After completing the tutorial of Pokemon Unite, players are given a choice between one of five Pokemon to act as their starter. With a roster 20 strong, this doesn't leave players with too many options when going into battles online. In order to unlock more Pokemon in Unite, players need to collect Aeos Coins, but the cheapest ones still cost 6000 coins and players only get around 50 for each battle they win. This means that it would take 120 battles at least in order to buy a new Pokemon. Thankfully, there are several beginner events and login bonuses that are active when players first start playing the game, and these can be used to get a surprising number of Unite Licenses for free.
Including the starter Pokemon, players can get eight of the 20 playable Pokmon for free, but only if they act quickly when they first start the game. Several events trigger for new players, and certain launch bonuses also help to bolster this number. Even after launch, a majority of these Pokemon will still be obtainable without spending any money, virtual or otherwise. Each of the playable characters in Pokemon Unite is vastly different from the next, so it helps to unlock as many Pokemon as possible to learn what works best for each player.
Pokemon Unite - Starter Pokemon
The first Pokemon that players can get for free is their very own starter Pokemon. This is unlocked as soon as the player finishes the tutorial of the game, and there are five options: Charizard, Eldegoss, Pikachu, Snorlax, and Talonflame. These five Pokemon cover the five different roles in Pokemon Unite, All-rounder, Support, Attacker, Defender, and Speedster respectively. Players shouldn't worry too much about which of these to pick, as they'll quickly unlock more just by playing the game.
Pokemon Unite - Get Slowbro Free
The next free Pokemon that players will likely unlock is Slowbro, as its Unite License is awarded to everyone that reaches Trainer Level 2. This is incredibly easy to do, and if the tutorial doesn't do it already, one match as the player's starter Pokemon will. Slowbro is a Defender type Pokemon, meaning it is able to tank damage and protect itself and its teammates. Its passive ability allows it to take damage gradually rather than instantly, and gives players a way to heal that damage before it takes effect. Players should consider using Slowbro if they prefer to stay in the fight and absorb absurd amounts of damage from the enemy team.
Pokemon Unite - Get Venusaur Free
As players continue to increase their Trainer Level, they will eventually reach Trainer Level 5. This requires just 700 battle points and rewards the player with the Venusaur Unite License. As an Attacker type Pokemon, Venusaur excels at doing massive damage from afar. Its passive ability increases its damage the lower its health gets, encouraging somewhat riskier strategies. Players should consider using Venusaur if they like to punish enemies that get too bold while still maintaining a relatively safe distance.
Pokemon Unite - Get Alolan Ninetales Free
As part of the 14-day Welcome Gift, players can receive the Unite License for Alolan Ninetales free. This event starts the first time a player logs into Pokemon Unite, and it doesn't end until all 14 gifts have been claimed. This means that no matter what, players will get Alolan Ninetales as long as they play the game for two days. An Attacker type Pokemon, Alolan Ninetales can not only deal heavy damage but also makes it difficult for enemies to escape thanks to its freezing ice. Its passive ability makes these freezing effects even more powerful. Players should consider using Alolan Ninetales if they want to maintain control of the battlefield while still outputting high damage.
Pokemon Unite - Get Cinderace Free
Like Alolan Ninetales, Cinderace can be obtained for free in the 14-day Welcome Gift. Simply play the game, being sure to log in each day, until reaching the eight-day mark. This Sword and Shield starter Pokemon is also an Attacker type Pokemon, but it has good mobility mixed in as well. Its passive ability allows it to place Cinders on enemy Pokemon that deal additional damage whenever that Pokemon gets hit. Players should consider using Cinderace if they don't want the best of both worlds when it comes to damage and speed.
Pokemon Unite - Get Greninja Free
Finally, after logging in for a full 14 days, players will be rewarded with the Greninja Unite License. Yet another Attacker type Pokemon, Greninja is difficult to play but devastating when used properly. Its abilities allow it to put the hurt on opposing Pokemon while also ensuring that it almost always has an escape route, and its passive ability rewards risky play. While below half health, Greninja's attack and speed are increased further. Players should consider using Greninja if they want a challenging but rewarding experience that enables them to deal damage in the most stylish way.
Pokemon Unite - Get Crustle Free
Crustle's Unite License can be obtained for free if players complete the Beginner's Challenge in its entirety. This challenge unlocks new missions each day for seven days starting when the player first logs in. All seven days worth of missions must be completed within 30 days of starting the game, but clearing Day 7 will unlock Crustle. A Defender type Pokemon, Crustle is a tough Rock-type Pokemon that excels at shrugging off damage. Its passive ability increases its Defense and Sp. Defense whenever it takes damage, and its basic attacks can slow enemies, making it a great team player. Players should consider using Crustle if they want to tank damage while still providing great utility for their team.
Pokemon Unite - Get Zeraora Free (Launch Bonus Only)
As part of the launch celebration for Pokemon Unite, players can get the Mythical Pokemon Zeraora for free. This offer is only valid for players that log in to Pokemon Unite before August 31, but Nintendo has confirmed that the promotional Pokemon will return when the game releases for mobile. Zeraora is a Speedster type Pokemon, meaning mobility, burst damage, and surprise attacks are its specialties. Its passive ability increases its Attack whenever it is hit by an enemy. Players should consider using Zeraora if they want to strike at foes as quick as lightning.
Pokemon Unite is available on Switch, and is in development for Mobile.