Pokemon Unite v1.17.1.2 Next Step: Winners and losers

The Pokemon Unite "Next Step" update (v1.17.1.2) introduces many balance changes aimed at promoting a more diverse and fair gameplay experience. Underperforming Pocket Monsters received buffs to make them more viable, while dominant picks faced nerfs to curb their influence. This patch focuses on improving the battle environment, ensuring that a wide variety of critters can shine.

Here’s an in-depth look at the winners and losers of the Next Step update, broken into major and minor buffs and nerfs.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.

---

Pokemon Unite v1.17.1.2 Next Step: Winners and major buffs

Major winners of Pokemon Unite v1.17.1.2 Next Step patch update (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Tsareena is a clear winner of the Pokemon Unite Next Step update, with several of its moves becoming more potent.

Triple Axel now deals 8% increased damage per hit, a significant boost from the previous 5%. Additionally, Trop Kick and Grassy Glide received a 20% increase in shield amount, enhancing Tsareena’s survivability. These changes make it a more formidable presence in fights, able to dish out damage while staying in the thick of the battle.

Buzzwole also benefited greatly, with its Smack Down move gaining a 20% boost to area damage and Lunge extending its attack reduction duration from 2 to 2.5 seconds. These buffs solidify Buzzwole as a disruptive force in team fights, adding more utility to its bruiser playstyle.

Inteleon’s defense and special defense stats saw substantial increases, making it far less fragile. Coupled with reduced cooldowns for Fell Stinger and Acrobatics, Inteleon is now a more reliable and versatile choice for hit-and-run tactics.

Similarly, Decidueye’s defense buffs bolster its ability to stay in fights longer, allowing it to function more effectively as a close-range Razor Leaf user.

---

Minor buffs

Minor winners of Pokemon Unite v1.17.1.2 Next Step patch update (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Several Pokemon received minor improvements that could still have a notable impact. Cramorant's Surf+, despite being almost insignificant, now slows opponents for three seconds instead of two, improving its crowd-control capabilities a little.

Dodrio enjoys reduced cooldowns for Agility and a 6% damage increase for Drill Peck, making it more agile and dangerous.

Sylveon got a durability boost with increased special defense. However, it also got a nerf to its Draining Kiss + Mystical Fire build, making its Calm Mind + Hyper Voice more viable now.

Meanwhile, Talonflame’s Brave Bird+ now offers higher damage reduction, making its aggressive dives less punishing.

Pokemon like Metagross, Clefable, and Sableye also saw small cooldown reductions, adding more fluidity to their gameplay.

---

Pokemon Unite v1.17.1.2 Next Step: Losers and major nerfs

Major losers of Pokemon Unite v1.17.1.2 Next Step patch update (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Tyranitar faced one of the most impactful nerfs in this update. The damage of Stone Edge was reduced by 10%, and the cooldown for Dark Pulse was increased, curbing its burst damage potential. These changes force Tyranitar players to rely more on precision and timing rather than sheer reckless and overwhelming power.

Crustle also saw its dominance dialed back. The cooldowns for Rock Tomb and Stealth Rock were increased, while the damage for the latter was reduced. Even its Unite Move now costs 20% more energy, making it less accessible during crucial moments. These changes aim to reduce Crustle’s ability to control objectives and stall fights.

Darkrai’s boosted attack range was shortened, reducing its ability to deal damage from a safe distance. Fixes to Nasty Plot and adjustments to its Unite Move further tone down its oppressive potential, making it less of a nightmare for opponents.

Garchomp also suffered a decrease in base attack speed, coupled with reduced damage and effectiveness for Earthquake and Dragon Rush. These nerfs directly target its scaling and late-game dominance.

---

Minor nerfs

Minor losers of Pokemon Unite v1.17.1.2 Next Step patch update (Image via The Pokemon Company)

The update also introduced smaller but still impactful nerfs to certain Pokemon. Psyduck, a relatively new addition, saw significant reductions to its Disable move, with damage lowered by 20% and its cooldown increased. This ensures opponents have better counterplay options and aren’t entirely shut down.

Venusaur’s Solar Beam damage was reduced by 8%, while Giga Drain got a minor buff, slightly rebalancing its offensive and defensive capabilities. While this doesn't seem that bad, it restricts Venusaur players to one set of movesets reducing its versatility.

Similarly, Machamp and Mr. Mime had their utility reduced with changes to cooldowns and the effectiveness of their hindrance abilities.

Other Pokemon, including Absol, Umbreon, and Blaziken, faced smaller adjustments to movement speed reduction effects and cooldowns. These changes may seem minor but could subtly shift their place in the meta.

---

The defensive shift

A significant theme in this patch is the focus on defensive buffs. Attackers like Inteleon, Decidueye, Delphox, and Sylveon now boast increased durability, allowing for prolonged engagements and more strategic plays.

These changes encourage players to last longer in crucial moments rather than just core damage alone. Inteleon, for instance, transitions from a glass cannon to a more reliable attacker that can survive longer in team fights.

This defensive shift could reshape the meta, emphasizing sustained clashes over quick eliminations. The Next Step update not only improves individual Pokemon but also aims to create a healthier, more balanced gameplay experience for all.

---

Check out other game-related articles here:

• Tinkaton's Pokemon Unite movesets leaked
• Galarian Rapidash's Pokemon Unite movesets leaked
• Psyduck: Best movesets, builds, items, and more
• How to get Psyduck in Pokemon Unite
• Unite v1.16.2.8 Freezing Rush Part 2 - Winners and losers
• Unite license tier list
• Unite Solo Queue licenses tier list
• Best Build for every Unite license
• Best Boost Emblems in the game
• Held Item tier list
• Battle Item tier list