Pokemon Unitehas brought together two types of gamers: the ones who grew up onPokemonand those who are avid MOBA players. The 5v5 online battle arena title features over 60 playable Pokemon that trainers need to use to work with others and score the most points against the opposing team.Pokemon Uniteis a unique take on the MOBA genre, and just like other titles, it’s also taking steps to elevate players' experiences.
Pokemon Unitehas organized various in-game eventsand content drops, like the upcoming launch of Tinkaton and holiday-themed Holowear just in time for Christmas. At this point, it’s only a matter of time before the battle arena title comes out with a new game mode, and a recent rumor could be a cool look at what’s to come.
Pokemon Unite Could Be Taking the Same Route as League of Legends
As mentioned,Pokemon Unitetakes some notes from popular MOBA titles likeLeague of LegendsandDota 2in terms of its gameplay. The similarities might not stop there, as aleaked screenshot from Centro Leaksrevealed thatPokemon Unitemight add an auto battler. Although the leaked photo reportedly comes fromPokemon UniteChina, it could still roll out in other regions.
Anauto battler is essentially a strategy gamewhere players choose characters that will engage in automatic combat against seven other players. In each round, players have to fortify their teams by leveling up characters, synergizing the right traits, and equipping the right items, so they can reach the top four spots. Auto battlers also teach players about economy management to save coins to roll down for units, and choose the right upgrades to maximize their power.Teamfight Tacticsis one of the most popular auto battlers today, featuring existingLeague of Legendschampions and items. It also changes things with themed sets that introduce new mechanics and traits to keep the game fresh.
For decades,Pokemongames have emphasized building the right lineups before facing other trainers and Gym Leaders.Pokemon Unitedefinitely takes this aspect up a notch with its team-based gameplay, and possibly adding an auto battler is a natural progression for the title because it would allow players to build teams in a brand-new way. It would be a great opportunity to study how certain elements and types will work well together against other Pokemon.
In terms of items and upgrades, perhaps it could take some inspiration fromPokemon TCG’s Item and Trainer cards. Since the majority of Pokemon don’t use weapons, it would make sense to utilize items like potions and biscuits to increase units' power, and stones and candies forPokemon evolution. Poke Balls could also help in finding Pokemon that players need to complete their team compositions.
The question now is whetherPokemon Unite’s rumored auto battler will be available in the current game or if developer TiMi Studio will create a separate application for it. For example,Teamfight Tacticscan be accessed via theLeague of Legendsclient on the PC, and it also has a separate app on mobile for more accessible and optimized gameplay.
The beauty of auto battlers is that they can bring in new players, especially non-MOBA fans, to a game. While this game mode does take a lot of skills to master, it’s not as intense as a MOBA match. If the rumors are true,Pokemon Unitecould be sitting on a goldmine with an auto battler of its own. Hopefully, the rumored auto battler will be available in more regions and not just limited to China.
Pokémon Unite
WHERE TO PLAY
Join Trainers from around the world as they head for Aeos Island to compete in Unite Battles! In Unite Battles, Trainers face off in 5-on-5 team battles to see who can score the most points within the allotted time. Teamwork is key as you and your teammates defeat wild Pokémon, level up and evolve your partner Pokémon, and knock out the opposing team’s Pokémon to prevent them from scoring points. Put your teamwork to the test, and take home the win!BATTLE IN STYLE: Take to the field while looking your best in Holowear! Thanks to a special technology developed using Aeos energy, Trainers can deck out their Pokémon in a variety of holographic outfits—with new styles arriving regularly!UNITE MOVES: Unleash the true power of your Pokémon with Unite Moves! Leverage these all-new Pokémon moves, which are only possible while in Unite Battles, and turn the tide of even the direst situations.RANK UP: Looking to prove how skilled you are? Participate in ranked matches, and earn points as you climb up the global leaderboard!COMMUNICATION IS KEY: Even the most skilled Trainers recognize how important communication is to their team’s success. Leverage signals, quick-chat messages, and—for the first time in a Pokémon title—voice chat to communicate and stay in sync with your team.
