Pokémon Unite: Best Zeraora Build to Become a Lightning Jungler

The mythical Zeraora first entered the franchise’s universe in Generation VII, and now the electric-type Thunderclap Pokémon is one of the most popular picks in Pokémon Unite.

A free Unite License to claim at the beginning of the game, Zeraora is of the Speedster class, specialising in melee attacks and the paralysis status. The following Zeraora build emphasises its strengths, optimising it for its best role in Pokémon Unite.

Before going into the build in detail, here’s the breakdown of how to make the best Zeraora build in Pokémon Unite:

• Role: Middle Zone Jungler
• First Move: Volt Switch
• Second Move: Discharge
• Battle Item: X Speed
• Held Items: Float Stone, Leftovers, Muscle Band

Optimum role of Zeraora in Pokémon Unite

To adjust your Zeraora build, you can press ZL in the lobby of a battle. Doing this brings up the Battle Prep page, allowing you to direct movesets and add items to your loadout. You can also adjust the items of your Zeraora build from the Battle Prep section of the main screen’s menu.

Zeraora is of the Speedstar class, meaning that it’s best suited to running between lanes, initially being situated in the middle zone to be ready to assist up top or down below.

The parameter ratings of Zeraora lend it strongly to this Jungler role; its four-star mobility makes it quick enough to react to developing attacks, and its three-and-a-half star offence makes it potent when assisting in battle.

Optimum moveset of the Zeraora build in Pokémon Unite

The Zeraora build lays its foundations in some very favourable moves and abilities. Its basic attack paralyses foes while healing Zeraora. The passive ability converts damage received into attack. Finally, the Unite Move does damage in an area of effect, which also vaults enemies.

• Basic Attack: “Becomes a boosted attack with every third attack, dealing increased damage when it hits. Also paralyses opposing Pokémon and restores the user’s HP.”
• Passive Ability, Volt Absorb: “The Pokémon gains an electric charge whenever it receives damage, converting a portion of that damage into additional attack.”
• Unite Move, Plasma Gale: “Unleashes a blast of lightning, dealing damage to opposing Pokémon in the area of effect and throwing them. This also creates a zone of plasma that increases the user’s basic attack range and damage dealt while the user is inside the zone.” (Sure Hit)

Choosing the better Level 6 move is quite close, but Volt Switch should prove to be the most useful and potent of the two.

The initial move sees you dash in one direction to inflict damage, after which you can dash straight back to deal more damage. Using Volt Switch increases Zeraora’s basic attack speed, so afterwards, you can unload even more of its potent basic attacks.

Furthermore, you can use a single burst of Volt Switch to speed up your traversal of the middle zone, allowing you to perform your Speedster duties even faster than usual.

At Level 12, you can upgrade to Volt Switch+, which increases damage and the window in which your basic attack speed is increased.

The Level 8 selection of moves for Zeraora is also a difficult choice, with one adding a combination to the Level 6 move, and the other emphasising the Pokémon’s ability to paralyse.

So, to enable you to utilise the paralysis of basic attacks and the perk granted by Volt Switch, Discharge looks to be the better choice for this Zeraora build. Not only does it damage nearby Pokémon, but it also shields Zeraora and deals damage to paralysed Pokémon.

At Level 14, the move becomes Discharge+, which decreases the movement speed of enemy Pokémon for a short spell after it hits.

Best battle item for the Zeraora build in Pokémon Unite

Official Description: “For a short time, increases your Pokémon’s movement speed and prevents its movement speed from being decreased.”

The aim of the Zeraora build is to be very fast between the lanes to lend an assist and either balance the battle or give your team a numerical advantage. The main trait that allows Zeraora to perform this role is its mobility, so adding even more speed will help to increase the build’s usefulness.

Be sure to deploy the 50-second cooldown item whenever you’re making your way through the middle zone, or when you need to make a quick escape to heal or hide in the tall grass. Furthermore, as you’ll be stacking up Aeos energy throughout, X Speed can help you swiftly sneak out into unguarded Goal Zones to net some quick points.

Best held items for the Zeraora build in Pokémon Unite

Official Description: “When basic attacks hit, the damage is increased by 3% of the opposing Pokémon’s remaining HP.”

Equipping the Muscle Band will increase your attack and basic attack speed by up to an increase of 15 and 7.5 per cent, respectively. This will help to enhance the basic attack-centric approach of this Zeraora build and the chance of paralysing opponents.

Official Description: “When the Pokémon is not in combat, it recovers 2% of its max HP every second.”

Having a HP boost is never a bad thing in Pokémon Unite, but what makes the Leftovers held item even more useful for the Zeraora build is that it’ll make better use of the time spent running between lanes. When at its maximum level, Leftovers will grant you an additional 240 points to your HP as well as enhance HP recovery.

Official Description: “Increases movement speed by 20% when the Pokémon is not in combat.”

In a build based around manoeuvrability, having an item that enhances your movement speed will make you an even more effective player. Not only does the Float Stone grant you 20 per cent quicker foot speed, but it’ll also pump up your attack.  

How to use the best Zeraora build in Pokémon Unite

This Zeraora build makes the Pokémon lightning-fast and deadly in close combat. Its moves and abilities allow it to hinder opponents while laying down copious amounts of damage.

Equally, if the tables turn, Zeraora will have the speed to retreat, hide, or heal before returning to action or sneaking into an unguarded Goal Zone.

Once you’ve been able to level-up enough, the method of combat is to burst in with Volt Switch, throw down basic attacks to make the most of the speed boost and paralysis, and then unleash the Discharge move.

It’s also good to keep in mind that, while the best Zeraora build is incredibly quick, you make your traversal of the arena even faster by using Agility or Volt Switch when running to help your teammates.