The early Pokémon Champions meta is very top-heavy right now, with a tight group of Pokémon dominating usage like Sneasler, Incineroar, and Garchomp. So, if you are looking to gain an edge, there is real value in exploring options just outside that top tier.
Here are seven underrated picks that can absolutely win you games, picked from Pokémon ranking outside the top 50 in overall use in competitive play.
Hisuian Arcanine: #51
Hisuian Arcanine
sits just outside the top 50 but offers serious offensive value.
- Strong Fire and Rock STAB make it a threatening physical attacker
- Choice Scarf lets it outspeed and surprise common threats
- Extreme Speed gives it clutch priority in close games
This is a great pick if you want a straightforward sweeper that catches people off guard.
Hatterene: #60
Hatterene
is one of the most underused Trick Room options right now.
- Magic Bounce helps avoid disruption like Taunt
- Strong Special Attack lets it double as a sweeper
- Reliable Trick Room setter with real damage output
It is often overshadowed by Girafarig, but it brings more offensive pressure.
Orthworm: #65
Orthworm is one of the most unique utility Pokémon in the game.
- Earth Eater gives it a strong niche against Ground-types
- Shed Tail enables free setup for teammates
- Can become threatening with Iron Defense and Body Press
It is a great anti-meta pick, especially into Garchomp-heavy teams.
Weavile: #73
Weavile is one of the most disruptive Pokémon currently being overlooked, in large part thanks to its Ability that allows it to steal items from your opponents’ Pokémon.
- Fast Fake Out user that beats slower options
- Knock Off removes key items and disrupts strategy
- Triple Axel gives it strong multi-hit pressure
This is a high-tempo pick that can completely swing games.
Read More: Best 5 Trick Room Setters in Pokémon Champions
Snorlax: #76
Snorlax is a niche pick, but still has real upside.
- Extremely bulky with access to sustain options
- Can run creative sets like Recycle or Rest
- Strong synergy with Trick Room teams
It requires setup, but if enabled, it can be very difficult to remove.
Alolan Raichu: #152
Alolan Raichu
offers a different approach to speed control.
- Fake Out and Electroweb provide immediate tempo and are more unpredictable
- Volt Switch allows constant repositioning
- Can replace traditional Tailwind or Trick Room setups
It is not stat-heavy, but its utility can open up team flexibility.
Read More: Best 5 Tailwind Users in Pokémon Champions
Emolga: #190
Emolga
is one of the lowest-used Pokémon, but may be the most underrated.
- One of three Pokémon with access to Speed Swap, creating unique team strategies
- Nuzzle and Encore provide consistent disruption
- Static adds even more passive pressure
It is unpredictable, hard to plan for, and can win games through disruption alone.
These Pokémon may not be top 50 in usage, but each one fills a specific role that can exploit the current meta.
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