Pokemon Unite new battle item announced: Everything we know so far

Pokemon Unite, with the mindset of constantly keeping the game and its meta fresh, has revealed a new battle item, Goal Hacker, scheduled to release on September 27, 2024. This item is set to open up possibilities for creative strategies and gameplay with its unique mechanics, offering both offensive and defensive potential.

Here’s everything we know so far about Goal Hacker and how it might influence your Pokemon Unite matches.

Note: Some aspects of this article are subjective and solely reflect the writer's opinions.

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What is Goal Hacker in Pokemon Unite?

Goal Hacker is a new battle item that brings a dynamic twist to controlling goal zones in Pokemon Unite. Here’s how it works:

• Buffs shield and HP recovery effects of an ally goal zone: When used within or near an ally goal zone, Goal Hacker boosts the shield and healing effects, making it harder for opponents to score and giving your team a better chance to hold the line.
• Nerfs shield and HP recovery effects of an opposing goal zone: When used in or near an enemy goal zone, Goal Hacker disables the opposing team’s shields and recovery effects, making it easier to score and prevent them from healing during crucial moments.
• Duration: The effects last for 4 seconds, which might seem brief but can be game-changing in the right hands.
• Cooldown: The item is expected to have a 90-second cooldown, meaning players will need to carefully plan its usage during key moments in a match.

One of the more exciting aspects of this item is that it can be used on all bases, including the second-tier goal zones, without needing to destroy the first-tier ones. This opens up new tactical opportunities and makes Goal Hacker a versatile tool for both early- and late-game strategies.

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Strategic use of Goal Hacker in Pokemon Unite

Goal Hacker’s dual function as both an offensive and defensive tool adds a new layer of strategy to Pokemon Unite. Defensively, it can be used to enhance your team’s survival by improving the shielding and HP recovery of your goal zone when the enemy is attempting to score, especially in the early game.

On the offensive side, Goal Hacker can help you mount a more effective push. By nullifying the shield and recovery effects of an enemy goal zone, your team can create openings or even snowball to score points with less resistance.

This can be particularly effective when targeting a well-defended base, as it temporarily weakens the opponent’s defenses and forces them to adjust their positioning.

Since Goal Hacker can be used on any goal zone, including second-tier bases, it allows for greater flexibility in strategic decision-making. Teams no longer have to take down the first-tier goals to start pressuring the opponents seeking refuge in second-tier ones.

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Pokemon that can use Goal Hacker effectively

Certain Pokemon in Pokemon Unite can take full advantage of the Goal Hacker item, thanks to their playstyles and abilities. One standout candidate is Miraidon, who can seamlessly integrate Goal Hacker into its gameplay. This battle item just adds another layer to the Electric/Dragon-type creature's passive ability which has similar effects.

Additionally, fast attackers or defenders that frequently engage near goal zones could also benefit from Goal Hacker.

Pokemon like Lucario, Cinderace, or Trevenant - who often find themselves near goals during both scoring and defensive plays - can leverage Goal Hacker to either strengthen their defenses or disrupt the opponents' attempts to hold their bases.

Other than these options, this item could be commonly used by Supporters who focus on healing and survival of themselves and their teammates.