Latias has taken the Pokémon UNITE meta by storm, and many players are struggling to deal with this deceptively powerful supporter. Don’t let its “supporter” classification fool you—Latias combines sustain, crowd control, and map-wide mobility that makes it a serious threat if left unchallenged. But every Pokémon has weaknesses, and with the right strategy, you can shut down even the most skilled Latias player.
Table of Contents
Pokémon UNITE Understanding Why Latias Dominates the Meta
Before diving into counter strategies, it’s crucial to understand what makes Latias so formidable in the current meta:
Latias’ Core Strengths:
- Mobility Master: Gains increased move speed after using abilities and additional speed if Latios is close by
- Self-Sustaining: Dragon Pulse heals itself per enemy hit, making it a challenging encounter
- Area Control: Dragon Pulse and Mist Ball hit multiple targets and stack debuffs
- Hybrid Role: Even though Latias is a “supporter,” it can play more like a secondary Attacker if left unchecked
- Scaling Power: Its damage scales up over time depending on how much Eon Power it accumulates
These characteristics make Latias incredibly tanky, fast, and overwhelming in extended team fights. However, understanding these strengths reveals clear exploitation opportunities.
Key Weaknesses to Exploit
1. Early Game Vulnerability
Latias needs to build up Eon Power over time to maximize its damage output. Denying farm or KO’ing it in the early game will significantly delay its power spike. Focus on aggressive early game pressure and jungle invasions.
2. Burst Damage Susceptibility
Although Dragon Pulse provides sustain, it does not stop it from getting burst down hard. Latias excels in long fights, but not against properly coordinated burst combos.
3. Positioning Dependencies
Latias must remain mid-range to meter out steady damage and utilize its utility. Force it off from its position, and Latias becomes much less effective.
Best Pokémon Counters to Latias
| Pokémon | Counter Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Gengar | Burst Assassin | Gengar’s burst damage and mobility enable him to clear out Latias before it can act |
| Zacian | High DPS | Zacian’s high damage, mobility, and shield-breaking power make him a formidable matchup |
| Talonflame | Dive Assassin | Talonflame excels at targeting squishier backliners and supports. Brave Bird or Aerial Ace builds let him dive in, execute, and escape cleanly |
| Mamoswine | Tank/CC | Mamoswine is tanky enough to survive its damage and can lock it down with an annoying crowd control kit |
| Absol | Crit Burst | Absol’s burst crit-based can kill Latias before it has a chance to build up damage or heal |
Essential Items for Counter-Play
Battle Items:
- Full Heal: Removes slows and debuffs from Mist Ball or Dragon Breath
- X Attack: Maximizes your burst potential in order to get a quick KO before Latias heals
- X Speed/Eject Button: Fantastic for chasing it down or getting out of its AoE range
Held Items:
- Buddy Barrier: Keeps you alive during its Unite combo on key team battles
- Focus Band: Provides survivability during extended encounters
- Muscle Band: Enhances basic attack damage for sustained pressure
Winning Strategies Against Latias
Early Game Pressure
Target Latias during its vulnerable early levels. Coordinate with your team to invade its farming areas and prevent Eon Power accumulation. Every level you deny significantly delays its power spike.
Team Coordination
Latias thrives in chaotic team fights where it can sustain through Dragon Pulse healing. Instead, focus on coordinated burst engagements that don’t give it time to heal or reposition.
Positioning Control
Force Latias out of its optimal mid-range position. Use gap closers and flanking maneuvers to disrupt its ability to safely deal damage while staying protected.
Focus Fire Strategy
When engaging Latias, commit fully to the elimination. Half-hearted poke attempts allow it to heal back up and potentially turn the fight around.
Advanced Counter-Play Tips
Map Control: Deny vision around objectives where Latias wants to set up with Mist Ball Timing Windows: Engage immediately after Latias uses its mobility abilities Itemization: Prioritize penetration items if facing a tanky Latias build Team Composition: Include at least one reliable gap closer and one burst damage dealer
Conclusion: Mastering the Latias Matchup
Latias is surprisingly powerful in Pokemon Unite, with a deadly combination of healing, damage, and utility. But its power is dependent on positioning, momentum, and scaling, all of which can be taken away by aggressive teams.
Success against Latias comes down to three core principles: disrupt its scaling, coordinate your burst damage, and control positioning. With the right approach and team coordination, even the most dominant Latias can be shut down effectively.
Remember, aggressive early game pressure and proper team coordination are your best weapons against this meta-defining supporter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the most effective items to use against Latias in Pokémon UNITE?
A1: The most effective items include Full Heal to remove Mist Ball debuffs, X Attack for maximizing burst potential before Latias can heal, and X Speed or Eject Button for positioning control. Buddy Barrier is also crucial for surviving its Unite move combo during team battles.
Q2: Which Pokémon counter Latias most effectively and why?
A2: Gengar and Zacian are the top counters due to their burst damage and mobility. Gengar can eliminate Latias before it can react, while Zacian’s high damage and shield-breaking abilities create a difficult matchup. Talonflame, Mamoswine, and Absol are also excellent choices, each offering unique
