Pokémon Unite Tier List - August 2025 Rankings for Defender

Tier S (Previously A) - Defender Snorlax's promotion to S-tier is due to its exceptional team fight impact and unmatched crowd control capabilities in the current meta. Its Heavy Slam + Block combination provides reliable engagement tools and area denial, while its massive HP pool allows it to absorb incredible amounts of damage for the team. The Pokemon excels at protecting carries during crucial objective fights, with Block serving as one of the most powerful defensive abilities in the game for goal protection and team fight control. Recent meta shifts favor tanky compositions where Snorlax's ability to create space and enable teammates shines brightest. Power Nap remains one of the strongest Unite Moves for both offensive initiation and defensive survivability, capable of turning entire team fights. While requiring good positioning due to limited mobility, Snorlax's consistent performance and game-changing crowd control make it a dominant force in high-level ranked play.

Tier S (Maintained S) - Defender Umbreon maintains its S-tier status due to its exceptional versatility and game-changing utility in the current meta. The Pokemon excels at both aggressive carry potential through Mean Look's boosted attack mechanics and defensive support through Wish healing and Snarl's damage reduction. Its unique ability to steal shields with Moonlight Prance Unite Move provides unmatched objective control, especially during crucial Rayquaza and Regieleki fights. What sets Umbreon apart is its flexibility - it can adapt between tank and support roles within the same match, making it incredibly valuable in both solo queue and coordinated play. The combination of crowd control, damage reduction, healing capabilities, and natural tankiness makes Umbreon one of the most impactful defenders in ranked matches. Its Inner Focus passive provides consistent value by negating displacement effects, while the variety of viable builds allows adaptation to different team compositions and enemy strategies.

Tier: A (Previous: B) Role: Defender Blastoise's tier rise is due to its excellent combination of durability and crowd control abilities. Its Rapid Spin + Water Spout combo provides reliable area damage and displacement, while Hydro Pump offers strong pushing potential. The recent buffs to its survivability and damage output make it more effective at both protecting teammates and controlling teamfights, especially around objectives. Its Unite Move remains one of the best defensive tools for securing Rayquaza and protecting goals, solidifying its position as a top-tier defender in the current meta.

Tier A (Previously S) - Defender Ho-Oh's tier increase reflects its growing impact in the current meta, particularly due to its unique revival utility and strong area control capabilities. The Pokemon excels at objective control through Sacred Fire mobility and Flamethrower sustain, while Fire Spin provides excellent area denial during team fights. Its Rekindling Flame Unite Move offers unmatched strategic value, capable of completely reversing team fight outcomes when used effectively. Recent balance changes have improved Ho-Oh's damage scaling and survivability, making it a more consistent pick across different team compositions. While requiring good positioning and game sense to maximize its revival timing, Ho-Oh's combination of tankiness, utility, and objective control makes it a valuable A-tier defender for players who prioritize team support and strategic impact over pure damage output.

Mamoswine (Tier A) - Defender Maintains A tier due to excellent crowd control abilities and strong early game presence. Icicle Crash + High Horsepower combo provides reliable CC and engage potential, making it highly effective at disrupting enemy formations and protecting teammates. High HP pool and defensive stats allow it to absorb significant damage while creating space for carries. Particularly strong in teamfights around objectives, where its area control abilities shine. Weakness to mobility-heavy opponents and reliance on follow-up damage from teammates keeps it from reaching higher tiers.

Tier A (No Change) | Defender Slowbro maintains its A-tier position due to its exceptional crowd control capabilities and durability. Its Scald+Amnesia combination provides reliable damage and sustain, while Surf+Telekinesis offers strong displacement control. Excels at protecting carries and disrupting enemy engages, making it a solid pick for ranked matches. The reliable CC and tankiness make it difficult for opponents to secure objectives when Slowbro is present.

Trevenant (Tier A) - Defender Maintains A tier due to excellent crowd control capabilities and durability. Excels at disrupting enemy positioning with Horn Leech and Pain Split combo, while providing strong lane presence. Curse build offers reliable sustain and team fight control. Effective at both protecting allies and setting up plays, making it a consistently strong pick for coordinated ranked play.

Crustle (Defender) - Tier B (Previously B) Maintains B tier due to its balanced defensive capabilities and moderate impact in team fights. While reliable at zoning and disrupting enemies with Rock Tomb and Shell Smash, Crustle lacks the game-changing crowd control and team protection that higher-tier defenders offer. Good at securing objectives and split-pushing, but vulnerable to being kited and struggles against mobile attackers. Best suited for experienced players who can maximize its wall-creating potential and survivability.

Tier B (↑ from D) - Defender Greedent has improved due to its strong survivability and counter-jungle potential. Its Stuff Cheeks + Covet combination provides excellent mobility and self-sustain, making it difficult to take down while disrupting enemy rotations. While not the best defender for protecting teammates, it excels at harassing opponents and stealing objectives, which is valuable in ranked matches. However, it requires good timing and positioning to be effective, limiting its overall tier placement.

Lapras (Defender) - Tier B [Previous: B] Remains in B tier due to its balanced but unremarkable performance. While offering good crowd control with Freeze and decent bulk, Lapras lacks the impact of top-tier defenders. Its slow mobility and reliance on Ice Beam/Blizzard combos makes it vulnerable to aggressive opponents. Provides solid lane presence but struggles to consistently protect carries compared to higher-tier defenders like Blastoise or Snorlax.

Goodra (Defender) Goodra's demotion to Tier D stems from its poor defensive capabilities compared to other defenders. While it has decent sustainability, its inability to effectively protect teammates and create space makes it a subpar choice. Its slow mobility and lack of reliable crowd control make it vulnerable to aggressive compositions, and its defensive contributions are easily outclassed by meta defenders like Blastoise or Slowbro. The current fast-paced meta particularly exposes Goodra's weaknesses in teamfights and objective control.