Pokemon Unite just launched its first update since the game released a week ago, stunning fans with a new playable Pokemon already. Making her debut as the first new Pokemon in the game, Gardevoir is now available for players to purchase and use. As this is the first time a new Pokemon has been added to the game, some players are a bit confused about how they can go about getting her. The process is actually simple, and doesn't even require the player to spend any real money if they don't want to. Here's everything players need to know about how to unlock Gardevoir.
Surprisingly, Gardevoir is unlocked in the same way as every other character in the game, with the exception to this rule being Zeraora. Players simply need to head to the shop and purchase the Unite License in order to start using Gardevoir in battle, but they can use the Pokemon earlier if they enter the training modes. It's possible that Pokemon Unite might make Gardevoir free to play for a week as well at some point.
In many other games, players are expected to pay real money in order to unlock new characters. This is often the case in fighting games such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Dragon Ball FighterZ. Another method game developers use to introduce new characters is to lock them behind Gacha walls. Popular titles like Genshin Impact do this, giving players a small chance to get the new character if they spend a lot of in game resources or money. Even other MOBA games tend to make it more difficult to get a new character, with iconic ones like League of Legends making new characters cost more for a short while after they release.
None of this holds true in Pokemon Unite, as Gardevoir can be purchased for 8,000 Aeos Coins or 460 Aeos Gems, landing her in the mid-priced cost list. Most fans expected her to cost at least 10,000 coins, but many even thought she might end up being more than that. Assuming players have saved up the coins, it is possible to buy Gardevoir outright and start playing as the Pokemon. Alternatively, 460 Aeos Gems will run for about $8.00, so it's possible to unlock the character by paying as well.
With Gardevoir unlocked, players can use the character just like any other. There is also a Holowear for Gardevoir called Fashionable Style that costs 350 Aeos Gems. This gives her a cute bonnet that changes her appearance, but won't affect the game in any other way. Gardevoir is a powerful but frail Pokemon, so expect to see her a lot in online matches now. With any luck, Blastoise isn't too far behind.
Pokemon Unite is available now on Switch and releases in September for Mobile.