The meta isn't just S-tier Pokémon. These underrated picks in Pokémon Champions punch way above their usage numbers and give opponents problems they're not prepared for.
Everyone knows Incineroar, Whimsicott, and Flutter Mane. But the teams that beat those teams often have a secret weapon — a Pokémon the opponent dismissed in team preview and isn't prepared to handle. These are the most underrated picks in Pokémon Champions right now.
Snorlax's 150 base HP, 115 Defense, and Unaware ability make it one of the best physical walls in the format. Unaware ignores all stat boosts — meaning a +6 Attack Garchomp hits Snorlax the same as a neutral one. It shuts down setup-based win conditions completely. Low usage rate suggests players aren't accounting for it in building.
Oranguru's Instruct command lets another Pokémon use its last move again immediately. Under Trick Room, pair this with a Torkoal that just fired an Eruption — Instruct makes it fire again before opponents can respond. This combo KOs things that should survive, and opponents almost never see it coming.
Clefable with Follow Me draws single-target attacks away from your sweeper, has Magic Guard (no chip from Sandstorm, Spikes, or Life Orb), and can run Helping Hand to boost partner damage. It's less common than Amoonguss for redirect, but immune to Spore and unaffected by Rage Powder (it can still Follow Me through opposing Rage Powder).
Ludicolo combines Fake Out (rare on a rain team), Swift Swim, and Giga Drain. On a rain team, it can Fake Out to protect Pelipper while acting as a self-sustaining attacker. Its Water/Grass typing takes neutral damage from almost everything, and Giga Drain heals it back up in KO attempts.
Slowbro with Teleport is one of the safest TR setters in the game. Regenerator heals it each time it switches out, Teleport forces a free switch at -6 priority (so it always moves last and safely brings in your attacker), and it has the bulk to tank hits while setting TR.
💡 Tip: Check the C-tier section of the StrataDex tier list — many gems live there. A C-tier Pokémon used correctly in the right team is often more effective than a B-tier pick used without thought.
What makes a Pokémon 'underrated' in competitive play?
A Pokémon is underrated when its usage percentage is significantly lower than its actual competitive impact. This often happens when a Pokémon fills a niche that most teams don't account for, or when it's overshadowed by a more popular option with a similar role.
Should I build a team around an underrated pick?
Yes, but with intention. The best use of underrated Pokémon is as a 5th or 6th slot that your opponents haven't prepared for, while your core 4 are well-understood, reliable picks.