Held Items in Pokémon Unite

In all the times I've dealt with Pokémon Unite and wrote about its facets on this blog, it seems unbelievable that I haven't directly covered the facet I'm about to cover and I only had mentioned it indirectly, as in the case of "builds" for specific Pokémon. And yet, it's also so key to the workings of the game, not to mention having other particularities of its own that are worthy of discussion even now. It is therefore fitting to make that discussion and delve into the facet into some (and greater) depth for its understanding.

The facet is certainly that of held items, which all Pokémon in the game can carry three into battle. Some of these items are based on items in the main series games, like the Focus Band (previously mentioned), Weakness Policy, and Amulet Coin (recently introduced). Others are unique to the mechanics of the game, such as the Score Shield (previously mentioned), Slick Spoon, and Rescue Hood. New items are certain to be introduced to keep the dynamics of the game changing and fresh, alongside the Pokémon.

Each item is upgradeable to level 30 ("Max Grade") with the use of Item Enhancers that can be either earned or purchased - likely the latter if one is serious to get more than the earned ones can provide. If one is unsure, though, one can use a 7-Day Trial Coupon for this purpose to see if the upgrade works out. For other items that work out, one can also use the Super Item Enhancer to upgrade an item to Max Grade and recoup the Item Enhancers used for that purpose. Judgment of these three situations remains the discretion of the player.

Such is also true of the usage of the items, which constitutes the "build" for the Pokémon as mentioned. Those who are certain might have already made their "builds" by trying things out, but for those who are less certain, they can use sets made by other players through the Example Sets feature in the Held Items menu. This also offers exploration potential and a quick way of accomplishing that - especially for Pokémon that fewer players use, yet others need to get up and running for certain purposes.

As for other aspects, there are but a couple. Zacian is notable for having a permanent held item, the Rusted Sword, which is also already at Max Grade, and so it only can (and needs to) bring two other held items. Longtime players also will likely - or rather, should - have had all their held items upgraded to Max Grade, which also becomes another prompt for the continued addition of new items alongside just challenging players anew with combinations that they may never have thought of before and have great battle potential.

Held items have been a longstanding concept or facet in the main series games, so it was natural to bring it to Unite, itself being a part of the MOBA games family for which others have similar implementations. Likewise, though, they all require some understanding of the aspects that may be involved aside from the functions of the items themselves, which might take some time... just like for this post to be made about the ones in Unite. The essentials as above may just point players and their Pokémon in the right direction in battle.

One year ago: Saving (Preserving) Pokémon Locations

Two years ago: The Flurry of Unite Team Creation

Three years ago: Say You Love Me (Not)

Four years ago: Earthing with Pokémon

Five years ago: Taking Pictures of Pokémon

Six years ago: LINE Pokémon Emoji

Seven years ago: The Super Incubator

Eight years ago: The Badge Arcade Hit Its Limits