Most Pokemon games with multiplayer, but they are primarily single player experiences. The best players can hope for under normal circumstances is to play in Pokemon battles against other players. In a 2v2 format, four players can play a Pokemon game at the same time. That number is much greater in Pokemon Unite.
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A standard Unite Battle in Pokemon Unite is a 5v5 affair. This means that each team consists of five different players, making a total of 10 players in each match. It’s possible that more game modes will come to the game that add even bigger multiplayer match ups, but if other MOBAs are anything else to go off of, that’s unlikely. Still, 10 player games is abnormally large for a Pokemon game. It should be noted that in terms of co-op, only five players can play with each other.
Players can invite others to be their friends in Pokemon Unite, making playing co-op a lot easier. This way, up to five friends can all team up and face off against the opposing team. Having this extra level of communication can be extremely helpful as well, especially if the players are going up against a team that came together via matchmaking. As with any game in this genre, communication is vital to performing well, and although the game provides some options for pre-written communication, these pale in comparison to actually talking with friends.
The only thing players need to do to unlock multiplayer is to complete the initial tutorial. By the time players pick their starter Pokemon in Pokemon Unite, they will have full access to the game’s online features, including teaming up with friends. At the moment there isn’t any dedicated PvE mode, but that could be added at a later date.
Pokemon Unite is available now on Switch and later on Mobile.
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