Pokemon Unite Update: Release Date, New Features, and Patch Details

The next Pokemon Unite update is going to get underway soon, and you can expect some positive changes in the game after the server gets back online. This will be the second update of the year, and it will fix the ongoing problems, such as frequent crashes and no draft modes, that plagued the game after the 'Indomitable Spirit' update last week on January 22, 2026. This minor update is going to be balance-centric, with many Pokémon getting buffed and nerfed. You can check all the details of the next Pokemon Unite update below.

When is the next Pokemon Unite update?

The upcoming Pokemon Unite update is scheduled for January 27, 2026. The developer officially announced the server maintenance on X on January 24, 2026, at 7:54 UTC.

The developers informed the community that the ‘Draft Mode’ will be back in the game after the end of this update. This is going to help restore balance in the higher-ranked lobbies (Master and Higher Master), which are seeing overusage of the meta Pokemons that is kiling the competitive spirit of the game. You can find the rest of the details about this update and patch changes below. Also, check the latest Pokemon Unite Tier List to make correct choices based on the current meta.

What will be in the next Pokemon Unite Update?

According to official announcements, the next Pokémon Unite update, scheduled for January 27, 2026, is expected to be a minor one. Many players reported that the app abruptly stopped and crashed mid-way in a battle after the last patch. This technical update is focused on solving the crashing issue of the app.

The biggest takeaway point of this update will be the return of the 'Draft Mode', which went missing following the last patch update. The developers listened to the community's request, and Draft mode will go live once again after the maintenance ends.

The 'Draft Mode' is an important in-game feature in Pokémon Unite that is particularly available in the matchmaking lobbies of higher-ranked battles. This mode becomes available once you reach the Master Tier in the game. This mode opens a window after the matchmaking, which allows both teams to ban 2 Pokémon each from the battle.

After the ban phase, the players from both teams get to pick their Pokémon in a 'turn-based' system simultaneously. This transparency allows both teams to adjust their team formations as per their opposition, helping to keep the balance after the battle starts.

Apart from these, the next Pokemon Unite update will also have some Pokemon getting buffed or nerfed. The complete list of affected Pokemon and held items will be revealed after the maintenance window.

List of all Pokemon Unite Updates

Pokemon Unite's update structure is similar to other MOBA-based games, where the developers implement frequent updates to either completely change the in-game features (like AEOS Coins getting removed) or tweak the balance ( Buff and Nerf Pokemons). There are 4 main types of updates Pokemon Unite usually gets, and here they are:

• Version Updates: These are major updates where you have to install the new version of the app from either the Play Store or App Store. These updates introduce new features, maps, battle passes and more.
• Hotfix: These are the in-game updates that basically fix an ongoing issue. They are automatically downloaded once the game opens. These updates typically are meant to change the stats of the Pokemon moves or held items.
• Content Updates: These are also kind of auto updates that require you to download additional data for the various 'Holowears' in the game. It also includes bringing a new Pokemon into the game.
• Technical Updates: The server goes under maintenance for some duration during these updates, which are meant to solve ongoing app problems. Once the maintenance window ends, the game reopens with improved stability.

How often do Pokemon Unite updates come?

While some types of Pokemon Unite updates are regular, others appear only after a distinct time. You can check it from the list below:

• Version Update: These updates usually arrive once every two months, especially after the end of a battle pass season.
• Hotfix: These fixes come once every 2 weeks, specifically to Nerf a newly arrived Pokémon.
• Content Updates: These updates arrive every week on Friday.
• Technical Update: It's hard to predict the exact frequency of these updates since they depend on in-game outrage.

When does the current Pokemon Unite Season End?

The current ranked season of Pokemon Unite will end on February 26, 2026. The ranked season number 33 is going to be active in the game for a period of 42 days, having been started on January 15, 2026. The developers are yet to announce the next ranked 34 season, but you can expect to hear about it soon.

If you are struggling to use Meowth in Pokemon Unite effectively, you can check the ultimate Pokemon Unite Meowth guide to master its build. For all the latest Pokemon Unite updates, you can also bookmark this page.