Pokemon Unite update (December 26, 2024): Next Step 2 patch notes revealed (Ver.1.17.1.6)

Modified Dec 27, 2024 07:41 GMT

Pokemon Unite update (December 26, 2024): Next Step 2 patch notes revealed (Ver.1.17.1.6) — The Pokemon Unite Next Step 2 Ver.1.17.1.6 patch update is here (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Pokemon Unite has rolled out its much-anticipated Next Step 2 patch (Ver.1.17.1.6), introducing significant buffs, nerfs, and bug fixes to balance the battlefield. This update affects fan-favorite Pocket Monsters like Darkrai, Eldegoss, and Ceruledge while also addressing bugs impacting gameplay. Trainers can look forward to refined mechanics, improved damage scaling, and strategic opportunities as the meta continues to evolve.

Let’s dive into the details of the changes and how they impact gameplay.

Pokemon Unite Next Step 2 (Ver.1.17.1.6) patch update: Key buffs and nerfs

There are many key changes in the Next Step 2 Ver.1.17.1.6 patch update (Image via The Pokemon Company)

🚨 Calculate how strong your evolved Pokémon will become with our newly launched Pokemon GO Evolution Calculator 🚨

1) Eldegoss

Pollen Puff+: Level requirement reduced (11 → 10).
Leaf Tornado+: Level requirement reduced (11 → 10).
Cotton Guard+: Level requirement reduced (13 → 12).
Cotton Spore+: Level requirement reduced (13 → 12).

Eldegoss now unlocks its enhanced abilities earlier, making it a more potent support Pokemon during mid-game clashes.

2) Ceruledge

Bitter Blade:

Damage increased from 220% Atk → 242% Atk.
Base damage increased (300 → 330).

Phantom Force:

Damage scaling improved from 119% Atk → 125%.
Base damage increased (298 → 312).

Psycho Cut: Cooldown reduced (7s → 6.5s).

Ceruledge’s buffs enhance its burst damage, making it a stronger pick for sustained melee engagements.

3) Buzzwole

Superpower: Shield strength significantly increased, and cooldown reduced (8.5s → 8s).
Smack Down: Cooldown reduced (6.5s → 6s).

Buzzwole receives much-needed survivability and reduced downtime, bolstering its role as a disruptive bruiser.

4) Darkrai

Attack (Boosted): Nerfed, with damage scaling reduced (200% SpA → 160% SpA).
Nasty Plot: Reduced damage and scaling per counter.
Dark Void: Cooldown increased (3.5s → 4s).
Shadow Claw: Buffed with improved damage and scaling across multiple scenarios.

While Darkrai’s core abilities take a hit, Shadow Claw compensates with enhanced output, rewarding skilled play.

5) Blastoise

Surf: Cooldown reduced (8.5s → 7.5s).
Hydro Pump: Cooldown reduced (7s → 6s).
Unite Move: Hydro Typhoon: Cooldown significantly reduced (100s → 89s).

Blastoise sees a substantial boost to its utility and damage, making it a viable defender in both solo and team fights.

6) Psyduck

Swift Swim: Nerfed with reduced movement speed boosts and slower decay.
Disable: Bounce mechanics altered, with reduced bounces and increased cooldown (7s → 8s).
Psychic: Buffed with increased range and pull duration.

Psyduck’s nerfs curb its crowd control potential, but its improved Psychic offers tactical advantages in specific matchups.

7) Scizor

Scizor benefits from faster cooldowns and enhanced damage, solidifying its position in brawls:

Bullet Punch:

Damage increased (108% Atk → 114%; base 210 → 220).
Cooldown reduced from 5s → 4.5s.

8) Hoopa

Hyperspace Hole: Fixed a bug granting invulnerability before warping.

This fix restores balance to Hoopa’s utility without compromising its unique teleport mechanics.

Also read: Everything to know about Tinkaton in the game

Other notable changes

Mimikyu: Shadow Sneak and Shadow Claw nerfed, slightly reducing its burst potential.
Zacian: Metal Claw damage significantly reduced, impacting its high burst damage output.
Inteleon: Snipe Shot and Liquidation receive damage buffs, solidifying its role as a long-range sniper.

Also read: Tinkaton in the game: Best moveset, builds, items, and more

This latest Pokemon Unite patch shifts the meta by empowering underused Pokemon like Ceruledge and Buzzwole while reining in the dominance of Darkrai and Zacian. These changes encourage players to adapt their strategies and explore new team compositions.

With these updates live, now is the perfect time to revisit your favorite builds and tactics in Pokemon Unite.

Also read: Unite Season 28 Battle Pass: All rewards and prices

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🚨 Calculate how strong your evolved Pokémon will become with our newly launched Pokemon GO Evolution Calculator 🚨

Edited by Rachel Syiemlieh