ChampionsGuide
#081

Magnemite

ElectricSteel
Tier CRegulation M-A

Uses anti-gravity to stay suspended. Appears without warning and uses THUNDER WAVE and similar moves.

Base Stats

HP25
Attack35
Defense70
Sp.Atk95
Sp.Def55
Speed45
Total: 325

Best Moveset

Thunderbolt
Flash Cannon
Thunder
Thunder Punch

Move Breakdown

Move 1Thunderbolt

As Magnemite's trusted Electric STAB option, Thunderbolt benefits from the 1.5x damage multiplier. This move should be your go-to attack in most situations, especially against opponents vulnerable to Electric types.

Move 2Flash Cannon

Flash Cannon is the STAB anchor of this set. The Steel-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Magnemite's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Steel weaknesses.

Move 3Thunder

Thunder is Magnemite's primary STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move, dealing Electric-type damage with a 50% power boost. As a special move, it synergizes with Magnemite's Special Attack stat of 95, making it the most reliable damage dealer in the set.

Move 4Thunder Punch

Thunder Punch is Magnemite's primary STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move, dealing Electric-type damage with a 50% power boost. As a special move, it synergizes with Magnemite's Special Attack stat of 95, making it the most reliable damage dealer in the set.

Strengths

  • Magnemite capitalizes on its Electric/Steel STAB moves—particularly Thunderbolt and Flash Cannon—to threaten opponents who share type weaknesses
  • Magnemite's Electric/Steel typing naturally reduces incoming Bug, Dragon, Electric damage, extending its survivability on the field
  • The ability to completely avoid Poison damage gives Magnemite a unique defensive edge in battles

Weaknesses

  • Opponents carrying Ground moves can OHKO Magnemite due to its 4x weakness, making prediction essential
  • Magnemite's hp stat of 25 is a weak point that limits its overall effectiveness
  • Slow speed (45) forces Magnemite to rely on bulk or priority moves to compete
  • With only 325 total stats, Magnemite is outclassed by higher-tier alternatives in most roles

Pro Tips

Build Magnemite with Special Attack VP investment and a Modest nature for optimal damage. A Choice item can patch Magnemite's stats, but locks it into one move. Keep Magnemite away from Fighting-type attackers—switch to a resist when you see them coming. Pair Magnemite with stronger teammates that can cover its weaknesses and clean up after it weakens opponents.

Competitive Role

Magnemite's competitive identity is that of a balanced utility Pokemon. Stat-wise, Magnemite brings 325 total points with spAtk as its standout stat at 95. Its Electric/Steel typing creates vulnerabilities to Fighting, Fire, Ground types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Bug, Dragon, Electric provide switch-in opportunities. Overall, Magnemite is a niche choice that rewards players who understand its strengths and limitations.

Detailed Strategy Analysis

Statistically, Magnemite features 325 total base stats with spAtk (95) as its defining attribute and hp (25) as its weakest point. The moveset focuses on STAB damage with Thunderbolt, Flash Cannon, trading coverage for raw same-type power. Type weaknesses to Fighting, Fire, Ground mean Magnemite must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Bug, Dragon, Electric provide safe switch-in opportunities. Immunity to Poison gives Magnemite a unique defensive advantage. At Tier C, Magnemite is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. Special Attack should be the primary investment for Magnemite, with a Modest or Timid nature to maximize its special damage potential.

Key Matchup Notes

Against Fighting-type opponents: Magnemite is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Magnemite in against Fighting types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Fighting. If forced to fight, use Thunderbolt and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Bug-type opponents: Magnemite has the advantage here. Its Electric typing reduces incoming Bug damage, allowing Magnemite to tank hits and retaliate with Thunderbolt. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Against Poison-type moves: Magnemite is completely immune, making it a perfect switch-in. Predict Poison attacks and bring Magnemite in for free, then capitalize on the tempo swing. Speed matchups: Magnemite's 45 Speed means it will move second against most offensive Pokemon. Plan around this by using priority moves, switching predictions, or pairing with Trick Room support to reverse the speed order. Against Ground-type opponents: Magnemite has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Electric moves deal super-effective damage to Ground types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Magnemite when you expect Ground types on the opponent's team.

Battle Strategy Guide

In the opening turns, Use Magnemite when you anticipate the opponent leading with something Magnemite can threaten with its Electric/Steel STAB moves.

With a spAtk stat of 95, Magnemite functions best as a supportive role player.

The key is to identify matchups where Magnemite can either deal damage safely or force the opponent to switch, giving you tempo advantage.

Avoid leading with it against Fighting types, as they can punish Magnemite heavily.

Mid-game is where Magnemite needs to make its biggest impact.

With moves like Flash Cannon and Thunder, Magnemite can adapt to different threats.

If the opponent brings out a Fighting type, immediately switch to a teammate that resists it.

Remember that Magnemite's spAtk of 95 is its greatest asset—play to that strength.

In the final stages of battle, Magnemite can contribute by softening up the opponent's last Pokemon.

Don't expect Magnemite to sweep—it should set up the KO for a stronger teammate.

Use resistances to Bug, Dragon to tank a hit, then strike with Thunderbolt before switching out.

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Team Synergy

  • A Poison-type teammate covers Magnemite's Fighting weakness, creating a solid defensive core
  • Add a Speed-boosting teammate (Tailwind, Trick Room) to give Magnemite the initiative in battle
  • A Electric-type-only partner can cover Magnemite's secondary Steel weaknesses while sharing STAB coverage

How to Counter

  • Opponents with Fighting coverage moves should target Magnemite immediately for a guaranteed KO
  • Faster attackers can freely hit Magnemite before it gets a chance to act
  • Special attackers target Magnemite's weak Special Defense (55) for guaranteed damage
  • Magnemite's low HP (25) means even neutral hits can KO it—apply constant offensive pressure

Team Composition Ideas

Build 1

Balance Core: Pair Magnemite with a Poison-type Pokemon that can switch into Fighting attacks. This defensive core covers Magnemite's primary weakness while Magnemite handles the matchups its partner struggles with.

Build 2

Offensive Core: Combine Magnemite with a setup sweeper that benefits from Magnemite's ability to weaken walls. Use Thunderbolt to chip down tanks, then bring in your sweeper to clean up. Add a priority user to handle faster threats.

Build 3

Stall Core: Magnemite can function in a stall-oriented team by using its resistances to Bug, Dragon to wall specific attackers. Add entry hazard setters and other defensive Pokemon to gradually wear down the opponent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is Magnemite good in Pokemon Champions?

A:Magnemite is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 325 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Magnemite can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.

Q:What's the best item for Magnemite?

A:Magnemite benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Magnemite has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.

Q:What nature should I use for Magnemite?

A:Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack) is recommended for Magnemite, boosting its stronger special stat. Timid (+Speed, -Attack) is an alternative if speed is critical. With Special Attack at 95 vs Attack at 35, special builds are clearly superior for Magnemite.

Q:How do I counter Magnemite?

A:Magnemite's biggest counters are Fighting-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Magnemite before it acts, especially given its 45 Speed. To beat Magnemite, use Fighting STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.