Like any MOBA, Pokemon Unite will be updated regularly in order to add new features, fix bugs, and make balance changes to the various playable characters and the wild Pokemon they interact with. The first of these updates is version 1.1.1.3, and it just dropped on July 28th, only a week after the game first launched. While there are many things this update covers the biggest changes involve both the brand new playable Pokemon Gardevoir and a nerf applied to Charizard, one of Unite's five starter Pokemon choices.
Oddly, Pokemon Unite didn't share a full list of patch notes detailing exactly what changed, but players have been able to parse out what's new based on a few tweets from the official account. Although this is a somewhat small update in terms of balance, it should make the game more enjoyable for everyone involved, except perhaps Charizard players.
Gardevoir is the first new playable Pokemon in Pokemon Unite, with Blastoise coming sometime in the near future. This Pokemon is a Ranged Attacker, and has the ability to shield itself, stun opponents, and deal massive damage from afar. This is all balanced out by low defenses and HP as well as a very slow startup. The player starts the match as Ralts, and doesn't evolve into Kirlia until level 6. Then players have to wait all the way until level 10 to finally become Gardevoir and reach their full potential. This is rewarded with powerful moves such as Psychic, Moonblast, Future Sight, and Psyshock.
On the less exciting front, Charizard also received a nerf, although it was indirect. Pokemon Unite refers to this change as a bug fix, so rather than directly nerfing the Pokemon, it is fixing a bug that made it stronger than it should have been. Apparently the Muscle Band held item was boosting Charizard's attacks more than it should have, so this has been fixed. Players that use this held item in their build can expect to see slightly lower damage output as a result of this change. There still hasn't been any word on when a full balance patch will come.
Players wanting to give their input should fill out the Pokemon Unite survey, as this will likely inform the developers of what needs to change. Many players want to see Zapdos nerfed to make it harder for teams to make a comeback, while others want the pay to win elements of Pokemon Unite to be removed or at least adjusted. There are also some Pokemon that seem to dominate compared to others, so characters like Gengar and Zeraora might need a bit of tweaking.
Pokemon Unite is available now on Switch and releases on Mobile in September.