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 Rillaboom, Sneasler, and Incineroar. 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 160 base HP and 110 Special Defence make it one of the bulkiest bodies in the format, and Thick Fat halves both Fire and Ice damage — it walls Charizard and the Ice coverage that punishes Garchomp and Salamence. Yawn and Stockpile turn that bulk into tempo. It sits in C tier on about 1% usage, so most teams have no plan for it.
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. Magic Guard also means Life Orb recoil and weather chip do nothing to it, so it can hold the item its partner cannot.
Pincurchin is the cheapest way onto M-C's seed plan. Electric Surge sets Electric Terrain the moment it lands, which doubles Rising Voltage against grounded targets, stops opponents from being put to sleep, and switches on Electric Seed for a free +1 Defence on its partner. Rillaboom and female Indeedee are the terrain setters everyone prepares for; almost nobody prepares for this one.
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 live Regulation M-C tier rankings — 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.
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