How to Play Pokémon Unite

MOBA fans will feel right at home in Pokémon Unite. Newcomers might be overwhelmed by the options available, but learning the basics will keep you ahead of the competition. Here is a breakdown of everything you need to know about Pokémon Unite. And make sure you protect your eyes with the best gaming glasses.

The basics of Pokémon Unite

Pokémon Unite is a fast-paced MOBA where teams of five face off in an arena. Each team must collect Aeos Energy, which is collected from eliminating wild Pokémon and enemy players. Each team must score by depositing Aeos Energy in an enemy goal. The team with the highest score and most Aeos Energy collected at the end of the 10-minute match wins the game.

The map is divided into two sections, and each team has two goals they must defend on either side of the map. The map features an upper path, lower path, and wild area in the center of the map. Most teams will have one or two players pushing and fighting in each lane while another player, referred to as the Jungler, kills wild Pokémon in the center to gather Aeos Energy.

Each goal is destroyed after 100 points are scored, meaning teams will slowly push into enemy territory if they consistently score points. Teams must maintain a balance between attacking and scoring, defending their goals, and collecting Aeos Energy.

There are also special Pokémon around the map that provide additional bonuses for defeating them. Do not ignore these enemies as they can change the outcome of a match and provide much-needed advantages.

Fighting alone is not recommended as multiple enemies can easily overwhelm a lone player. Teams must work together to score points and defend their territory. Having a balanced composition is also helpful, and learning which role you enjoy playing is important.

Find the perfect Pokémon for you

Players can choose from five different classes: All-Rounder, Attacker, Defender, Speedster, and Supporter. Each class assists their team in a special way but requires slightly different playstyles to be effective.

All-Rounder Pokemon

All-Rounder Pokémon are an excellent choice for new players. These Pokémon have balanced Offense and Endurance skulls and are excellent fighters. Their mobility is typically average but is enough to move around the map effectively. However, they do struggle to support their teammates.

Attackers

Attackers have low endurance but excel at ranged attacks. Players can deal massive damage from a safe distance with Attackers, but remember that a quick escape is not always an option with these Pokémon.

Defenders

Defenders are the equivalent of tank characters. They have high endurance and are excellent at protecting their teammates and goals. They are usually incapable of dealing massive damage, so remember to help these players fight back.

Speedster Pokémon

Speedster Pokémon can move quickly and easily outmaneuver opponents. Their high mobility makes them the perfect choice for quick attacks and scoring points. Make sure to quickly escape to avoid becoming an easy kill.

Support Pokemon

Last but not least are Support Pokémon. These useful characters heal teammates and debuff opponents, creating easy targets. These Pokémon are not meant for the frontline, so make sure to hide behind an appropriate ally.

Part of the fun is figuring out which Pokémon matches your playstyle. Try different Pokémon in matches to discover how you enjoy helping your team. Just try to play to your Pokémon’s strengths to avoid being a detriment.

Don’t ignore the special Pokémon

Players can defeat special Pokémon scattered around the map that provides special buffs when defeated. These buffs can significantly impact you and your team’s performance and are almost always worth acquiring.

Bouffant can be found near either spawn point in Remoat Stadium 15 seconds after the round begins. The player who gets the last hit on Bouffant is given an Orange Buff. This buff slows down enemies equipped with the buff, which is an excellent deterrent for advancing enemies.

Players can also find Ludicolo near Bouffalant, which drops the Purple Buff. This buff increases the damage dealt to enemies with low health. Use this buff to finish damaged enemies with ease.

Drednaw spawns at the bottom of the map and provides a defense buff to an entire team when defeated. This shield is an excellent advantage in intense fights and can easily turn the tides of a close match.

Rotom is the special Pokémon that appears at the top of the map. This Pokémon moves to the closest opposing goal after it is defeated. Rotom charges the enemy goal for a brief period, allowing players to score instantly. Just remember to follow Rotom to the goal to prevent enemies from destroying it.

Zapdos is the final special Pokémon that appears in 10-minute matches. Zapdos spawns in the center of the map in the final two minutes of a match. The team that defeats this powerful Pokémon receives a substantial amount of Aeos Energy and can score instantly for 30 seconds. Defeating Zapdos can provide a massive boost in the late game and help a team come back in the final moments.

While these special Pokémon should not be your primary concern in games, they are an excellent boost that should be considered.

Experiment with moves

Almost every Pokémon evolves as a match progresses. This introduces new moves your Pokémon can learn, slightly changing how they play. Each Pokémon starts with two basic moves that can be transformed into new moves as they level up. The moves also grow stronger in the late game, allowing players to deal significant damage.

Some moves have synergies with other moves, making them more effective when combined or used in a certain order. Check the Pokémon tab to see the details about each move to make sure they align with your playstyle. Also, ensure your moves complement one another, and feel free to experiment with your move sets.

Each Pokémon also has a Unite move, which is typically the strongest attack available. Unite moves take time to power up after each use and can help turn the tides of a fight. These moves cannot be changed, so learn how to use your Pokémon’s Unite move effectively.

Items are your friend

Players can further customize their Pokémon with items. There are currently two types of items in Pokémon Unite: Battle and Hold Items. Battle Items provide buffs to your Pokémon in battle or debuffs to opponents. For example, players can heal their Pokémon with a Potion to keep them alive in a dire situation. Only one Battle Item can be equipped at a time, so choose carefully.

Held Items provide consistent buffs to your Pokémon in a match. Players can level up Held Items by using Item Enhancers found in the shop. These items significantly change the strengths of your Pokémon, and finding the right combination is essential.

Both types of items can be found in the Battle Prep menu. More Battle Items are unlocked as your trainer level increases.

Use the in-game tutorials for help

Pokémon Unite has an excellent tutorial system that teaches the basics of the game. It is highly recommended to complete the six tutorials in the Practice tab. They provide excellent knowledge and a significant amount of Aeos coins.

Feel free to also use the Practice Area to learn the mechanics and basics before jumping into online matches if needed. Every Pokémon is also available in the Practice Area, so consider trying out new characters here before purchasing unlocking them.