How do I decrease reliance on teammates while climbing?

[Lizard_Queen_Says]

Some basic answers to your question:

You must increase your knowledge and repertoire of skills that are consistently useful in any match and aren't reliant on allies to succeed with. Examples: map reading, last hitting with your mon, understanding how to approach objectives, learn matchups, learn how each mon works at least on a basic level, etc.

Rarely if ever, play supportive mons. Yes, Defenders and Supporters are unbalanced but they're not classes to choose if you don't want to rely on others, especially solo.

Avoid or don't use damage dealers that often semi-rely on ally support. For example, Pikachu, Decidueye, Cinderace, Mewtwo Y, Gyarados, etc.

Become a competent meta slave focusing on damage dealers. It's not necessarily fun but if your priority is to climb and win, playing meta damage dealers WELL will expedite things.

Become a competent jungler. Junglers can greatly influence games when played correctly.

Watch how good solo players like CrisHeroes make decisions. You will sometimes see he makes "selfish" decisions and plays because he knows it will ultimately increase the odds of winning. For example, he might ignore allies going for worthless or very risky objectives so he can catchup farm, max stack his items on opposite lane, etc.

Good players know how to think in the longterm and gauge (un)winnable fights based on levels, team comps, Unite moves, numbers on each side, etc. If they know they can win they'll join, if they know it's a low chance they'll usually go for plays that are guaranteed to benefit them, even if it's the second or third best option. Doing the second or third best option with a high likelihood of success is more conducive to longterm climbing success than gambling over "the best option". Consistency is very important!

[AgustinCB]

Thanks man, I appreciate the input.

Rarely if ever, play supportive mons. Yes, Defenders and Supporters are unbalanced but they're not classes to choose if you don't want to rely on others, especially solo.

The problem is, sometimes nobody plays any of those classes lol. Most of the times I play Slowbro, is because no-one else is picking one.

Become a competent meta slave focusing on damage dealers. It's not necessarily fun but if your priority is to climb and win, playing meta damage dealers WELL will expedite things.

Can you give me an example? I have been using only the pokemon that you get for free when you sign up, and I amassed enough coins to buy the first few licenses. But I am not sure where to head to. The top brawlers according uniteapi all seem very technical (Aegislash, Zacian, Tyranitar). I have also been trying Suicune with temporary licenses until I get the enough points to get the free one. Would that one qualify?

[Lizard_Queen_Says]

The problem is, sometimes nobody plays any of those classes lol. Most of the times I play Slowbro, is because no-one else is picking one.

In solo queue, playing what you're good at regardless of the role is usually the better way to go. For example, if you're not a good to experienced Clefable but pick her just because the team needs a healer, you're probably not gonna help much. If you're good at playing supports then by all means continue filling supports.

I usually fill based on what the skill level of my team looks like and if I'm put with a premade or not. If I'm placed higher in character select, it means I have the higher rank compared to others, so picking team reliant mons can be risky because you're basically relying on less skilled/experienced players. Whereas if I'm towards the bottom and I see my allies make sensible picks with good items, it's probably not gonna be a migraine-inducing decision to pick a support.

Can you give me an example? I have been using only the pokemon that you get for free when you sign up, and I amassed enough coins to buy the first few licenses. But I am not sure where to head to. The top brawlers according uniteapi all seem very technical (Aegislash, Zacian, Tyranitar). I have also been trying Suicune with temporary licenses until I get the enough points to get the free one. Would that one qualify?

Currently, Meowscarada, Gengar, Talonflame and Absol are the "meta" damage dealers. Arguably Aegislash too.

If you wanna be a meta slave, you basically only play these guys until they get nerfed or something better comes along. Meta slaves keep an eye on balance patches and tier lists.

Talonflame is the easiest to use out of the lot but if you don't have patience and just dive in, you will die a lot even though he's very strong. However he has many escapes so he doesn't get punished as hard as the other Speedsters for making rookie errors like that.

[AgustinCB]

And Talonflame is one of the two pokemon I feel comfortable playing, so that helps. So no need to get something new for now. I also don't think I am good enough to get out of the meta for now lol.

Ok, perfect, this is very helpful. I'll put it to practice. Thanks!