Pokemon Unite is the newest MOBA on the platform, and players are already reporting that the game might be Pay to Win.
The Pay To Win feature in video games is universally recognized as one of the worst parts of the industry. When one of your favorite games has a Pay To Win feature, you are often forced to toil for hours or spend money on microtransactions.
After all, without spending any money, you enter online multiplayer at a disadvantage. And if your enemies have opened their wallets, you will have a hard time following them in the first place.
But is Pokemon Unite Pay-to-Win like many games before it? In-game microtransactions like these can seriously impact their longevity, so we've put together the full analysis for you.
Let's See Why Pokemon Unite Can Be Called a Pay To Win Game!
Pokemon Unite – Pay To Win?
Does Pokemon Unite pay to win? Our decisions are mostly yes, but not too easy.
In order to first know whether Pokemon Unite is Pay to Win or not, it is important to understand all of the game's finances.
Make sure to choose the best Pokemon Unite starter so you don't have to buy it later!
Pokemon Unite Currency & Microtransaction Explanation.
- Aeos Gems – the only paid currency in Pokemon Unite. Used to buy Pokemon, Battle Pass, and Holowear, and many other items.
- Aeos Coins – Obtained through battles (up to 2100 per week), as well as through events, challenges and Energy Rewards
- Aeos Pass – Obtained as ranked game season rewards, as well as from events, other sources, and paid Battle Passes
- Energy – Gained from battles. Can also be purchased with paid currency Aeos Gems.
- Item Enhancer – Used to upgrade held items. Key item to get stronger. Can be obtained through gameplay, or purchased with Aeos Tickets.
- Fashion Tickets and Holowear Tickets – obtained from sources such as Energy Rewards – are purely cosmetic and cannot be purchased.
Now, with so many currencies in play, it can be difficult to keep track of your spending in Pokemon Unite – Pay To Win game sign.
But what do you really need to pay attention to?
Well, Aeos Coins can be used to buy very important Battle Items at a pretty cheap price. They can also be used to purchase Pokemon, and most players will be able to pick at least one new recruit in their first week, thanks to the large number of challenges and objectives to complete.
We do not predict that this high rate of decline will last forever. And for the low cost of Aeos Gems, or a slightly higher number of Tickets, you can increase your Coin earnings by up to one week.
Also read: These are the Best Zeraora Pokemon Unite Builds for 2021!
Upgrade Items in Pokemon Unite
But where Pokemon Unite could really stray into Pay to Win territory is with its item upgrades. After all, only by modifying Owned Items, players can enter Pokemon Unite that are already stronger than their opponents.
Currently, I build my Pikachu with Muscle Band, which I have upgraded to Grade 10 by spending my (acquired) Enhancer Items. While each upgrade only requires a few Enhancers, getting to Grade 11 I now have to spend 25 Enhancer Items at a single boost.
My item has changed from giving me +1 Attack to +5 Attack and +2.5% Basic Attack Speed. What's more, to reach Grade 10, this item now also increases my Basic Attack damage by 2% from the remaining HP of opposing Pokemon.
And it's only Grade 10, every item can be upgraded up to Grade 30 – with far more benefits to boot.
It's a decent boost I now have over a new player, or one that's less savvy of upgrades. And while I haven't spent any money on these upgrades, I can buy more Item Enhancer if I choose.
Each Enhancer Item costs 10 Aeos Tickets, which cannot be purchased outright. But when your Ticket runs out, players have the option to use Aeos Gems instead – actually securing the title as Pay To Win.
Also read: CRAZY! The Most Unmatched Talonflame Pokemon Unite Build!
Apart from that, you can also buy Pokemon Unite Battle Pass.
Pokemon Unite Battle Pass – Pay To Win
By purchasing the Pokemon Unite Battle Pass, I will gain access to a fair few additional Aeos Passes. The Battle Pass gives a good amount for free too, of course, but I'd make more with purchases.
The only way to buy the Battle Pass is for 490 Aeos Gems, or 840 for 10 level boosts. With that in mind, the Battle Pass will set me back around $8 per season.
Yes, some people might view the Pokemon Unite Battle Pass as Pay to Win, but that's far from the worst level of it. Thanks to Aeos Gems being allowed to upgrade Owned Items, players can immediately pay in-game profits.
Of course, Play to Win users may catch up eventually, but not without one of the biggest grinds in recent gaming history.
Do you agree? Let us know what you think in the comments below!