Pokémon UNITE is an upcoming MOBA strategy game, set to launch on the Nintendo Switch in July and on mobile devices in September. The game is an opportunity to introduce the 5v5 teamfight genre to a new audience, with an especially low point of entry as most players will already be familiar with the Pokémon in the arena and their abilities. However, there are a few key differences that separate it from other MOBA titles like DOTA 2 and League of Legends.

In Pokémon UNITE, each player selects one Pokémon to join the battle as their fighter. As with traditional Pokémon games, each Pokémon has a unique set of attacks and weaknesses. Teams of five must work together to plan attacks to score points and defend their goal zones from the other team. The gameplay trailer focuses on Pikachu, showcasing the electric mouse's skills as it takes out an Aipom, mourns a fallen Talonflame and tries to stop Cinderace from scoring in the match's final seconds.

Related: Team Battle Game Pokémon UNITE Switch Release Date Announced for July

Several traditional MOBA elements are a part of Pokémon UNITE, most notably the 5v5 element and the in-game leveling system. Other things, such as map visibility, remain unclear but will likely get revealed as the game approaches launch. But for now, there are three major differences that players familiar with MOBAs should be aware of before they make plans to squad up for Pokémon UNITE at release.

How Pokémon UNITE Is a Different Kind of MOBA

Pokemon UNITE MOBA

The most obvious difference between Pokémon UNITE and other MOBA games is the ultimate objective. In games such as DOTA 2 and League of Legends, players must battle across the map to destroy the opposing team's base of operations, taking down powerful towers and minions on the way. In Pokémon UNITE, players need to move into enemy territory to score, similar to traditional sports. The bulk of the gameplay seems to be a team juggling experience, traversing the map to defeat various Pokémon and score points for the team. While combat is a major factor, scoring is ultimately the most important thing.

Timing is another difference MOBA players should be aware of. While many MOBA matches often go until there's a winner, conceivably lasting 45 minutes, Pokémon UNITE matches are (at least as of the beta) capped at 10 minutes. This adds a layer of pressure to gameplay, as waiting too long to execute an attack or retreating to heal too much could give the opposing team the upper hand.

From the Pokémon UNITE trailer, there doesn't appear to be any distinguished laning on the map. In traditional MOBAs, the top, middle and bottom lanes are key in strategizing and define map movement, as certain characters are better suited for different lanes. Lack of lanes in Pokémon UNITE would mean a significant change in tactical approach from MOBA players, though it would make for an easier point of entry for those new to the genre. It's also possible that a laning strategy unique to Pokémon UNITE will emerge as the community grows and establishes best practices and teamfight tactics for the new game.

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