Pokemon Unite upcoming updates: Legend Rank, Held Item level cap and more

Pokemon Unite is setting up for a major overhaul, bringing major changes to rank progression, Held Items, and a new rank level. These updates aim to make competitive matches more layered and give players more freedom to expand their playstyles. Alongside these changes, adjustments to reward structures are also on the way, making this update refresh the title entirely, which is set to be live on December 4, 2025, onwards.

Here’s a full breakdown of everything soon arriving in Pokemon Unite.

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Major Ranked changes set to come in Pokemon Unite

1) Rank progression moves to a Gauge format

The rank system is being changed to a point-based gauge that determines how players advance or fall through the ranks. Instead of having a set number of wins letting you rank up, players will now earn points after every match which will fill your gauge, or vice versa.

• Beginner to Ultra Ranks: Each rank is divided into classes, and your progression within each class is progressed through a rank gauge. Winning matches fills the gauge with points; losing will decrease it. Filling the gauge promotes you to the next class, while dropping below zero sends you down a class. Clearing the highest class of a rank promotes you to the next rank tier.
• Master Rank: Master rank keeps its traditional numbered rating system.

Additionally, players will also need to spend rank points to queue for ranked matches, with higher ranks requiring more points.

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2) Performance-based Rank Points

The title's new Rank Gauge (Image via The Pokemon Company)

The game will now reward individual contributions with extra rank points, regardless of your role. These “performance titles” highlight standout actions such as:

• Highest number of KOs
• Absorbing the most damage
• Interrupting the most goals
• Landing the most critical hits
• Collecting the most Berries

With the new ranking structure comes a new form of protection. The old rank-protection cards are being replaced with rank-point protection cards, which let players enter ranked matches without spending rank points.

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3) Introduction of the new Legend Rank

Pokemon Unite's new upcoming Legend rank (Image via The Pokemon Company)

A new rank tier, Legend rank, is being added above Master. Only players who hit a specific Master rating will unlock this tier. Keep in mind, it is possible to drop your back to Masters.

Matchmaking for Legend players will prioritize pairing them with others in the same tier.

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4) Held Item level cap raised to 40

Held Items are getting a major upgrade, increasing their maximum level from 30 to 40.

Stat adjustments

• Items upgraded level 30 onwards will gain additional stat boosts.
• Passive effects will remain unchanged.

Item Enhancers will continue to be available from events and Shop in exchange of Aeos Tickets. Additionally, throughout May 2026, players will also be able to exchange Aeos coins for Item Enhancers via the Aeos Coin Exchange.

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If you are interested in other topics related to the game, check out these articles:

• All Unite First to 500 Aeos Technology, explained
• Pokemon 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