Beginner's guide to Pokemon Unite: Gameplay essentials, helpful hints, and strategic advice.

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It’s the ultimate Pokemon game we’ve always envisioned! Pokemon Unite allows players to engage in real-time battles using their beloved Pokemon.

There’s a lot happening in a match of Pokemon Unite, which can be particularly overwhelming for those new to the MOBA genre. Fortunately, our comprehensive beginner’s guide to Pokemon Unite will help you understand the game quickly.

What exactly is Pokemon Unite?

The latest addition to the MOBA genre, Pokemon Unite, features teams of five players competing against one another. In this real-time battle, each of the ten participants takes on the role of their beloved Pokemon.

Grasping the fundamentals of the MOBA genre

MOBA is an acronym for Multiplayer Online Battle Arena. This term refers to games in which players compete in teams, typically consisting of five members, such as Dota 2 and League of Legends.

In the beginning of a MOBA match, participants must enhance their characters by overcoming opponents, whether they are other players or AI-controlled entities. This typically occurs along one of the lanes present on the game map.

The term “lane” refers to the routes that traverse the map from one edge to the other, specifically the top lane and bottom lane in the context of Pokemon Unite. The two teams will compete until one of them fulfills the specific victory requirements of the game.

What are the strategies for achieving victory in Pokemon Unite?

In Pokemon Unite, the primary objective is to accumulate points, and to secure victory, your team must outscore the opposing team within the 10-minute timeframe.

You can accumulate points by defeating wild or player-controlled enemy Pokémon and successfully scoring them in one of the opposing team’s goals.

Which Pokémon should I choose in Pokémon Unite?

Given the vast selection of Pokemon available in the store, you might be contemplating which ones are truly deserving of your hard-earned Aeos coins.

Don’t worry if you’re unsure about which type of Pokemon to choose. With five different classes to select from, you’re bound to find one that matches your playstyle, whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced player.

Type of assailant

If you enjoy witnessing massive damage figures from a distance, then Pokémon of the Attacker type is perfect for you.

For Attacker-type Pokémon, offense is paramount. They play a crucial role in delivering the majority of the team’s damage in Pokémon Unite.

Being one of the more fragile classes, they require safeguarding from Defenders and All-Rounders who can absorb the damage effectively.

For those new to the game, Pikachu and Cinderace are great options to think about when selecting an attacker-type Pokémon.

Type of Speedster

At their core, Speedsters are opportunistic, swiftly taking down solitary Pokémon and vulnerable objectives.

In Pokemon Unite, the Speedsters, known for their exceptional agility, can effortlessly maneuver around the majority of Pokemon, making it easy for them to sneak in some scores when the coast is clear.

They are most powerful in the early stages of the game, where they can dominate most Pokémon until those Pokémon begin to evolve.

While Speedsters may not be the most accessible option for newcomers, you might want to try Zeraora if you’re interested in exploring this class.

Versatile individual

Confront your rivals head-on and engage in relentless battles using versatile All-Rounder Pokemon.

All-Rounders possess a strong mix of offensive and defensive capabilities, making them ideal for players who like to adapt their strategies quickly with versatile movesets. They are difficult to defeat and can be particularly intimidating when they confront an opposing Attacker or Speedster.

Among all the All-Rounders, Lucario stands out as the most accessible and beginner-friendly character, thanks to his inherent durability and diverse range of moves.

Type of defender

Defenders from around the globe come together, as Pokemon Unite introduces the formidable, stunning, and lethal Defender Pokemon. These creatures serve as formidable barriers for their teammates, and the choices made by a Defender can significantly influence the outcome of battles.

They not only absorb significant damage on the front lines, but also assist in creating opportunities for knockouts through crowd control, divert the enemy’s focus from their allies, and prevent the opposition from securing crucial objectives.

Blastoise and Snorlax are excellent choices for newcomers looking to explore the Defender role in Pokemon Unite.

Type of supporter

Not particularly skilled in combat? That’s alright! You can still assist your team by using Supporter Pokémon to enhance their abilities, offer protective shields, and heal their wounds.

While they may appear adorable and huggable, it’s important to note that Supporter-type Pokémon can significantly enhance a team’s performance, making them hit harder, attack faster, and become more resilient with their supportive abilities. Having a Supporter on your team is always a welcome addition.

Eldegoss serves as an excellent choice for novice players seeking a defensive support role, whereas Wigglytuff excels as a strong offensive support Pokémon.

• Charizard guide: Strategies, move sets, equipment, advice, and techniques.
• Blissey guide: Strategies, move sets, equipment, advice, and techniques.

What are the steps to play Pokemon Unite?

In a match of Pokemon Unite, you will focus on three primary goals:

• Defeating opposing Pokemon
• Advancing to a higher level
• Gaining points

Among these three factors, scoring holds the highest significance, as the team that accumulates the most points during the 10-minute game emerges as the victor.

At the beginning of the game, choose a lane and begin defeating wild Pokémon to gain experience and earn points for evolution.

Strive to earn points whenever possible, but ensure it’s safe to do so. The opposing team receives additional experience if they succeed in eliminating you. Similarly, you can earn extra experience by taking them out as well.

At the seven-minute mark, the two target Pokémon, Rotom and Drednaw, will appear at the upper and lower sections of the map. Aim to defeat these Pokémon, as they provide additional scoring points. Additionally, the advantages they offer will be beneficial to you and your team.

With two minutes remaining in the match, Zapdos will appear in the center of the arena, and any points scored from that moment will be worth double! Even if your team is trailing, securing a few double dunks can turn the tide and lead you to victory.

Items for holding and combat purposes

In Pokemon Unite, players can equip two categories of items: Held items and battle items.

Equipped items offer passive advantages such as enhanced attributes or special effects to the user. These effects may encompass increased critical hit chances, extra health, and reduced damage.

You can equip a maximum of three items simultaneously, so feel free to experiment with different combinations based on your team setup and personal playstyle.

Battle items are tools that can be utilized at any moment during gameplay to provide advantages to the player. Consider them as an additional action.

This encompasses temporary battle items that enhance stats, such as X Attack and X Speed, as well as extra moves like the decelerating cloud from Slow Smoke. At any given moment, only a single battle item can be equipped.

Which lane should I choose in Pokemon Unite?

A common guideline for lane distribution in Pokemon Unite suggests having two Pokemon in each of the top and bottom lanes, while the central area should be occupied by a single Pokemon.

Upper Lane

• 1 unit of Attacker, Speedster, or All-Rounder
• One Defender or Support role.

Early-game attackers who lack strength may prefer to position themselves in the top lane to gain experience, as the bottom lane tends to become chaotic during the Drednaw spawn.

Speedsters and All-Rounders are capable of occupying the top lane if your team lacks an Attacker or if the Attacker is positioned in another lane.

The second Pokémon in the lane should have the ability to safeguard their teammate. While defenders make for the perfect partner in the top lane, a Supporter Pokémon can also fulfill this role effectively.

Core Zone

• 1x Sprinter, Versatile Player, or Forward

Commonly known as the jungle among MOBA enthusiasts, the central zone is primarily designated for Speedsters aiming to ambush the side lanes early on, leveraging their level advantage. All-Rounders and Attackers also gain from this central region, as they too can take advantage of the additional experience.

Bot Lane

• 1 unit of versatile player or forward
• One Support or Defender role.

The bottom lane is the center of excitement, and you’ll thrive with Pokémon that excel in early skirmishes.

Versatile Pokémon are ideal in this situation as they can absorb some damage while also delivering significant hits. While an Attacker can serve as an alternative to an All-Rounder, they must exercise caution to avoid being caught off guard during skirmishes.

Supporter Pokémon excel in the bottom lane as they provide crucial assistance to their lane partner, enhancing their survivability through various support abilities. In the absence of Supporter Pokémon, a Defender can step in to offer support.

What activities can I engage in within the Central Area?

Defeat the Lilipup early in the game, and then collect the power-up from Ludicolo. This enhancement will enable you to eliminate wild Pokémon more efficiently.

Eliminate Bouffalant to activate his buff that lowers defense, then defeat the two Corphish in the vicinity to quickly reach level five.

At stage five, move towards the nearest lane and search for an opportunity to eliminate an opposing Pokemon by emerging from the foliage.

What are the objective Pokémon?

In contrast to wild Pokemon, objective Pokemon grant bonuses, effects, or assistance to the team that delivers the final blow to defeat them.

Rotom

Rotom appears at the top of the map after seven minutes of gameplay.

When your team acquires Rotom, it will gradually advance towards the opponent’s goal, engaging any enemy Pokémon it encounters along the way. Upon reaching the goal, Rotom will contribute 20 points and enable your team to score points in that goal instantly for a limited duration.

Drednaw

Drednaw appears after seven minutes and can be located at the lower section of the map.

Teams that successfully capture Drednaw receive a temporary shield and an experience enhancement for all allied Pokémon. It’s crucial to understand that allowing an opponent to take Drednaw without a fight is a significant error! Always prepare to battle for Drednaw alongside your teammates when he appears.

Zapdos

Zapdos appears exclusively in the center of the map in the final two minutes of the match, making it the most crucial objective Pokémon in the game.

The team that delivers the finishing blow to Zapdos is awarded 20 points per member and gains the ability to score points on any goal for a limited duration. No matter how dire the situation may seem for your team, there’s always a chance for a comeback if you manage to take down Zapdos!

Gameplay guide: Essential Tips and Strategies for Beginners in Pokemon Unite

At the beginning of the game, just a single Pokemon should head to the central zone.

The main reason for having a single Pokémon in the central zone is to facilitate rapid leveling. Distributing experience in this area undermines its intended function. If you notice a player heading to the central zone at the beginning of the game, it’s advisable to choose a side lane instead.

2. Avoid engaging in battles near the opponent’s goal.

Unless your team significantly outnumbers the defending Pokémon, attempting to battle them while they are on their goals is generally unwise. The healing and shielding they receive from being on the goal typically make it too difficult to defeat them.

Gaining points restores your Pokémon’s health.

If your Pokémon requires a fast boost, aim for a goal when the area is clear. The number of points you achieve is irrelevant; as long as your Pokémon makes a successful dunk in the goal area, you’ll regain some health. This tactic is handy for conserving your Sitrus berries or avoiding the need to teleport back to your base.

4. Utilize the grass for unexpected assaults.

The grass serves a purpose beyond mere aesthetics, everyone. Pokémon concealed within tall grass remain out of sight from opponents, making it an ideal strategy for ambushes. Additionally, it can be utilized to evade pursuing enemy Pokémon. Eliminating a Pokémon in your lane can provide your team with an opportunity to rack up additional points.

5. Only the last strike on the target Pokémon is counted.

In Pokémon battles, the objective is to claim the final knockout, rather than simply inflicting the highest damage. Don’t hesitate to hold back a powerful move to snatch that Drednaw or Zapdos from your opponents!

Enhance your understanding of Pokemon Unite by going through the tutorial again.

If you ever find yourself unsure about how something operates, you can always go back to the Pokemon Unite tutorial. You can access the tutorial by selecting the Practice option located at the top of the menu.