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Is Pokémon Unite Free To Play? (Detailed Answer Here)

Find out if the popular Pokémon online battle arena game requires real money to play. The answer may surprise you.

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Purple pokemon gengar in front of a light blue background
Purple pokemon gengar in front of a light blue background

Today, I’ll be answering whether Pokémon Unite is free to play.

Pokémon Unite is a free to play game for Nintendo Switch, iPhone and Apple devices, and Android devices. The game can be download and played for free without spending any money.

But in case you didn’t know, what exactly is Pokémon Unite?


If you are interested in checking out the most popular Pokémon plushies, you can find them by clicking here.


What Is Pokémon Unite?

A close-up of Pikachu
Image: The Pokémon Company

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Pokémon Unite is a battle arena game featuring the globally popular Pokémon creatures.

Players select a monster and do battle online in teams of 5 versus 5.

Read this informative article I created that goes over Pokémon Unite’s core tenants and what makes it so much fun.


Is Pokémon Unite Free?

Pokémon Unite is free to download, free to install, and free to play.

There are no costs associated with the entire process of obtaining this online, multiplayer Pokémon game.

Once downloaded and installed, Pokémon Unite and all of its robust online features can be accessed without spending a dime.


Does Pokémon Unite Cost Money?

A pokeon untie menu detailing the prices of various in-game currency called aeos gems (pokemon unite screenshot)
Image: The Pokémon Company

Although Pokémon Unite is free to play, some features within the game can be purchased with real money.

A currency called Aeos gems must be purchased with money.

Once purchased, the Aeos gems can then be used to buy an assortment of items in Pokémon Unite including

  • playable Pokémon
  • alternate costumes
  • items
  • upgrades
  • advanced progression
  • trainer clothing
  • and more

Does Spending Money In Pokémon Unite Give You An Advantage?

A item enhancer icon on screeen (pokemon unite screenshot)
Image: The Pokémon Company

A majority of content in Pokémon Unite can be earned simply by playing the game little by little, day by day, over time.

Pokémon Unite is a modern online game that the developers intend players to play daily and over the course of a gaming season (which is a few months long).

Compounded daily sessions will allow players to earn

  • additional playable Pokémon
  • new clothing for the Trainer
  • in-game currency that can be used to purchase items
  • and a host of unlocks that make the game have tons of depth

All for free.


Perks Of Spending Real Money In Pokémon Unite

A trainer standing next t oa list of clothing options and their prices (pokemon unite screenshot)
Image: The Pokémon Company

Spending real money, however, does allow you to progress faster and unlock playable Pokémon at a much quicker rate.

  • Most cosmetic items, clothing, and Pokémon can be purchased using real money if one desires.
  • Spending real money to upgrade certain items in the game to strengthen Pokémon can be done.
  • Upgrading can provide a slight competitive edge over players who haven’t spent money to upgrade items.

Upgrading items is not necessary as the ability to upgrade certain items will be gained simply by playing.

Spending real money on in-game items is a luxury and an optional method of obtaining most items you’ll gain while playing for free.


Can You Buy Pokémon In Pokémon Unite?

A pokemon standing in a blue room with its stats displayed next to it above a row of other pokemon profile pics in pokemon unite's pokemon select screen (pokemon unite screenshote)
Image: The Pokémon Company

As mentioned previously, you can purchase Pokémon in Pokémon Unite.

Pokémon can be purchased using in-game Aeos coins that are earned by battling, completing missions and challenges, gaining Battle Pass ranks, as well as increasing your Trainer level among other methods.

  • Aeos coins can then be used to purchase Pokémon and other items.
  • Alternatively, you can spend real money to purchase Aeos gems to buy Pokémon as well.

I suggest spending Aeos coins to unlock Pokémon as Aeos coins can be earned simply by playing and enjoying the game for free.


What Requires Real Money (Aeos Gems) In Pokémon Unite?

A menu with battle pass reward icons in exchange for buying battle pass levels (pokemon unite screenshot)
Image: The Pokémon Company

You may be wondering if anything in Pokémon Unite absolutely requires real money to unlock without any alternate unlock method.

A few minor and optional features in Pokémon Unite does require real money.

Real money (Aeos gems) is needed to

  • Rename your character
  • Buy additional random reward loot boxes
  • Gain access to premium Battle Pass awards
  • Unlock additional levels of Battle Pass on-demand
  • Buy alternate Pokémon costumes (known as Holowear)

These upgrades and unlocks are all optional and do not affect gameplay.


Does Pokémon Unite Have Any Hidden Fees Or Subscription Costs?

Pokemon fighting each other (pokemon unite screenshot)
Image: The Pokémon Company

Finally, Pokémon Unite does not have any hidden fees or subscription costs.

Playing the game is entirely free and spending money is optional.

You are not required to buy Aeos gems or any other item in Pokémon Unite.


Read More Great Articles

Now you know if Pokémon Unite is free to play.

Bookmark this site to stay up to date with even more Pokémon Unite guides, tips, and tricks.

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(Screenshots taken by me. Images sourced from product pages, websites, or social media and are credited appropriately. Logos, images, etc. belong to their respective owners. All information current at time of publication.)

IMAGE: Pokémon Unite website | Nintendo / Creatures Inc. / GAME FREAK inc / Tencent.

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Wally GX

Writer, creator Bucket List Games

Bucket List Games