As I settled into my gaming chair for another intense session of Pokemon Unite, I knew the meta was always shifting. Yet, in 2026, one Pokemon has remained a stalwart pillar of defense and sustainability: Goodra. Looking back at the guides from a few years ago, I see the core truths about this gooey Dragon-type still hold strong, but the strategies have evolved. Goodra isn't just a tank; in the right hands, it's the unbreakable anchor of any team, a testament to the enduring power of a well-designed Defender.
When To Unleash The Gooey Menace
My journey with Goodra taught me that picking the right moment is half the battle. This Pokemon excels in scenarios demanding sheer endurance. Its incredible defensive capabilities and innate HP regeneration make it the perfect choice when your team needs a frontline that simply will not fall. While its offensive prowess might seem lackluster compared to pure Attackers, its true value lies in outlasting opponents, turning prolonged skirmishes into victories through attrition.
Goodra's secret weapon is its passive ability, Gooey. I've lost count of how many times an over-eager Speedster has dove onto me, only to be slowed and damaged, turning their ambush into a death sentence. This ability punishes aggression, whether triggered by taking a hit or through my own moves. I've found its ideal home is in the top or bottom lanes, where it can partner with an ally. Here, Goodra truly shines, soaking up damage and creating space for teammates to unleash their attacks safely. For both newcomers seeking a forgiving pick and veterans needing a reliable wall, Goodra is a phenomenal, resilient cornerstone for any composition.
Build 1: The Immovable Object (Muddy Water Focus)
This is the build that made me fall in love with playing Defender. It revolves entirely around the Muddy Water attack, transforming Goodra from a simple tank into an impenetrable fortress. The goal isn't to secure the most knockouts, but to be the unshakeable foundation your team fights around.
My Move Selection:
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Muddy Water: The heart of the build. It damages nearby foes and, crucially, lowers their Attack and Special Attack. Hitting multiple enemies with this in a team fight is a game-changer.
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Power Whip: My engagement tool. It slows and, if hit from max range, yanks an opponent right into melee range. The combo is simple but devastating: Power Whip to pull them in, then Muddy Water to weaken their retaliation. The short cooldowns let me constantly harass and disrupt the enemy frontline.
My Held Item Loadout:
Sustainability is key. I always, always run Focus Band. It's non-negotiable for surviving burst damage. To complement it, I stack items that amplify my bulk:
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Rocky Helmet: Punishes those who dare to attack me.
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Aeos Cookie: Grants permanent max HP boosts for scoring goals, making me even tankier as the match progresses.
Battle Item of Choice:
Goodra's biggest weakness is getting kited. To solve this, I need to close gaps. My go-to is the Eject Button for a quick teleport into the fray or out of danger. X-Speed is a solid alternative for relentless pursuit.
Build 2: The Sustained Draconic Assault (Dragon Pulse Focus)
When my team has enough bulk but needs a bit more damage from the frontline, I switch to this build. It leverages Dragon Pulse for respectable damage and self-healing, making Goodra a deceptively potent duelist who can out-sustain through trades.
My Move Selection:
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Dragon Pulse: A linear attack that restores my HP if I hit with the central area. It rewards good aim and positioning.
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Acid Spray: This is the setup. It slows and marks an enemy. Using the move again lets me dash to the marked target and throw them, setting up a perfect, point-blank Dragon Pulse for maximum damage and healing. The cycle of spray, dash, and pulse creates a rhythm of aggression and recovery that is incredibly satisfying.
My Held Item Loadout:
Focus Band remains the cornerstone. However, here I shift to items that boost my Special Attack to make Dragon Pulse hit harder and heal for more:
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Shell Bell: Provides cooldown reduction and additional healing on move hits—perfect synergy.
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Slick Spoon: Ignores a portion of the enemy's Special Defense, making my pulses more potent.
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Wise Glasses: A straightforward boost to Special Attack power.
Battle Item of Choice:
With this more aggressive playstyle, I'm often in the thick of crowd control effects. Full Heal is my safeguard, letting me cleanse hindrances and continue my assault. For even more survivability, the trusty Potion offers a burst of healing in a pinch.
Understanding Goodra's Growth: A Stat Table
To master Goodra, you must understand its progression. It starts sturdy and becomes a true behemoth. Here’s a look at how its key stats scale (values are approximations based on its growth pattern):
| Level | HP | Defense | Sp. Defense | Sp. Attack |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ~3225 | 100 | 100 | 50 |
| 5 | ~4060 | 163 | 151 | 101 |
| 10 | ~6175 | 325 | 280 | 230 |
| 15 | ~9800 | 600 | 500 | 450 |
As you can see, the HP and defensive stats experience a monumental surge, especially post-level 5 and again at level 10. This is when Goodra transitions from a tough Pokemon into an absolute wall. The Special Attack also grows respectably, particularly for the Dragon Pulse build. Playing around these power spikes—aggressively seeking experience early to hit level 5 and 10 quickly—is the mark of a proficient Goodra player.
My Final Tips for 2026
After countless battles, here’s my distilled wisdom for anyone piloting this gooey guardian:
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Patience is a Virtue: You are not an initiator like a Speedster. Your role is to counter-initiate. Let the enemy commit to attacking your team, then wade in with Muddy Water or Acid Spray to disrupt them all.
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Guard Your Allies, Not Your Ego: Your success is measured by your team's success, not your K/D/A. Use your body to block skill shots for your carries. A good Goodra makes their Attacker feel invincible.
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Master the "Gooey" Zone: Be aware of your passive. Sometimes, tanking a hit intentionally to slow a pursuing enemy can save your retreating teammate. Your very presence is an area-of-effect slow.
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Lane Dominance: In the early lane, use your bulk to last-hit wild Pokemon (like the Aipom) and pressure the opposing lane. You are very difficult to push out.
In the ever-changing landscape of Pokemon Unite, Goodra remains a constant: a symbol of resilience. Whether you choose to be an immovable object with Muddy Water or a sustaining force with Dragon Pulse, mastering this Defender means learning the art of endurance. In 2026, as strategies get faster and more lethal, sometimes the best tactic is simply to outlast everyone else. And nobody does that better than Goodra. 🛡️✨