What can you do as a free member?

Member benefits illustration

Create your free account today and unlock all our premium features and tools to enhance your gaming experience.

Member benefits illustration

Create your free account today and save articles to your watchlist and get notified when they're updated with new information.

Member benefits illustration

Create your free account today and save your favorite games for quick access later, synced across all your devices.

Member benefits illustration

By creating a Game8 account and logging in, you'll receive instant notifications when someone replies to your posts.

Comment rating feature illustration

By creating a Game8 account and logging in, you can make use of convenient features in the comments section, such as rating and sorting comments.

Premium archive feature illustration

By creating a Game8 account and logging in, you can access Premium articles that are exclusively available to members.

Site Interface

Guest
Free Member
Article Watchlist
Game Bookmarks
Cross-device Sync
Light/Dark Theme Toggle
User Profiles
Direct Feedback
Comment Rating

Game Tools

Guest
Free Member
Interactive Map Access
Interactive Map Pins
Interactive Map Comments
Interactive Map Pins Cross-Device
Check List
Event Choice Checker
Deck Builder Cross-Device
Message Board Notification
Message Board Cross-Device
Build Planner
Stat Calculator
Diagnostic Tool
Weapon/Armor Wishlist

Want more information?Learn more

Pokemon UNITE

Is Pokemon UNITE a MOBA?

7
Add to Watchlist

★ New Pokemon: Dhelmise | Vaporeon
☆ Upcoming Pokemon
★ Latest Patch: Version 1.21.1.2
☆ Latest News: Big Root | Tenacity Belt
★ Join Game8's Pokemon Discord Server!

Differences from Other MOBAs Banner.png

Thinking of trying Pokemon UNITE for yourself? This page explains if Pokemon UNITE is a MOBA as well as its difference with other MOBA games available in the market!

List of Contents

Is Pokemon UNITE a MOBA?

Yes, Pokemon UNITE is a MOBA Game

Pokemon UNITE is the Pokemon Company's attempt to introduce a MOBA game using Pokemon as characters! Head on to the arena using your favorite Pokemon and prove your dominance in a 5v5 battle!

Pokemon Roster - All Character List

Difference from Other MOBAs

checkmark.pngWin Condition
checkmark.pngAbilities Can Change
checkmark.pngVision Works Differently
checkmark.pngFarming Works Differently
checkmark.pngNo Shops and Gold During Battles
checkmark.pngItems are Equipped Before the Match
checkmark.pngUpgrading Items Works Differently
checkmark.pngInventory Works Differently
checkmark.pngNo PIcks and Bans
checkmark.pngThere is a Time Limit

Win Condition

MOBA Difference - Win Condition.png

The main objective in most MOBAs is centered around destroying the enemy's base to win the game. In Pokemon UNITE, the win condition is to score more points than the other team.

Scoring Guide: When to Score Goals

Possibility of a Tie Game

MOBA Difference - Tie Game.png

Because the game is based on a scoring system, there is a possibility of a tie game. The winning team is determined by whichever team reached the tied score first .

Abilities Can Change

MOBA Difference - Abilities Can Change.png

The characters/heroes in most MOBAs have fixed abilities throughout the game, usually 3 basic abilities and one ultimate. In Pokemon UNITE, each Pokemon starts out with two fixed abilities/moves, then when they reach a certain level, these abilities are can be replaced with one of two new abilities/moves.

Vision Works Differently

MOBA Difference - Vision Works Differently.png

The vision mechanic in Pokemon UNITE works a little differently from other MOBAs. Walls do not block a player's vision in Pokemon UNITE, which means it cannot be used to hide from the enemy.

Vision Guide: How Does Vision (Sight) Work?

Farming Works Differently

MOBA Difference - Farming.png

Farming refers to the act of killing minions/monsters for gold to buy the neccessary items for the character/hero and to level up, and is a core gameplay feature in MOBAs. Farming works differently in Pokemon UNITE, where you still hunt for wild Pokemon that drop Aeos Energy instead. The player then collects the Aeos Energy from these wild Pokemon and uses them to score points at enemy goal zones.

MOBA Terms and Glossary

No Shops and Gold During Battles

Aeos Emporium

A core feature in most MOBAs is the shop/shops found around the map during battles. However, Pokemon UNITE does not have any shops during battles at all. Instead, the shops available in the game can only be accessed in the main menu, not during battles.

Consequently, there is also no currency during battles, which most MOBAs have in the form of gold.
List of Shops and Price List

Items are Equipped Before the Match

MOBA Difference - Items Equipped Before Match.png

Most MOBAs have players buy and equip the neccessary items for their character/hero during matches. In Pokemon UNITE, players equip items before the actual match begins.

There are two types of items players can equip before the match: Held Items, and Battle Items.

Can't Change Items During Battles

Unlike most MOBAs where players can freely change their items throughout the match through buying and selling, Pokemon UNITE does not allow players to change their items during battles. Once the match starts, whatever items are equipped before the match will be the items players have throughout the match.

Upgrading Items Works Differently

Upgrading items

Item progression in most MOBAs requires players to collect gold to improve some of their items during battles. In Pokemon UNITE, players can only upgrade their items by purchasing Item Enhancers, and using it to upgrade items BEFORE the start of the battle. Furthermore, each item can be upgraded up to level 30.

How to Upgrade Items

Has Pay-to-Win Elements

Game Mechanics Front - Upgrade Items.png

As a consequence, players who are able to upgrade their items faster will have a huge advantage against players who have low level items.

Is Pokemon UNITE Pay to Win? Free vs. Premium Features

Inventory Works Differently

MOBA Difference - Unlock Item Slots.png

While most MOBAs have a fixed inventory for each character/hero, Pokemon UNITE requires players to unlock item slots in order to equip more items. Players in Pokemon UNITE start with only 1 item slot for a held item and 1 item slot for a battle item. To unlock additional held item slots, players are required to level up their Trainer Level.

Trainer Level: How to Get Battle Points Fast

Limited to 4 Items at Most

Compared to most MOBAs where players can have up to 6 items or more, Pokemon UNITE has a limit of 4 items consisting of 3 Held items and 1 Battle item.

No Picks and Bans

MOBA Difference - No Picks and Bans.png

During the picking phase of each Ranked Match, other MOBAs allow players to ban certain characters/heroes and pick the ones they want to use, preventing the other team from being able to pick that character/hero. In Pokemon UNITE, players cannot ban Pokemon nor prevent the other team from getting the same Pokemon.

Can Players Use The Same Pokemon?

There is a Time Limit

MOBA Difference - Time Limit.png

Perhaps the most notable feature of Pokemon UNITE is its time limit per match. Other MOBAs do not have a time limit for each match, making it possible to have extremely long matches.

The time limit for a match depends on the match type. Standard and Ranked matches have the 10 minute time limit. Quick battles on the other hand only have a 5 minute time limit.

Requires Strict Time Management

Clear Out Wild Pokemon

As a consequence of having a time limit for each match, Pokemon UNITE requires players to make quick and calculated decisions to avoid wasting time. Breaking the game down into minutes, and knowing what to do in those minutes is the key to playing Pokemon UNITE.

How to Win: Tips & Strategies for Every Lane

Pokemon UNITE Related Guides

Pokemon Unite Latest News

Latest News

Updates and Patch Notes

Updates and Patch Notes

Version 1.21

Version 1.21 Patch Notes List
Version 1.21.1.2
(December 4, 2025)

Version 1.20

Version 1.20 Patch Notes List
Version 1.20.1.2
(September 4, 2025)		 Version 1.20.1.5
(September 20, 2025)
Version 1.20.2.7
(September 25, 2025)		 Version 1.20.3.10
(October 22, 2025)
Version 1.20.3.11
(November 13, 2025)		 -

Version 1.19

Version 1.19 Patch Notes List
Version 1.19.1.2
(June 5, 2025)		 Version 1.19.1.4
(June 27, 2025)
Version 1.19.2.6
(July 18, 2025)		 Version 1.19.2.8
(July 31, 2025)
Version 1.19.2.11
(August 19, 2025)		 -

Version 1.18

Version 1.18 Patch Notes List
Version 1.18.1.2
(February 27, 2025)		 Version 1.18.1.3
(March 13, 2025)
Version 1.18.1.4
(March 19, 2025)		 Version 1.18.2.5
(April 17, 2025)
Version 1.18.2.6
(April 24, 2025)		 Version 1.18.2.7
(May 15, 2025)

Version 1.17

Version 1.17 Patch Notes List
Version 1.17.1.2
(December 5, 2024)		 Version 1.17.1.5
(December 16, 2024)
Version 1.17.1.6
(December 26, 2024)		 Version 1.17.2.8
(January 16, 2025)
Version 1.17.2.10
(February 6, 2025)		 Version 1.17.2.11
(February 13, 2025)

Version 1.16

Version 1.16 Patch Notes List
Version 1.16.1.2
(September 5, 2024)		 Version 1.16.1.4
(September 27, 2024)
Version 1.16.2.6
(October 17, 2024)		 Version 1.16.2.7
(October 19, 2024)
Version 1.16.2.8
(November 1, 2024)		 Version 1.16.2.9
(November 21, 2024)

Version 1.15

Version 1.15 Patch Notes List
Version 1.15.1.2
(July 16, 2024)		 Version 1.15.1.3
(July 25, 2024)
Version 1.15.1.5
(July 31, 2024)		 Version 1.15.1.7
(Aug. 22, 2024)

Version 1.14

Version 1.14 Patch Notes List
Version 1.14.1.2
(February 27, 2024)		 Version 1.14.1.4
(March 12, 2024)
Version 1.14.1.5
(April 16, 2024)		 Version 1.14.1.6
(May 13, 2024)
Version 1.14.2.8
(June 6, 2024)		 Version 1.14.2.9
(June 13, 2024)
Version 1.14.2.10
(June 19, 2024)		 -

Version 1.13

Version 1.13 Patch Notes List
Version 1.13.1.2
(December 5, 2023)		 Version 1.13.1.3
(December 12, 2023)
Version 1.13.1.4
(January 9, 2024)		 Version 1.13.1.5
(January 15, 2024)
Version 1.13.1.6
(February 22, 2024)		 -

Version 1.12

Version 1.12 Patch Notes List
Version 1.12.1.2
(September 7, 2023)		 Version 1.12.1.3
(September 14, 2023)
Version 1.12.1.4
(October 18, 2023)		 Version 1.12.1.6
(November 13, 2023)

Version 1.11

Version 1.11 Patch Notes List
Version 1.11.1.3
(July 18, 2023)		 Version 1.11.1.4
(July 22, 2023)
Version 1.11.1.7
(August 7, 2023)		 Version 1.11.1.8
(August 15, 2023)

Version 1.10

Version 1.10 Patch Notes List
Version 1.10.1.2
(June 8, 2023)		 Version 1.10.1.3
(June 15, 2023)
Version 1.10.1.4
(June 26, 2023)		 Version 1.10.1.5
(July 3, 2023)

Version 1.9

Version 1.9 Patch Notes List
Version 1.9.1.2
(February 27, 2023)		 Version 1.9.1.3
(March 3, 2023)
Version 1.9.1.4
(March 8, 2023)		 Version 1.9.1.5
(April 4, 2023)
Version 1.9.2.6
(April 13, 2023)		 Version 1.9.2.8
(May 11, 2023)
Version 1.9.2.9
(May 16, 2023)		 -

Version 1.8

Version 1.8 Patch Notes List
Version 1.8.1.2
(December 1, 2022)		 Version 1.8.1.3
(December 8, 2022)
Version 1.8.1.4
(December 22, 2022)		 Version 1.8.1.5
(January 11, 2023)
Version 1.8.1.6
(January 31, 2023)		 Version 1.8.1.7
(February 14, 2023)

Version 1.7

Version 1.7 Patch Notes LIst
Version 1.7.1.2
(September 2, 2022)		 Version 1.7.1.3
(September 5, 2022)
Version 1.7.1.4
(September 9, 2022)		 Version 1.7.1.5
(September 16, 2022)
Version 1.7.1.7
(September 28, 2022)		 Version 1.7.1.8
(October 13, 2022)
Version 1.7.1.9
(October 27, 2022)		 Version 1.7.1.11
(November 16, 2022)

Version 1.6

Version 1.6 Patch Notes List
Version 1.6.1.2
(July 21, 2022)		 Version 1.6.1.3
(July 27, 2022)
Version 1.6.1.4
(August 4, 2022)		 --

Version 1.5

Version 1.5 Patch Notes List
Version 1.5.1.2
(April 28, 2022)		 Version 1.5.1.3
(May 6, 2022)
Version 1.5.1.4
(May 16, 2022)		 Version 1.5.1.5
(May 16, 2022)
Version 1.5.1.6
(May 30, 2022)		 Version 1.5.2.7
(June 20, 2022)
Version 1.5.2.8
(June 30, 2022)		 ---

Version 1.4

Version 1.4 Patch Notes List
Version 1.4.1.2
(January 20, 2022)		 Version 1.4.1.3
(January 26, 2022)
Version 1.4.1.4
(February 24, 2022)
Version 1.4.1.6
(March 11, 2022)
Version 1.4.1.7
(March 14, 2022)		 Version 1.4.1.8
(March 17, 2022)
Version 1.4.1.9
(March 18, 2022)		 Version 1.4.1.10
(March 28, 2022)

Version 1.3

Version 1.3 Patch Notes List
Version 1.3.1.2
(December 9, 2021)		 Version 1.3.1.4
(December 10, 2021)
Version 1.3.1.6
(December 14, 2021)		 Version 1.3.1.7
(December 20, 2021)
Version 1.3.1.8
(December 28, 2021)		 ---

Version 1.2

Version 1.2 Patch Notes List
Version 1.2.1.3
(September 22, 2021)		 Version 1.2.1.4
(September 27, 2021)
Version 1.2.1.5
(September 29, 2021)		 Version 1.2.1.6
(October 08, 2021)
Version 1.2.1.7
(October 13, 2021)		 Version 1.2.1.8
(October 20, 2021)
Version 1.2.1.10
(October 26, 2021)		 Version 1.2.1.11
(November 10, 2021)
Version 1.2.1.12
(November 16, 2021)		 Version 1.2.1.13
(November 18, 2021)
Version 1.2.1.14
(November 30, 2021)		 ---

Version 1.1

Version 1.1 Patch Notes List
Version 1.1.1.3
(July 28, 2021)		 Version 1.1.1.4
(August 4, 2021)
Version 1.1.1.5
(August 6, 2021)		 Version 1.1.1.6
(August 18, 2021)
Version 1.1.1.7
(September 1, 2021)		 Version 1.1.1.8
(September 8, 2021)

Other News
UNITE Joins the Pokemon World Championship! Pokemon UNITE Game Review
Is Pokemon UNITE Free to Play? Is Pokemon UNITE Pay to Win?
In-Game Purchases Guide How to Fix Connection Errors
Available Consoles and Platforms MOBA Terms and Glossary
Are There Bots in Ranked? Crossplay Guide: Is Pokemon UNITE Cross Platform?
How to Play in Nintendo Switch 2 -

Pokemon Release Information

Pokemon Release Info
Pokemon UNITE - Gardevoir IconGardevoir Pokemon UNITE - Blissey IconBlissey Pokemon UNITE - Blastoise IconBlastoise Pokemon UNITE - Mamoswine IconMamoswine
Pokemon UNITE - Sylveon IconSylveon Pokemon UNITE - Greedent IconGreedent Pokemon UNITE - Decidueye IconDecidueye Pokemon UNITE - Tsareena IconTsareena
Pokemon UNITE - Dragonite IconDragonite Pokemon UNITE - Trevenant IconTrevenant Pokemon UNITE - Aegislash IconAegislash Pokemon UNITE - Duraludon IconDuraludon
Pokemon UNITE - Azumarill Icon Azumarill Pokemon UNITE - Espeon IconEspeon Pokemon UNITE - Delphox Icon Delphox Pokemon UNITE - Glaceon IconGlaceon
Pokemon UNITE - Buzzwole IconBuzzwole Pokemon UNITE - Tyranitar IconTyranitar Pokemon UNITE - Mew IconMew Pokemon UNITE - Dodrio Speedster IconDodrio
Pokemon UNITE - Scizor IconScizor Pokemon UNITE - Clefable IconClefable Pokemon UNITE - Zoroark IconZoroark Pokemon UNITE - Sableye IconSableye
Pokemon UNITE -Urshifu IconUrshifu Pokemon UNITE - Dragapult IconDragapult Pokemon UNITE - Comfey IconComfey Pokemon UNITE - Goodra IconGoodra
Pokemon UNITE - Lapras Icon No RoleLapras Pokemon UNITE - Chandelure IconChandelure Pokemon UNITE - Umbreon IconUmbreon Pokemon UNITE - Leafeon IconLeafeon
Pokemon UNITE - Inteleon IconInteleon
Pokemon UNITE - Mewtwo X IconPokemon UNITE - Mega Mewtwo Y Icon
Mewtwo		 Pokemon UNITE - Blaziken IconBlaziken Pokemon UNITE - Mimikyu IconMimikyu
Pokemon UNITE - Meowscarada IconMeowscarada Pokemon UNITE - Metagross IconMetagross Pokemon UNITE - Gyarados IconGyarados Pokemon UNITE - Miraidon Icon EXMiraidon
Pokemon UNITE - Falinks Icon.pngFalinks Pokemon UNITE - Ceruledge Icon.pngCeruledge Pokemon UNITE - Ho-Oh Icon.pngHo-Oh Pokemon UNITE - Armarouge Icon.pngArmarouge
SuicuneSuicune Alolan RaichuAlolan Raichu AlcremieAlcremie Latios IconLatios
Latias IconLatias PawmotPawmot Pokemon UNITE - Empoleon IconEmpoleon Pokemon UNITE - Dhelmise IconDhelmise
Pokemon UNITE - Vaporeon IconVaporeon - - -

Comment

See more comments (7 Comments)

Author

Pokemon UNITE Walkthrough Team
This article was created by Game8's elite team of writers and gamers.
    Leave feedback(Login required)
    Please participate in our site
    improvement survey
    12/2025
    Would you assist in
    improving Game8's site?
    ×
    This survey will take about 1 minute.
    Your answers will help us to improve our website.
    We are listening to our users' valuable opinions and discussing how to act on them.
    The information collected through this survey will be used for the purpose of improving our services. In addition, the information will only be disclosed a part of a statistic in a format that will not allow identification of personal information.
    Begin Survey
    Not Now
    ×
    Please rate each item regarding Game8.co's Advertisements.
    Amount of Ads
    Very Dissatisfied
    Somewhat Dissatisfied
    Fine
    Somewhat Satisfied
    Highly Satisfied
    Placement of Ads
    Timing of Ad Display
    Ad Loading Speed
    Safeness of Ads
    Content of Ads
    ×
    Please rate each item regarding Game8.co's Quality of Articles.
    Amount of information
    Very Dissatisfied
    Somewhat Dissatisfied
    Fine
    Somewhat Satisfied
    Highly Satisfied
    Frequency of updates
    Speed of new information
    Accuracy of articles
    Understandibility of articles
    Readability of sentences
    ×
    Please rate each item regarding Game8.co's Usability of the Site.
    Ease of finding information
    Very Dissatisfied
    Somewhat Dissatisfied
    Fine
    Somewhat Satisfied
    Highly Satisfied
    Loading Speed
    Use of Color
    Font Size
    Visibility of Images
    Easy to Understand Layout
    ×
    Please rate each item regarding Game8.co's Message Boards, Comments.
    Ease of Writing
    Very Dissatisfied
    Somewhat Dissatisfied
    Fine
    Somewhat Satisfied
    Highly Satisfied
    Readability
    Ease in Finding Information
    Comment Quality
    Comment Quantity
    Admin Response
    ×
    Please rate each item regarding Game8.co's Site's new design.
    Please rate our site's new design
    Very Dissatisfied
    Somewhat Dissatisfied
    Fine
    Somewhat Satisfied
    Highly Satisfied
    Do you think that the website's design change makes the site easier to use?
    Has the new design made it easier for you to find information on the site?
    Has the new design improved the overall visual appeal of the site?
    How would you rate your overall satisfaction with the new design of the site?
    ×
    How likely are you to recommend Game8 to someone you know?
    Very Unlikely
    0
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10
    Very Likely
    If you have other opinions regarding potential improvement to the website, please share them with us. We would appreciate your honest opinion.
    Note: This is a free response section, so you can proceed without entering anything.
    Note: Please be sure not to enter any kind of personal information into your response.
    ×
    Thank You
    ×
    Thank you for participating in our survey! Your answers will help us to improve the quality of our website and services.
    We hope you continue to make use of Game8.
    Close
    For other opinions or comments, go here.

    Rankings

    Popular Articles
    Message Board
    • We could not find the message board you were looking for.

    Gaming News

    Tides of Annihilation Gameplay Trailer Deep Dive: Dual Frontline System & More Analyzed

    Tides of Annihilation Gameplay Trailer Deep Dive: Dual Fr...

    Popular Games

    Recommended Games

    All rights reserved

    ©2021 Pokémon. ©1995–2021 Nintendo / Creatures Inc. / GAME FREAK inc.
    ©2021 Tencent.

    The copyrights of videos of games used in our content and other intellectual property rights belong to the provider of the game.
    The contents we provide on this site were created personally by members of the Game8 editorial department.
    We refuse the right to reuse or repost content taken without our permission such as data or images to other sites.

    Pokemon UNITE Walkthrough & Guides Wiki

    Quick Access
    Guide Index

    Patch Notes & Latest News

    Patch Notes

    Message Boards

    Pokemon Roster

    Pokemon Builds

    Attackers

    Speedsters

    All-Rounders

    Defenders

    Supporters

    Tier Lists

    Pokemon Tier Lists

    Item Tier Lists

    Role Tier Lists

    Boost Emblems

    Emblems By Color

    Emblems By Stats

    Ranked Season

    All Ranked Seasons and Rewards

    Battle Pass

    All Battle Pass Seasons

    UNITE Tournaments

    UNITE World Championship Series

    Asia Champions League

    Winter Tournament

    Game Mechanics

    Game Modes and Rules

    Stats and Move Types

    In-Battle Gameplay Features

    Non-Battle Gameplay Features

    Game Setup Guides

    Tips & Tricks

    Strategy Guides

    Currency and Farming Guides

    Items

    Held Items

    Battle Items

    Roles and Lane

    Lane Guide

    Role Playstyle Guide

    Moves

    Abilities

    Wild Pokemon

    Boss Pokemon

    Theia Sky Ruins

    Remoat Stadium / Mer Stadium

    Shivre City

    Auroma Park

    Skins

    Trainer Fashion Categories

    Maps and Rules

    List of All Maps

    Events

    Solo Challenge Event

    Recurring Events

    One-Time Events

    Non-Timed Events

    Pokemon UNITE News

    Pokemon Release Info

    Other Pokemon Wikis