Pokemon Unite enthusiasts witnessed an impressive year in 2023 with fourteen new playable creatures joining the battlefield, culminating in December's additions of Meowscarada and Metagross. As 2024 unfolds, the game continues its momentum by introducing one of Generation 1's most iconic creatures - the seemingly feeble Magikarp, scheduled for release on January 24th. This addition marks a significant moment for fans who have long awaited the inclusion of this famously weak yet universally recognized Pokemon.
The choice to include Magikarp might appear unusual given its reputation as one of the weakest creatures in the Pokemon universe. However, its cultural significance as one of the most recognizable Generation 1 monsters outside of Pikachu makes this addition particularly meaningful. The delayed inclusion of such an iconic creature has left many players wondering why it took so long for Magikarp to make its Pokemon Unite debut. More importantly, Magikarp's arrival naturally introduces its powerful evolution - the fearsome Gyarados, creating a unique dual-character dynamic that promises to revolutionize gameplay strategies.
Players across different regions will gain access to Magikarp and Gyarados beginning January 24th and 25th, depending on their geographical location. Although the official release is imminent, dedicated players who participated in December's Public Test server have already uncovered fascinating details about these characters' gameplay mechanics. Their experiences reveal a creature that stays true to its main series origins while adapting beautifully to the Unite battlefield.
Magikarp's move set remains faithful to its classic capabilities, featuring only two primary attacks: 💧 Splash - a non-damaging move that propels Magikarp short distances across the arena, and ⚔️ Flail - an attack that grows increasingly powerful as Magikarp's health diminishes. The most innovative mechanic introduced with Magikarp is its unique evolution system. Unlike other Pokemon that evolve upon reaching specific levels, Magikarp transforms into Gyarados only when its special effort gauge fills completely, adding strategic depth to how players manage their progression during matches.
Upon evolution, Gyarados emerges as a formidable Melee Speedster with an impressive arsenal of moves:
| Move | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Waterfall | 💧 Water | Mobility and control |
| Aqua Tail | 💧 Water | Damage dealing |
| Dragon Breath | Dragon | Status effects |
| Bounce | Normal | Gap closing |
This diverse move set allows Gyarados to fulfill multiple combat roles simultaneously. Mobility moves like Bounce and Waterfall provide excellent positioning opportunities, while Aqua Tail and Dragon Breath deliver substantial damage output. The creature's aggressive playstyle is further enhanced by its Passive Ability Moxie, which reduces move cooldowns with each knockout or assist, rewarding players for maintaining offensive pressure.
One aspect that remains shrouded in mystery is the cosmetic options that will accompany these new additions. While many fans hope for a Holowear featuring Gyarados' iconic red shiny form - famous from its Johto region appearances - Pokemon Unite has historically not included shiny variants as cosmetic options. The development team will likely create special commemorative Holowear to celebrate these iconic additions, though the specific designs remain undisclosed as of January 2024.
The strategic implications of Magikarp and Gyarados' dual nature cannot be overstated. Players must carefully manage Magikarp's fragile early game while working toward its evolution into the powerhouse Gyarados. This risk-reward dynamic introduces fresh strategic considerations to team compositions and match pacing. The unique evolution mechanic based on effort rather than level means that skilled players who accumulate points efficiently can access Gyarados' devastating capabilities earlier than opponents might anticipate.
As Pokemon Unite continues to expand its roster, the addition of such culturally significant creatures demonstrates the developers' commitment to honoring Pokemon legacy while innovating within the MOBA genre. Magikarp and Gyarados represent not just new playable characters, but a celebration of Pokemon history that resonates deeply with long-time fans. Their January 2024 introduction sets an exciting precedent for what promises to be another groundbreaking year for Pokemon Unite enthusiasts worldwide.