Pokemon Unite Sp Atk vs Atk: Special Attack moves explained

In the TiMi Studios MOBA, moves are broken up into either the Special Attack or Attack category. Here is the Pokemon Unite Sp Atk vs Atk mechanic explained.

New Trainers jumping into Pokemon Unite for the first time might be left wondering what the difference between the Sp Atk and Atk stat is. After all, the free-to-play title doesn’t exactly go out of its way to explain it.

Just like the Game Freak RPGs, the TiMi Studios MOBA separates attacks into the two categories. This guide will take a look at where a character falls into each class and which Held Items you should be using.

The Pokemon Company / TiMi Studios

Each Pokemon is split between Sp Atk and Atk.

Pokemon Unite Sp Atk vs Atk

In Pokemon Unite, every single move is either classified as an “Attack” or a “Special Attack.” The former is usually associated with physical fighters (such as Machamp) while the latter is often tied to spell-based attackers (Gardevoir).

• Read More: When is Pokemon Unite coming to mobile? iOS & Android release date

In the MOBA, players can actually boost their Pokemon’s stats by equipping three Held Items. However these add-ons are specifically broken up into Sp Atk or Atk, so you need to match the right ones to your ‘mon in order to buff your attacks.

Below we will take a look at where every single character falls between the two categories.

Pokemon Unite Sp Atk Pokemon

Alolan Ninetales

• Role: Attacker
• Type: Ranged

Cramorant

• Role: Attacker
• Type: Ranged

Eldegoss

• Role: Supporter
• Type: Ranged

Gengar

• Role: Speedster
• Type: Melee

Mr. Mime

• Role: Supporter
• Type: Melee

Pikachu

• Role: Attacker
• Type: Ranged

Slowbro

• Role: Defender
• Type: Ranged

Venusaur

• Role: Attacker
• Type: Ranged

Wigglytuff

• Role: Supporter
• Type: Melee

Gardevoir

• Role: Attacker
• Type: Ranged

Pokemon Unite Atk Pokemon

Absol

• Role: Speedster
• Type: Melee

Charizard

• Role: All-Rounder
• Type: Melee

Cinderace

• Role: Attacker
• Type: Ranged

Crustle

• Role: Defender
• Type: Melee

Garchomp

• Role: All-Rounder
• Style: Melee

Greninja

• Role: Attacker
• Type: Ranged

Lucario

• Role: Attacker
• Type: Melee

Machamp

• Role: Attacker
• Type: Melee

Snorlax

• Role: Defender
• Type: Melee

Talonflame

• Role: Speedster
• Type: Melee

Zeraora

• Role: Speedster
• Type: Melee

Pokemon Unite Attack Held Items

Muscle Band

• Effect: When basic attacks hit, the damage is increased by 1% of the opposing Pokemon’s remaining HP.
• Max stat buff: Attack + 15, Basic Attack Speed +7.5%.

Float Stone

• Effect: Increases movement speed by 10% when the Pokemon is not in combat.
• Max stat buff: Attack + 24, Movement Speed + 120.

Attack Weight

• Effect: When the Pokemon scores a goal, its Attack increases by 6.
• Max stat buff: Attack + 18

Battle Items

X Attack

• Effect: Raises your Pokémon’s Attack and Sp. Atk for a short time.

Pokemon Unite Sp Atk Held Items

Shell Bell

• Effect: When the Pokemon hits with a move, it recovers a minimum of 45 HP. The higher the Pokemon’s Sp. Atk, the more HP it recovers.
• Max stat buff: Sp. Atk + 24, Move Cooldown -4.5%.

Sp. Atk Specs

• Effect: When the Pokemon scores a goal, its Sp. Atk increases by 8.
• Max stat buff: Sp. Atk + 24.

Wise Glasses

• Effect: Increases Sp. Atk by 3.
• Max stat buff: Sp. Atk + 39.

Battle Items

X Attack

• Effect: Raises your Pokémon’s Attack and Sp. Atk for a short time.

It should be pointed out that while a Pokemon may fall under the Sp. Atk category, their basic attack will still fall under the Atk stat. So for instance, Wigglytuff’s abilities Double Slap and Dazzling Gleam are both special attacks. But its basic A button move is just an attack.

• Read More: Pokemon Unite score guide: how to tell how many points you have

Ultimately, it’s important to match up your character with the right Held Item if you want to get the most out of its potential. For an in-depth explanation on how to level up your held items, make sure to check out our guide here.