Empoleon, Dhelmise, and Vaporeon Join Pokémon UNITE Roster: Release Dates and Details Explained

Pokémon UNITE, the popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) title developed in partnership by TiMi Studio Group and The Pokémon Company for Nintendo Switch and mobile, continues to expand its roster with a set of highly anticipated new additions.

The ongoing support from The Pokémon Company has kept Pokémon UNITE among the top free-to-play downloads on the Nintendo eShop since its 2021 launch, consistently engaging players with fresh content and regular updates. On June 14, 2024, The Pokémon Company officially revealed that Empoleon, Dhelmise, and Vaporeon will be the next playable Pokémon to join the action-packed lineup of UNITE.

According to the announcement, Empoleon will lead the charge, joining the playable roster on September 19, 2025.

This marks the first time the Water/Steel-type Pokémon, beloved since the fourth generation of Pokémon games, will be a selectable character in Pokémon UNITE. Dhelmise and Vaporeon will also make their debut in the coming months, expanding the strategic possibilities for both casual players and competitive teams.

While precise release dates for Dhelmise and Vaporeon have not yet been confirmed, their inclusion highlights The Pokémon Company’s ongoing commitment to supporting and enriching Pokémon UNITE’s roster. In addition to the new playable characters, Groudon is set to appear as a powerful boss in the Theia Sky Ruins stage, beginning September 4, 2025.

This addition is poised to deliver a fresh challenge for teams as they vie for control of the battlefield in one of the game’s most dynamic arenas. In a prepared statement, representatives of The Pokémon Company emphasized their excitement for the upcoming releases, stating that expanding the roster with new Pokémon helps to create more variety and innovative strategies for players both on Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.

This update follows a series of recent content drops and events designed to keep the game’s large global community engaged. Since its initial launch, Pokémon UNITE has achieved several key milestones, including awards recognition and surpassing millions of downloads across all platforms.

The title’s combination of classic Pokémon gameplay, real-time strategy, and unique multiplayer features have solidified its status as a flagship free-to-play title on the Nintendo Switch eShop and among the wider Pokémon franchise. Players eager to master Empoleon, Dhelmise, or Vaporeon should stay tuned to official Pokémon UNITE channels for further announcements regarding their skillsets and in-game abilities.

With continuous support from The Pokémon Company, Pokémon UNITE shows no signs of slowing down as it heads into its next major update cycle.

Pokémon The Pokémon Company Pokémon Company Pokémon UNITE Vaporeon Nintendo Switch Empoleon Dhelmise Groudon Theia Sky Ruins