Summary:
Pokémon Unite is reshaping how we unlock playable Pokémon. From December 4, 2025, Aeos Coins stop dropping and can no longer buy Unite Licenses. In their place, License Journeys introduce a track where we choose specific licenses and earn License Points through regular play—think battle pass milestones, daily random boxes, and event rewards. A temporary Aeos Coin Exchange opens the same day so we can trade leftover coins for License Points or items, but both the coin system and the exchange vanish by May 2026. That timeline matters if we’ve banked hundreds of thousands of coins or still rely on coins to round out a roster. The upside is targeted progress—picking from a set of licenses (usually five, sometimes the entire roster), with newly released Pokémon potentially appearing in journeys at shop launch. The catch is pacing and choices: we’ll need a plan, a routine, and smart priorities to keep flexibility without coins. Below, we break down how License Journeys work, where points come from, what to convert first, and the best strategies for free-to-play players, light spenders, and returning veterans who want a strong, future-proof roster.
What’s changing in Pokémon Unite with License Journey
Unite’s economy is moving from broad, free-flowing coin accrual to a choice-driven track built around License Journeys and License Points. On December 4, 2025, Aeos Coins stop being distributed and stop buying Unite Licenses in the shop, shifting the center of gravity to gameplay-earned License Points and, for purchases, Aeos Gems. The new journey system lets us pick which Unite License we’re working toward, typically from a selection of five licenses, though there will be moments when every license is selectable. That design puts focus on intentional choices rather than coin hoarding. It also means timing and attention matter more than ever: we’ll want to log in, push milestones, and claim point rewards with regularity. If you’ve ever hit a wall trying to grab one or two key roles for ranked nights, this change can help you lock in targets—but only if you approach it with a plan and a calendar.
License Journeys explained: choosing licenses and earning points
License Journeys are structured progress tracks. We choose a license to pursue, then we earn License Points through everyday play. The neat twist is control: most of the time we’ll choose from five featured licenses, but sometimes the net widens and we can pick from the whole roster. New releases can also appear in journeys right when they arrive in the shop, eliminating the old “wait window” for non-gem unlocks in some cases. That opens space for day-one progress on a fresh attacker, defender, or speedster without relying on coins. Still, it’s not a free pass—we must bank enough points to complete the unlock. Treat journeys like goal posts: define the role your team needs, pick the license that fills it, and commit to crossing the finish line before swapping targets. That discipline avoids half-finished unlocks that dilute our overall progress.
Typical license selection versus full-roster moments
Most cycles will limit choices to five licenses, creating a curated menu that nudges variety and keeps decisions manageable. Occasionally, journeys expand to include the entire lineup. Use those rare windows to chase long-term favorites—staple tanks, meta-relevant supports, or high-ceiling carries you’ve wanted forever. When the menu is narrower, pick for utility: roles your squad lacks, counters for current metas, or comfort picks that convert into instant value across ranked and quick matches. This way, you respect both the system’s cadence and your team’s needs.
Newly released Pokémon appearing in journeys
When a just-launched Pokémon shows up as a journey option at shop launch, seize the head start. Even if you don’t finish immediately, banking early points lowers the gem cost you might otherwise consider—or lets you finish purely via gameplay if the event calendar is kind. That flexibility is the quiet win of the new model.
How to earn License Points: battle pass, random boxes, and events
License Points flow from three main sources: battle pass progression, daily/mission random boxes, and limited-time events. The battle pass offers baseline point drops on the standard track, with increased yields on the premium track. Random boxes—unlocked by completing missions—add a drip of items with a chance at points and, rarely, straight license unlocks. Events will spike your totals when you play during seasonal pushes. The lesson is simple: the more consistent the routine, the smoother the unlock cadence. Even without spending, structured play can keep your roster moving forward. With a premium pass, you accelerate the same plan—handy if your team is aiming at coordinated roles for weekend pushes.
Daily rhythm: missions and random boxes
Spin up a quick daily loop: log in, knock out missions that open your random box, and claim. Those boxes can be unglamorous until they aren’t; the occasional chunk of License Points or even a direct license drop changes a week’s trajectory. Track your luck, but plan around steady gains rather than jackpot thinking. That mindset keeps you engaged without frustration.
Event bursts and seasonal planning
Events turn trickles into streams. When the calendar heats up—anniversaries, seasonal festivals, or new map rotations—expect point bonuses and limited missions. Bank your time on those days. If you’ve chosen a high-impact license (say, a top-tier support or a versatile all-rounder), an event week can tilt the entire month’s plan in your favor.
What happens to Aeos Coins and key dates you can’t miss
Two dates define the transition. On December 4, 2025, Aeos Coins stop dropping and stop buying Unite Licenses. On the same day, the Aeos Coin Exchange opens so we can trade existing coins for License Points or items. That exchange—and coins themselves—are removed by May 2026. Put bluntly: if you’ve stockpiled coins, you’re on a clock. Convert wisely, finish critical licenses, and avoid sitting on currency that will simply disappear. After December 4, the shop still accepts Aeos Gems for licenses, so nothing blocks paid unlocks, but the free route becomes License Journeys plus smart conversion of your saved coins during the exchange window.
Aeos Coin Exchange: how to convert and what to prioritize
Think of the exchange as a triage desk. First, identify must-have licenses that complete your team’s role spread. Second, consider high-impact meta picks that win games even with partial build progress. Third, allocate any remaining conversion toward items you truly lack, but keep in mind that License Points directly accelerate journeys—usually the best value if your roster has gaps. Because the exchange disappears by May 2026, set monthly checkpoints: convert in phases as events land, ensuring you don’t run out of opportunities to capitalize on bonus playtime or premium pass windows.
Conversion traps to avoid
Don’t over-convert into miscellaneous items you’ll never equip. Holowear and cosmetics can wait if your roster is thin. Likewise, avoid spreading conversions across too many half-done licenses. It’s better to finish one anchor Pokémon than to inch four options forward and end up short when the exchange closes.
Smart unlock strategy for free-to-play and light spenders
Free-to-play players should anchor around a weekly routine: daily missions for random boxes, targeted event days, and consistent battle pass progress. Choose licenses that cover key roles so matchmaker doesn’t force awkward comps. Light spenders can layer a premium pass to increase point flow and compress timelines. Either way, operate on “one license at a time” discipline: pick, push, finish, repeat. That rhythm keeps motivation high and prevents stranded progress if a patch reshuffles priorities.
Role coverage first, specialty later
Start by ensuring at least one reliable pick in each role—attacker, defender, speedster, supporter, and all-rounder. Once coverage is secured, chase comfort picks and counters. For example, if your squad loves aggressive early skirmishes, prioritize a frontliner with dependable engages and a backline with snap burst. If you prefer macro play, lean into mobile scorers and map control supports. Journeys reward clarity.
When to pivot targets
Pivot if an event drops a big point bonus tied to a different license you also value, or if a balance patch elevates a particular role. Otherwise, resist FOMO. Half-finished licenses are costly in a calendar-driven system.
Picking the right Pokémon: role coverage and team value
Every unlock should earn its keep. Defenders that anchor objectives, supports that stabilize chaotic fights, and attackers that convert leads into goals are timeless. If your group queues together, coordinate: two complementary licenses can multiply value far beyond their individual strength. Solo players should favor flexible picks that handle rotations, contest objectives, and score under pressure. When a newly released Pokémon appears as a journey option, weigh hype against needs—flashy carries are fun, but the right support or defender often translates to steadier wins.
Bridging old builds to new licenses
If you already own core held items, target licenses that use them well. Item synergy reduces friction and helps you perform before min-maxing everything. That makes your first week with a new license far more forgiving, especially in ranked.
No system beats confidence. If a license clicks with your playstyle, prioritize it even if tier lists wobble. Journeys give structure, but your instincts win games.
Progression pacing: daily, weekly, and seasonal routines
Treat Unite like a training plan. Short daily sessions keep the engine running. One or two focused weekly blocks push the needle—ranked sets, event marathons, or coordinated team nights. Seasonal beats are your sprints, where you ride bonus points and premium pass multipliers. Write a tiny plan in your phone: target license, mission checklist, event dates, conversion goals. It’s amazing how much smoother unlocks feel when you see the steps in front of you.
Set limits. If a quest chain gets tedious, switch modes or take a break. Journeys are a marathon built from many short runs; burnout helps no one. Consistency wins.
Monetization shifts: gems, premium pass, and fairness talk
After coins end, paid routes remain via Aeos Gems, and premium passes speed up License Point gains. That’s candidly a tilt toward time-or-money choices. The journey system tries to soften this by letting us select targets and by seeding points into everyday play. Whether that balance lands perfectly will depend on event generosity and how often full-roster choice windows pop up. For now, the practical takeaway is simple: free-to-play progress is viable with discipline; light spending trims the timeline; heavy spending still unlocks on demand. Pick your lane with clear eyes, then stick to your plan.
Value checks before opening your wallet
Ask two questions before buying: does this purchase meaningfully shorten my current license goal, and will I still value that license next season? If either answer is shaky, wait for an event window and let gameplay do the lifting.
Regional note for Belgium and the Netherlands players
There’s a separate service update for Belgium and the Netherlands: service for Pokémon Unite ends in those countries on November 30, 2025. If you play from either region, plan around that cutoff. Convert coins before the end date, wrap up any journey progress you care about, and export clips or screenshots you want to keep. It’s a tough outcome for local players, but knowing the date gives us a chance to close the loop intentionally.
Switch 2 and mobile performance tips for smoother grinds
Whether you’re on Switch 2 or mobile, stability makes point runs more efficient. Keep your storage tidy for updates, close background apps before big sessions, and lock in a stable connection for objective fights. On handheld, dim the screen a notch and cap your session length to avoid thermal throttling during event marathons. A smooth device isn’t just comfort—it protects streaks when you’re one push away from finishing a license.
Checklist before December 4 and through May 2026
Before December 4, spend coins on any last-chance licenses you truly want. On December 4, hit the Aeos Coin Exchange and convert with a plan—favor License Points for must-have targets. From there to May 2026, keep converting in phases, ride events, and finish journeys one by one. If a newly released Pokémon appears in journeys at shop launch, decide quickly whether it’s worth shifting focus. When May approaches, drain remaining coins rather than letting value evaporate. By following a simple routine and making confident choices, we keep our roster growing without the old coin safety net.
Conclusion
License Journeys turn unlocking into a series of clear, winnable goals. Aeos Coins may be ending, but deliberate choices, steady play, and smart conversion at the exchange keep momentum alive. Pick a license, earn points on a simple routine, finish what you start, and use events to surge. With the right plan, our roster won’t just survive the shift—it’ll come out sharper, tailored to how we play, and ready for the next season’s climb.
FAQs
- When do Aeos Coins stop and what replaces them?
- Aeos Coins stop being distributed and can’t buy Unite Licenses starting December 4, 2025. License Journeys replace coin-based unlocks, letting us earn License Points via gameplay and choose targeted licenses.
- How long does the Aeos Coin Exchange last?
- The exchange opens December 4, 2025 and, along with Aeos Coins, is fully phased out by May 2026. Convert coins in phases, prioritizing License Points for must-have unlocks.
- Can newly released Pokémon appear in License Journeys?
- Yes. Newly released licenses may appear in journeys at the same time they hit the shop, giving a gameplay route to start progressing immediately.
- Do gems still work after coins end?
- Yes. Aeos Gems can still buy Unite Licenses after December 4, 2025. Premium battle pass tiers also increase License Point gains.
- I’m in the Netherlands or Belgium—does service continue?
- No. Service for Pokémon Unite ends in Belgium and the Netherlands on November 30, 2025. Wrap up conversions and any journey progress before that date.
Sources
- License Journeys—A New Way to Obtain Unite Licenses—Are Here!, Pokémon Community Forums (official), November 5, 2025 (edited November 13, 2025)
- Pokémon Unite Is Discontinuing Aeos Coins In Its December Game Update, Nintendo Life, November 13, 2025
- Pokémon UNITE introduces “License Journeys”… Aeos Coins to be discontinued starting December 4th, Bulbagarden, November 13, 2025
- Notice of Termination, Pokémon UNITE (official site), September 26, 2025
