Pokémon Unite is here, bringing with it some intense battles in a 5v5 situation, where it’s vital to work together if victory is to be yours. Of course, no Pokémon game would be complete without the creatures themselves, and Pokémon Unite boasts various monsters from different generations. However, you might not find your favourite, given there’s around 900 Pokémon now, and only 20 are on the roster – though more are on the way, thanks to the upcoming Pokémon Unite DLC.
In our Pokémon Unite held items guide, we explain what they are and rank them, showing you which ones are worth your time, and which are better left alone. Of course, which items suit you varies, depending upon which Pokémon you choose, and what role you play on the battlefield.
If you’re thinking of getting into the game, be sure to check out our Pokémon Unite tier list to see where your chosen Pokémon ranks. Alternatively, if you already have a creature in mind, we offer guides such as Pokémon Unite’s Pikachu, Pokémon Unite’s Garchomp, Pokémon Unite’s Greninja, Pokémon Unite’s Blastoise, and Pokémon Unite’s Gardevoir. Oh, and if you want to look good while taking out an opponent, you should take a look at our Pokémon Unite skins guide.
What are Pokémon Unite held items?
In Pokémon Unite, trainers can equip their companions with up to three held items, which provide varying boosts to different stats. Some are heavy on offence, increasing your attack, while offers give a defensive edge, such as more HP. Of course, these play a vital role in any match, regardless of whether or not it’s ranked, so choosing the best items for your position is crucial. Be sure to check out our individual guides for each Pokémon, as they will have their own unique item recommendations.
| Item name | Description |
| Assault vest | Increases health and special defence, while providing a special attack shield outside of combat |
| Attack weight | This item gives a slight boost to attack, which increases upon scoring a goal |
| Aeos cookie | The aeos cookie provides a slight boost to health, and gives an increase to max HP on scoring a goal |
| Buddy barrier | When using a Unite move, both you and your ally with the lowest health receive a defence shield |
| Energy amplifier | The energy amplifier gives a slight boost to the recharge time of your Unite move, as well as a slight increase in its damage |
| EXP share | This item gives you a boost to health and movement speed, as well as a tiny amount of passive experience |
| Leftovers | This item increases your total HP, and allows you to regenerate health when outside of battle |
| Focus band | Not only does the focus band boost your defences, it also enables you to recover some HP |
| Muscle band | The muscle band is for offensive playstyles, with it increasing attack damage and speed, as well as giving bonus attack damage |
| Sp attack specs | As the name suggests, the sp attack specs give a boost to your special attack damage |
| Wise glasses | The wise glasses not only increase attack damage, but they also up the frequency in which you can use them |
| Rocky helmet | The rocky helmet gives a nice boost to HP and defence, they also reflect damage |
| Float stone | This item increases your attack and movement speed |
| Shell bell | Increases special attack, move cooldown, and allows you to heal |
| Scope lens | The scope lens increases your critical hit rate and damage |
| Score shield | The score shield gives a slight boost to health, and focus, while also providing protection when scoring a goal |
What are the best Pokémon Unite held items?
While there isn’t a ton of held items available yet, there’s certainly enough to rank. Some of these items are true standouts that can change the tide of battle, while others are next to useless. The bottom of the barrel isn’t helpful at all, they may actually aid in your demise, rather than prevent it, as they offer no life saving benefits.
Below is our ranking for all of the Pokémon Unite held items:
| Rank | Pokémon Unite items |
| S | Rocky helmet, muscle band, float stone |
| A | Buddy barrier, scope lens, focus band, assault vest, wise glasses |
| B | Attack weight, aeos cookie, leftovers, score shield |
| C | Sp attack specs, exp share, energy amplifier |
What are Pokémon Unite battle items?
In Pokémon Unite, trainers can equip one battle item, and it’s essential to make the right choice, for this could see you survive – for another minute or so, at least. Currently, there’s not many to choose from, but they have varying benefits that will help, depending upon your Pokémon and chosen build.
| Item name | Description |
| X-attack | As the name suggests, this item increases your attack and special attack stats for a short period |
| Eject button | Allows you to teleport to another part of the map |
| X-speed | This item gives you a temporary boost to movement speed |
| Fluffy tail | Prevents wild Pokémon from attacking you, while also increasing the damage you do to them |
| Potion | Pokémon fans are all familiar with potions. They heal a certain amount of health |
| Full heal | Removes all status effects, such as sleep, and makes you immune for a short period |
| White smoke | All opposing Pokémon caught in the white smoke take a hit to their movement speed |
| Goal accelerator | The name of the item says it all. Goal accelerator increases the speed at which you score goals for a matter of time |
What are the best Pokémon Unite battle items?
Given there’s only eight to choose from, you’re not spoilt for choice when it comes to battle items. However, some are clearly better than others. Since you can only equip one item, it’s worth giving it some thought – how do you intend to play? Will you be aggressive or defensive? Pick a side, and the battle item, to match.
| Rank | Items |
| S | Eject button, fluffy tail |
| A | Potion, x-speed |
| B | White smoke, x-attack, goal accelerator |
| C | Full heal |
And that’s all you need to know about both Pokémon Unite held items, and battle items. Be sure to check out our picks for the best Nintendo Switch multiplayer games if you’re after something new to play.