Pokémon UNITE updates to Version 1.20.1.3 — Balance adjustments for Pawmot + changes to Draft Mode rules

Pokémon UNITE updated to Version 1.20.1.3 at 7am (UTC) on September 5th. This update, rolled out just one day after the previous update which added Pawmot to the game, brings emergency balance adjustments and bug fixes. Specifically, it was found that Pawmot would be knocked out more easily than anticipated, so its durability and Unite Move effect have been improved to utilize it as a sustained fighter. It also fixes experience gain in the early stages of the new Theia Sky Ruins (Groudon) map, which would often make matches one-sided.

Additionally, some changes have been made to the rules for Draft mode, which increases the number of banned Pokémon, to allow for a greater variety of Pokémon to be selected. The previous format of leaving the choice of banned Pokémon up to specific players was not well suited to ranked matches, so this will be changed to a voting-based system.

Ver.1.20.1.3 Patch Notes
The full patch notes for the v1.20.1.3 update can be found below:

Update Details​

• Balance Adjustments
• Bug Fixes

If the app has not been updated on your device, please restart the app to apply this update.
While the game is updating, you may not be able to connect to the server. If this occurs, please try again later.

Map Adjustments​

Theia Sky Ruins (Groudon)​

• The experience points gained from knocking out Regidrago have been reduced.

It has been observed that when a significant amount of experience is awarded to one team in the early game, matches often become one-sided. To ensure that battles remain closely contested and enjoyable for both teams into the mid and late game, the experience gained from defeating Regidrago has been reduced.

Balance Adjustments​

To adjust the balance of Unite Battles, some Pokémon stats and moves have been changed.

Pawmot​

Stats

• HP: 3250–7602 → 3250–9000
• Defense: 90–498 → 90–560
• Sp. Def: 65–338 → 65–400
• Attack Speed: 0–8% increase
• HP recovery from basic attacks: 0–15% → 0–20%

Volt Switch

• Damage: 10% increase

Thunder Punch

• Damage: 10% increase

Unite Move: Zip Zap Full-Charge Spark

• Now resets the cooldowns of Pawmot's other moves upon use.
• Range: 6m → 7m
• Gauge increase (Basic Attack): 6% → 8% when hitting opposing Pokémon
• Gauge increase (Move): 3% → 4% when hitting opposing Pokémon

Since its release, Pawmot was being knocked out more often than anticipated, making it difficult for Pawmot to utilize its key strength of sustained fighting. Additionally, the low usage frequency of its Unite Move, which was designed as a combat initiator, was also a major issue.

To address these two issues, this adjustment increases Pawmot's base durability and changes the specifications of its Unite Move, allowing it to be used more frequently and as an initiator for powerful combos. The expectation is that these changes will allow Pawmot to fight more tenaciously and succeed with the chain attacks initiated by its Unite Move.

Bug Fixes​

The following bug has been fixed.

• Fixed a bug where Pawmot's Thunder Punch was also dealing damage to allies.

Draft Mode Update
The announcement for the Draft Mode Update can be read below:

As of September 4, 2025, the number of banned Pokémon and the method for determining bans have been changed in the Draft Mode for both Ranked Matches and Custom Battles.

Objectives of the Change​

• By increasing the number of ban slots, the goal is to discourage a static meta and foster an environment where a wider variety of Pokémon are selected.
• The previous format, where ban selections were entrusted to specific players, was not well-suited for Ranked Matches where communication can be difficult. This change resolves that issue.
• The time required for the Pokémon selection phase will be shortened, providing a quicker and more streamlined experience for all players.

Specifications After the Change​

Number of Banned Pokémon

• Up to 3 Pokémon per team.

Ban Determination Method

• All participants will have one vote each.
• Each player votes for a Pokémon they wish to ban. (Players can also choose not to vote.)
• Any Pokémon that receives 2 or more votes is confirmed as a ban.
• If 4 or more different Pokémon receive votes, any remaining ban slots (up to a total of 3) will be filled by randomly selecting from the Pokémon that received only 1 vote.

Ranked Match Rewards Issue

As a result of the season transition for Ranked Matches, an issue occurred where some users were unable to properly receive their previous season's rank rewards.

A fix has been implemented, and the issue has been resolved at this time. For users who did not receive the correct rewards, we will provide the appropriate rewards at a later date.

We apologize for the inconvenience, and appreciate your understanding. #PokemonUNITE

 

The EXP Gain in Theia Sky Ruins was clear, I was playing last night, and it was absurd in the difference in EXP for my team and the opponents. We were level 6 before they were level 3, and we steam rolled though them. At times (Now I don't know if this is because I'm a very low rank or due to the EXP issue) there were matches where we fully evolved our Pokémon before the opponents evolved their Pokemon once