How to Win: Tips & Strategies for Every Lane

This is a minute-by-minute guide on how to play effectively during battles in Pokemon UNITE. Read on to learn what to do in each minute of a match, how to win lanes, how to turn things around, and more!

Tips for Winning Games

Minute-by-minute Guide
10:00 - 9:00	Clear out wild Pokemon in your lane
9:00 - 8:00	Focus on farming wild Pokemon rather than fighting
7:00 ~	Focus on defeating Drednaw
7:00 - 2:00	Focus on leveling up
2:00	Defend goals, score points, and defeat Zapdos

10:00 - 9:00 : Clear Out Wild Pokemon in Your Lane

One the game starts trainers should clear out wild Pokemon in lanes. The main objective is to get as much exp. as possible early on, giving players a slight power advantage in the lane.

Jungler's should avoid taking either of the first 2 Aipoms and go directly to the Jungle which allows the other two lanes to maximize their exp.

9:00 - 8:00 : Focus on Hunting Wild Pokemon Rather than Enemies

After clearing out the first batch of wild Pokemon, players should still focus on hunting wild Pokemon instead of pursuing their enemy. The objective is the same as the previous time frame, get exp. fast to get an advantage in the lane.

Avoid Team Fights, Steal XP

Trainers should avoid direct confrontation opponents in lane outside of poking them with a few basic attacks, and moves and attempting to steal their wild Pokemon. Forcing the enemy to recall back to base is more advantageous as the respawn timer is very low at this point and Super Jump Pads are not available until the 5:00 minute mark. Enemy Pokemon will take some time to return to the lane meaning they're missing out on exp.

List of Wild Pokemon and Spawn Times

Prioritize Vespiquen and Combees

Vespiquen and Combees give a lot of points, and exp. to Pokemon. Players should always try to contest these wild Pokemon to get that power spike in the middle to late game.

Using moves that have an AOE effect when they hit is the best way to farm Vespiquen and Combees, since they are closely grouped together.

7:00 ~ : Focus on Defeating Rotom and Drednaw

Rotom and Drednaw spawn at the 7:00 minute mark. They give decent amounts of points, and exp. as well as a useful effect when defeated. Players should focus on defeating them, and take advantage of their respective effects.

Defeat Drednaw to Get Level Advantage

Currently, Dreadnaw is the most important objective next to Zapdos. Drednaw offers not only shields but also exp for the entire team which can grant a significant level advantage and quicker access to Unite Moves.

Also, it is important to make use of the shields given by Drednaw to try to get kills, and score points for the team.

Don't over extend after taking Dreadnaw. Take the nearest enemy goal after Dreadnaw if possible, but aftewards its common to either return to farming, steal their jungle camps or rotate to top lane to apply more pressure.

Drednaw Buff and Spawn Time

Defeat Rotom to Pressure Top Lane

When defeated, Rotom joins the team to push the top lane. Rotom attacks enemies it encounters, and makes a goal vulnerable for a duration, making it easier to score points. This puts pressure on the top lane, forcing the enemy to react quickly to prevent Rotom from reaching their goal, and creating a lot of space for allies to focus on other things like hunting other wild Pokemon.

Rotom Buff and Spawn Time

7:00 - 2:00 : Focus on Leveing Up

Between the 7:00 to 2:00 minute mark, players need to make sure that they have the level advantage over their enemy. Aside from defeating Rotom and Drednaw, it is time to hunt wild Pokemon not only from the allied side of the map but also from the enemy side.

Steal the Ludicolo and Bouffalant Buffs from the Enemy

At this point of the match, having the both Ludicolo's and Bouffalant's buff really helps in gaining the level advantage against the enemy team. The best scenario is if the team has all the buffs in the map with at least having two Pokemon with both buffs each, or having four Pokemon with one buff each. Taking away both buffs from the enemy not only steals the exp. but also the potential for better team fights.

Use Ludicolo's Buff to Aggressively Hunt Wild Pokemon

Ludicolo's buff allows Pokemon to farm wild Pokemon faster. When players have this buff, they should use it to its fullest by aggressively taking wild Pokemon in the entire map, even at the enemy side.

Ludicolo Buff and Spawn Time

Use Bouffalant's Buff to Hunt Enemy Pokemon

Bouffalant's buff slows enemies when they are attacked. Use this buff to hunt down enemy Pokemon, especially if they are away from their allies. Then, turn kills into points by scoring.

Bouffalant Buff and Spawn Time

2:00 : Defend Goals, Score Points, and Defeat Zapdos

At the 2:00, teams can turn things around if they are behind, or solidify their lead if they are ahead. Players should focus on defending their goals, scoring points, and watching out for Zapdos.

Watch out for Sneaky Plays/Sneak a Goal

At this point of the match, points are doubled. The enemy is most likely trying to sneak a goal, and score high points. It only takes one Pokemon with 50 points to take down at least one of the outer or middle goals. With this in mind, it is important to keep an eye on the minimap for enemies attempting a sneaky play.

Inversely, if players see that their enemy is not defending their goal, employing a sneaky play is a good tactic to either gain the advantage or even things out.

Know When to Pursue Zapdos

As a rule of thumb, when the team has a huge lead, it is best to focus on defending goals instead of defeating Zapdos. It is the objective of the losing team to defeat Zapdos, since this is the only way they can turn things around.

Securing the area where Zapdos is located, but not pursuing it directly, is an effective strategy to prevent the enemy from getting Zapdos. However, if the enemy manages to get to Zapdos first, the best move is to make the enemy do all the work in defeating Zapdos, then going in for the last hit to steal it from them.

Zapdos Buff and How to Steal

How to Turn Things Around When Losing

Don't demoralize the team

Support your strongest ally

Hunt Audinos in the sides of the lanes

Use grass for suprise attacks

Defeat Drednaw

Use Zapdos as a bait

Don't Demoralize the Team

Players can get frustrated when they are on the losing team. The best thing to do is to keep playing the game, and avoid demoralizing the team. Focus on leveling up, and defending goals when Zapdos has not appeared yet.

Do Not Go AFK

Often times when players get frustrated because they are losing, they go AFK/idle, leaving their team at a disadvatange. Avoid this behavior, and focus on getting objectives like scoring points instead.

How to Quit a Match: What Happens When You Go AFK

Do Not Spam the Surrender Vote

Another way players show their frustration is by repeatedly voting for a surrender, demoralizing the team as a result. When a surrender vote is cast, a pop-up box appears on the screen, obstructing a player's view. Avoid repeatedly voting a surrender because it can distracts allies.

How to Surrender and the Disadvantages of Surrendering

Do Not Feed Intentionally

The worst habit of players when they are losing is intentionally feeding the other team, putting the allied team at a huge disadvantage. Not only that this demoralizes allies, it destroys the entire game, and will most likely result in a defeat.

Support Your Strongest Ally

If there is an ally that has contributed the most in the team even when losing, the best action to turn things around is to rally behind that ally, and support their actions. This allows the team to be more coordinated, and increase the chance of winning the game.

Hunt Audinos in the Sides of the Lanes

Audinos appear at the sides of the top and bottom lanes when the first goal of the respective lane is destroyed. Audino gives a decent amount of exp., and points to score, so hunting them provides a way to even things out.

Use Grass for Surprise Attacks

Players can catch enemies unaware by hiding in the grass, striking fast, then go for the kill. Defeating one enemy turns the game into a 5v4 situation, providing the opportunity to defeat the entire enemy team. When this happens, it is important to follow up with scoring points for the team.

Grass Guide: How Does Grass Work?

Defeat Drednaw

Players can sacrifice the top lane by having at least one ally on the lane to draw the enemy's attention, or giving the lane up totally, in exchange for securing Drednaw, and gaining the bonuses. Defeating Drednaw as often as possible for the exp. and shields can increase the chances of winning, especially when Zapdos appears.

Use Zapdos as a Bait

When Zapdos appears, the game becomes a race to defeat Zapdos and gain the bonus effects. One way to turn things around is by tricking the enemy into thinking that the team is attempting to defeat Zapdos, hiding in the grass with the team close together, then ambushing the enemy while they are unaware. If the ambush is a success, the team can easily defeat Zapdos without any interference.

Let the Enemy Do All the Work

If the enemy team manages to survive the ambush and goes for Zapdos, the best action is to let them do all the damage to Zapdos, then get the killing blow to steal it from them. When this happens, just focus on going straight for the goals, and score as many points as possible while the goals are vulnerable.

Rally with the Team When Zapdos is Near

During the last 30 seconds before Zapdos spawns, stick with your team and try to pick off wandering targets. If your team manages to get a decent number advantage when Zapdos arrives, securing Zapdos becomes easier for your team, allowing you to turn things around. The best scenario is when your team defeats the entire enemy team, ensuring a Zapdos kill.

Top Lane Timetable and Best Pokemon

Timetable

10:00 - 9:40	Defeat wild Pokemon in the lane ・ Clear the wild Pokemon camp in the lane as fast as possible. ・Do not get the wild Pokemon from the jungle.
9:40 - 8:50	Take Corphish in the center of the lane first, then the other wild Pokemon near the goal ・Defeat Corphish first since the enemy will likely contest it.
8:50 - 7:00	Take Vespiquen and the Combees in the center of the lane ・Vespiquen and Combees will be contested.
7:00 - 4:00	Defeat Rotom and Drednaw ・Prioritize Drednaw ・Don't hesitate to use a Unite Move to secure Drednaw or Rotom ・The exp. granted can create a level advantage
4:00 - 2:00	Defeat Drednaw again ・After 3:00, save Unite Moves for Zapdos
2:00 ~	Defeat Zapdos ・If the team is ahead, don't pursue Zapdos.

Best Pokemon Comp.

The best Pokemon composition for the top lane is one Attacker, preferably a Pokemon with 3 evolutions, and a Defender. This reason is, compared to the bottom lane, it is easier to level up and assist without having too much clashes from the start. Also, attackers are effective in defeating wild Pokemon due to their long attack range.

Top Lane Guide: How to Play Top

Best Attackers

Alolan Ninetales

Cramorant

Pikachu

Best Defenders

Blastoise

Crustle

Snorlax

Bottom Lane Timetable and Best Pokemon

Timetable

10:00 - 9:40	Defeat wild Pokemon in the lane ・ Clear the wild Pokemon camp in the lane as fast as possible. ・Do not get the wild Pokemon from the jungle.
9:40 - 8:50	Take Audino in the center of the lane first, then the other wild Pokemon near the goal ・Defeat Audino first since the enemy will likely contest it.
8:50 - 7:00	Take Vespiquen and the Combees in the center of the lane ・Vespiquen and Combee will be contested. ・Better if Jungler helps.
7:00 - 4:00	Defeat Rotom and Drednaw ・Prioritize Drednaw. ・Don't hesitate to use a Unite Move to secure Drednaw or Rotom. ・The exp. granted can create a level advantage.
4:00 - 2:00	Defeat Drednaw again ・After 3:00, save Unite Moves for Zapdos.
2:00 ~	Defeat Zapdos ・If the team is ahead, don't pursue Zapdos.

Best Pokemon Comp.

The best Pokemon composition for the bottom lane is one Attacker or All-Rounder, and a heal type Supporter or Defender. By having one Pokemon deal huge amounts of damage, and the other to provide constant healing, it is easier to dominate the lane, and secure Drednaw for the team.

Bottom Lane Guide: How to Play Bot

Best Attacker or All-Rounders

Cramorant

Lucario

Machamp

Best Defender or Supporter

Eldegoss

Mr. Mime

Wigglytuff

Jungle Timetable and Best Pokemon

Timetable

10:00 - 9:00	Defeat wild Pokemon in the Jungle ・Head straight towards Lillipup ・Do not get Aipom from the top lane or bottom lane ・Clear the wild Pokemon jungle camps as fast as possible.
9:40 - 8:50	Approach either the top lane or bottom lane. ・Help the lane that is struggling the most.
8:50 - 8:30	Take Vespiquen and the Combees in the center of the lane ・Help the lane to take Vespiquen and Combee.
8:30 - 7:00	Repeat 10:00 - 9:00 ・Go back to the jungle and clear the wild Pokemon camps again.
7:00 - 4:00	Defeat Rotom and Drednaw ・Prioritize Drednaw. ・Don't hesitate to use a Unite Move to secure Drednaw or Rotom. ・The exp. granted can create a level advantage.
4:00 - 2:00	Defeat Drednaw again ・After 3:00, save Unite Moves for Zapdos
2:00 ~	Defeat Zapdos ・If the team is ahead, don't pursue Zapdos.

A Pokemon that Gets Stronger at Level 5

Absol

Talonflame

Pokemon that gets stronger at level 5 are great picks for the jungle. Pokemon are able to reach level 5 quickly by clearing out all the wild Pokemon in the jungle (Lillipup, Ludicolo, Bouffalant, and 2 Corphish). Upon reaching level 5, it is best to help either the top lane or bottom lane.

A Pokemon that Takes Time to Get Stronger

Cinderace

Garchomp

Greninja

Pokemon that have three evolutions are also great picks for the jungle. These Pokemon take time to reach their strongest power spike, so it is ideal for them to soak up solo exp. from wild Pokemon. Once they reached their final evolution, they can take over the game due to their high damage.

Jungle Guide and Best Junglers

Pokemon UNITE Related Guides

Tips and Tricks Guides

Strategy Guides

All Strategy Guides
Beginner's Guide	Things To Do First
Things To Avoid Doing	Best Starter Pokemon
Best Pokemon for Beginners	Best Team Comps
List of Settings and Best Settings	How to Unlock All Pokemon
Best Goal Timing: When to Score	Rotom Vs. Drednaw
Regieleki Vs. The Three Regis	How to Level Up Your Pokemon: EXP Farming
Country and Region Guide	Unchangeable Features
Energy Rewards Gacha	How to Defend Goals
Targeting and Aim Assist	Best Farming Routes
Things to Do Everyday	How to Win: Tips and Strategies
Reach Master Rank: Solo Queue Guide	Ganking Guide: How to Gank
Tri-Lane Guide	Pumpkin Box Guide (Event Only)
7-Day Max Grade Trial Card Guide	Beginner Support Box
Emblem Boxes Guide	License Redraw Guide (Event Only)
Rank Protection Card Guide	Unite License Puzzle Piece Selection Box

Farming and Currency Guides

Farming and Currency Guides
How to Farm Aeos Coins	How to Get Aeos Tickets
How to Get Fashion Tickets	How to Get Holowear Tickets
How to Farm Aeos Energy	Best Purchases in the Shop
How to Raise Trainer Level Fast	What to Spend Aeos Coins On
What to Spend Aeos Tickets On	What to Spend Aeos Gems On
Battle Pass Special Tickets	How to Enter Codes