Pokémon UNITE is a team-based strategy battle game: two teams of five players face off for ten minutes to score the most points. Free on Nintendo Switch and mobile, it is quick to pick up but hides real depth. Here is how to get off to a good start.

Genre
team-based strategy battle game (MOBA)
Platforms
Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, iOS and Android
Release
July 21, 2021 (Switch), September 22, 2021 (mobile)
Developer
TiMi Studios (Tencent Games)
Price
free, with optional purchases

The basics in thirty seconds

Each player controls one Pokémon. By knocking out wild Pokémon and opposing Pokémon, they collect Aeos energy. They then have to score it in the opposing goal zones, staying inside for a few moments. When time runs out, the team with the most points wins.

Pokémon start every match at level 1 and evolve during battle, up to level 15.

Scoring in the opposing goal zone: the heart of the game.
  1. Defeat wild Pokémon to earn experience and Aeos energy.
  2. Level up: your Pokémon evolves and unlocks new moves.
  3. Score in the opposing goal zones when the coast is clear.
  4. Fight as a team for the powerful wild Pokémon and the end-of-match legendary.

Your first Pokémon

To play a Pokémon, you need its Unite License. The game gives you a few as you progress, and a selection of Pokémon is playable for free each week in Standard and Quick Battles. Start with Pokémon that are easy to pick up:
  • PikachuPikachuAttackerRanged · Easy

    Ranged Attacker, simple and effective

  • CharizardCharizardAll-RounderMelee · Easy

    Sturdy All-Rounder that forgives mistakes

  • SnorlaxSnorlaxDefenderMelee · Easy

    Defender that soaks up damage and protects

  • EldegossEldegossSupporterRanged · Easy

    Supporter that heals allies

  • VenusaurVenusaurAttackerRanged · Easy

    Long-range special Attacker

Trainer progression

Every match raises your Trainer Level. The first levels unlock the essentials: battle items like the Potion, Ranked mode, then the ability to equip three held items and upgrade them.
UnlockApproximate Trainer Level
Potion, first battle item4
Ranked Battles (with 5 Unite Licenses)6
Three held items per Pokémon10
Item Enhancers to upgrade itemsaround level 9

Based on Poképédia and Serebii; thresholds may change with updates.

Settings to change right away

Before every match

Held items

Equip three items suited to your Pokémon’s role. Leftovers are given to you from the start. See Held Items.

Just one

The battle item

Pick one activatable item: Potion to begin with, then Eject Button or Fluffy Tail. See Battle Items.

Comfort

Controls

In the options, turn on the auto-aim that suits your style and the range display: they help a lot at the start.

Playing your first matches well