In every Pokémon UNITE match, your Pokémon starts again at level 1. It evolves, learns its moves and unlocks its Unite Move as the battle goes on. The choices you make along the way define your playstyle for the whole match.

From level 1 to level 15

All Pokémon start the match at level 1, in their base form: choosing Charizard means starting as Charmander. They level up by knocking out wild and opposing Pokémon, by scoring, and a little with time. The maximum level is 15.

A few exceptions: Pokémon whose pre-evolution is a baby start already evolved (Lucario doesn’t start as Riolu, nor Snorlax as Munchlax), and some Pokémon never reach their final stage, like Pikachu, which doesn’t become Raichu.

Your Pokémon evolves during the match.

Types of moves

No cooldown

The basic attack

A quick attack, usable at will. Every few attacks, the next one is boosted: usually the third, but some Pokémon have a different rhythm, like the Garchomp line.

With cooldown

Moves

Two slots, each with a cooldown time. These are what make the difference in battle.

Very long cooldown

The Unite Move

A very powerful move, unlocked around level 9, capable of turning a fight around. Its cooldown is much longer than the others.

Passive

The Ability

A permanent effect unique to each Pokémon, which can change as it evolves.

Move choices

  1. At the start of the match, you choose one of the two starting moves; the second is learned at level 3.
  2. A few levels later, you replace the first one with one of two new moves. This choice is permanent for the match.
  3. Then, the same for the second slot: another choice between two moves, permanent as well.
  4. Around level 9, the Unite Move unlocks.
  5. At the end of progression, your two moves are upgraded and gain additional effects.
The choice between two moves: it shapes the whole match.

Unite Moves

Each Pokémon has its own Unite Move, from Pikachu’s Thunderstorm to Snorlax’s Heavy Slumber. Some held items, like the Energy Amplifier or the Buddy Barrier, boost their effect or cooldown. Our list of playable Pokémon gives each one’s Unite Move.