Pokemon Unite update today (November 21, 2024): Freezing Rush Part 3 patch notes revealed (Ver.1.16.2.9)

The latest update for Pokemon Unite, Version 1.16.2.9, is here, and it brings significant balance adjustments, event updates and shop changes as part of the ongoing Freezing Rush event. Released on November 21, 2024, this patch introduces critical changes to Pokemon stats and movesets aimed at improving gameplay balance.

Notable updates include buffs to underperforming moves, nerfs to overpowered abilities, and fixes to persistent bugs. As always, players may need to restart their apps to apply the update and reconnect to the servers once maintenance concludes.

Below, we dive into the detailed patch notes for Version 1.16.2.9.

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Pokemon Unite Freezing Rush Part 3 update (Ver.1.16.2.9): Update details

Update Date/Time: November 21, 2024, at 07:00 UTC

Key Highlights:

• Shop and event updates.
• Balance adjustments to Pokemon stats and moves.
• Held item rebalancing.
• Bug fixes.

Note: Players unable to connect to the server during the update should try again later.

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Balance adjustments

Zeraora

• Spark: Cooldown reduced from 10s → 9s.
• Wild Charge: Cooldown reduced from 10s → 9s.
• Discharge: Shield amount increased by 15%.

Zeraora’s adjustments aim to enhance its survivability and KO potential, particularly in clustered battles. The reduced cooldowns for Spark and Wild Charge enable more frequent engagement, while the improved shield from Discharge bolsters its diving durability.

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Cinderace

• Defense: Increased from 50-250 → 50-268 (Lv.1-15).
• Special Defense: Increased from 30-150 → 30-232 (Lv.1-15).
• Blaze Kick: Cooldown increased from 8s → 9s.

To address Attackers’ fragility, Cinderace gains durability buffs. However, Blaze Kick’s cooldown has been slightly increased to counterbalance its consistently high win rate.

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Goodra

• Power Whip: Cooldown reduced from 8s → 7.5s.
• Acid Spray: Cooldown reduced from 8s → 7.5s.

Goodra’s tweaks focus on improving its gap-closing potential. Reduced cooldowns for Power Whip and Acid Spray allow players to better position foes for its Gooey ability.

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Darkrai

• Dark Pulse: Cooldown increased from 6s → 8s; damage reduced by 25%.
• Unite Move (Worst Nightmare): Damage reduced by 25%.

Darkrai’s high burst potential and invulnerability made it challenging to counter. The cooldown and damage reductions address these concerns, ensuring fairer gameplay.

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Held Item adjustments

Buffs

• Assault Vest: Shield amount increased to 9%, 12%, 15% → 10%, 15%, 20% (Lv.1, 10, 20).
• Rocky Helmet: Damage now scales to 9%, 12%, 15% of max HP → 10%, 15%, 20% (Lv.1, 10, 20).
• Rescue Hood: Healing and shielding boosted to 5%, 7.5%, 10% → 8%, 11%, 14% (Lv.1, 10, 20).

Nerfs

• Weakness Policy: Attack increase reduced to 2%, 2.5%, 3% → 1.5%, 2%, 2.5% (Lv.1, 10, 20).
• Rapid Fire Scarf: Attack speed reduced to 15%, 22.5%, 30% → 15%, 20%, 25% (Lv.1, 10, 20).
• Slick Spoon: Special Defense ignored reduced to 9%, 13%, 17% → 9%, 12%, 15% (Lv.1, 10, 20).

Held item adjustments refine win rate disparities, boosting underused options like Assault Vest and Rescue Hood while nerfing overperformers, such as Weakness Policy and Rapid Fire Scarf.

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Bug fixes

• Fixed Tsareena's Unite Move issue with hindrance-resistant opponents.
• Resolved Zacian's inability to use abilities during Darkrai’s Unite Move.
• Fixed Darkrai’s Unite Move, reducing battle item cooldowns.
• Addressed Psyduck’s unintended mysterious power activation during its Unite Move.

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This update introduces a well-rounded set of improvements to gameplay, enhancing balance while fixing critical bugs. Be sure to explore the latest changes and experiment with the updated mechanics in your next Unite Battle.

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• Everything to know about the Goal Hacker in Pokemon Unite
• Is EX Pokemon leaving the game?
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• Held Item tier list
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