (at Level 30)			Recommended Lane
Attack: +15 Critical-Hit Rate: +6% Critical-Hit Damage: +12% Attack Speed: +7.50% HP: +450			Top Lane Jungle Bot Lane
Emblem Color Combination			Target Emblem Stats
Red x3 Brown x6 Any Color x1			Positive Stats: • Attack • Critical-Hit Rate Free Negative Stats: • Sp. Atk • Movement Speed
Note: The emblem color and stats here are suggestions only. The builds are still viable even without the suggested emblems.

This is the first widely-used build for Cinderace back during the first weeks of Pokemon UNITE, before major changes was done. It's centered on Pyro Ball and Feint.

Muscle Band and Scope Lens give you enough damage for your standard attacks via attack speed and critical-hits. Buddy Barrier gives you some durability through increased HP and survivability via shields. However, you can replace Buddy Barrier with Focus Band, exchanging HP for static defenses. It also helps you survive in lanes during the early game.

Eject Button is the default battle item for the build, giving you some mobility to work with.

Your Boost Emblem loadout should consist of 6 Brown Emblems for maximum damage, 3 Red Emblems for a bit of Attack Speed, and 1 Emblem of any color. Equip Emblems that improve Attack or Critical-Hit Rate since the build's focus is maximizing Pyro Ball's damage. You can freely trade Sp. Atk and Movement Speed.

Damage Stack Build

Damage Stack Build
Moveset			Held Items
Blaze Kick Flame Charge			Muscle Band Attack Weight Buddy Barrier
Battle Item
Eject Button
Item Effects (at Level 30)			Recommended Lane
Attack: +33 Attack Speed: +7.50% HP: +450			Top Lane Bot Lane
Emblem Color Combination			Target Emblem Stats
Red x3 Brown x6 Any Color x1			Positive Stats: • Attack • Critical-Hit Rate Free Negative Stats: • Sp. Atk • Movement Speed
Note: The emblem color and stats here are suggestions only. The builds are still viable even without the suggested emblems.

This build focuses on increasing damage through scoring goals for a better late-game damage output, using Blaze Kick and Flame Charge as your moveset.

Muscle Band and Attack Weight give you ample damage for your standard attacks and moves. Buddy Barrier gives durability and survivability, especially during teamfights. However, you can replace Buddy Barrier with either Score Shield for safer scoring or Focus Band for better durability and survivability.

Eject Button is again the default battle item for the build, giving you some mobility to work with. However, you can also use X Speed instead for a similar effect but with a lower cooldown.

Your Boost Emblem loadout should consist of 6 Brown Emblems for maximum damage, 3 Red Emblems for a bit of Attack Speed, and 1 Emblem of any color. Equip Emblems that improve Attack or Critical-Hit Rate since it's this is a damage-oriented build. You can freely trade Sp. Atk and Movement Speed.

Attack Weight Stacking Strategy

Try to fully stack Attack Weight as soon as possible. Consider just scoring minimum points in the early-game to ensure a faster progression.

Scoring Guide: How and When to Score Goals

Cinderace Best Items & Moveset

Best Held Items

Item	Explanation
Attack Weight	Attack Weight is beneficial for Cinderace since it adds more attack, allowing it to snowball early on.
Buddy Barrier	Buddy Barrier helps with Cinderace's survivability since he is prone to being bursted down quickly.
Scope Lens	Scope Lens helps Cinderace land more critcal hits with its normal attacks and moves.
Muscle Band	Muscle Band increases Cinderace's attack speed, which allows its Blaze passive to proc more frequently.

Held Item Tier List: Best Items to Equip

Best Battle Items

Item	Explanation
Full Heal	Full Heal helps Cinderace escape from disables, which stops it from getting bursted down.
Eject Button	A staple Battle Item for evading unwanted close-ranged fights. Eject button helps Cinderace keep its distance from enemies.
X Speed	X Speed gives Cinderace immunity from slows for a short duration. Allowing it to kite enemies more efficiently.

List of Battle Items

Best Moveset

Move	Explanation
Flame Charge	Flame Charge is best to outmaneuver opponents while bombarding them down with your fast attacks.
Blaze Kick	Blaze Kick is a sure-hit move that deals high single-target damage. It also allows Cinderace to reposition quickly should enemies get close or are fleeing.

Cinderace is all about lining up shots and melting opponents with its fast auto attacks. Replacing Flame Charge with Feint is ideal for a more defensive, anti-burst moveset. Meanwhile, going for a more mobile moveset will have you choose Flame Charge and Blaze Kick.

Which Moveset Do You Think is Best For Cinderace?

Why is it the best? Let us know in the comments!

Previous Poll Results

How to Play Cinderace

Jump to Section
Play Safe Until Level 7
Turn On "Lock-On Icon" and "Advanced Controls"
Spam Standard Attack After Using Moves
Fight Through a Brawl at Low Health
Utilize Dash Moves to Reposition or Escape
Secure Objectives with Unite Move

Play Safe Until Level 7

Cinderace is a rather late-blooming Pokemon similar to Gardevior. Cinderace evolves at Lv. 5 but does not get its first move upgrade until Lv. 7. Prioritize farming and keep your distance in team and objective fights before the first power spike at Lv. 7.

Play as a Jungler

The best way to safely level up to level 7 is to take on the jungler role, allowing you to get all the experience from the jungle camps.

Team Up with Defenders or All-Rounders

Teaming up with sturdy Defenders like Snorlax or Crustle will help to ensure a successful early game as you farm EXP. Otherwise, partnering up with a high crowd control Pokemon like Lucario or Slowbro will allow for safer engagement with enemy Pokemon and safer KOs.

Watch Out for High-Burst Pokemon

Be careful when going against high-burst Pokemon like Gengar as they can quickly burst you down and take you out of the fight even at full HP.

Turn On Lock-On Icon and Advanced Controls

In team fights, using the Lock-On Skill as well as Advanced Controls is crucial for an auto-attack-heavy character like Cinderace. This allows you to focus on only one target or avoid attacking the nearest enemy approaching you while leaving critical HP enemies behind. It also allows you to choose the enemy you wish to snipe with Blazing Bicycle Kick by scrolling the target wheel first to your desired target.
List of Settings and Best Settings to Use

Utilize Blaze Effects

Although it's subtle, Blaze contributes a lot to Cinderace's offense. It's important to know how it works and what you need to do to utilize its effects.

Blaze: Cinderace Passive Effect and Cooldown

Get Boosted Attacks by Using Moves

Your attack instantly becomes a Boosted Attack each time you use a move, allowing you to spam them. Always follow up with a Boosted Attack after using a move to take advantage of the effect.

Fight Through a Brawl at Low Health

When Cinderace's HP reaches 50% or lower, its attack speed and critical chance increase. In some cases where you have low health while facing an opponent, it is best to push through and take advantage of the increased damage output to knock down the opponent instead of retreating.

However, it is important to play strategically and not overextend looking for KOs. Avoid deliberately letting your HP down dangerously low to get the bonus damage all the time.

Utilize Dash Moves to Reposition or Escape

It is important that you always maintain a respectable distance between you and your opponent - not to close to get hit, but not to far to get out of range.

Secure Objectives for Your Team

Being a hard-hitter, Cinderace can secure boss Pokemon like Rayquaza quickly, even by itself. Be sure secure objectives for your team either by helping them take it or doing it by yourself.

Use Blazing Bicycle Kick

If necessary, use Blazing Bicycle Kick to secure objectives for your team.

Blazing Bicycle Kick: Cinderace Move Effect and Cooldown

Progression and Leveling Guide

Top or Bottom Lane Guide

Level	Objectives
1 - 6	• Secure as much exp. as you can during this stage • If you're at the bottom lane, prioritize defeating Indeedees for a higher exp. • Avoid full-on fights, just kite or poke enemies instead • Play safe as possible until you reach level 7 • Don't risk getting defeated when defending goals, it's better if you just let them score, especially when you're outnumbered
7 - 9	• Continue to farm wild Pokemon for exp. • Start to get aggressive once you learn Pyro Ball or Blaze Kick • Join your team in securing Regieleki or Regice, Registeel, or Regirock, using Blazing Bicycle Kick to get the last hit • You can also try to defeat boss Pokemon by yourself while your allies zone out or distract the enemy team
10+	• Continue to farm and level up to at least level 13 until Rayquaza spawns • Save Blazing Bicycle Kick for stealing Rayquaza or winning the teamfight to secure it • You can also try to defeat Rayquaza by yourself while your allies deal with the enemy team

Jungle Guide

Level	Objectives
1 - 5	• Clear the first wave of jungle camps as fast as possible to reach level 5 • Help top lane first by securing Altaria and Swablus when they spawn • Score points for extra exp. if possible
6 - 9	• Go back to the jungle and clear the second wave of jungle camps, using Pyro Ball or Blaze Kick to quickly clear them • Help out bottom this time, securing Altaria and Swablus when they spawn, ambushing enemies, and scoring points if possible • Try to reach level 9 to get Blazing Bicycle Kick when or before Regice, Registeel, or Regirock arrives • Secure Regice, Registeel, or Regirock when it spawns, use your Unite Move to secure it or fend off enemies
10+	• Continue to farm and level up to at least level 13 until Rayquaza spawns • Save Blazing Bicycle Kick for stealing Rayquaza or winning the teamfight to secure it • You can also try to defeat Rayquaza by yourself while your allies deal with the enemy team

Cinderace Combos

Early Blaze Pressure Combo

Early Blaze Pressure Combo
► ► ►
Low Sweep ► Standard Attack ► Ember ► Standard Attack
This combo takes advantage of Cinderace's early game moves to get consistent Boosted Attack damage. Start by using Low Sweep to get some distance between you and your target. Use a Standard Attack once to deal enhanced damage. Then, quickly follow it up with an Ember and another Standard Attack.

Reposition Combo

Reposition Combo
► ► ► ~
Blaze Kick ► Standard Attack ► Flame Charge ► Standard Attack ~
This is a high mobility combo for single targets. Start by using Blaze Kick and reposition yourself at an advantageous position. Once you land, deal damage with an enhanced Standard Attack. Then, activate Flame Charge to maintain the distance. Proceed to bombard the target with Standard Attacks.

Boosted Attack Stacking Combo

Boosted Attack Stacking Combo
x3► ► ► ► ~
Standard Attack x3► Pyro Ball ► Standard Attack ► Flame Charge ► Standard Attack ~
This combo utilizes Cinderace's passive ability, Blaze to deal large amounts of damage. Start by stacking Blaze triggers by attacking the target at least three (3) times with a Standard Attack. Then, hit the target with a Pyro Ball. After that, you should have a boosted attack that you should use. Follow it up with a Flame Charge to reposition and provide you with another boosted attack!

Ultimate Blazing Kicks Combo

Ultimate Blazing Kicks Combo
► ► ► ► ~
Flame Charge ► Standard Attack ► Pyro Ball ► Blazing Bicycle Kick ► Standard Attack ~
This is a high-caliber combo that uses Blazing Bicycle Kick as a finishing move. Start by using Flame Charge to get some distance between you and your target. Then, hit them with a Standard attack, followed by a Pyro Ball. When the move lands, the target will have three (3) Blaze triggers. Activate Blazing Bicycle Kick and deal high amounts of damage!

Matchups & Counters for Cinderace

Cinderace Matchups

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

Hard Counter With Burst Damage

Although Cinderace is a hard-hitter, it is nonetheless fragile to high burst damage. It relies heavily on attacking at long range, which makes Pokemon that have the means to get close to Cinderace a great counter.

Best Counters

Pokemon	Explanation
Greedent	Rating: ★★★★★ • Can quickly get close while stunning Cinderace using Covet • A full activation of Belch easily pressures Cinderace's HP • Can sustain itself with HP recovery via Cheek Pouch
Absol	Rating: ★★★★ • Can assassinate Cinderace with Sucker Punch or Night Slash • Highly mobile kit makes landing a Pyro Ball or Blaze Kick harder.
Machamp	Rating: ★★★ • Can soak up enough damage to get close with Submission or Dynamic Punch. • Can disable Cinderace, preventing escapes.

Even Matchups for Cinderace

Because of Cinderace's low Hp and defense, make sure to play it safe and keep your distance when fighting these Pokemon. For a better chance of winning fights, it is best to get the EXP you need during the early game to level up and learn your move upgrades before you engage with these Pokemon.

Outgun the Attackers

Pokemon that Keep Up with Cinderace
How to Beat
• Dodge their sure-hit moves using Feint • Strike first using Blaze Kick, Pyro Ball, or Blazing Bicycle Kick. • Utilize your attack speed advantage and outgun them with standard attacks.

Bait Out their Burst Moves

Pokemon with Burst Moves
How to Beat
• Evade their initial burst moves with Feint or Flame Charge. • If you get hit and your HP gets low, keep fighting as you may turn the fight around via Blaze. • Reposition yourself to an advantageous location with Blaze Kick.

Pair Up with an Ally and Pressure

Pokemon HP Recovery Moves
How to Beat
• Because of their high defenses and HP recovery moves, it is best to fight these Pokemon only if you get your move upgrades. Do not seek them out actively, especially in the early game. • Group up with an ally Defender or All-Rounder and provide suppressing fire. • Dodge their moves with either Flame Charge or Feint.

Burn Through the Sturdiness

Pokemon that can Take a Beating
How to Beat
• Reposition using Flame Charge and/or Blaze Kick when it engages in a fight. • Kite from afar with Standard Attacks or a Pyro Ball before facing head-on.

Easy Matchups for Cinderace

Take advantage of Cinderace's high mobility to maneuver around your targets and deal with fast Standard Attacks.

Quickly Melt Down Sturdy Pokemon

Pokemon with High HP
How to Beat
• Dodge their crowd control moves with Flame Charge or Feint. • Pressure their HP with standard attacks or Pyro Ball. • Start the fight with a Blazing Bicycle Kick for a fast takedown.

Utilize Faster Attack Speed

Pokemon with Ranged Attacks
How to Beat
• Utilize faster attack speed and higher standard attack damage • Deplete their HP with burst damage using Pyro Ball, Blaze Kick, or Blazing Bicycle Kick

Suppress Before they Get Close

Pokemon with Melee Attacks
How to Beat
• Utilize ranged advantage by pinning them down with Standard Attacks and a Pyro Ball before they get close. • Maintain the distance using Flame Charge • When engaged in a brawl, reposition behind them using Blaze Kick for easy damage.

Poses No Threat

Pokemon with Low Offense
How to Beat
• Burst down quickly when they are isolated from their team. Use Blaze Kick to quickly get close to them.

Best Teammates for Cinderace

Pokemon	Explanation
Pikachu Gardevoir	Can help finish off enemies
	Dashing moves can sometimes be hard to aim with its narrow effect range. But with Pikachu and Gardevoir's stunning abilities as well as high damage, Cinderace's dash moves can be the perfect finisher.
Eldegoss	Can keep Cinderace's HP and defenses up
	While Cinderace is an amazing offensive attacker, it's defenses is a bit lacking and can be quickly killed by an equally powerful attacker. With Eldegoss, Cinderace can stay on the aggressive.

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

Cinderace Moves

Move Slot 1 (R)

Ember (Lv. 1 or 3)	Move Type: Sure Hit Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 6s Total Damage: 285
Shoots out a small flame, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon and leaving them burned for a short time.
Blaze Kick (Lv. 7) Upgrade Lv. 11	Move Type: Sure Hit Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 8s Total Damage: 566 / 875
Has the user perform a fiery flying kick. The user then jumps in the designated direction. When this move hits, it is always a critical hit, and it shoves opposing Pokemon and leaves them burned for a short time. In addition, the user becomes immune to hindrance while using this move. Upgrade: Increases basic attack speed for a short time when this move hits.
Pyro Ball (Lv. 7) Upgrade Lv. 11	Move Type: Ranged Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 5s Total Damage: 1313 / 2003
Has the user kick a ball of flame in the designated direction, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon and leaving them burned for a short time when this move hits. Upgrade: Reduces the cooldown of Flame Charge or Feint when this move hits.

Move Slot 2 (ZR)

Low Sweep (Lv. 1 or 3)	Move Type: Dash Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 7.5s Total Damage: 163
Has the user make a swift low sweep in the designated direction, dealing damage to any opposing Pokemon it hits.
Feint (Lv. 8) Upgrade Lv. 13	Move Type: Buff Damage Type: Status Cooldown: 11s
Increases the user's movement speed for a short time and makes the user invincible. Upgrade: After this move is used, basic attacks that hit opposing Pokemon restore the user's HP (Up to three times)
Flame Charge (Lv. 8) Upgrade Lv. 13	Move Type: Dash Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 5s Total Damage: 274 / 397
Has the user charge forward cloaked in flame, dealing damage to any opposing Pokemon it hits. The user's next boosted attack after this move ends also decreases the movement speed of opposing Pokemon for a short time when it hits.

Unite Moves (ZL)

Blazing Bicycle Kick (Lv. 9)

Move Type: Sure Hit Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 134s Total Damage: 3642 / 5658

Has the user create a giant ball of flame and kick it toward the designated location. The ball releases a fierce shock wave that deals damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect. This Unite Move also increases the user's movement speed for a short time when it hits. After using Blazing Bicycle Kick, Cinderace gains the following buff(s) for a few seconds: Shield granted. Movement Speed and Standard Attack Speed increased for a short time.

Standard Attack

Standard Attack	Becomes a boosted attack with every third attack, dealing increased damage when it hits.

Ability (Passive)

Blaze

All Evolution Stages When the Pokemon uses a move, its next basic attack becomes a boosted attack. When the Pokemon hits an opposing Pokemon with a basic attack or move, a cinder is placed on that opposing Pokemon. Attacking a cindered opposing Pokemon a certain number of times will cause to cinder to flare, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon. When the Pokemon with this Ability is at half HP or less, its critical-hit rate and basic attack speed are increased for a short time.

Cinderace Stats & Evolutions

Cinderace Evolutions

1st Evolution	2nd Evolution	Final Evolution
Scorbunny (Lv. 1)	Raboot (Lv. 5)	Cinderace (Lv. 7)

Cinderace Stats

Level	HP	Defense	Special Defense	Attack Damage
1	3000	50	30	135
2	3034	53	32	140
3	3075	56	34	145
4	3125	60	36	151
5	3305	75	45	174
6	3376	81	49	183
7	3702	108	65	221
8	3805	117	70	233
9	3928	127	76	247
10	4076	139	83	264
11	4254	154	92	284
12	4467	172	103	309
13	4723	193	116	339
14	5030	219	131	375
15	5399	250	149	418

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

Cinderace In-Game Stats Listing

Offense	Endurance	Mobility	Scoring	Support

Cinderace Skins (Holowear)

Holowear
Captain Style Event: Season 1 Battle Pass	Space Style Zirco Trading: 400
Pastel Style Zirco Trading: 1200	Tuxedo 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	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	Slowbro
Snorlax	Sylveon	Talonflame	Trevenant
Tsareena	Tyranitar	Venusaur	Wigglytuff
Zeraora	--	--	--

Upcoming Pokemon

Upcoming Pokemon
Scizor (Sept. 29)	Clefable (October 13)

Upcoming Pokemon dates are in UTC+0.

Upcoming and New Pokemon

Top 5 Master Rank Picks & Win Rate

All data is based on Season 06 Master Rank Top 100. Last Updated: September 20, 2022

Pokemon	Tier	Most Played %	Average Win %
Mew		33%	71.9%
Mr. Mime		29%	75.6%
Aegislash		7%	75.4%
Charizard		4%	74.7%
Glaceon		4%	75.3%

Top Picked Pokemon Per Role

Attacker	Supporter	All- Rounder	Defender	Speedster
Mew	Mr. Mime	Aegislash	Snorlax	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