Pokemon Unite: release date, Switch & mobile gameplay, playable Pokemon, more

Pokemon Unite is the latest spin-off title in the much-loved Nintendo franchise, co-developed by Tencent’s TiMi Studio Group. For everything you need to know about the strategic team battler, keep on reading.

Reactions to the 5v5 MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) have been mixed since it was revealed during a Pokemon Presents back in June 2020. Fans expecting a new mainline Pokemon title felt underwhelmed when the big announcement turned out to be Unite.

But after more was shown off and a beta test in Canada, excitement is at an all-time high for the team battle strategy, especially since it’s free-to-start, and is coming to more than one platform.

Contents:

• Pokemon Unite trailers
• Pokemon Unite gameplay
• Playable Pokemon in Pokemon Unite
• Pokemon Unite Battle Pass
• Pokemon Unite currency
• Pokemon Unite voice chat
• Pokemon Unite Battle Pass
• Pokemon Unite release date

Pokemon Unite trailers

The first-ever trailer for Unite was shown off in June 2020. In it, a montage of past Pokemon titles and the Trading Card Game was shown before revealing the upcoming game being played on Nintendo Switch.

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Arenas, multiplayer, and playable Pokemon such as Charizard, Pikachu, and Gengar were detailed, as well as a brief glimpse of gameplay.

A deeper dive into gameplay didn’t come until June 2021 in a new trailer. Monsters like Cinderace, Gengar, and Lucario were shown using their moves, and it gave a general look at how battles will work.

Pokemon Unite gameplay

The fights in the game are called Unite Battles, and players need to score higher points by the time the timer runs out. Points are accumulated by beating other Pokemon and collecting the Aeos Energy they drop, before running over and dropping it into the opposing team’s zone.

You start at level one and as you play and defeat ‘mon, you earn XP which can then be used to evolve your own monsters and learn new moves. Eventually, you can learn a Unite Move for that battle only, which can be devasting for the opposing team and could get you the win.

There are also five roles that can be played: Attacker, Defender, Speedster, Supporter, and All-Rounder. Each one has its own unique playstyle, so it’s worth playing around and seeing what fits you the best.

Playable Pokemon in Pokemon Unite

Over 40 Pokemon have been confirmed for the MOBA so far, with 20 available at launch, all with their own role and moves. New monsters are unlocked using a Unite License that can be obtained via the Unite Battle Committee. Here you can exchange Aeos Coins earned in battles for your desired License.

And if you log in before August 31st, 2021, you’ll be gifted Sun & Moon Mythical, Zeraora, as a free reward. Pretty neat, right?

For the full list of playable ‘mon so far, check out our guide here.

Pokemon Unite Battle Pass

Like many free multiplayer games (think Apex Legends and Fortnite), Unite has its own paid Battle Pass which changes every season. It does have some free rewards, but the best prizes are unlocked by paying real money.

There are two paid options to choose from: the Premium Pass and Premium Pass Plus. The latter option is the same as the first except it immediately boosts you to level 10 upon purchase.

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To unlock ranks, you’ll need to complete certain missions or use Aeos Gems, which are purchased using real-life money. There are a total of 99 Battle Pass levels, each with its own rewards such as skins and cosmetics.

Pokemon Unite currency

Pokemon Unite has three types of in-game currency available for use: Aeos Gems, Aeos Coins, and Aeos Tickets. Gems are a paid option, meaning you’ll have to drop real-life cash on them. Holowear (Pokemon skins) purchased from the Zirco Trading store uses this currency exclusively. The Coins and Tickets can both be earned just by playing the game, and are used to buy Unite Licenses, held items, Trainer cosmetics, and more.

Aeos Gems prices

Pokemon Unite voice chat

To communicate with teammates, voice chat is implemented in the game. Unlike other Nintendo Switch titles, you don’t need to use the Switch Online mobile app to talk – it’s all built-in.

To turn it on or off, press X when on the main menu to bring up the settings. Then go to System Settings, scroll down to Voice Chat, and toggle it to your desired preference.

Pokemon Unite Battle Pass

The game has a seasonal Battle Pass, filled to the brim with rewards like Holowear, tickets, and more. You need to be level 5 to access it though.

As you play, you unlock ranks all the way through to level 90. While some are free, the best prizes are locked behind a paywall: the Premium version, which you have to pay real money for.

For more details on the pass, including all rewards and ranks, click here.

Pokemon Unite release date

Unite is launching on Nintendo Switch on July 21, 2021. As for iOS and Android devices, no release date is set but we do know that the mobile version will be available sometime in September.

There will be crossplay enabled between the two platforms, meaning you could start off on Switch and later move over to mobile if that’s your preferred device.