Unova Region

Generation 5 (Black, White) + Gen 5 (Black 2, White 2)

Unova Region
GenerationGen 5
GamesBlack/White, Black 2/White 2
Total PokemonVaries
Key MechanicSeasons, Triple/Rotation Battles, Sequels format

Last updated: 2026-06-03

Unova Overview

Unova is a metropolitan region introduced in Pokemon Black and White in 2010. Based on the New York City metropolitan area, Unova was the first region not directly connected to Kanto and Johto. It introduced 156 new Pokemon, the largest debut of new species in any generation. Black and White featured a bold design choice: only Generation 5 Pokemon were available in the main story. Black 2 and White 2 are unique as direct sequels rather than enhanced versions, set two years after the originals with a fundamentally changed world.

Starter Pokemon

Every Pokemon journey in Unova begins with choosing one of three starter Pokemon from the region's Pokemon Professor. Each starter has distinct type advantages and evolves twice into a powerful final form.

Grass

Snivy

A Grass-type Grass Snake Pokemon. Snivy is known for its regal demeanor and uses photosynthesis for energy. Evolves into Servine at level 17 and Serperior at level 36.

Fire

Tepig

A Fire-type Fire Pig Pokemon. Tepig's fire power grows stronger as it eats more. Evolves into Pignite at level 17 and Emboar at level 36.

Water

Oshawott

A Water-type Sea Otter Pokemon. Oshawott uses the scalchop on its stomach as a weapon. Evolves into Dewott at level 17 and Samurott at level 36.

Legendary Pokemon

Unova is home to several legendary and Mythical Pokemon, each with unique lore and significance to the region's history and mythology.

NameTypeNotes
ReshiramDragon/FireThe Vast White Pokemon representing truth. Version mascot of Pokemon Black.
ZekromDragon/ElectricThe Deep Black Pokemon representing ideals. Version mascot of Pokemon White.
KyuremDragon/IceThe Boundary Pokemon, the husk of the original dragon. Can fuse with Reshiram or Zekrom in B2W2.
Swords of JusticeVariousCobalion, Terrakion, Virizion, and Keldeo. A group of four legendary Pokemon protecting Pokemon from humans.
Forces of NatureVariousTornadus, Thundurus, and Landorus. A weather-controlling trio catchable across Unova.
VictiniPsychic/FireA Mythical victory Pokemon found on Liberty Island. Only available through the Liberty Pass event.
GenesectBug/SteelA prehistoric Pokemon revived by Team Plasma and equipped with a powerful cannon. Mythical distribution.
MeloettaNormal/PsychicA musical Mythical Pokemon that changes between Aria and Pirouette forms.

Gym Leaders & Elite Four

The Unova region features eight gym leaders, each specializing in a different Pokemon type. Trainers must defeat them in order to earn badges and qualify for the Pokemon League.

Black 2 and White 2, set two years after the original games, feature a completely restructured gym lineup with new leaders replacing several original gyms.

Black & White (Original)

#Gym LeaderTypeSignature Pokemon
#1Cilan / Chili / CressGrass/Fire/WaterPansage / Pansear / Panpour
#2LenoraNormalWatchog / Herdier
#3BurghBugLeavanny / Whirlipede
#4ElesaElectricZebstrika / Emolga
#5ClayGroundExcadrill / Krokorok
#6SkylaFlyingSwanna / Unfezant
#7BrycenIceVanillish / Cryogonal
#8DraydenDragonHaxorus / Druddigon

Black 2 & White 2 (Sequel)

#Gym LeaderTypeSignature Pokemon
#1CherenNormalStoutland / Lillipup
#2RoxiePoisonScolipede / Whirlipede
#3BurghBugLeavanny / Swadloon
#4ElesaElectricZebstrika / Emolga
#5ClayGroundExcadrill / Krokorok
#6SkylaFlyingSwanna / Ducklett
#7DraydenDragonHaxorus / Fraxure
#8MarlonWaterJellicent / Wailord

After collecting all eight badges, trainers face the Elite Four and the regional Champion to complete the Pokemon League challenge.

Key Locations

Unova features diverse and memorable locations that shape the trainer's journey across the region.

  • Nuvema Town — The starting town of Black and White, home to Professor Juniper's laboratory.
  • Castelia City — A massive urban metropolis with towering skyscrapers, the largest city in Unova.
  • Nimbasa City — The entertainment capital with a theme park, sports stadium, and Battle Subway.
  • Opelucid City — A city whose appearance changes between modern (Black) and traditional (White) versions.
  • Dragonspiral Tower — An ancient tower where Reshiram or Zekrom can be caught in the post-game.
  • Giant Chasm — A frozen crater where Kyurem resides, also the site of the Plasma Frigate in B2W2.

Unique Features

Unova introduced the most revolutionary changes since Generation 2: triple battles, rotation battles, and the Wonder Launcher. The Pokemon Musical and Pokestar Studios provided entertainment alternatives. Seasonal changes affected wild encounters and accessible areas. The C-Gear enabled local wireless features. Black 2 and White 2 featured the Pokemon World Tournament where all past gym leaders and champions could be battled. The Hidden Grotto system allowed finding Pokemon with hidden Abilities. Unova also introduced the Medal Rally achievement system.