The latest update for Pokemon Unite is here, bringing exciting new content, balance changes, and fresh features. Version 1.17.2.8 introduces Galarian Rapidash to Aeos Island, giving players a new Pokemon to master. Alongside this addition, the update revamps the Battle Pass rewards, offering a Premium Pass Discount Coupon as a standout perk. Players can also enjoy a new aesthetic upgrade for their Unite licenses with customizable license art.This Pokemon Unite update also includes a range of balance changes, bug fixes, and event updates designed to enhance the gameplay experience. In this article, we’ll dive into all the key details of the Unison Strike patch.Pokemon Unite Unison Strike patch notes (Ver.1.17.2.8): Update detailsRelease Date/Time: January 16, 2025, at 07:00 UTC.Version: Ver.1.17.2.8New contentGalarian Rapidash Joins the Roster: Trainers can now harness the power of Galarian Rapidash in battles. Stay tuned for more details on its moveset and strategies!Battle Pass Updates: A new Premium Pass Discount Coupon has been added, providing savings for the Season 29 Battle Pass. Players who purchased the Season 28 Battle Pass will receive this coupon via in-game mail, available from January 16 at 07:00 UTC to January 17 at 12:00 UTC. Ensure you claim it before the deadline.Unite License Art: Customize the appearance of your Unite licenses with new license art, available in the in-game shop.Also read: When is Galarian Rapidash coming to Pokemon Unite?Pokemon Unite Unison Strike patch notes (Ver.1.17.2.8): Balance changesPokemon Unite: Unison Strike patch notes balance changes (Image via The Pokemon Company)Changes have been made to Pokemon stats and moves to adjust the balance of Unite Battles.1) GoodraAbility: GooeyMovement speed reduction: 8% → 10%Muddy WaterDamage reduction rate: 10% → 15%Acid SprayThrow duration: 0.6 seconds → 1 secondGoodra excels at extended frontline battles due to its durability, but it often struggles to keep enemies close. To address this, Goodra's hindrance effects and ability to stay close to enemies have been buffed.2) AegislashStatsDefense: 50–250 → 80–280Special Defense: 35–174 → 60–200Boosted Attack (Sword Stance)Damage based on the target’s max HP: 7% → 8.5%Wide GuardCooldown: 9s → 8sAegislash lacked sufficient power and durability in Sword Stance, making it difficult to counterattack after withstanding damage in Shield Stance. To address this, Sword Stance’s boosted attack damage and defensive stats have been buffed.Additionally, the cooldown of Wide Guard has been reduced, making it easier to switch back to Shield Stance and reduce the risk of taking damage in Sword Stance.3) SylveonMystical FireDamage: 5% increaseCalm MindCooldown: 10s → 9.5sSylveon’s damage output has been low for an Attacker, resulting in a low win rate. Mystical Fire’s damage has been buffed, and Calm Mind’s cooldown has been reduced to provide more flexibility during battles.4) GardevoirEvolution LevelEvolves to Gardevoir at Lv. 8 → Lv. 7Gardevoir had a limited impact during the midgame due to its late evolution. By lowering the evolution level, Gardevoir can influence battles earlier and more consistently in the midgame.5) GreedentBelchDamage: 6% decreaseGreedent’s strategy of continuously using Belch while moving made it deal excessive damage for a Defender. To balance this, Belch’s damage has been nerfed.6) PsyduckSurfDamage: 15% decreaseUnite Move: Full-Power Psy-ay-ay!Damage reduction effect: 30% → 25%Surf was a powerful hindrance move with high damage, so its damage output has been nerfed. Additionally, the Unite Move’s damage reduction effect has been lowered to adjust Psyduck’s impact during late-game team fights.7) Alolan NinetalesBoosted AttackDamage: 5% decreaseBlizzardDamage when hitting a wall: 12% decreaseAlolan Ninetales maintained a high win rate due to its strong combination of hindrance effects and damage. While its unique hindrance abilities remain intact, its overall damage output has been reduced to balance its effectiveness.8) UmbreonWishCooldown: 5.5s → 6sFoul PlayFirst hit damage: 20% decreaseSecond hit damage: 10% increaseUmbreon had comparable healing capabilities to Supporter Pokemon despite being a Defender. To address this, Wish’s cooldown has been nerfeded.Additionally, the damage from the first hit of Foul Play has decreased, while the damage from the second hit has increased. This adjustment emphasizes accurately landing the first hit on high attack targets to achieve significant damage.9) UrshifuSurging StrikesDamage: 10% increaseLiquidationDefense reduction duration: 2 seconds → 3 secondsDue to the extended cooldown of Surging Strikes, Rapid Strike Style Urshifu has seen a drop in win rates. The damage of Surging Strikes and the hindrance effect of Liquidation have been increased to improve its effectiveness when timed correctly.10) ZacianAbility: Intrepid SwordEnergy required for enhancement: 8/12/15 → 5/8/10Zacian struggled to rejoin battles after losing Aeos Energy, resulting in a significant drop in win rates. To address this, the energy required to enhance Intrepid Sword has been reduced, allowing Zacian to regain Aeos Energy through KOs more easily.11) WigglytuffDouble SlapDamage: 5% decreaseDazzling GleamDamage: 5% decreaseUnite Move: Starlight RecitalShield amount: 35% increaseDuration: 2.5 seconds → 3.5 secondsWigglytuff has effectively supported allies while dealing damage and providing hindrance effects. To balance this, the damage of Double Slap and Dazzling Gleam has been reduced. However, its Unite Move’s shield amount and duration have been increased to further enhance its role as a supporter.12) BlisseyHelping HandMovement speed increase: 35% → 30%Attack speed increase: 35% → 30%Unite Move: Bliss AssistanceEnergy required: 25% decreaseThe movement and attack speed boost from Helping Hand were too strong when paired with Attackers that rely on basic attacks. To address this, the boosts have been reduced. However, the energy required for Blissey’s Unite Move has been decreased, allowing it to provide more frequent team support during the late game.Also read: Galarian Rapidash's Pokemon Unite movesets leakedPokemon Unite Unison Strike patch notes (Ver.1.17.2.8): Bug fixesAddressed issues with Urshifu’s Unite Move interrupting others.Fixed targeting distance problems for certain moves.Check out Pokemon Unite related articles here:Everything to know about Tinkaton in the gameTinkaton in the game: Best moveset, builds, items, and moreUnite Season 28 Battle Pass: All rewards and pricesPokemon Unite to introduce matchmaking changes from Season 24 onwardsHow to get Tinkaton in Pokemon Unite5 major Unite highlights from 2024Psyduck: Best movesets, builds, items, and moreUnite license tier listUnite Solo Queue licenses tier listBest Build for every Unite licenseBest Boost Emblems in the gameHeld Item tier listBattle Item tier list