Legendary Bird Trio Coming to Pokémon UNITE for Pokémon Day 2026

The Pokémon Company has revealed that the Legendary bird trio from Kanto — Zapdos, Articuno, and Moltres — will be joining Pokémon UNITE as playable characters as part of the Pokémon Day 2026 celebrations.

The three iconic Pokémon will be released in sequence throughout the event period to celebrate 30 years of Pokémon, bringing brand new mechanics and strategies to the battlefield on Aeos Island.

Zapdos Arrives First

The first of the trio to become playable is Zapdos, which launched on February 27, 2026, coinciding with Pokémon Day.

Zapdos will take the role of an Attacker, focusing on dealing high damage and pressuring opposing teams during fights around goal zones and objectives.

Players can obtain Zapdos’ Unite License through a special in-game event, allowing them to unlock the character by participating in Pokémon Day activities.

Articuno and Moltres Coming Next

The remaining members of the Legendary bird trio will arrive later as part of the ongoing anniversary update.

Articuno will join the game as a Defender, using ice-based abilities that allow it to freeze goal zones and control areas of the map, potentially disrupting enemy scoring attempts.

Meanwhile, Moltres will take on the All-Rounder role, with abilities that grant teams vision of enemy goal zones, giving players valuable strategic information during matches.