Pokémon UNITE looks like a MOBA, is inspired by League of Legends

“You may think you know Pokémon…but you’ve never seen a battle like this!”

Earlier today, Pokemon released a teaser trailer for a new game. But this time it’s not about collecting Pokemon or using them to battle other trainers. Instead it’s a 5-on-5 real-time strategic battle game starring Pokemon from a variety of generations, including Pikachu, Charizard, Blastoise, Snorlax, Lucario, Gengar, Clefable, and Machamp. 

The League of Legends-style MOBA game is called Pokemon UNITE. The trailer shows players leveling up Pokemon and using various abilities to stun, damage, and grab Pokemon on the opposing team. So far, no specific abilities or movesets have been outlined in detail, but in the trailer Gengar uses Shadow Ball and Charizard puts Blastoise in some type of chokeslam, which is a pretty good start. 

The map appears to have multiple lanes, similar to League of Legend’s Summoner’s Rift. It’s unclear if each Pokemon will have their own specialty roles that work better in certain lanes or with different amounts of resources, as is the case in League of Legends and Dota 2. It’s also not yet known if there will be various features throughout the map that grant more power or need to be destroyed, although there are clearly certain points of interest spread around.

Pokemon UNITE was just one of many announcements for the Pokemon gaming franchise. Last week, Pokemon Sword and Shield received a big expansion. A new Pokemon Snap game for the Nintendo Switch was also announced. Pokemon Cafe Mix was released today, as well as a Pokemon AR game meant to encourage children to brush their teeth. 

Pokemon UNITE does not yet have a public release date. 

Check out the trailer below to see some classic Pokemon in brand-new action.