Pokémon Unite Game Manual
Spring 2026
THIS TOURNAMENT IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH, SANCTIONED OR SPONSORED BY THE POKÉMON COMPANY, NINTENDO, TENCENT, OR ANY OTHER GAME DEVELOPER OR PLATFORM.
1. COMPETITION
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Mobile devices
Team Size: 5v5
Game Duration: 10 minutes
Match Structure:
- Regular Season: Best of 3 games — first to win 2 games wins the match
- State Finals Matches: Best of 5 games
2. PLAYERS
- Each team's roster must consist of at least 5 players and no more than 9 players
- Players must use a unique game account for the duration of the season
- Rosters must include the complete and correct battletag for each player, along with a screenshot for verification. All linked account variations must be included.
- A player may represent only one team's roster in the same MiHSEF Pokémon Unite competition
- Substitutions may only occur between games (NOT during a game)
- The opposing coach/captain must be notified prior to the start of the next game
- Each team must field 4 players at the start of each game
- If a team cannot field 5 players, they may compete with 4
- If a team cannot field the required number of players for additional games in the series, they forfeit the remainder of the match
3. EQUIPMENT
Each team must have:
- Five Nintendo Switches or mobile devices with Pokémon Unite installed
- A stable high-speed internet connection
Minimum connection recommendations:
- 5 Mbps upload
- 15 Mbps download
- NAT Type A or B (for Nintendo Switch)
A wired LAN connection is strongly recommended for Nintendo Switch unless extenuating circumstances prevent it.
4. SEASON STRUCTURE
Regular Season
All matches are Best of 3 games.
Postseason
There is no traditional playoff bracket for this title. The top team from each section based on Blitz season record will advance to the State Finals.
Tiebreakers (in order):
- Head-to-head matchup
- Game win percentage
- Playoff match (if necessary)
State Finals
- State Finals will be single elimination
- Seeding determined by tournament organizers based on prior regional performance
- Higher seed for individual matches determined by coin flip
- Matches are Best of 3 until the finals, which are Best of 5
5. MATCH PROCEDURES
- Default match start time is 4:00 PM on the scheduled match day
- Teams have a 15-minute grace period to be ready
- If a team is not ready after 15 minutes, the match will be forfeited
- All reschedule requests must follow MiHSEF General Rules
- All forfeits count as a win for the opposing team, except in the case of a double forfeit
Teams may take up to 5 minutes between games unless otherwise agreed upon. If the 5-minute period expires without agreement or player readiness, the game will be forfeited.
6. PRE-MATCH
Each team will compete as either:
- Top Side (Purple Team)
- Bottom Side (Orange Team)
Side selection follows MiHSEF tournament procedures.
Draft Process
- The Top Side team receives draft pick priority
- Slots 4 and 5 for each team are responsible for Pokémon bans
- Teams may choose not to ban Pokémon
- Pick order is determined by the in-game draft system
- All players must follow the correct draft order and procedures
- If a draft error occurs before gameplay begins, the match should be paused and corrected prior to game start
- Open Pokémon Unite
- Select the Tournament Mode icon
- Select Kyogre Theia Sky Ruins (Draft Pick, 2 Pokémon Ban)
Required settings:
- All held items set to max grade
- All held items unlocked
- All UNITE licenses unlocked
- All battle items unlocked
- Draft pick priority set to Top Team
- Server selection set to Auto (unless otherwise approved by league officials)
Home Team must assign all players to correct teams and share the Lobby ID with all players.
- Open Pokémon Unite
- Select Lobby Search
- Enter the Lobby ID provided by the Home Team
Away Team must verify:
- Correct map and mode are selected
- All required settings are enabled
If incorrect settings are found, the lobby must be remade before the match begins.
7. POST-MATCH
- The team with the higher score at the end of the 10-minute game wins
- Both teams must report results in Fenworks promptly after each game
- Teams may select "Battle Again" or recreate the lobby between games
- Take in-game screenshots at the end of each game for verification purposes
- Matches without reported results may be subject to penalties including match forfeiture for both teams
If match results are incorrect or disputed, teams must contact league support for resolution. Failure to report accurate results may result in disciplinary action.
8. STOPPAGE OF PLAY
- If a disconnection or technical issue occurs, follow MiHSEF stoppage of play guidelines
- If a draft or lobby error is discovered before gameplay begins, the lobby must be remade
- If a game is completed before an error is identified, the results stand
- If a player disconnects, the game continues unless both teams agree to a restart
- Repeated or unresolved technical issues may result in a forfeit at the discretion of league administrators
Restarts not required by the rules are allowed only if both teams agree. All players must use the same accounts and Pokémon selections as the original game.
9. RESTRICTIONS
- All Pokémon, items, and abilities are allowed unless disabled in the official competitive rule set or specifically banned by MiHSEF
- The use of bugs, exploits, third-party software, or any unintended game mechanics to gain an advantage is strictly prohibited
- All violations are subject to review and potential disciplinary action in accordance with MiHSEF policies
Resources
- MiHSEF Discord — For tournament updates and support
Last Updated: April 11, 2026