The new License Journey system has completely changed how players unlock Pokemon in Pokemon Unite. If you’re confused about how to get new Pokemon without spending real money, you’re not alone. This guide will explain everything you need to know about the Pokemon Unite License system and how to unlock every Pokemon as a free-to-play player.
Key Takeaways
- The License Journey is a new feature that replaced the old Aeos Coin system for unlocking Pokemon
- There are two types of License Points: Universal (blue) and Exclusive (Pokemon-specific)
- You must unlock Pokemon in order, except at Special Selection Stages where you can choose
- License Points can be earned through Battle Pass, events, daily missions, and exchanging Aeos Coins
- Free-to-play players can unlock every Pokemon through consistent play and smart choices
What is the Pokemon Unite License Journey?
The Pokemon Unite License Journey is a new feature added to the game in December 2025. It’s a stage-based reward system that lets you unlock Pokemon licenses using License Points instead of Aeos Coins. You can find the License Journey in the main lobby, usually in the lower-left corner of your screen.
Before this update, players used Aeos Coins to buy Pokemon licenses. Now, most Pokemon Unite licenses in the shop are only available for gems (the premium currency). The License Journey gives free-to-play players a clear path to unlock every Pokemon without spending money.
The License Journey works like a roadmap where you progress through stages, each containing a Pokemon license you can unlock. You must complete stages in order, which means you can’t skip ahead to unlock your favorite Pokemon first. This system ensures that all players, whether new or returning, have a structured way to build their Pokemon roster.
Universal License Points vs Exclusive License Points?
In the Pokemon Unite License Journey, there are two types of License Points you need to understand:
Universal License Points are the blue points that you can use to unlock any Pokemon license in the journey. These points work like general currency that can be applied to any stage you’re currently on. When you earn Universal License Points, they go into your general pool and can be used for any Pokemon license in your current stage.
Exclusive License Points are different because they’re tied to specific Pokemon. Each Exclusive License Point has a Pokemon icon on it, meaning it can only be used to unlock that particular Pokemon. You cannot use Exclusive License Points for any other Pokemon, even if you have enough of them.
Here’s a simple comparison:
| Feature | Universal License Points | Exclusive License Points |
| Color | Blue | Varies (with Pokemon icon) |
| Usage | Any Pokemon license in order | Only the specific Pokemon shown |
| How to Get | Battle Pass, events, missions | Special or limited events only |
| Flexibility | High – can be used for any current stage | Low – Pokemon-specific only |
For most players, Universal License Points are more valuable because they give you flexibility in choosing which Pokemon to unlock next. However, if you have Exclusive License Points for a Pokemon you want, they can help you unlock that specific Pokemon faster.
How to Unlock Pokemon in the License Journey?
Unlocking Pokemon in the License Journey follows a specific process. Here’s how it works step by step:
First, you need to earn License Points through various methods like playing matches, completing daily missions, or participating in events. Once you have enough points, you can progress through the stages of your License Journey.
Each stage in the journey contains one Pokemon license that you can unlock. You must unlock Pokemon in the order they appear in the journey. For example, you can’t unlock Alolan Ninetales at Stage 2 if you haven’t already unlocked Pikachu from Stage 1.
The only exception to this rule is at Special Selection Stages. These are special points in your journey where you can choose which Pokemon to unlock next. When you reach a Special Selection Stage, you’ll see several Pokemon options, and you can pick one to unlock.
Important tip: When you choose a Pokemon at a Special Selection Stage, that Pokemon becomes your current stage target. You must unlock it before you can progress further in the journey. Choose carefully because some Pokemon require more points than others, and you want to make the best use of your hard-earned points.
If you already own a Pokemon license that appears in your journey, that stage will be automatically skipped. This helps players who already have some Pokemon progress faster through the later stages of the journey.
Best Ways to Earn License Points?
Earning License Points is essential for unlocking Pokemon in the License Journey. Here are the best methods to get both Universal and Exclusive License Points:
Battle Pass Rewards: The Battle Pass is one of the most reliable sources of License Points. The free track gives you 700 License Points per season, while the premium track gives an additional 1,500 points. If you play regularly, investing in the premium Battle Pass can significantly speed up your progress.
Daily Missions and Events: Pokemon Unite offers daily missions that reward License Points upon completion. These missions usually involve playing matches, winning games, or using specific Pokemon. Special events also provide bonus License Points, so keep an eye on the events tab and participate actively.
Aeos Coin Exchange: Since Aeos Coins are being phased out, you can exchange your existing coins for License Points. The exchange rate is typically 10:1, meaning 10 Aeos Coins give you 1 License Point. If you have saved up Aeos Coins, this is a great way to get a head start on the License Journey.
Returning Trainer Event: If you haven’t played Pokemon Unite for a while, the Returning Trainer Event now gives License Points instead of Aeos Coins. Some players have reported that not logging in for 14 days and then returning can trigger this event, giving you a boost of points to get started again.
Discord Rewards: Joining the official Pokemon Unite Discord server and participating in community events can sometimes reward you with License Points. For example, new members might receive 25 License Points just for joining.
Pro tip: Focus on completing daily missions consistently rather than grinding matches endlessly. The mission rewards often give more points per time spent than just playing matches.
Free-to-Play Strategy for Unlocking All Pokemon?
As a free-to-play player, you can unlock every Pokemon in Pokemon Unite with the right strategy. Here’s how to maximize your progress without spending money:
Prioritize High-Value Pokemon: At Special Selection Stages, choose Pokemon that are more expensive or harder to obtain. These usually include newer Pokemon or those that were previously only available for gems. Getting these “expensive” Pokemon for free gives you better value for your License Points.
Complete Events Consistently: Pokemon Unite events are your best friend as a free-to-play player. They often give generous amounts of License Points and sometimes Exclusive License Points for specific Pokemon. Make it a habit to check the events tab daily and complete all available event missions.
Save Universal License Points: Don’t rush to spend your Universal License Points as soon as you get them. Save them for stages where the Pokemon requires more points or for Special Selection Stages where you can choose a high-value Pokemon.
Plan Your Play Sessions: Instead of playing randomly, plan your play sessions around daily mission resets and event deadlines. This ensures you never miss out on time-limited opportunities to earn extra License Points.
Join a Community: Being part of a Pokemon Unite community, like the official Discord or subreddit, can help you stay informed about special events, bonus point opportunities, and strategies from other free-to-play players.
Remember, unlocking every Pokemon as a free-to-play player takes time and consistency. You won’t get all Pokemon overnight, but with steady progress and smart choices, you can build a complete roster without spending any real money.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get new Pokemon in Pokemon Unite with the License Journey system?
Getting new Pokemon in Pokemon Unite with the License Journey system is straightforward. First, you need to earn License Points by playing matches, completing daily missions, participating in events, or through the Battle Pass. Once you have enough points, you can progress through the stages of your License Journey. Each stage contains one Pokemon license that you can unlock using your points. You must unlock Pokemon in the order they appear in the journey, except at Special Selection Stages where you can choose which Pokemon to unlock next. The system ensures that all players, whether new or returning, have a clear path to expand their Pokemon roster without spending money.
What’s the difference between Universal License Points and Exclusive License Points?
Universal License Points and Exclusive License Points serve different purposes in the License Journey system. Universal License Points are blue points that work like general currency – you can use them to unlock any Pokemon license in your current stage. They’re flexible and can be applied to any Pokemon you’re trying to unlock. Exclusive License Points, on the other hand, are tied to specific Pokemon. Each Exclusive License Point has a Pokemon icon on it, meaning it can only be used to unlock that particular Pokemon. You cannot use Exclusive License Points for any other Pokemon, even if you have enough of them. Universal Points are generally more valuable because they give you flexibility, while Exclusive Points are useful if you want a specific Pokemon they’re tied to.
How can I unlock Pokemon licenses faster as a free-to-play player?
As a free-to-play player, you can unlock Pokemon licenses faster by focusing on the most efficient methods of earning License Points. First, complete your daily missions every day as they provide consistent points. Second, participate actively in all events, especially limited-time events that often give bonus points. Third, make the most of the Battle Pass – even the free track gives you 700 points per season. Fourth, if you have old Aeos Coins, exchange them for License Points before they’re removed from the game. Fifth, join the official Discord server for potential bonus points and community tips. Finally, at Special Selection Stages, choose Pokemon that require more points as they give better value. Consistency is key – playing a little every day is better than long grinding sessions once a week.
Do I need to unlock Pokemon in order with the License Journey?
Yes, with the License Journey system, you generally need to unlock Pokemon in the order they appear in your journey. The system is designed as a progression path where each stage must be completed before you can move to the next one. For example, you can’t unlock a Pokemon from Stage 5 if you haven’t completed Stages 1 through 4 first. However, there is one important exception: Special Selection Stages. At these special points in your journey, you can choose which Pokemon to unlock next from a selection of options. Once you make your choice at a Special Selection Stage, that Pokemon becomes your current target, and you must unlock it before continuing. Also, if you already own a Pokemon license that appears in your journey, that stage will be automatically skipped, allowing you to progress faster.
What happens at Special Selection Stages?
Special Selection Stages are unique points in your License Journey where you get to choose which Pokemon to unlock next. Instead of being given a specific Pokemon to unlock, you’ll see several options and can pick the one you want. These stages give you some control over your progression through the journey. When you reach a Special Selection Stage, take your time to consider your options carefully. Look at the point cost for each Pokemon and think about which one would be most valuable to you. Once you make your selection, that Pokemon becomes your current stage target, and you must unlock it before you can progress further in the journey. Choose wisely because your decision affects your immediate progression path. Special Selection Stages are great opportunities to get Pokemon you really want or to choose high-value Pokemon that give you better return on your License Points investment.
How do I earn License Points?
You can earn License Points in Pokemon Unite through several methods. The most consistent way is through the Battle Pass – the free track gives 700 License Points per season, while the premium track gives an additional 1,500 points. Daily missions are another reliable source; these usually involve playing matches, winning games, or using specific Pokemon. Special events often provide bonus License Points, so check the events tab regularly and participate in all available events. If you have old Aeos Coins, you can exchange them for License Points at a rate of about 10:1 before coins are removed from the game. The Returning Trainer Event, which triggers if you haven’t played for a while, now gives License Points instead of Aeos Coins. Finally, joining the official Pokemon Unite Discord and participating in community events can sometimes reward you with additional License Points.
Can I skip Pokemon in the License Journey?
Generally, you cannot skip Pokemon in the License Journey. The system is designed as a linear progression where you must unlock each Pokemon in the order they appear. You can’t jump ahead to unlock your favorite Pokemon if you haven’t completed the previous stages. However, there are two exceptions to this rule. First, if you already own a Pokemon license that appears in your journey, that stage will be automatically skipped, allowing you to progress faster. Second, at Special Selection Stages, you get to choose which Pokemon to unlock next from a selection of options, giving you some control over your progression path. But once you’ve made your choice at a Special Selection Stage, you must unlock that Pokemon before continuing. The linear nature of the License Journey ensures that all players, whether new or returning, follow a structured path to build their Pokemon roster over time.
Conclusion
The Pokemon Unite License Journey system has made it possible for free-to-play players to unlock every Pokemon without spending money. By understanding how Universal and Exclusive License Points work, following the progression system, and making smart choices at Special Selection Stages, you can build a complete Pokemon roster through consistent play.
Remember to focus on daily missions, participate in events, and make the most of the Battle Pass to earn License Points efficiently. With patience and the right strategy, you’ll be able to unlock every Pokemon Unite license and enjoy all the game has to offer without opening your wallet.
Ready to start your License Journey? Log in to Pokemon Unite today and begin unlocking your favorite Pokemon one stage at a time!
