Pokémon Unite, the popular MOBA game from The Pokémon Company, is reportedly gearing up to release a brand-new game mode. However, there’s a twist—this exciting addition will only be available to players in China, at least for now. Known for its simplified take on the MOBA genre, Pokémon Unite has remained a favorite among fans since its debut on July 21, 2021. With its mix of beloved Pokémon and customizable options like Holowear outfits, the game continues to attract both casual and competitive players.
According to leaks shared by Centro LEAKS on Twitter, the upcoming mode is an “Auto-Battler,” similar to the Auto Chess genre popularized by games like Teamfight Tactics. Players will summon Pokémon to battle in small arenas, with the matches playing out automatically. Promo artwork for this new mode, provided by Chico Eevee, gives a glimpse of the gameplay. While the auto-battler concept has captivated fans of MOBA-like games, the decision to restrict this mode to the Chinese region has sparked mixed reactions.
Pokémon Unite has been consistently adding fresh content to keep players engaged. Recent updates introduced three new Pokémon to the roster: Armarouge, Darkrai, and Psyduck. Each brings unique abilities to the battlefield—Armarouge excels as a ranged attacker, Darkrai dominates as a melee speedster, and Psyduck serves as a supporter with a simple move set designed for newcomers. Interestingly, Psyduck is one of the few Pokémon in the game that doesn’t evolve, breaking the typical pattern seen in Pokémon Unite.
Another highlight of this year was the addition of Ho-Oh, the legendary box art Pokémon from Pokémon Gold. Released during the game’s third anniversary celebration, Ho-Oh takes on the Defender role with ranged attacks and a user-friendly playstyle. Initially available through the Divine Forest Challenge event, Ho-Oh can now be purchased for 15,000 Aeos Coins or 840 Aeos Gems. This addition further demonstrates the developers’ commitment to keeping the roster diverse and nostalgic for long-time fans.
As Pokémon Unite celebrates three years of success, the potential rollout of an auto-battler mode hints at an effort to broaden its appeal. While the exclusivity to China may frustrate some global fans, it’s not uncommon for game developers to test new features in specific regions before a wider release. If the mode proves successful, there’s hope it could eventually make its way to other markets.
For now, Pokémon Unite continues to expand its offerings, blending innovation with fan-favorite features. Whether you’re battling as Ho-Oh in the bottom lane or customizing your team with Holowear, the game shows no signs of slowing down. The auto-battler mode might just be the next big evolution for this beloved title, even if most of the world has to wait a little longer to experience it.
