You don't have to run cookie-cutter teams to compete in Pokémon Champions. Here's how to build a viable team around your favourite Pokémon without compromising on competitiveness.
The best teams to play are teams you actually want to play. Bringing a Pokémon you love creates motivation to study it deeply, understand its sets, and use it in the right situations. The goal isn't to force it — it's to build a team where it genuinely belongs.
Every Pokémon has a role. Before building around your pick, clearly define what it does on the team: Is it a sweeper? A pivot? A setter? A redirector? If it tries to do everything, it'll do nothing well. If it's focused, you can build 5 Pokémon that complement that exact role.
Look at your Pokémon's type matchups and speed tier. What 2-3 things hard counter it? Those threats need answers on your team. Your Pokémon shouldn't be able to handle its own counters — your team should handle them for it.
The StrataDex Pokédex shows tournament data on best teammates for each Pokémon. Even if you're building around a less-used pick, look at which Pokémon make it better in practice. Good partners either protect your favourite or set up situations where it thrives.
Your favourite is 1-2 slots. The other 4-5 need to be competitive picks that handle the real threats in the format. You're not running 6 underrated Pokémon — you're running one you love with 4-5 that can actually compete.
Your favourite doesn't have to lead every match. Read team preview and only bring it when the matchup favors it. A Pokémon you love that you bring to the wrong matchup will lose. A Pokémon you love brought to the right matchup can surprise everyone.
💡 Tip: Check the Community Teams page to see if anyone has published a successful team featuring your favourite Pokémon. Study how they built around it and what support they used.
Can you build a competitive team around a non-S-tier Pokémon?
Yes. B and C-tier Pokémon can be built around effectively if your team supports their weaknesses and amplifies their strengths. The key is being honest about what your chosen Pokémon can and cannot do.
What if my favourite Pokémon has a bad typing or stats?
Lean into what they do well and build support around what they can't handle. Every Pokémon has strengths — the job of the other 5 slots is to cover weaknesses and set up situations where your favourite can shine.
Related Pokémon