Pokémon Unite has burst onto the gaming scene, merging the love of Pokémon with the excitement of a team-based strategy game. Whether you're a veteran Pokémon trainer or completely new to the world of pocket monsters, this guide will help you grasp the basics of the game and dive right into the action.
Controls: The Basics
Let's start with understanding the controls. Knowing the buttons will help you control your Pokémon effectively and cooperate with your teammates.
For Nintendo Switch
- Left joystick: Move your Pokémon.
- A Button: Use your basic attack.
- B, Y, and ZR buttons: These are used for special moves, which vary depending on your chosen Pokémon.
- R button: This will allow you to unleash your Pokémon's 'Unite Move,' a powerful attack that can change the course of battle.
- Plus (+) Button: Access the in-game menu.
For Mobile Devices
- Movement pad (left side of the screen): Drag to move your Pokémon.
- Attack button (right side): Tap to unleash basic attacks.
- Special move buttons: Located on the right, these vary depending on your Pokémon.
- Unite Move icon: When it's charged up, tap this to unleash a devastating attack.
- Menu icon: Access the in-game menu.
How to Play Pokémon Unite
The objective of Pokémon Unite is simple: earn more points than the opposing team within the time limit.
Choose Your Pokémon
Before the match starts, each player selects a Pokémon. It's a good idea to have a balanced team with attackers, defenders, and support Pokémon.
Earn Points
Defeat wild Pokémon in the arena to collect Aeos energy. You then deposit this energy into the opponent's goal zones to score points.
Protect Your Goal Zones
While you're scoring points, the opposing team is trying to do the same. Defend your zones and stop them from scoring!
Evolve and Level Up
As you defeat Pokémon, your chosen pocket monster will level up, gaining new and stronger abilities. Some Pokémon even evolve during the match, making them even more formidable.
Unite Moves
These are the most powerful moves your Pokémon can use. Save them for crucial moments or when you need to turn the tide of battle.
Endgame - The Zapdos Challenge
In the final minutes, a powerful Pokémon named Zapdos appears in the center of the arena. Whichever team defeats it gets a massive point bonus and a brief opportunity to score double points. This moment often decides the winner, so be ready!
Pokémon Unite Best Settings
Adjusting settings to suit your playstyle can be the difference between a good game and a great game. In Pokémon Unite, some settings are simply toggled 'On' or 'Off' and others may offer value-based options. Here's a guide to some basic 'On/Off' or value-based settings you might want to consider for an optimized gameplay experience:
Opponent Lock-On Priority
- Setting: Lowest Remaining HP (Value)
- Best Choice: On
- Why: This helps you focus on finishing off weaker enemies during battles, which is often the best strategy.
Attack Controls
- Setting: Advanced Controls
- Best Choice: On
- Why: It gives you more control over your attacks. It may take a bit to get used to, but it's worth it.
Automatic Basic Attacks
- Setting: Automatic
- Best Choice: On
- Why: This can help beginners land attacks more easily and lets you focus on positioning and strategy.
Boosted Attack Gauge
- Setting: Boosted Attack Gauge
- Best Choice: On
- Why: This lets you know when your boosted attacks are ready, which can be crucial in battles.
Lock-On Icon
- Setting: Lock-On Icon
- Best Choice: On
- Why: This setting provides a visual cue for who you are targeting, making it easier to focus in battles.
In-Motion Pursuit Distance
- Setting: Standard (Value)
- Best Choice: On
- Why: This offers a balanced range for automatically pursuing enemies when moving.
In-Motion Pursuit Mode
- Setting: In-Motion Pursuit Mode
- Best Choice: Off
- Why: Keeping this off prevents your Pokémon from automatically chasing enemies when you might not want to.
Scoring Controls
- Setting: Hold Button Down
- Best Choice: On
- Why: Holding the button down minimizes mistakes and ensures you are committed to scoring.
Camera Follows Moves
- Setting: Camera Follows Moves
- Best Choice: Off
- Why: This prevents the camera from swinging wildly during special moves, helping you maintain better control.
Move Aim Follows Movement Direction
- Setting: Move Aim Follows Movement Direction
- Best Choice: Off
- Why: Keeping this off lets you aim moves independently of your movement, giving you greater control.
Move Aim Snaps to Nearby Targets
- Setting: Move Aim Snaps to Nearby Targets
- Best Choice: On
- Why: This makes it easier to aim your moves at nearby enemies, which is often what you want to do.
Mini-map Position
- Setting: Top Left of Screen (Default)
- Best Choice: On
- Why: Keeping the mini-map in a consistent spot helps you quickly glance at it during gameplay.
Move Learning Controls
- Setting: Single Button
- Best Choice: On
- Why: This simplifies the process of learning new moves, making it faster and less confusing.
Mini-map Hidden
- Setting: 25% (Value)
- Best Choice: On
- Why: It's important to be aware of the mini-map, but you don't want it to distract too much from the game.
Mini-map Shown
- Setting: 40% (Value)
- Best Choice: On
- Why: This provides a more detailed view when you need it, without being too obtrusive.
Aim Assist
- Setting: Sensitivity Assist (Leave as Defaults)
- Best Choice: On
- Why: Helps in better targeting, especially useful for new players or those who may have difficulty with aim.
By adjusting these settings to your preference, you can improve your gameplay experience significantly. Remember, what works best can vary from player to player, so feel free to tweak these settings as you become more comfortable with the game.
