Fans won't be getting Generation IX in Pokémon anytime soon. However, Nintendo did surprise fans with the reveal of Pokémon Unite, an upcoming multiplayer online battle arena. In this game, players take on the role of some of the most popular Pokémon around. Moreover, they're now capable of dishing out their signature moves against enemy combatants.
Additionally, players can catch Wild Pokémon and evolve their own characters, giving a unique spin to the MOBA genre. With this in mind, series fans may be ecstatic to check just which Pokémon they can choose to play in this upcoming MOBA. And for some more "hardcore" fans, some Pokémon should definitely make the roster.
10 Mewtwo
As perhaps one of the most popular Legendary Pokémon out there, Mewtwo deserves a slot as one of the first Legendaries to grace the Unite. Moreover, Mewtwo already showcased some terrifying moves across films and other titles that can be the model for its moveset. Mewtwo's Psychic affinity opens him for a lot of ranged DPS attacks.
If Unite bases Mewtwo's moveset from its The Birth of Mewtwo appearance, Mewtwo can become a Support-DPS with Recover, Swift granting a speed boost, and Hyper Beam opening massive damage potential. Likewise, Mewtwo Strikes Back transforms Mewtwo into a menacing DPS, with Barrier and Counter serving as great defensive options, with Shadow Ball becoming a suitable counter to enemy attacks.
9 Urshifu
Players who noticed the roster tease in the Unite trailer might notice the abundance of Pokémon with a penchant for agile punches and kicks. In terms of Legendary Pokémon, Urshifu might just fit the bill. Moreover, Urshifu specializes in two "styles" that turn into his secondary type. These "forms" can be its special feature as a character in Unite.
For instance, Urshifu's Single Strike Style relies on it facing enemies head-on. Moreover, its preference for One-Shot kills makes it perfect for offensive strategies. Meanwhile, its Rapid Strike Style relies on Urshifu observing opponents first before fighting them, making this style a great defensive tactic.
8 Zamazenta
Who better to serve as a Legendary Tank than Zamazenta, the game mascot for Shield? While originally a Fighting-type Pokémon, Zamzenta accesses a special Crowned Shield form that makes it capable of reflecting most attacks with its Fighting Master's Shield.
Zamazenta's primary roster of attacks relies on boosting its defense while dishing out decent attacks. Metal Burst, Wide Guard, Metal Claw, and Bite are great starter abilities, with Giga Impact, Close Combat, and Moonblast serving as powerful finishers. In Unite, Zamazenta might appear in its base form, with the Crowned Shield being a special accessible form with its Ultimate ability.
7 Zacian
Aside from Zamazenta, perhaps Zacian is a perfect inclusion for a Legendary Pokémon in Unite. While originally a Fairy-type Pokémon, Zacian can access its Crowned Sword form that makes it a devastating melee attacker in the Sword & Shield games. Its Fairy King's Sword helps Zacian hold off on its own with its base abilities.
Aside from this form, Sacred Sword, Quick Guard, Metal Claw, and Howl offer decent offensive and defensive capabilities. Meanwhile, Moonblast, Giga Impact, and Close Combat serve as devastating attacks worthy of an upgraded form.
6 Latios & Latias
Other MOBAs feature partner-based heroes, where a hero might be comprised of two characters acting like one, or one hero summoning an ally for aid. In Unite, this can come in the form of Latios and Latias, two Legendaries that are like ghosts as they are difficult to acquire.
Thanks to their similar movesets, their presence in Unite might work as a tandem. For instance, their innate special ability might be the ability to switch between Latios and Latias at any point in the game. However, their Ult might summon the other duo in order to perform special attacks.
5 Type: Null & Silvally
Players looking for a more versatile Pokémon might be looking for Type: Null. Thanks to cells from all Pokémon types, Type: Null appears like a chimeric creature with different qualities. Moreover, Type: Null possesses a limiter helmet which helps hinder the effects of its special RKS System which allows it to "change" types. As such, its base form in a potential Unite appearance can give it skills such as Tackle, Double Hit, Crush Claw, and even Double-Edge.
However, its Ult is where Type: Null might shine. Whereas other Pokémon evolve in Unite, Type: Null can use its Ult to remove its limiter and become Silvally. In this more complete form, Silvally can use more powerful attacks such as Multi-Attack, Double Hit, Take Down, and elemental Fang variations.
4 Cobalion
Cobalion is a Fifth-Generation Legendary Pokémon which, in the lore, is said to lead the Swords of Justice. As a Steel/Fighting Pokémon, Cobalion has been hardened by battle, with combat senses that allow it to take on various kinds of Pokémon. In a potential Unite appearance, it may have skills such as Quick Attack, Metal Claw, Double Kick, and Sacred Sword to bolster its potential as a DPS character.
However, Cobalion may also shine with its Ult. Thanks to its leadership status, Cobalion's Ult may call aid from other members of the Swords of Justice. As such, an Ult may call on Keldeo, Virizion, and Terrakion for devastating combination attacks.
3 Entei
Of the Second-Generation Legendary beasts, it's perhaps Entei that is the most recognizable. This Fire-type Legendary is a leonine Pokémon iconic for the smoke on its back and plates on either side of its body. Thanks to its mobility, Entei easily poises itself as a DPS Pokémon should it have a Unite appearance.
Its basic skills may include Sacred Fire, Lava Plume, Ember, Fire Spin, and Flamethrower, all of which are Fire-type signatures. Moreover, its Ult may be an offensive buff or perhaps a summon with its companions Suicune and Raikou.
2 Zygarde
Zygarde is perhaps one of the most interesting Sixth-Generation Pokémon, thanks in part to its alternate forms. Since Zygarde has a 10%, 50%, and Complete Formes, its potential Unite presence might give it a kind of versatility other Pokémon don't exactly have. Its initial moveset will likely be composed of skills such as Bulldoze, Dragon Breath, Dig, and Land's Wrath. Zygarde's stronger attacks might include Earthquake, Dragon Pulse, and Outrage.
Moreover, Zygarde's Ult could see it evolve into its other forms, complete with buffs or shuffled abilities. It's this variability that makes Zygarde such an attractive option for Unite.
1 Palkia
Palkia serves as the Fourth-Generation Legendary Pokémon belonging to Sinnoh's Creation Trio. Being in charge of space, Palkia can actively control the space component of the spacetime continuum, giving it the ability to distort reality itself. In a potential Unite appearance, this might make Palkia a compelling Tank or perhaps Support character.
For instance, its initial arsenal might include Dragon Breath, Water Pulse, Aqua Tail, and Dragon Claw as standard attacks. However, its Ult might be Spacial Rend or some variation of the skill, where Palkia may teleport itself, its allies, or even enemies to random points in the map.