Pokémon Champion: All starting lineups

This article will analyze 10 starting lineups in Pokémon Champions, along with reviews to help you choose an effective lineup right from the start.

Pokémon Champions immerses players in a fast-paced ranked PvP environment, where the first decision can greatly impact the entire rank climb. After completing the tutorial battle, you will receive a free Pokemon and 5 other Pokemon to complete the squad. There are a total of 10 starting lineups in Pokémon Champions, each team revolving around a unique starter Pokémon. Making reasonable choices will help you build a competitive advantage right from the first matches.

How does the process of choosing the starting lineup work?

The starting lineup is not chosen randomly. Each starter Pokémon will come with a fixed set of 5 Pokémon. For example, when choosing Pikachu, you will know the rest of the team in advance.

The first pick is completely free, this is also the only time you can own a complete squad without spending VP (Victory Points). Once selected, all players can add Dragonite to their lineup, regardless of their starting Pokémon. This helps increase stability and add strength early on.

Note:

Dragonite can always be added to any squad. Should be used early to compensate for attack weaknesses.

All 10 starting lineups in Pokémon Champions

Below is the full lineup at launch:

The table above reflects data at the time of launch. Updates may change the lineup composition in the future.

Which starting lineup is the strongest?

Overall, the lineup revolves around Pikachu highest rated. Combination with Kingambit, Garchomp, Azumarill, Gyarados and Gengar create a balanced squad, capable of dealing with many types of opponents and suitable for the competition environment.

However, Pikachu itself is not the strongest starting choice. Some other Pokémon have superior individual strength, but come with a less effective support team.

This creates a clear trade-off: you can get a strong starting Pokémon and then have to spend more VP points to complete the squad, or choose Pikachu – have a strong squad right away and upgrade gradually from there.

For new players or those who want to climb rank quickly, Pikachu squad is the optimal choice. Meanwhile, experienced gamers can prioritize choosing key Pokémon and building a team later.

Note:

Choosing strong Pokémon but a weak squad will put you at an initial disadvantage if you haven’t replenished your forces with VP.

What are the elements of a good starting lineup in Pokémon Champions?

According to the mechanism of Pokémon Champions, Double Battles (2v2) is the main form of competition. Therefore, when evaluating the squad, attention should be paid to:

• Coordination between Pokémon types
• Ability to control the speed of the match
• Pressure is exerted from two locations at the same time

Pokémon suitable for dueling include: Whimsicott, Azumarill good Gyarados often have higher tactical value than single indicators. The Pikachu squad is highly appreciated thanks to possessing many Pokémon suitable for this mechanism.

Tips for choosing the first squad

Before making a decision, consider the following factors:

• Evaluate the entire roster, not just the starter Pokémon.
• Check for possible duplicate Pokémon with Roster Ranch selections.
• Always take into account the free Dragonite supplement.
• Prioritize coordination in Double Battles instead of single strength.
• Choosing strong starting Pokémon often comes with higher team building costs.