Pokemon Unite update today (December 5, 2024): Next Step patch notes revealed (Ver.1.17.1.2)

The latest Pokemon Unite update, Ver.1.17.1.2, has officially launched, bringing with it a host of new features, balance adjustments, and event updates to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. Rolled out on December 5, 2024, at 4:00 UTC, this update, titled “Next Step,” introduces the festive Snowball Battle in Shivre City event, a revamped matchmaking system, and changes to Pokemon abilities.

Players can also enjoy new in-game items, an exciting Holiday Prize Machine event, and shop updates to celebrate the winter season. Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything included in the Next Step update.

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Pokemon Unite Next Step: Snowball Battle in Shivre City (December 5 to December 29, 2024)

Pokemon Unite's winter festivities are in full swing with the introduction of Snowball Battle in Shivre City. Players can participate in this event and earn exclusive seasonal rewards.

Additionally, the Holiday Celebration Prize Machine lets players collect up to 100 Holiday Balls (10 per day) to redeem unique rewards. However, these balls must be used on the same day they are obtained, so keep that in mind.

To complement the event, a Winter Sale Shop is live, offering discounts on various in-game items. This is the perfect opportunity to grab limited-edition cosmetics and other essentials.

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Pokemon Unite Ver.1.17.1.2 Next Step update: Balance adjustments

Creatures hit with Pokemon Unite's latest balance adjustments (Image via The Pokemon Company)

This update aims to level the competitive playing field by enhancing underused Pokemon and toning down those with exceptionally high win rates. Here’s a summary of the key balance changes:

1) Tsareena

• Triple Axel: Damage Increase per Hit: 5% → 8%
• Trop Kick: Shield Amount: 20% increase
• Grassy Glide: Shield Amount: 20% increase
• Stomp: Damage: 5% decrease

2) Buzzwole

• Smack Down's Area Damage: 20% increase
• Lunge's Attack Reduction Duration: 2s → 2.5s

3) Inteleon

• Defense: 35-170 → 35-225 (Lv.1-15)
• Special Defense: 25-140 → 25-225 (Lv.1-15)
• Fell Stinger: Cooldown: 7s → 6.5s
• Acrobatics: Cooldown: 8s → 7.5s

4) Decidueye

• Defense: 50-250 → 50-270 (Lv.1-15)
• Special Defense: 30-150 → 30-230 (Lv.1-15)

5) Cramorant

• Surf+: Movement Speed Reduction Duration: 2s → 3s

6) Chandelure

• Defense: 35-175 → 35-200 (Lv.1-15)
• Special Defense: 30-140 → 30-203 (Lv.1-15)

7) Dodrio

• Agility: Cooldown: 11s → 9s
• Drill Peck: Damage: 6% increase

8) Talonflame

• Brave Bird+: Damage Reduction: 15% → 25%

9) Scizor

• Dual Wingbeat: HP Recovery Amount: 15% increase

10) Clefable

• Follow Me: Hindrance Duration: 1.5s → 2s
• Gravity: Cooldown: 9s → 8s

11) Sableye

• Shadow Sneak: Cooldown: 13s → 12s

12) Delphox

• Special Defense: 27-139 → 27-225 (Lv.1-15)
• Flame Charge+: Movement Speed Increase Duration: 1s → 1.5s

13) Metagross

• Meteor Mash: Cooldown: 8s → 7s

14) Sylveon

• Special Defense: 38-190 → 38-240 (Lv.1-15)
• Draining Kiss: Healing: 8% decrease
• Mystical Fire: Damage: 8% decrease

15) Crustle

• Rock Tomb: Cooldown: 5s → 5.5s
• Stealth Rock: Cooldown: 5s → 5.5s. Damage: 8% decrease
• X-Scissor: Cooldown: 6s → 6.5s
• Unite Move: Rubble Rouser: Energy Cost: 20% increase

16) Tyranitar

• Stone Edge: Damage: 10% decrease
• Dark Pulse: Cooldown: 5s → 5.5s

17) Duraludon

• Flash Cannon: Movement Speed Reduction from Boosted Attacks: 80% → 60%
• Stealth Rock: Recovery Time for Charges: 8s → 8.5s

18) Wigglytuff

• Sing: Defense & Special Defense Reduction: 35% → 25%
• Double Slap: Cooldown: 4.5s → 5s

19) Venusaur

• Giga Drain: Damage Reduction Rate: 35% → 40%
• Solar Beam: Damage: 8% decrease

20) Machamp

• Dynamic Punch+: Attack Increase: 20% → 12%
• Submission: Attack Speed Increase: 50% → 40%
• Submission+: Attack Speed Increase: 60% → 50%

21) Absol

• Pursuit: Cooldown: 5s → 5.5s

22) Mr. Mime

• Psychic: Cooldown: 6s → 6.5s

23) Garchomp

• Basic Attack: Attack Speed: 0-7.5% decrease (Lv.1-15)
• Earthquake: Damage: 5% decrease
• Earthquake+: Damage: 5% decrease. Movement Speed Reduction: 40% → 20%
• Dragon Rush: Cooldown: 5s → 5.5s

24) Leafeon

• Aerial Ace: Recovery Time for Charges: 4s → 5s

25) Umbreon

• Foul Play: Movement Speed Reduction: 30% → 15%

26) Blaziken

• Overheat: Damage: 6% decrease

27) Psyduck

Disable

• Cooldown: 6s → 7s
• Damage: 20% decrease
• Cooldown Extension: 3s → 2s

Disable extends the cooldown of the opponent's most recently used move, but there were instances where opponents could not use their moves at all due to stacking Disable effects. By reducing the cooldown and the cooldown extension effect, there will be more opportunities for opponents to counterattack.

Additionally, since Psyduck is relatively new, many trainers were unaware that Disable could spread between Pokemon, resulting in repeated damage when staying close to allies under the effect. The damage is reduced to make it more appropriate for a Supporter-type.

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Adjustments to mechanics, specifications, and effects

Licenses with a differently working moveset in Pokemon Unite (Image via The Pokemon Company)

1) Darkrai

Boosted Attack

• Range: 12m → 9m

Nasty Plot

• Adjusted to ensure that the added damage does not awaken sleeping opponents.

Unite Move: Worst Nightmare

• Adjusted the effect to lead opponents to a nightmare without obstacles.

Previously, Darkrai could activate boosted attacks from a safe distance outside of the opponent's field of view. The range has now been reduced. Additionally, the extra damage from Nasty Plot unintentionally awakened opponents, which has been fixed.

In the nightmare of the Unite Move, there were instances where Darkrai or the opponent would be obstructed by walls, so the effect was adjusted to create a nightmare without obstacles.

2) Armarouge

Unite Move: Psykaboom

• Changed the attack range control during activation to movement input (left stick/direction panel).

Previously, after activating the Unite Move, players had to press the corresponding button again, which made it difficult to use. This was adjusted to make it easier to launch at the targeted location.

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Bug fixes

• Fixed an issue where Darkrai's Unite Move would cause Comfey attached to the target to detach when hitting a Pokemon with unstoppable or hindrance resistance.
• Fixed an issue where long-duration basic attacks, like Charizard's or Ho-oh's, would be interrupted by rooting effects.
• Fixed an issue where Charizard's Unite Move would hit Pokemon in a untargetable state.
• Fixed an issue where some abilities would activate when entering the enemy team's slow zone.
• Fixed an issue where the screen would lag when checking Recent Views on the Switch version.

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The Next Step update delivers a blend of festive content, competitive balance, and improved mechanics to enhance the Pokemon Unite experience.

Whether you’re diving into the Snowball Battle in Shivre City or experimenting with newly buffed Pokemon, this patch ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Log in now to explore the latest features and celebrate the winter season with your favorite Pocket Monster.

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Check out other game-related articles here:

• Galarian Rapidash's Pokemon Unite movesets leaked
• Psyduck: Best movesets, builds, items, and more
• How to get Psyduck in Pokemon Unite
• Unite patch notes: Freezing Rush Part 2 (Ver.1.16.2.8)
• Unite v1.16.2.8 Freezing Rush Part 2 - Winners and losers
• Everything to know about the Goal Hacker in Pokemon Unite
• Unite license tier list
• Unite Solo Queue licenses tier list
• Best Build for every Unite license
• Best Boost Emblems in the game
• Held Item tier list
• Battle Item tier list