Check out this beginner guide for Pokemon Unite (Pokemon MOBA). This guide includes beginner tips & tricks, how to win, advanced strats, Pokemon types & roles, and more!
Gameplay Overview
What To Do First
Tips For Beginners
Advanced Tips & Strategies
Related Articles | |
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Check out our Tier List to see which Pokémon are the strongest! ▶︎ Best Pokemon Tier List | |
Check out for the things you should avoid in-game here! ▶︎ 9 Things Not To Do & Mistakes You Should Avoid | |
Check out the 5 useful tips & tricks to master here! ▶︎ 5 Useful Techniques To Master | |
Check out the terms used in Pokemon Unite here! ▶︎ Terminology Guide - Glossary of Useful Terms |
Gameplay Overview
5v5 MOBA Featuring Pokemon Characters
Pokemon Unite is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game in the Pokemon Universe. Teams of up to 5 players each compete against each other for map domination during matches of 10 (or 5) minutes. In Standard battles, you'll cooperate with 4 other players to be the victor!
The Team With The Most Points Wins
Winning a match in Pokemon Unite is pretty straightforward: simply score more points than the opposing team. To get points, defeat wild Pokemon as well as enemy players, then bring those points to an enemy's goal and score them.
The Flow Of A Unite Match
1 | Gain exp and points by defeating wild and enemy Pokemon |
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2 | Take your points to the enemy team's goal |
3 | Score points by finishing your cast without being interrupted |
4 | Repeat the process |
5 | Points gained are doubled in the last two minutes of the match |
Only Points Scored At Goals Count
Points are not counted towards your team's overall score unless they're actually scored in an opponent's goal. Carrying around 50 points won't do your team any good if you don't actually cash them in by scoring!
Tip! | In addition to giving you a brief frame of invincibility, scoring actually heals your Pokemon as well. Keep this in mind during fights, as sneaking away to score may just provide you with the necessary health boost to survive. |
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The More Points You Have, The Longer It Takes To Score
It's not a good idea to hoard points because the more points you're currently holding, the longer your cast time to score at goals will be. This encourages players to score at lower point-counts instead.
Score Faster With Allies
No. of Teammates | Score Speed |
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1 Teammate | 30% increase |
2 Teammates | 35% increase |
3 Teammates | 40% increase |
4Teammates | 60% increase |
Having allies around you while scoring can speed up the process. Make sure to have allies around when scoring large points to score faster and to minimize the risk.
Carry Capacity Is Based On Level
Level | Max Points |
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1-8 | 30 |
9-11 | 40 |
12-15 | 50 |
Increase your level to increase the maximum number of score that you can carry at one time. This can be extremely important especially after winning a clash as you may have to pick up more points.
Scoring GuideMaps Are Divided Into Two
The layout of the map in Pokemon Unite is integral to the gameplay. It is divided in two, with 5 goals for each of the team's side.
Fun Fact! | The map in Unite is mirrored. This means that both teams will see themselves as starting on and playing from the left side! |
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Wild Pokemon Placement Is Also Mirrored
There's no advantage to whichever side of the map you get since even the wild Pokemon is mirrored between the sides. Integral boss Pokemon can be found in the middle of the map to give both teams a fair chance to get them.
Map Guide - Types & ObjectivesMap Has Three Lanes
There are 3 lanes in Pokemon Unite: Top, Middle, & Bottom. There are no strict rules in lane assignment, but some Pokemon are clearly more suited for certain lanes depending on the game's meta.
Which Lanes to Play GuidePokemon Have Specific Roles
Roles exist in Unite just as they do in other MOBA games. Each Pokemon will have an assigned role which best fits it. Expect your gameplay to change significantly depending on the role you play - it's best to be aware of what you're expected to do!
All Pokemon (Character) ListPokemon Roles & Definitions
Attacker | Pokemon whose kits are specifically made to deal damage against enemies |
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Speedster | Pokemon that can quickly go in and out of battle, acting like assassins |
Defender | Pokemon with high defense that can easily tank enemy damage for their team and crowd control enemies |
Supporter | Pokemon that provide useful buffs to allies and/or debuffs to enemies |
All-Rounder | A hybrid between an Attacker and a Defender |
Pick Your Lane Based On Your Role
Certain roles tend to do better in certain lanes. Although the meta hasn't really settled yet, it's still a good idea for Speedsters to take a middle solo lane, and for Supporters to pair up with a higher-DPS partner like an Attacker or All-Rounder.
Which Lanes to Play - Top, Mid, Bottom Lane Roles GuideOnly 1 Same-Name Pokemon Can Be Chosen Per Team
You can't choose the same Pokemon that your teammates have already chosen, as there can only be 1 unique Pokemon per team. Get familiar with Pokemon of different roles so that you'll have another Pokemon to fall back to if your top choice is unavailable.
Can Two Players Use The Same Pokemon?Do Pokemon Types & Element Matter?
In Pokemon Unite, Pokemon types and elemental attacks do not follow the same rules as in core Pokemon games. There are no type weaknesses and strengths to memorize in Unite.
Elemental Types & Moves DetailsPokemon Level Up & Evolve
During a match, your Pokemon will level up and even evolve. To do this, players need to defeat wild and enemy Pokemon to gain EXP. Note that some Pokemon, such as Pikachu, will not evolve at all!
How To Level Up FastEach Pokemon Has Its Own Set Of Moves
The way moves work in Unite is rather unique: you'll have a maximum of 2 regular and 1 Unite move available at any time, but your abilities will change over the course of a fight. Consult the table below, noting that the exact levels you learn moves will depend on the Pokemon you're playing. You can test them out using Practice Mode.
Level & Move Progression
Level 1 | Choose one of two moves to use |
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Level 3 | Learn the move you chose not to learn at level 1 |
Level 4-6 | Choose one of two new moves |
Level 7-9 | Choose one of two other new moves |
Level 9-10 | Gain your final Unite move |
Level 11+ | Gain small upgrades to your 2 main moves |
Using Items
3 Types Of Items In Pokemon Unite
Held Items | Items that passively provide a stat increase. These can be upgraded. |
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Battle Items | Items that can be used to provide a temporary special buff in a match. Has a cooldown & Cannot be upgraded. |
Berries | Items that spawn on the map |
Held Items
Pokemon can have up to 3 Held Items, which a player needs to manually set before starting a match. Held items have two components: a passive buff to stats, and an effect that can be either passive or dependent on a certain condition (like scoring a goal.)
All Held Items ListBattle Items
Battle items provide some sort of beneficial effect to your Pokemon, such as a stat boost, a teleport effect, or a way to cleanse stuns. Unlike Held Items, these are active and have a cooldown!
All Battle Items ListBerries
Berries are items that spawn directly in the map during a match. These can provide healing or even speed boosts when a Pokemon walks to it.
All Berry ListItem Builds Are Essential For Pokemon
Knowing what type of item builds fit the role of your Pokemon is essential to choosing the right items for them. For example, Attackers will benefit more when using items that increase Attack (or Sp. Atk) and Speed, while Defenders may prefer HP and HP restoration.
Held Items Can Be Upgraded
Upgrade your Held Items to further increase the status boost that they give you. Getting an essential item in your build to at least level 20 should be top priority.
Best Held Item UpgradeUpgrading Held Items Is Important In Ranked Matches
Upgrading Held Items is important in ranked matches since you need to gain the upper hand against your opponents for the upcoming matches. So try to upgrade the Held Items that you often use on your Favorite Pokemon first.
Great Rank - How To Rank UpOther Items That Can Be Used
Item | Effect | Price |
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Battle Point Booster (7 Days) | Get twice the battle points at the end of a match | x400 x40 |
Battle Point Booster (3 Days) | Get twice the battle points at the end of a match | x200 x20 |
Battle Point Booster (1 Day) | Get twice the battle points at the end of a match | x100 x10 |
Rename Card | Lets you rename your trainer. Can’t change your name again for three days after use. | x100 |
Aeos Coin Booster (7 Days) | Get twice the Aeos Coins at the end of a match | x800 x80 |
Aeos Coin Booster (3 Days) | Get twice the Aeos Coins at the end of a match | x350 x35 |
Aeos Coin Booster (1 Day) | Get twice the Aeos Coins at the end of a match | x150 x15 |
Energy Boost Tank | Grants 1000 Aeos Energy and doubles the regular Aeos Energy gained from completing battles | x50 |
Energy Boost Tank (Gain x4) | Grants 1000 Aeos Energy and quadruples the regular Aeos Energy gained from completing battles | x200 |
Bonus Energy Tank | Grants 1000 Bonus Energy | x200 |
There are other items that can be used to provide bonus rewards after the match. This can also help your trainer to level up, receive more rewards, and even helps you to customize your trainer.
▲Jump back up to the topWhat Kind Of Beginner Are You?
New To Mobas? Or New To Unite?
The definition of 'beginner' can be different from person to person - many people approach Pokemon Unite with various different gaming backgrounds. Click on the answer below that best describes your own experience to jump down to a section of that guide that would be more appropriate for you!
What To Do First
List Of Things To Do First As Starter | |
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1 | ▼ Pick your starter Pokemon |
2 | ▼ Clear all tutorials for Aeos Coins |
3 | ▼ Complete the 14-day log-in bonus |
4 | ▼ Raise your trainer level |
5 | ▼ Clear events |
Pick Your Starter Pokemon
You'll be given one Pokemon Unite license as a present when you start the game. There's a total of 5 Pokemon you can choose from.
Starter Pokemon You Can Choose From
It's possible to succeed on any of the above 5 Pokemon! That being said, if you want to carry your team, we strongly recommend Talonflame or Pikachu! Snorlax and Eldegoss are bother very high tier picks that will be extremely strong in Ranked Matches, but will require you to rely on your teammates somewhat.
Read up more on the pros and cons of each Pokemon in the detailed guide below.
Starter Pokemon Guide - Best Free PokemonClear All Tutorials For Aeos Coins
Learn The Basics Of Pokemon Unite
Learn the basics to Pokemon Unite and get some Aeos Coins while you're at it by completing the 4 Advanced Tutorials in the Practice Menu. Each one will give you 800 Aeos Coins for completing them.
Earn Total Of 3,200 Aeos Coins
Players will earn a total of 3,200 Aeos Coins by completing all 4 advanced tutorials. This can then be used to either purchase Unite Licenses or upgrade your Held Items, so we strongly recommend knocking out all tutorials first.
Learning The Basics Helps When In Ranked Matches
Aside from obtaining Aeos Coins, you can deepen your understanding of how the game works by simply completing the various tutorials, especially if you unlocked ranked matches. Learning from the tutorial teaches you the rules, basics, and even some advanced aspects to the game. Bring this knowledge with you when you tackle ranked matches!
Beginner Rank - How To Rank UpCheck The 14-Day Log-In Bonus Every Day
Get Pokemon & Other Rewards From Logging In
Don't forget to log-in every day and claim the daily reward from the 14-Day Welcome Gift! Complete all 14 days to get items, Pokemon Skins, and Unite Licenses.
Pokemon Rewards & Required Log-In Days
Required Days | Reward |
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Day 2 | Alolan Ninetales |
Day 8 | Cinderace |
Day 14 | Greninja |
You'll be able to obtain Alolan Ninetales very quickly on day 2, but if you want to play Cinderace or Greninja and can't wait the the required days to get them, it might be best to their Unite Licenses from the shop instead.
Raise Your Trainer Level
Increasing your Trainer Level is something that will happen naturally as a product of playing matches. Reaching certain levels will unlock key game features, including being able to upgrade Held Items and unlocking Ranked Matches.
Trainer Level - How to Get Battle PointsTrainer Level Key Rewards
Level | Unlocked Function / Pokemon |
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Level 2 | Slowbro |
Level 5 | Venusaur |
Level 6 | - Ranked Matches - Energy Rewards |
Level 7 | - 2nd Held Item slot |
Level 9 | - Item Upgrades |
Level 10 | - 3rd Held Item slot |
Complete Events
Get Rewards For Completing Different Events
Event Missions are a good way to farm for Aeos Tickets, Fashion Tickets, Item Enhancers, and even Super Item Enhancers. Some even reward Cosmetic Items for your Trainer! Events will change at regular intervals, so it's best to take care of them as soon as you can.
Event List & Guides▲Jump back up to the topComplete Daily Missions
Daily Missions have no duration, but they do reset every day so make sure to do them before the day ends. Clearing them rewards players with Aeos Coins and Aeos Tickets.
Daily Challenge GuideTips For Beginners
Overview Of Basics
※ Click or tap the item to jump to a detailed explanation below
Know The Importance Of Objectives
Unite is a PvP game where you'll have to take out enemy players, but there are also several crucial wild Pokemon-based objectives that you can't ignore. Fights will naturally occur around these, so it's crucial that you're ready to take these objectives at any moment.
Click Here How To Ping In The MatchBe Aware Of Boss Pokemon Spawns
Always be aware if Rotom or Drednaw are up and try to aid your allies in taking them, as they provide valuable buffs. This is even more important for Zapdos who gives the team that defeats it Points and opens the opposing team's goals.
Boss Pokemon & Effects
Boss Pokemon | Effect |
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Zapdos | Gives points to all players on your team, and makes scoring instant for 30 seconds. |
Drednaw | Give the whole team shields and a big burst of exp. |
Rotom | Fights for you while moving to the nearest goal. If it reaches it, scoring there becomes instant for a short while. |
Zapdos Can Easily Turn A Fight
If your team takes down Zapdos, you'll get a total of 110 points. If all 5 players cap, this will net your team an extra 220 points, which is often more than enough to turn a game. It's no exaggeration to say that everything depends on Zapdos.
Tip! | It's almost always a good idea to save your Unite move for the final two minutes. Try to refrain from using it in the 3rd minute, or at least do your best to bring it back up from cooldown. |
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Make Use Of Jungle Buffs
Specific Wild Pokemon will give players that beat them special buffs when they are defeated. Always check your minimap and see if these buffs are available.
Click Here For Jungle GuideDo Not Be Greedy For Jungle Buffs
Communicate on your team on who should get the Jungle Buffs. Since they are more aggressive buffs, it's better for it to go to your team's Speedster or Attacker. This is especially the case in the early game - do not take a mid laner's buffs!
Get Jungle Buffs From Defeating Specific Wild Pokemon
Pokemon | Jungle Buff |
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Bouffalant | Purple Buff - Adds a slowing effect to enemies when an attack hits |
Ludicolo | Orange Buff - increases damage against enemies that are low health |
Play As A Team - Do Not Go Off On Your Own
Pokemon Unite is a team game - it can be dangerous to face off against foes alone. Of course, if you're confident in a particular matchup it's okay to act independently, but in general, it's best to stick with your team.
Avoid Fighting On Enemy Goals
Pokemon standing on their own goal will gain a shield and HP regeneration over time. This makes it very disadvantageous for you to fight against Pokemon defending like this. Unless you're very confident you can secure a kill, refrain from fighting near goals.
Avoid Chasing Opponents Behind Goal Zone
When a Pokemon tries to chase its opponents behind their goal zones, its movement speed will be slowed down. When in that area, a purple eye icon appears over your Pokemon's head, so try to avoid roaming behind an enemy goal.
Light Bulb & Eye Symbols - What Do They Mean?Always Check Your Health Points
If you get knocked out by opponents, they'll gain an EXP advantage & be able to score on your goal. Always keep an eye on your HP and heal if it drops too low. Be aware of the various methods of healing up, including berries, recalling, and others.
How To Heal - HP Recovery GuideAlways Watch The Level Gap
It's crucial that you don't pick fights you can't win. Always pay attention to the levels of all Pokemon in a fight. Even a one level difference is not ideal, but anything more than 2 and you should probably reconsider the engagement.
Consider Leveling Up Instead
Although it might be tempting to constantly engage in fights against enemy Pokemon, it can often be a better idea to just focus on gaining EXP by defeating wild Pokemon instead. Don't stray too far from lane since you still need to defend your goals.
List Of Wild PokemonLast Hit Gets Most Exp
Take note that if multiple team members are engaging against an enemy or a wild Pokemon, the player that gets the final hit will gain the most EXP points. The remaining players will still get a small portion.
Click Here For Last Hitting Guide!Score Is Not Split
Unlike experience, score is not split among players who participte in a kill. Only the player who gets the last hit will get the points from a wild Pokemon.
Play With Friends To Refine Strategies
You can also play with your friends in Unite. Players can create a party of up to 5 to play matches together. Note that they need to either be your Unite friend or Nintendo friend to be able to invite in lobbies.
How To Add Friends & Play With TrainersFind Friends In Our Forums
Don't have anyone to play with? Don't worry. Use our forums to find a Unite Squad to join, or simply to find people to add to your friends list! Unite is a game that benefits greatly from playing with a more organized group of people. Don't be afraid to do so!
Acquaint Yourself With MOBA Terminology
Want to play with other players, but aren't so sure of the lingo? Moba games have a lot of terminology that you might not immediately recognize, so it's important you acquaint yourself with it to be on the same page as your teammates.
Terminology Guide - Glossary of Useful Terms▲Jump back up to the topAdvanced Tips & Strategies
Overview Of Advanced Tips
Learn When Wild Pokemon Spawn
※ FG = Front Goal
By learning the time when Wild Pokemon appear you'll be able to be in the right place, at the right time. Don't waste time sparring with the enemy - instead, be ready to save your abilities to get last hits on the Wild Pokemon in the area. Experience is the most important resource early game!
Remoat Stadium - Map & Wild Pokemon GuideOptimize Your Setting & Controls
If you want to really improve your play, you'll need to take a hard look at your settings: Ensuring that you're able to smoothly target the right enemy at the right time is key, and to do that you'll need to tinker with a few control settings.
Recommended Settings - Controls & Graphics GuideMaster Cancelling Moves
If you don't need to use a move or you accidentally selected a move, make sure to cancel it properly by pressing the B button while holding the Ability you want to cancel. This is key for preventing accidental misfires of moves!
How To Cancel Abilities & MovesFocus Down Priority Targets
Choosing the right target to attack is vital for improving your gameplay. Spreading your damage too thin over a large area is not ideal, and neither is pouring in all your abilities into the enemy's bulky Defender Pokemon. Try to focus on high priority targets, like Speedsters and Attackers.
▲Jump back up to the topLearn Pokemon Power Spikes
By learning the level each Pokemon evolves or learn new moves, you can more easily decide when to attack and when not to. If your opponent has already learned their next move and you haven't, it will be better to back up and farm exp instead.
Power Spike Guide - When Pokemon Get StrongerWatch Other People's Gameplay
If you're really serious about improving your play, it can be a good idea to look at the gameplay of people who are in a higher rank than you. Try to find a Master rank player who mains the same Pokemon as you, and imitate their behavior. We've compiled a list of high-rank streamers for this exact purpose, so make sure to check it out below!
Streamer & High Rank Player ListOther Useful Articles
※ | The articles below are supplemental reading to help you improve further! |
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9 Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even a player in the upper ranks is not immune from making mistakes! Not playing the objective, not coordinating with your team or not watching the minimap are common mistakes that even advanced players make when they become overconfident. Check out the article below for a series of mistakes to ensure that you're not making any of them!
9 Things Not To Do & Mistakes You Should AvoidTurn The Tables Around
If your team is struggling, you should make an effort to communicate, devise a plan, attack buff Pokemon, and target Wild Boss Pokemon to try to make a comeback. If you find yourself struggling in the early game, check the article below for tips on how to pull ahead!
What To Do When You're LosingClose Battles With The Opposing Team
If both teams are more or less evenly matched, you'll have to focus on preparing for the final fight against Zapdos.
What To Do In A Close BattleHow To Become MVP
MVP is rewarded to a player from each team that has the highest total of Scores, KO, & Assists. There are also missions that being the MVP is the objective. Check out the article below for tips on how to be an MVP.
MVP Guide - How To MVP & Score CalculationUse Status Effect Moves As An Advantage
Some Pokemon have moves that inflict abnormal effect that helps defeat Pokemon faster. Check out the link below for which Pokemon has Status Effects, what kinds of effects are in Pokemon Unite, & how to cure them.
Status Effects GuidePokemon Unite Related Articles
Pokemon Related Guides
Best Pokemon Tier List | Best Builds Guide |
Favorite Pokemon Ranking Tool | Pokemon Moves List |
Unite Moves List | Free Pokemon List |
Stats Per Level | Master Rank Builds Guide |
All Roles List | ||
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Attackers | Defenders | All-Rounders |
Speedsters | Supporters | - |