Pokémon UNITE reveals upcoming updates — Changes to Move Learning; Two new Unite Licenses to be released per month; New "Solo Mode"; and more!

In a letter from the Pokémon UNITE team, the devs have introduced a number of upcoming changes and updates to the game. The complete announcement can be found at the bottom of this article.

Kanto Legendary Birds arrive on Aeos Island
The three next Pokémon to join the fray have been announced as Zapdos (Attacker), Moltres (All-Rounder), and Articuno (Defender). These will be able to be obtained through events held in sequential order. No further information about the abilites and movesets of these Pokémon has been revealed yet.

Optimization of Pokémon Move Paths
Until now, Pokémon had two "move paths" with a total of four moves could be selected. Since either move could be selected, some combinations resulted in poor compatibility. Thus, starting with Zapdos, it will be narrowed to one Move Path to be easy to understand even when playing for the first time.

License Prices
The prices of Unite licenses newly added to the shop after February 27 will be changed from 345 – 840

Aeos Gems to 590

Aeos Gems.

Pokémon Release schedule
In 2026, two new Unite licenses will be released per month, to allow for a variety of diverse team combinations.

Expansion of Existing and New Unite Licenses
For existing Pokémon, two Move paths will be retained as before. Additionally, for some Pokémon released with a single Move path, a new feature that can "add a new Move path" is being considered, to expand the possibilities of strategy.

Changes to the Move Learning system
While moves were previously selected during level-ups in battle, they will now be set in advance before the battle starts, using the "Pokémon List" screen or the "Preparation Screen" immediately before the start of battle. This is intended to prevents accidentally selecting an unintended Move during chaotic battles or when leveling up and to make it possible to move smoothly to the next action simultaneously with a level-up.

Solo Mode
A new Solo Battle Mode will be available from February 26th. This is intended to allow enjoying CPU battles on one's own, such as for beginning players or for practice before Ranked Matches. Various sub-stages other than the usual 5v5, such as "Electrode Volleyball" and " Charjabug Scuffle," will also appear in Solo Mode.

Solo Mode progresses by clearing prepared stages in order, where the ally team and the opponent team are determined in advance. The strategy is looking at each team composition and deciding which Pokémon to challenge with. The difficulty of the early stages is set to be easy, with difficulty increasing with later stages. In later stages, team synergy and counter-picking opponents will be key. Each stage will have a Combat Power guideline. The combat power of a team can be increased by increasing the level of "held items" given to Pokémon or increase the level of the mode-exclusive Aeos Shooter.

On clearing a stage, a Rental License for the Pokémon that serves as that stage's icon will be obtained. Since the next stage can be challenged using the obtained Rental License, further progress will result in more experience with various Pokémon. By clearing each stage, players will obtain rewards such as License Points and Item Enhancers, which also leads to obtaining new Unite Licenses and strengthening held items. There are two types of rewards: "First-Time Clear Rewards" given on clearing that stage for the first time, and "Repeat Rewards" that can be obtained every day.

Groudon returns to Ranked Matches
From February 26th, the stage for Ranked Matches will switch to Theia Sky Ruins (Groudon). In future Ranked Matches, the three maps where Rayquaza, Groudon, and Kyogre appear will be rotated regularly.

"30 Years of Pokémon Super Panic Parade" to be Held
In celebration of Pokémon's 30th Anniversary, the Panic Parade game mode will reappear with a power-up starting on February 27th. Unlike usual, Pokémon from the Kanto region will appear in large numbers. Gengar, Zapdos, Mewtwo, and others will close in on Tinkaton! By participating in the event, players can obtain Trainer Icons of the Legendary Pokémon Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres.

Refinement of License Journeys
The License Journeys feature will receive continuous improvements to make it easier for beginners to enjoy Unite Battles. In early stages, it is intended to allow obtaining Unite Licenses with fewer points. License Points, which could previously be obtained through the Battle Pass and daily events, will now also be obtainable as rewards for clearing Solo Mode stages and are also planned to be distributed through daily missions and events.

Complete Announcement

To all Trainers,
Thank you for always playing Pokémon UNITE.
On February 27, 2026, Pokémon will celebrate its 30th anniversary. Pokémon UNITE will also continue to evolve, aiming to be a title that remains beloved by many.
Driven by our desire to "bring the joy of Unite Battle to as many people as possible," we are focusing on creating an environment where new players and those returning after a long absence can enjoy the game smoothly and without hesitation.
To that end, we are working on continuous improvements—such as enhancing controls and pursuing clarity—to provide an even more accessible gameplay experience.
Of course, we will also continue our efforts to create an environment where those who have been playing for a long time can continue to find the game easy to play and enjoyable.
Today, as part of those efforts, we would like to introduce some of the contents of our latest update.

The Original Legends Converge on Aeos Island​

To mark the milestone of the 30th anniversary, the Legendary Pokémon of the Kanto region—Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres—will appear in Unite Battle.

• Articuno (Defender)
  • Clad in a blizzard, Articuno creates a domain that allows no entry. Its Unite Move, through cold air that brings everything to a standstill, even freezes the opponent’s hope of victory.
• Zapdos (Attacker)
  • Controlling electricity at will, Zapdos dominates the stadium as an Attacker that strikes opponents with amplified, powerful electric shocks. Its Unite Move possesses astounding performance where the pouring lightning strikes shatter the opponent's defense.
• Moltres (All-Rounder)
  • Standing firm on the stadium with incredible regenerative power, Moltres overwhelms opponents with intense, raging flames as an All-Rounder. Its Unite Move emits a crimson radiance that dispels all darkness, bringing an opportunity to the team that does not let hidden opponents escape.

Detailed information regarding the abilities of these three Pokémon will be released soon. How will these original legends bring change to Unite Battle? Please look forward to the moment they descend upon Aeos Island.
Zapdos, Moltres, and Articuno can be obtained through events held in sequential order. Please participate in the events and enjoy battling with these Legendary Pokémon.

Updates to Pokémon Release Pace and Move Sets​

Taking the release of the Legendary Pokémon "Zapdos," scheduled for participation on February 27, as an opportunity, we will update the design of Pokémon Moves and our release policy so that more players can understand them clearly and feel free to obtain Unite Licenses.

Optimization of Pokémon "Move Paths"​

Until now, many Pokémon have been released in a form where two Move paths (a total of four Moves) could be selected. However, depending on the combination of Moves, cases occurred where compatibility was extremely poor, which became a factor in raising the hurdle for play, especially for beginner players.
Therefore, starting with Zapdos (to be released on February 27), we will narrow it down to "one Move path" to create a format that is easy to understand even when playing for the first time.

About Unite License Prices​

In conjunction with the change in Move path design, the prices of Unite licenses newly added to the shop after February 27 will be changed as follows.

Shop Sales Price
Existing Unite Licenses	345 – 840 Gems
New Unite Licenses (1 Move path)	590 Gems

Pokémon Release Pace​

In 2026, we will release new Unite licenses at a "pace of two Pokémon per month."
By having Pokémon join one after another, we believe diverse team compositions will be born.

Expansion of Existing and New Unite Licenses​

For existing Pokémon, strategic depth will be ensured by the two Move paths as before. Additionally, for some Pokémon released with a single Move path, we are also considering the introduction of a new feature that can "add a new Move path" to expand the possibilities of strategy.

Changes to the Move Learning System During Battle​

From February 26, to resolve complexity in controls and improve convenience during battle, we will change the Move learning system as follows.

Change Details​

The "Moves to learn" that were previously selected during level-ups in battle will now be set in advance before the battle starts.

Setting Method​

• "Pokémon List" screen
• "Preparation Screen" immediately before the start of battle

In the above, it is possible to pre-select the combination of Moves you wish to use.

Intent of the Change​

• Prevent Misoperation: Prevents accidentally selecting an unintended Move during chaotic battles or when leveling up.
• Improvement of tempo: It becomes possible to move smoothly to the next action simultaneously with a level-up.

For a more detailed explanation, please check HERE.

"Solo Mode" is Here!​

From February 26, a new Battle Mode, "Solo Mode," will be implemented.
"PvP matches still make me nervous..." "First, I want to practice the basics of battle." For such Trainers who have just started, we have prepared a mode where you can thoroughly enjoy CPU battles casually by yourself.
By clearing each stage, you can obtain rewards such as "License Points" and "Item Enhancers," which also leads to obtaining new Unite Licenses and strengthening your "held items."
Of course, this can be utilized not only by beginners but also for practice before challenging Ranked Matches!

Progress by Clearing Stages! How to Play "Solo Mode"​

"Solo Mode" progresses by clearing prepared stages in order.
In each stage, the compositions of the ally team and the opponent team are determined in advance.
The key to strategy is looking at each team composition and deciding "which Pokémon to challenge with."

Start with your favorite Pokémon!​

The difficulty of the early stages is set to be easy. First, without overthinking, try challenging it by choosing a Pokémon you like!

When you clear a stage, you will always obtain a "Rental License" for the Pokémon that serves as that stage's icon.
Since you can also challenge the next stage using the Rental License you obtained, the further you progress, the more you will be able to experience battles with various Pokémon.

▲First, choose a Pokémon you like and experience the joy of battle!

Challenge strategically in the later stages!​

As the stages progress, the opponent team will also become stronger.
As you reach the later stages, pay closer attention to team synergy and counter-picking your opponents to build a well-balanced composition.

▲Plan your strategy by considering the composition of your opponents and allies!

Various sub-stages are also available​

Many stages other than the usual 5vs5, such as "Electrode Volleyball" and " Charjabug Scuffle," will also appear.
Please enjoy various forms of Unite Battles.

Capture Stages by Increasing "Combat Power"​

Each stage has a "Combat Power" set as a guideline for strategy.
Combat Power can be increased through the following methods.

• Increase the level of "held items" given to Pokémon
• Increase the level of the mode-exclusive "Aeos Shooter"

If you feel clearing it is difficult, try strengthening your held items and Aeos Shooter to bring your Combat Power closer to the guideline value before challenging it again!

Play Every Day to Get Rewards!​

When you clear a stage, you can obtain various rewards useful for your adventure. There are two types of rewards: "First-Time Clear Rewards" given when you clear that stage for the first time, and "Repeat Rewards" that can be obtained every day.

• Mission First-Time Clear Rewards (Examples)
  • License Points
  • Item Enhancers
  • Rental License for the Pokémon that featured as the stage icon
  • Aeos Shooter Points
• Repeat Rewards (Example)
  • Aeos Shooter Points

*Can be obtained repeatedly up to 3 times per day.

Through "Solo Mode," we hope that even more Trainers will experience the depth of Unite Battle and the joy of battling with various Pokémon.
Please look forward to the release on February 26!

Groudon Returns to Ranked Matches​

From February 26, the stage for Ranked Matches will switch to "Theia Sky Ruins (Groudon)." Please enjoy the exhilarating feeling of the effects obtained when K/Oing Groudon, and the strategic changes accompanying the map update.
In future Ranked Matches, we plan to regularly rotate through three maps where "Rayquaza," "Groudon," and "Kyogre" appear. Since different tactics and Pokémon selections become important for each respective map, we believe this will allow players to enjoy the changes in the battle environment even more.

"30 Years of Pokémon Super Panic Parade" to be Held​

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, "Panic Parade," where you aim to clear it by cooperating with allies, will reappear with a power-up on February 27.
In "30 Years of Pokémon Super Panic Parade," unlike usual, Pokémon from the Kanto region will appear in large numbers. Gengar, Zapdos, Mewtwo, and others will close in on Tinkaton!
By participating in the event, you can obtain Trainer Icons of the Legendary Pokémon Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. Give it a try and see if you can get them all!

Regarding the Refinement of the License Journey​

"License Journey," which appeared in December 2025, is a feature where you select the Unite License you desire at each stage and obtain your target Unite License through daily gameplay.
Particularly in the early stages, it is designed so that Unite Licenses can be obtained with fewer points, allowing even those who have just started to obtain various Unite Licenses and enjoy the breadth of Unite Battle.
We plan to continue making ongoing improvements to this feature so that everyone can enjoy it even more.

Expansion of point acquisition methods:​

"Unite License Points," which could previously be obtained through the Battle Pass and daily events, will now also be obtainable as clear rewards for "Solo Mode" played alone. Please obtain new Unite Licenses through the new mode.

Adjustment of point acquisition methods:​

We are organizing unclear acquisition methods in daily events and other areas, and considering adjustments to distribution methods so that daily play leads to the acquisition of Unite License Points.

Improvement of freedom of choice:​

After progressing to a certain extent, we plan to increase the number of "Special Selection" so that Pokémon can be selected more freely.

We will continue to brush up the content of "License Journey" to provide a better experience for all Trainers.

Regarding the Holding of PUACL​

On March 28 and 29, we will hold the "PUACL2026 FINALS (Pokémon UNITE Asia Champions League 2026)," to determine the strongest in Asia for Pokémon UNITE.
In this tournament, which will be one of the largest scale events for a single Pokémon title, a total of 16 top teams will assemble in Yokohama, including top qualifying teams from invited leagues in Japan, Southeast Asia, and India, as well as the top 3 teams from last November's 2026 Pokémon Latin America International Championships (LAIC). Before a crowd of over 5,000 spectators gathered at the venue, Yokohama BUNTAI, they will clash for the title of the strongest in Asia. Furthermore, the winning team will be granted the right to participate in "WCS2026 (2026 Pokémon World Championships)" to be held in San Francisco in August.
In addition to watching at the venue, you can enjoy it from anywhere in the world via live streaming on the official channel. Please do not miss the top-tier fierce battles of Pokémon UNITE!

The entire team will continue to strive to deliver a battle experience that can be enjoyed by even more people, based on the opinions of all Trainers.
We look forward to your continued support of Pokémon UNITE.

From the Pokémon UNITE Team

Thank you for always enjoying Pokémon UNITE. Beginning Friday, February 27, 2026, the way in which Pokémon learn moves during battle will be updated.
From this point onward, players will be able to pre-select the moves their Pokémon will learn during battle, and no decision-making will be needed during battle.

How to select moves​

Before battle, select the moves you would like to learn during battle via either of the two screens below.

Pokémon details​

If you would like to take your time choosing your Pokémon’s moves, you can select them on the Pokémon details screen, via the main menu.

Battle Prep​

If you would like to select your Pokémon’s moves after seeing your allies’ and opponents’ team composition, you can select them in Battle Prep.

Differences during battle​

• Stay levelheaded—even during the fray!
  • Since your Pokémon’s moves will have been selected beforehand, you won’t need to worry about picking the wrong move during battle.
• Focus on gameplay
  • Since you won’t need to worry about move selection, you can keep your focus on battle—even when leveling up.

We hope you enjoy Unite Battles with this new system that keeps your focus on battling!