Empoleon has finally surfaced in Pokémon Unite through leaked gameplay, and it looks like this penguin monarch is bringing some serious versatility to the battlefield. Aside from the Pokemon Unite Pawmot that is coming to the game as Melee Lightning DPS.
With access to both ranged and melee attacks, shield effects, healing, and crowd control, Empoleon is shaping up to be a powerful all-rounder. Below, we’ll break down its known skills, how the Torrent gauge works, and what to expect from this unique Pokémon.
The Torrent Gauge Mechanic – Basic Attack
One of Empoleon’s defining features is the Torrent gauge, located under its HP bar. Basic attacks fill the gauge, and once you’ve got enough charge, you can consume 50 Torrent points to empower your moves.
Boosted abilities not only deal more damage but also add secondary effects like slowing enemies or granting shields. This mechanic allows Empoleon to shift between offense and defense depending on the situation.
Early Game Skills
- Metal Claw: Empoleon dashes forward with its steel wings, striking enemies. When boosted by Torrent, it also provides a shield, similar to Serena’s kit.
- Aqua Jet: A fast dash that damages targets and temporarily increases attack speed. When empowered, it reduces the special defense of enemies, making them easier to burst down.
Mid to Late Game Evolutions
At Level 7, Empoleon gains access to more advanced moves:
- Hydro Cannon: A ranged attack with a strong impact. When boosted, it can spawn a whirlpool that damages enemies and heals Empoleon while standing inside it. The healing provides excellent sustain during team fights.
- Whirlpool (variant): Creates a swirling vortex that damages enemies over time and restores HP. Boosted versions deal extra damage, heal more, and can even throw opponents before finishing with a slash.
Unite Move – Whirlpool Surge
Empoleon charges forward at high speed, creating a massive whirlpool on impact. The whirlpool lingers around Empoleon, dealing damage, slowing enemies, and granting extra Torrent gauge gain. Even better, it seems to heal Empoleon inside its zone, making this Unite Move both an initiation tool and a survival mechanic.
Playstyle and Role
Empoleon looks to be a special attack-focused all-rounder with two distinct builds:
- Shield and sustain build with Metal Claw + Hydro Cannon.
- Attack speed and crit build with Aqua Jet + Whirlpool.
Both styles make Empoleon a strong pick for brawls, as it can dish out consistent damage while staying alive longer thanks to its shield and healing effects.
While damage numbers from leaked gameplay may not be final (since bots take altered values), Empoleon is shaping up to be one of the most versatile and fun all-rounders in Pokémon Unite. With ranged pokes, melee trades, shields, healing, and heavy crowd control, this Pokémon will likely see a lot of play upon release.