Dodrio Guide: Best Builds and Moveset

The Ultimate Guide to Dominating with Dodrio in Pokemon UNITE!

Dodrio is a nimble Speedster that can peck apart the competition with its three heads. In this guide, we will cover the best builds, movesets, and strategies to help you become a master Dodrio player. Whether you’re playing on Nintendo Switch or Mobile, this guide has got you covered. So let’s dive in and learn how to unleash Dodrio’s full potential!

Dodrio Latest Nerfs & Buffs (6/15)

Version 1.10.1.3 Patch Notes

• Standard Attack: Boosted attack damage decreased by 10%.

Dodrio Basic Info

• Role: Speedster
• Attack Type: Melee
• Damage Type: Physical
• Difficulty: Expert
• Cost: 14,000 Aeos Coins (as of September 22, 2022)

Dodrio Best Lanes

• Top
• Jungle
• Bottom

Tips & Strategies for Every Lane

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Insanely fast movement speed
• Can have flexibility in scoring because of the triple score mechanic
• Great with Hit-and-Run playstyles

Weaknesses:

• Quite squishy
• Relies heavily on the Sprint Mechanic, making it weak against crowd control
• Cannot exploit the overdunk scoring mechanic

Dodrio Cost and Price

UNITE License: Dodrio

As of September 22, 2022, Dodrio is now purchaseable for 14,000 Aeos Coins! This comes one week after Dodrio becomes available to purchase with Aeos Gems!

Best Builds for Dodrio

Dodrio Builds – The Best Build for Dodrio is the one with the gold crown!

Tri Attack Build

Moveset:

• Tri Attack

Held Items:

• Attack Weight: +57 Attack
• Critical-Hit Rate: +2.10%
• Movement Speed: +150

Battle Item:

• Full Heal

Item Effects (at Level 30):

• Attack: +57
• Critical-Hit Rate: +2.10%
• Movement Speed: +150

Recommended Lane: Top

Tri Attack Build Explanation:
This build focuses on bursting down targets using Tri Attack and Boosted Attacks. Agility helps keep Dodrio’s gauge full as it dashes in and out. Razor Claw provides Dodrio a decent amount of Attack stat and improves its Boosted Attacks. Attack Weight further gives Dodrio an Attack stat boost, increasing its overall damage output. Float Stone is a core item for the build, giving Dodrio more Attack stat and greatly improving its movement speed. Full Heal acts as Dodrio’s additional tool for purging off disables like stuns and slows.

Drill Peck Build

Moveset:

• Drill Peck

Held Items:

• Attack Weight: +57 Attack
• Critical-Hit Rate: +2.10%
• Movement Speed: +150

Battle Item:

• Full Heal

Item Effects (at Level 30):

• Attack: +57
• Critical-Hit Rate: +2.10%
• Movement Speed: +150

Recommended Lane: Jungle

Drill Peck Build Explanation:
This build utilizes Drill Peck to burst and shove enemies while keeping Dodrio’s gauge up with Jump Kick. Razor Claw provides Dodrio a decent amount of Attack stat and improves its Boosted Attacks. Attack Weight further gives Dodrio an Attack stat boost, increasing its overall damage output. Float Stone is a core item for the build, giving Dodrio more Attack stat and greatly improving its movement speed. Full Heal acts as Dodrio’s additional tool for purging off disables like stuns and slows.

Dodrio Best Items & Moveset

Best Held Items:

• Attack Weight: Each stack of Attack Weight adds extra Attack stat for Dodrio, which increases the Pokemon’s damage.
• Aeos Cookie: Each stack of Aeos Cookie adds extra HP for Dodrio, increasing the Pokemon’s survivability.
• Float Stone: The extra movement speed out of combat allows Dodrio to traverse the map efficiently.
• Focus Band: Increases Dodrio’s survivability and helps recover lost HP during fights.
• Muscle Band: Increases Dodrio’s Standard Attack damage and improves its attacks overall.
• Razor Claw: Adds a slow effect and increases the Pokemon’s critical hit rate.

Best Battle Items:

• Full Heal: Helps Dodrio block enemy crowd control and get around any form of hindrance.
• X Speed: Provides a sudden boost in movement speed that contributes to realizing Dodrio’s gameplay.
• X Attack: Offers additional firepower for Dodrio’s burst moves.

Best Moveset:

• Tri Attack: Allows Dodrio to be more elusive and provides ranged attacks.
• Agility: Synergizes well with Dodrio’s Sprint mechanic and increases movement speed.
• Jump Kick: Provides extra movement speed and burst damage.

Best Held Items and Battle Items are interchangeable based on personal preference and playstyle.

How to Play Dodrio

Keep Moving

Dodrio’s strength relies on its Sprint mechanic, which incentivizes you to play around with its fast-paced gameplay. Always max out the Sprint Gauge below Dodrio’s health bar to get extra movement speed and a chance to augment your damaging moves. Constantly move around the battlefield and maintain momentum as much as possible.

Be Mindful of Movement Speed Effects

The Sprint buildup is dependent on each time Dodrio takes a step. The faster Dodrio’s movement speed is, the faster the Sprint Gauge will fill up. Passing over allied Lane Flux or using X Speed will increase Dodrio’s movement speed, filling up the Sprint Gauge faster. Be aware that you will generate less sprint if you are slowed down by a move, Slow Smoke, or the orange lane flux near enemy goal zones.

Maintain Momentum After Using a Move

Dodrio tends to stop mid-animation every time you use a move. To get the enhanced effect from the Sprint Gauge, allot a few seconds to move around the target before following up with attacks. Otherwise, you may only deal basic attacks and be left open for a counter.

Jungler Role is Recommended

To get the fastest start possible, take the Jungle path to get ahead in EXP. Dodrio benefits from uncontested farming and can efficiently traverse the central area of Theia Sky Ruins thanks to its movement speed and dash moves. Reach level 2 to have access to both early game moves, which is extremely helpful in clearing Wild Pokemon camps faster.

Reduce Cooldowns with Boosted Attacks

When the Sprint Gauge is full, Dodrio’s Standard Attack turns into a charging move that deals damage and consumes all of the sprint. If this attack hits opposing Pokemon, all of Dodrio’s move cooldowns are reduced by around 1 second. Take note of this when performing combos as you can burst down targets with just a couple of hits.

Get the Most Out of Dash Moves

Dodrio’s dash moves can help fill the Sprint Gauge. Depending on how you want to approach brawls, one choice may be more efficient in generating Sprint Gauge than the other.

• Jump Kick: More aggressive move that allows Dodrio to jump and deal damage, pushing the target away.
• Agility: Provides extra movement speed and can remove negative status effects, allowing Dodrio to retreat from fights.

Pick a Damaging Move Based on Playstyle

Dodrio has two damaging moves, each offering a different playstyle.

• Tri Attack: Quick AoE attack that can inflict debuffs to the targets it hits. Provides ranged attacks and is great for providing high amounts of damage from a safe distance.
• Drill Peck: Burst move that allows Dodrio to displace enemies and deal damage. Can be used to isolate single targets and burst them down quickly.

Multi-Scoring Strategy

Dodrio has a unique scoring method where it evenly divides its collected Aeos Energy into three portions and deposits them into the goal one at a time. This opens up different scoring strategies that are exclusive to the Pokemon.

• Does Not Make Stacking Items Faster: Dodrio’s scoring is separated into three dunks, but only the third dunk counts for triggering a score-related Held Item. Make sure to score the full points to get the benefits of stacking bonuses.
• Retreat Mid-Scoring Animation: Dodrio can cancel scoring mid-charge by walking away or using a move. This allows for quick offensive or defensive transitions.
• Be Mindful of Over-Dunks: Dodrio cannot over-score its energy due to the multiple-scoring mechanic. To get the most value, score at the goal zone near the enemy base, as it does not break unlike the ones in the lanes.
• Instantly Score in Vulnerable Goal Zones: To score all points in one go, dunk your Aeos Energy at a goal zone made vulnerable by objectives like Regieleki, Zapdos, or Rotom.

Start Fights Strong with Triple Trample

Triple Trample is a long-ranged initiating move that is great for ganking opponents. Use this move after respawning from a knockout to quickly get back to the fight or to transition quickly to lanes. It can also be used as a disengage tool for escapes.

Dodrio Progression and Leveling Guide

Top or Bottom Lane Guide

Level Objectives 1-4:

• Secure as many Wild Pokemon as you can to level up quickly. Reserve Quick Attack for escaping when you try to contest camps with Peck.
• If you’re in the bottom lane, prioritize taking Indeedees for more exp.
• If you are in the top lane, defeat Natus near the goal zone and take advantage of small points to stack score-related items like Attack Weight.

Level Objectives 5-9:

• When Dodrio fully evolves at level 5, it will get access to its damage move. Use Quick Attack to get close to targets and maintain Sprint momentum.
• Do your best to secure Altaria and Swablus to reach higher levels.
• Reach level 7 to get Dodrio’s dash moves, which greatly enhance mobility and allow for completing stacks for score-related items.
• Help your allies secure Regieleki and/or Regice, Registeel, or Regirock.
• Reach level 9 and get Triple Trample.

Level 10+:

• Stick with your team to hunt targets or roam the map and score points to get ahead. Continue farming Wild Pokemon to reach higher levels before Rayquaza spawns for a fully-upgraded moveset.
• Seek out and isolate opponents to remove them from team fights.
• If you are behind in points, use Triple Trample to dash toward an enemy goal zone to score points.

Jungle Guide

Level Objectives 1-5:

• Learn Quick Attack first to jump over the wall and get to Xatu quickly.
• Clear the first wave of jungle camps to reach level 5 and get your damage move.
• Help out a lane by securing Altaria and Swablus, getting kills, and scoring points.

Level Objectives 6-9:

• Clear the second wave of jungle camps to reach higher levels and learn your dash move. This improves Dodrio’s traversal in the central area.
• Help the bottom lane by securing Altaria and Swablus, getting kills, and scoring points.
• If possible, reach level 9 to get Triple Trample before or when Regice, Registeel, or Regirock spawns.
• If you are running score-related items like Attack Weight or Aeos Cookie, seek out scoring small points for a faster stack.

Level 10+:

• Stick with your team to hunt targets or roam the map and score points to get ahead. Continue farming Wild Pokemon to reach higher levels before Rayquaza spawns for a fully-upgraded moveset.
• Seek out and isolate opponents to remove them from team fights.
• If you are behind in points, use Triple Trample to dash toward an enemy goal zone to score points.

Dodrio Combos

Double Strike Combo

This combo is perfect for early-game burst damage. Start by filling the Sprint Gauge, then use Quick Attack to initiate. While maintaining momentum, finish the combo with Peck. If you keep the Run Away gauge, Peck will deal increased damage.

Tri Attack Brawl Combo

This combo gives Dodrio a strong start with Tri Attack. Before performing the combo, make sure the Sprint Gauge is full and you have two charges of Tri Attack. Start by heading toward a target with a full Run Away gauge. Activate Tri Attack’s first activation to fire elemental attacks at the target. While keeping momentum, deal your boosted attack to get close and deal damage. Finish the combo by using Tri Attack’s second activation, which deals melee damage. Once Agility is upgraded, you can instantly fill up your Sprint Gauge without constantly moving.

Drill Peck Combos

This set of combos utilizes Drill Peck to displace targets.

Drill Peck Displacer Combo

This variation allows you to isolate targets and put them in a bad spot. Fill up the Sprint Gauge and charge toward the target with Jump Kick. While maintaining momentum, use the move’s jump to land behind the target. Then, use Drill Peck. Ideally, push the target toward your teammates or an allied goal zone for a quick knockdown.

Drill Peck Shove Combo

This variation is a more straightforward burst combo. Fill up the Sprint Gauge and charge toward the target with Drill Peck. After pushing the target, immediately activate Jump Kick. Make sure to land both attacks near the target for maximum damage.

Ultimate Combos

This set of combos takes advantage of Triple Trample’s long-range and great ambushing capability. These combos are best performed on single targets.

Ultimate Elemental Trample Combo

Start by initiating the fight with Triple Trample and stunning the target in place. While maintaining momentum, use the ranged attacks from Tri Attack to deal damage while keeping your distance from the target. Then, quickly get close with Jump Kick. Once within range, use your boosted attack to deal increased damage. Finish the combo by hitting the target with Tri Attack’s second activation.

Ultimate Multi-Strike Push Combo

Start by initiating the fight with Triple Trample and stunning the target in place. While maintaining momentum, displace the target with Drill Peck. Before Drill Peck finishes, activate Jump Kick and land both attacks near the target for the maximum amount of damage.

Matchups & Counters for Dodrio

Dodrio Matchups

Hard Counter:

• Pikachu
• Mamoswine
• Wigglytuff
• Gengar
• Greninja

Even Matchup:

• Pokemon with high defense
• Pokemon with little to no sure-hit moves
• Pokemon with ranged attacks
• Speedster Pokemon

Easy Matchup:

• Pokemon with low mobility
• Pokemon with slow early game
• Pokemon with low HP

Best Teammates for Dodrio

• Blissey, Eldegoss, Provdes Buffs: Dodrio benefits from movement speed buffs and removal of negative status effects.
• Snorlax, Pikachu, Wigglytuff, Disablers: Pokemon with strong disabling moves can set up Dodrio’s own moves.
• Crustle, Sableye, Talonflame, Aggressive Scorers: Pokemon with a similar gameplay or aggressive scoring tactics can synergize well with Dodrio.

Dodrio Moveset

Move Slot 1 (R)

• Peck: A melee attack that deals damage. When the Sprint Gauge is full, the attack becomes a charging move that consumes all of the sprint and deals damage to opposing Pokemon.
• Tri Attack: A melee attack that deals damage to opposing Pokemon and applies random debuffs. When the Sprint Gauge is full, it shoots out three projectiles that deal damage and apply debuffs.

Move Slot 2 (ZR)

• Quick Attack: A dash move that increases movement speed and deals damage to opposing Pokemon.
• Agility: A buff move that increases movement speed and charges the Sprint Gauge faster.
• Jump Kick: A dash move that deals damage and decreases the movement speed of opposing Pokemon.

Unite Moves (ZL)

• Triple Trample: A dash move that deals damage and throws opposing Pokemon into the air. It also increases Attack, grants a shield, and charges the Sprint Gauge faster.

Ability (Passive)

• Run Away: Dodrio’s movement speed increases when opposing Pokemon are nearby. It charges the Sprint Gauge while moving and allows for unique scoring mechanics.

Dodrio Stats & Evolutions

• Evolutions: Doduo (Lv. 1) -> Dodrio (Lv. 5)
• Stats: HP, Defense, Special Defense, Attack, Damage

Dodrio Skins (Holowear)

• Holowear Purple
• Unite Style Orange
• Unite Style Gift Box
• Unite Style Performer

Dodrio Achievements

• Drill Peck Achievement: Shove 2 or more Pokemon from the opposing team at the same time with Drill Peck or Drill Peck+ while sprinting.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about playing Dodrio in Pokemon UNITE. With the right builds, strategies, and teamwork, you’ll be able to dominate the competition and prove that three heads are better than one. So get out there and show the world what Dodrio is capable of! Good luck!