TL;DR
- Pokemon selection prioritizes immediate battle style recognition over raw power stats
- Wild Pokemon placements are carefully matched to stage atmosphere and Pokedex lore
- Developer interviews reveal intentional inclusion of ‘eccentric picks’ for diversity
- Recent additions like Greedent demonstrate the unpredictable nature of roster updates
- With nearly 900 Pokemon available, future additions could include virtually any species

The Pokemon Unite development team approaches roster selection with a unique perspective that prioritizes player intuition over traditional power rankings. Rather than focusing solely on combat statistics or popularity metrics, they emphasize how quickly players can understand a Pokemon’s potential fighting style from its visual design alone.
With the Pokemon franchise spanning 25 years and featuring nearly 900 distinct creatures, the selection process requires careful consideration of multiple factors. The developers recently shared their methodology in an exclusive Famitsu interview, translated by Nintendo Everything, revealing the complex decision-making behind each addition.
Producer Masaaki Hoshino explained the foundational principle: “Our selection criteria centers on how easily players can identify battle strategies just by observing a Pokemon’s appearance. As an avid Pokemon enthusiast myself, I was determined to include a diverse range of species in our game.”
This philosophy explains why unexpected choices like Crustle and Eldegoss appear alongside established favorites. Hoshino specifically highlighted Crustle as an “intentionally unconventional selection” that demonstrates their commitment to exploring the full spectrum of Pokemon possibilities.

The strategic placement of wild Pokemon throughout the game maps follows equally deliberate design principles. Hoshino elaborated on how environmental considerations influence these decisions.
“We carefully select wild Pokemon based on how effectively they complement the visual and thematic elements of each stage,” the producer stated, emphasizing the importance of cohesive world-building.
The development team consistently references the official Pokedex when determining wild Pokemon behaviors. For instance, Rotom’s tendency to attack opposing goals after defeat directly stems from its Pokedex classification as a creature that “disrupts electronic appliances.”
This methodology clarifies the inclusion of surprising wild Pokemon choices such as Mamoswine and Blissey. However, the majority of selections aim to feature instantly recognizable iconic species that resonate with long-time fans, including Gardevoir, Blastoise, Pikachu, and Lucario.
Pro Tip: Pay close attention to wild Pokemon placements during matches – their strategic positioning often reveals clues about optimal lane control and objective timing strategies that can give your team a competitive edge.
Who is the next Pokemon coming to Pokemon Unite?
Greedent represents the most recent addition to the Pokemon Unite character roster. This adorable rodent Pokemon debuted during the seasonal Halloween Festival event, showcasing the developers’ pattern of timing new releases with special occasions.
Currently, no verified leaks or concrete hints about upcoming Pokemon additions have surfaced. However, based on Hoshino’s detailed interview insights, virtually any Pokemon from the extensive franchise library could potentially join the battle arena.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t assume that only popular or powerful Pokemon will be added. The development history demonstrates a clear preference for strategic diversity over mere popularity contests.
Advanced Insight: Seasoned players should monitor official Pokemon social media channels and community tournaments, as these platforms often provide early indicators of upcoming roster changes before formal announcements.
Action Checklist
- Analyze new Pokemon based on visual battle style cues rather than preconceived power rankings
- Study wild Pokemon placements to understand stage-specific strategic advantages
- Monitor official Pokemon channels during seasonal events for potential new character reveals
- Experiment with unconventional Pokemon selections to discover hidden strategic potential
No reproduction without permission:Game Guides Online » Pokemon Unite developers reveal reasons for roster picks Discover the strategic selection process behind Pokemon Unite's roster additions and wild Pokemon placements
