In Pokémon Unite, Crustle is an absolute tank. While you can go into full defence mode when playing with Crustle, you’re also capable of boosting up its attack and special attack damage before trapping an enemy and beating them down. For this Pokémon, you’ll be looking to control the battle arena with strong moves helped along by the massive rock on your back.
In this Pokémon Unite Crustle guide, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about Crustle’s moveset, best held and battle items, and the build you might want to think about putting together when levelling up in each battle. If Crustle changes in any way, we’ll update this guide, so be sure to check back periodically to keep up-to-date.
If you’re loving Pokémon Unite and want to see where the other characters rank before you choose your favourite, check out our Pokémon Unite tier list. We’ve also put together guides for Pokémon Unite’s Eldegoss, Pokémon Unite’s Blastoise, and Pokémon Unite’s Lucario.
What is Pokémon Unite Crustle’s moveset?
Crustle is a defender Pokémon, which means you’ll need to play it smart and hang back when needed. Below, we put together all the information you need on Crustle’s moveset, and also suggest the best build to make sure you put together your best defence.
Crustle’s passive attack
| Move name | Attack type | Description |
| Sturdy | Passive | As HP decreases, defence and special defence increase |
Crustle’s early game abilities
Between levels one to three, you unlock both of Crustle’s early game abilities, but you need to pick one before the other. So, we recommend fury cutter to clear out the arena faster and work toward getting levelled up.
| Move name | Attack type | Cooldown | Description |
| Rock slide | Area | Six seconds | Drops large rocks that deal AoE damage and stun opposing Pokémon |
| Furry cutter | Melee | 3.5 seconds | Slashes opponents with claws, dealing damage that increases with each successive hit |
Crustle’s mid-game abilities
At level four, you have to make a choice between two abilities. At this point in the mid-game, we think it’s a good move to opt for shell smash to up your attack and special attack damage, meaning Crustle can go on the offence.
| Move name | Attack type | Cooldown | Description |
| Rock tomb | Area | Five seconds | Split open the ground and create a rock wall that deals damage to any opposing Pokémon. Upgrading decreases the movement speed of opponents for a short time on impact |
| Shell smash | Buff | Seven seconds | Converts a set percentage of defence and special defence into attack and special attack by smashing Crustle’s shell. It also increases movement speed for a short time. Upgrading increases this move’s conversion rate |
Crustle’s late-game abilities
At level six, it’s time to pick again between two abilities. We recommend choosing x-scissor at this point to provide attack power in support of your other teammates and drive the play forward.
| Move name | Attack type | Cooldown | Description |
| Stealth rock | Area | Eight seconds | Creates a zone of levitating rocks that deal damage to opposing Pokémon over time. Upgrading increases the duration of this move’s effect, and decreases the movement speed of opposing Pokémon for a short time |
| X-scissor | Melee | Nine seconds | Dashes forward and claws opponents multiple times, dealing damage and displacing them. If opposing Pokémon hit an obstacle, this move will also stun them. Upgrading reduces this move’s cooldown |
Crustle’s end game abilities
During the end game, you finally unlock Crustle’s Unite move, rubble rouser. Crustle’s defence lies in using rocks to damage and hinder opponents. With this move, he’ll be launching those last moment hits which stun any opponents trying to escape.
| Move name | Attack type | Description |
| Rubble rouser | Buff | Crustle gains a shield for a short time and throws exploding rocks that damage and stun nearby opponents. If Crustle receives damage, additional hits are sent out to nearby opponents |
What are the best held items for Pokémon Unite’s Crustle?
Each time you step into the Pokémon Unite battle arena, you can take with you three held items. For Crustle, we suggest picking three of the following.
- Rocky helmet
- After taking a certain amount of damage, Crustle will deal a percentage of it to nearby opponents
- Buddy barrier
- When using Crustle’s Unite move, rubble rouser, this item will shield Crustle as well as a nearby ally with the lowest HP
- Focus band
- When Crustle’s HP is low, this item will gradually recover HP
- Assault vest
- When out of combat, Crustle will gain a percentage of its maximum health as a shield that blocks special attacks
- Muscle band
- Basic attacks do more damage the more HP the opponent has
What is the best battle item for Pokémon Unite’s Crustle?
You can also take with you one battle item that will boost Pokémon Unite Crustle’s game.
- Eject button
- Instantly teleports Crustle to a nearby location and away from danger
- Potion
- Restores a small amount of HP
For content like this, make sure you check out our Pokémon Unite Cramorant, Pokémon Unite Machamp, and Pokémon Unite Mr. Mime build guides.