Explore the Pokemon Champions Stalwart competitive meta. Learn about the 2026 launch roster, performance issues on Switch 2, and missing features in the new VGC platform.
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Read more →Free-to-Start Competitive Battle Game
Pokémon Champions
Battle-focused Pokémon game for Switch and Switch 2 with Ranked, Casual, and Private Battles, Pokémon HOME transfers, Mega Evolution, seasonal rules, and official VGC support.
Latest Updates
Discover the newest guides, tips, and content
Pokemon Champions Mega Stones: How to Find and Equip Them 2026
Master the Mega Evolution system in Pokemon Champions. Learn how to find free Mega Stones, navigate the menus, and equip items to your team.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions nerfs: Full Patch Notes & Meta Shift 2026
A comprehensive guide to the massive Pokemon Champions nerfs affecting status conditions, move sets, and held items in the 2026 competitive season.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Starter Pack: Complete Guide & Value Analysis 2026
Maximize your competitive edge with the Pokemon Champions starter pack. Learn about training tickets, teammate tickets, and exclusive 2026 launch rewards.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Release Time: Launch Schedule & Guide 2026
Check the official Pokemon Champions release time across all regions. Learn about the new stat mechanics, Mega Evolutions, and launch rewards for Nintendo Switch.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Unseen Fist: Mega Excadrill Guide 2026
Master the new meta in Pokemon Champions. Learn how Mega Excadrill uses the Unseen Fist mechanic via Piercing Drill to dominate Regulation M.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Switch 2: Performance Guide & Battle Tips 2026
Explore the launch of Pokemon Champions on Switch 2. Learn about the 186-Pokemon roster, Mega Evolution abilities, and performance optimizations for the 2026 season.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Teams: Best Competitive Lineups 2026
Master the 2026 competitive meta with the best Pokemon Champions teams. From Sun cores to Mega Floette builds, discover the top-tier lineups winning tournaments.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Team IDs: Best Competitive Builds 2026
Master the ranked ladder with the best Pokemon Champions team ids. Explore top-tier rain, sun, and sand archetypes for the 2026 VGC season.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions all Pokemon: The Ultimate Roster Guide 2026
Explore the full list of supported creatures in Pokemon Champions. From Mega Evolutions to regional variants, here is every Pokemon available in the current build.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Price: Complete Cost & Membership Guide 2026
Explore the full Pokemon Champions price breakdown, including the Starter Pack, Battle Pass, and monthly membership costs. Learn how to optimize your Victory Points.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Best Pokemon: Ultimate Tier List & Guide 2026
Master the meta with our comprehensive guide to the Pokemon Champions best Pokemon. Explore top-tier Megas, supports, and offensive sweeps for 2026.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions connect Pokemon HOME: Complete Transfer Guide 2026
Learn how to link your accounts and transfer your favorite teams. Our Pokemon Champions connect Pokemon HOME guide covers steps, stats, and rewards.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Stalwart: Full Meta & Launch Guide 2026
Pokemon Champions What Is It? Complete Competitive Guide 2026
Discover everything about Pokemon Champions, the new home of competitive play. Learn about recruitment, VP currency, training costs, and ranking tiers in 2026.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Release Date: Launch Guide and Battle Overview 2026
Get ready for the Pokemon Champions release date with our comprehensive guide to launch times, platforms, and the new competitive meta. Learn about Mega Evolutions and stat changes.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Mega Floette: Best Rain Team Guide 2026
Master the competitive meta with our comprehensive Pokemon Champions Mega Floette guide. Learn the best rain team synergies, move sets, and strategies for 2026.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Pokemon HOME: Full Transfer Guide 2026
Master the Pokemon Champions Pokemon HOME transfer system. Learn how to move your favorite Pokémon, manage stat changes, and sync your collection in 2026.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Recruit First: Best Starter Guide 2026
Master the recruitment system in Pokemon Champions. Learn which meta Pokemon to recruit first, how to use Pokemon Home, and optimize your 2026 roster.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions ILCA: Complete Competitive Guide & Review 2026
Explore the mechanics, roster limitations, and meta-defining shifts in Pokemon Champions ILCA. Our 2026 guide covers everything from replica teams to status nerfs.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Nintendo Switch: Complete Battle & Recruitment Guide 2026
Master the competitive arena in Pokemon Champions Nintendo Switch. Learn how to recruit Pokémon, use Mega Evolutions, and climb the ranked ladders in 2026.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Mystery Gift: How to Redeem Free Rewards 2026
Learn how to unlock exclusive rewards using the Pokemon Champions mystery gift system. Follow our step-by-step guide to redeem codes and claim your Machamp.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Tournament: Top Teams and Meta Guide 2026
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Master Ball Rank: Pro Strategy Guide 2026
Master the competitive ladder in Pokemon Champions. Learn the best teams, meta shifts, and strategies to reach Master Ball rank in 2026.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Beginner Guide: Master the Competitive Arena 2026
Learn how to recruit teams, manage VP currency, and dominate the ranked ladder with our comprehensive Pokemon Champions beginner guide.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Mega Abilities: Complete Guide & Tier List 2026
Explore every new Mega Evolution and ability in Pokemon Champions. From Starmie's Huge Power to Scovillain's Spicy Spray, learn how to master the 2026 meta.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions link Pokemon HOME: Full Transfer Guide 2026
Learn how to link Pokemon Champions and Pokemon HOME to transfer your favorite Pokemon. Step-by-step guide on syncing accounts and managing visits.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Item List: Full Gear & Shop Guide 2026
Explore the complete Pokemon Champions item list, including held items, Mega Stones, and VP costs. Learn how to optimize your competitive loadout in the 2026 meta.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Team Building Guide: Master the Meta 2026
Learn how to construct a competitive squad with our Pokemon Champions team building guide. Explore Mega Evolutions, speed control, and recruitment strategies.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Mobile: Complete Competitive Guide 2026
Master the new era of competitive battling with our Pokemon Champions mobile guide. Learn about recruitment, VP currency, and ranking tiers for 2026.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Innards Out: Competitive Strategy Guide 2026
Master the Pokemon Champions Innards Out meta with our comprehensive guide. Learn about Mega Chimecho, Trick Room cores, and revenge-killing tactics for 2026.
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Read more →Pokemon Champions Resources
Everything you need to build your team, earn rewards, and master competitive battles in Pokemon Champions
Free Rewards
Pokemon Champions Mystery Gift Codes
Start with the live freebies before spending VP. The launch pool includes one redeemable code and two no-code bonuses.
Mystery Gifts are the fastest early boost in Pokemon Champions because they can add real roster value without any VP cost. Finish the tutorial and set up your first team, then open Submenu > Mystery Gifts and claim redeemed rewards from the Mailbox.
Machamp
ActiveRedeem Code
CHAMP10NHow to Get
Redeem with Code/Password in the Mystery Gifts menu, then claim it from the Mailbox.
Until: August 31, 2026
This is the main launch code and the only public redeemable code confirmed right now.
Dragonite + 100 Quick Coupons
ActiveHow to Get
Play Pokemon Champions during the early-download period.
Until: August 31, 2026
Dragonite is a premium early roster piece, and the Quick Coupons help cycle recruitment faster.
Gardevoir + 100 Quick Coupons
Live EventHow to Get
Play 3 battles in the Warm-Up Challenge event.
Until: April 13, 2026
This is the best short-term free pickup because it adds both a usable early meta Pokemon and recruitment acceleration.
Getting Started
Pokemon Champions Beginner Guide
Pokemon Champions is a battle-first game, so your first wins come from understanding roster building, VP flow, and format basics. Use this as the shortest path from tutorial to a functional ranked team.
1
Pick the lineup, not just the lead
Your first starter choice comes with five fixed teammates, so the full package matters more than the face Pokemon.
- Starter lineups are fixed, not random.
- Dragonite can be added immediately to every starter lineup.
- A strong support cast can matter more than the lead mon itself.
2
Learn the battle structure first
The game has Ranked Battles, Casual Battles, and Private Battles, and each can be played in Single or Double Battle format.
- Ranked Battles are the main progression lane.
- Ranked results affect your rank, season rewards, and long-term ladder growth.
- Pokemon Champions is the official VGC software for Worlds 2026.
3
Treat VP as your main progression currency
Victory Points are the backbone of the game because they power both recruitment and training.
- VP comes from Ranked Battles and other in-game sources.
- VP cannot be directly purchased.
- Spend early VP on lasting roster value before luxury upgrades.
4
Use Roster Ranch every day
Recruitment is how you build your roster if you are not importing from Pokemon HOME.
- You recruit from a random roster using VP.
- A fresh lineup appears without VP every 22 hours.
- Trial Recruitment can be used once a day without VP.
5
Build around roles, not just favorites
A stable team needs physical pressure, special pressure, and support utility instead of six independent attackers.
- Training lets you adjust stats, Abilities, and moves.
- Trial recruits cannot be trained.
- Physical attackers, special attackers, and support mons each fill essential roles.
6
Use Mega Evolution and HOME as your major power spikes
The first Ranked ruleset allows Mega Evolution, and Pokemon HOME can instantly widen your roster if you already own eligible mons.
- Mega Evolution is enabled under the first Ranked rules.
- The Omni Ring is the battle device tied to Mega Evolution.
- Only Pokemon that appear in Pokemon Champions can visit from Pokemon HOME.
Starter Picks
Pokemon Champions Starter Teams
Every starter unlocks a full fixed lineup, so your first choice shapes your early ladder experience more than it would in a traditional Pokemon game.
Starter teams are one of the biggest early-game decisions because they determine which six-mon shell you begin with. If you want the safest general pick, Gardevoir is the standout; if you want raw team strength for Singles, Pikachu is the most explosive package; if you want Doubles control, Tyranitar is the cleanest opener.
Gardevoir
BalancedBest all-around opener
HeracrossDrampaAzumarillCorviknightAbomasnow
This is the most consistent starter for most players because the lead is strong immediately and the supporting cast stays useful in early competitive play.
Pikachu
SinglesStrongest immediate Singles team
KingambitGarchompAzumarillGyaradosGengar
Pikachu itself is not the star; the reason to pick it is the loaded support lineup, which is one of the strongest ready-made starter squads in the game.
Tyranitar
DoublesBest Doubles starter
ArcanineWhimsicottDrampaAggronSylveon
Sand Stream, Intimidate support, Whimsicott utility, and Sylveon spread pressure give this lineup the cleanest early Doubles game plan.
Palafin
SinglesAggressive players who like pivots
GengarAggronBeedrillSylveonHydreigon
Palafin rewards players who know how to trigger Hero Form efficiently, and the supporting cast adds immediate offensive pressure.
Snorlax
BalancedSafest learning curve
HawluchaAbomasnowKingambitBeedrillHydreigon
Snorlax is the forgiving option for players who want a bulkier lead and a lower-pressure way to learn the game.
Charizard
BalancedFast and simple offense
AzumarillSteelixWhimsicottGengarDrampa
A comfortable starter for players who want straightforward pressure, strong speed, and familiar offensive pieces.
Armarouge
BalancedSharper mixed offense
HydreigonHawluchaSteelixManectricVictreebel
This lineup leans harder into offensive pressure and gives you a more explosive opening shell than the safer utility starts.
Lucario
BalancedFlexible mid-tier start
SylveonManectricVictreebelGyaradosFroslass
Lucario's package covers a lot of ground and stays playable, but it is not as immediately dominant as the top three starter choices.
Absol
BalancedUtility core with high upside
FroslassCorviknightGarchompArcanineWhimsicott
This lineup is attractive because it bundles several high-value support and pressure pieces into one early pick.
Altaria
BalancedPlayers who want a broad utility spread
KingambitArcanineHeracrossHawluchaVictreebel
Altaria's team gives you multiple physical threats and a usable toolset across different matchups, even if it is not the strongest meta opener.
Early Meta
Pokemon Champions Tier List
The launch meta is still settling, but a handful of Pokemon already stand out as the most reliable pieces for ladder play. These are the strongest early anchors to recruit, train, or build around first.
Early Pokemon Champions team building is less about finding one perfect six and more about locking in a few proven cores. Garchomp and Gardevoir define a lot of early matchups, Dragonite stays premium in both normal and Mega play, and bulky pieces like Hippowdon and Incineroar shape the slower side of the meta.
S
S-Tier
Top picks for early ladderGarchomp
Singles and Doubles
Garchomp brings Earthquake pressure, broad Ground/Rock/Dragon coverage, and Rough Skin chip, making it one of the central early-meta threats.
Available immediately through the Pikachu starter lineup.
Gardevoir
Singles and Doubles
Gardevoir surged early because it checks common Dragon pressure, fits fast offensive teams, and can run Telepathy in Doubles to pair safely with ally spread moves.
Available through the Gardevoir starter lineup and the live Warm-Up Challenge reward.
Dragonite
Doubles and Mega teams
Dragonite is both a strong base mon and a premium Mega option, with Extreme Speed utility and natural synergy beside Earthquake users.
Every starter path can add Dragonite immediately, and it is also part of the early-download bonus.
Hippowdon
Singles and stall
Hippowdon's Ground typing, Sand Stream, Yawn, and Slack Off make it one of the cleanest early defensive anchors for slower teams.
Recruit from Roster Ranch or bring it in from HOME if eligible.
Incineroar
Doubles
Incineroar keeps its classic VGC value thanks to Intimidate, Fake Out, and Parting Shot, making it one of the easiest support slots to justify.
Recruit or transfer it, then train it into your preferred support spread.
A
A-Tier
Strong, reliable picksCharizard
Mega offense
Mega Charizard Y and Drought-driven Fire pressure keep Charizard near the front of the early offensive meta.
Available from the Charizard starter lineup.
Archaludon
Singles and bulky balance
Archaludon is one of the best defensive picks at launch, with huge staying power, many resistances, and enough move flexibility to anchor slower teams.
Rare through recruitment unless you already own one from Scarlet and Violet.
Meowscarada
Fast offense
Meowscarada stands out for elite speed, flexible builds, and the ability to threaten a wide range of targets before they move.
Recruit or bring it in from HOME if you already have one.
Hydreigon
Special offense
Hydreigon's rare Dark/Dragon typing, high Special Attack, and U-turn utility make it one of the better offensive recruits to build around early.
Available through Palafin and Armarouge starter lineups, or via recruitment.
Greninja
Fast mixed pressure
Greninja keeps value through elite speed, broad move access, and Protean-driven flexibility, even if it stays fragile.
Recruit it, or move it in through HOME if you already own one.
Team Builder
Pokemon Champions Best Replica Teams to Copy
These are the most practical early teams to build around if you want ready-made lineups instead of starting from scratch. Each card shows the full six-Pokemon shell, the replica code, and the playstyle it supports.
Replica Teams are the fastest way to jump into serious battles with a proven lineup. The strongest early teams already center on recurring staples like Charizard, Incineroar, Garchomp, Gengar, Palafin, and Archaludon, with both weather offense and control styles represented.
Mega Charizard Y
Balanced sun offenseReplica Code
QGYAG5WE3Cby LenVGC
CharizardVenusaurGarchompMiloticGardevoirIncineroar
A flexible first replica team with immediate Mega pressure, speed control, and solid defensive pivots.
Rain Palafin
Rain offenseReplica Code
D96E6SXLN8by Xeb41
PalafinPelipperIncineroarKlefkiSinistchaDragonite
Players who want a fast weather team with immediate pressure and strong utility support.
Sash Gengar
Fast tempo offenseReplica Code
PTVY9BE1V3by SplashPlate
GengarGarchompClefableMeowscaradaDelphoxCorviknight
A quick ladder team that leans on strong early pressure and fast revenge options.
Meganium Rain
Rain balanceReplica Code
K5N29KPU9Tby NatusPKMN
MeganiumArchaludonBasculegionMausholdPolitoedTalonflame
A rounded weather shell for players who want rain support without giving up utility and speed options.
Golurk Trick Room
Trick Room controlReplica Code
HH3MF048VVby Its_WDMichael
HattereneOranguruGolurkClefableHydreigonTorkoal
A slower control lineup built around setting Trick Room and letting heavy hitters take over.
Competitive
Pokemon Champions Ranked Battles Guide
Ranked Battles are the main long-term progression loop for competitive players. This table covers formats, VP gains, season structure, and the current launch-season setup.
Pokemon Champions is built around competitive battling, and Ranked Battles sit at the center of that loop. You climb by playing against trainers of similar skill, earn VP after matches, and push through rotating seasonal regulations that reshape the legal roster over time.
Battle formats
Singles and Doubles
Ranked Battles, Casual Battles, and Private Battles all support both Single Battle and Double Battle formats.
Matchmaking
Skill-based pairing
Your rank changes with your results, and Ranked Battles are designed to match you against trainers of similar skill.
VP rewards
Earn VP after Ranked matches
Victory Points are used to recruit and train Pokemon, and VP cannot be purchased directly.
Rank ladder
Poke Ball to Champion
Players begin at Poke Ball Tier, Rank 4, then climb through sub-ranks and higher tiers as wins stack up.
Mega Evolution
Active in the first ruleset
Mega Evolution is enabled in Ranked Battles at launch through the Omni Ring.
Season structure
Results are tallied every season
Final placement, final rank, and season rewards are all determined from your season results.
Regulations
Rules rotate every few seasons
Eligible Pokemon and other battle parameters change when a new regulation set begins.
Current ranked season
Season M-1
The current launch season runs from April 8, 2026 at 02:00 UTC to June 17, 2026 at 01:59 UTC under Regulation Set M-A.
Battle Pass link
SP comes from battles
Season Points are earned through Ranked Battles and other play, and both SP and the Battle Pass reset each season.
Esports role
Worlds 2026 VGC software
Starting in 2026, Pokemon Champions is the VGC software for the Pokemon World Championships and qualifying Championship Series play.
Connectivity
Pokemon Champions Pokemon HOME Guide
Pokemon HOME is one of the defining features of Champions because it lets you bring in eligible partners from other games. The key is knowing the exact transfer path and the rules that apply once a Pokemon becomes a visitor.
Pokemon Champions uses Pokemon HOME as a bridge between your older collections and the new battle-focused roster. The workflow is straightforward once linked, but visitors follow game-specific rules for move legality, storage, and return transfers.
1
Link the same Nintendo Account
Use the same Nintendo Account for the Nintendo Switch version and mobile device version of Pokemon HOME so both versions can access the same stored Pokemon.
2
Open the Champions connection in HOME
On Nintendo Switch, select the Pokemon Champions icon from the HOME screen. On mobile, go to Options and use Send for a Visit in the Link with Pokemon Champions section.
3
Choose only eligible visitors
Only Pokemon that appear in Pokemon Champions can visit. If a species is not supported by the current Champions roster, it cannot be sent in.
4
Send and collect in Champions
After sending a visitor from HOME, go into Pokemon Champions, open Recruit, and use Collect from Pokemon HOME to bring that Pokemon into your Champions box.
5
Fix moves through training
If a visiting Pokemon knows moves that cannot be used in Pokemon Champions, retrain that moveset inside Champions before using it in battle.
6
Understand what can return
Visiting Pokemon can be sent back to Pokemon HOME, but Pokemon obtained inside Pokemon Champions cannot be deposited into Pokemon HOME.
7
Keep the training rules in mind
Training done in Pokemon Champions does not carry over to Pokemon HOME. If the same visitor comes back to Champions later, its Champions training is preserved.
8
Use HOME to manage limited storage
Champions starts with a compact box setup, so HOME is the easiest way to rotate older favorites in and out while keeping your battle-ready roster focused.
Roster
Pokemon Champions All Pokemon List
Roster intent is strong because every transfer, team plan, and upgrade decision depends on what is actually usable. This overview gives the launch-size snapshot, notable forms, and the biggest availability rules players need to know first.
Pokemon Champions launched with a sizable but curated roster built for competitive play rather than full National Dex coverage. Mega Evolutions are already a major part of the roster, several regional and special forms are supported, and a few important transfer restrictions shape what players can actually bring in.
Overview187
Available species
The game currently lists 187 Pokemon species in its available roster.
Overview59
Mega Evolutions
Mega forms are tracked separately from the base species list.
Current regulationActive until June 16, 2026
Regular Roster M-A
Pokemon outside the current roster need an event or transfer route to be obtained.
Transfer-onlyAllowed
Eternal Flower Floette
It is legal under the current regulation but must be transferred from Pokemon Legends: Z-A through HOME.
Regional formsAlolan Raichu, Alolan Ninetales, Hisuian Arcanine, Hisuian Decidueye
Confirmed alternate forms
Permanent forms are listed alongside their base species in the roster.
Notable rosterIncineroar, Meowscarada, Palafin, Farigiraf, Kingambit, Archaludon
Modern competitive picks
Many of the most searched battle-ready names are already present in the launch-era pool.
Mega rosterMega Charizard X, Mega Charizard Y, Mega Blastoise, Mega Dragonite, Mega Feraligatr
Confirmed examples
The launch Mega pool includes both classic Mega staples and newly supported evolutions.
RestrictionsNot present at launch
Legendary and Mythical Pokemon
The launch roster contains no Legendary or Mythical Pokemon.
RestrictionsBattle Bond Greninja cannot be sent
Special transfer limit
Some special variants remain excluded even when the base species family is supported.
RestrictionsPawmot
Data but not transferable
Pawmot appears in the game data but cannot currently be transferred in.
Progression
Pokemon Champions Training Guide
Train Your Roster Around VP, Roles, and Long-Term Value
Training in Pokemon Champions is not just a stat screen. VP powers recruitment and customization, and the game also lets you edit moves and Abilities once a Pokemon is permanently on your roster. A good training flow starts with steady VP income, avoids wasting resources on temporary trial recruits, and finishes by aligning stats, nature, and held item choices with the role each Pokemon is meant to play.
1
Build VP income first
Ranked Battles award Victory Points after matches, and VP is the core currency used for both recruiting and training Pokemon. VP cannot be purchased directly, so regular battle volume is the foundation of roster growth.
2
Use Roster Ranch efficiently
Roster Ranch gives you a free random lineup refresh every 22 hours. You can also use Trial Recruitment once per day without spending VP, which is useful for testing whether a Pokemon fits your team plan before you commit resources.
3
Promote keepers before you invest heavily
Trial recruits cannot be trained, so major VP spending should go into Pokemon you plan to keep. Permanent Recruitment uses VP, while Teammate Tickets from in-game missions can permanently recruit a Pokemon without paying VP.
4
Train by battle role, not by habit
Each Pokemon gets 66 extra stat points, with a maximum of 32 points in a single stat. Fast sweepers usually prioritize Speed plus one attacking stat, while bulky attackers and tanks lean into HP, Defense, or Special Defense depending on the matchup role they need to cover.
5
Finish the build with nature, moves, ability, and item synergy
Pokemon Champions lets you train stats, moves, and Abilities, and Training Tickets can reduce the VP cost of training to zero. After the role is set, complete the build with a nature and held item that fit the plan instead of buying items at random.
Builds
Pokemon Champions Movesets and Best Builds
Early Meta Builds to Copy, Compare, and Adapt
Movesets in Pokemon Champions are not one-size-fits-all. Some Pokemon already have very stable doubles packages, while others split into support, offense, or rain-based variants. This module highlights builds that are easy to understand at a glance, with enough detail for players to decide whether they want a safe ladder setup or a more specialized team slot.
Incineroar
Doubles core, with a separate singles variantTop-tier utility pivot
Core Build
Intimidate | Fake Out / Flare Blitz / Knock Off / U-turn
Top Items
Assault Vest 35.5%, Safety Goggles 26.0%, Sitrus Berry 24.2%, Rocky Helmet 8.5%
Common Moves
Fake Out 99.8%, Flare Blitz 91.0%, Knock Off 84.2%, Parting Shot 62.2%
Games.gg also highlights a singles build using Impish nature, Leftovers or Sitrus Berry, and Flare Blitz / Parting Shot / Darkest Lariat / Will-O-Wisp.
Archaludon
Doubles rainRain pressure special tank
Core Build
Stamina | Assault Vest | Electro Shot / Flash Cannon / Body Press / Dragon Pulse
Top Items
Assault Vest 94.1%; Power Herb 4.4% is the main alternative
Common Moves
Electro Shot 94.6%, Flash Cannon 80.3%, Body Press 75.4%, Dragon Pulse 55.2%
Pelipper and Urshifu-Rapid-Strike are the clearest partners, with Amoonguss frequently rounding out the core.
Salamence
Doubles utility or rain flexFlexible speed-control attacker
Core Build
Intimidate | Draco Meteor / Protect / Air Slash / Tailwind
Top Items
Life Orb 28.6%; Choice Scarf, Rocky Helmet, Covert Cloak, Sitrus Berry, and Eject Pack each appear as viable variants
Common Moves
Draco Meteor 71.4%, Protect 71.4%, Air Slash 57.1%, Tailwind 42.9%
A rain-flavored variant also appears with Eject Pack plus Draco Meteor / Hurricane / Hydro Pump / Protect.
Maushold
Doubles supportFollow Me support and Beat Up enabler
Core Build
Friend Guard | Follow Me / Protect / Beat Up / Taunt
Top Items
Wide Lens 23.1%, Rocky Helmet 23.1%, Covert Cloak 15.4%, Focus Sash 15.4%
Common Moves
Follow Me 100.0%, Protect 61.5%, Beat Up 46.2%, Taunt 46.2%
Friend Guard is the main ability at 69.2%, but Technician Population Bomb variants also show up as a more aggressive alternative.
Mega Evolution
Pokemon Champions Mega Evolution Guide
How to Equip Mega Stones and Use Mega Evolution Correctly
This guide covers the exact questions most players hit first: where Mega Stones are stored, how to equip them, when the Mega toggle appears in battle, and which stones are already confirmed in the launch shop. Mega Evolution is powerful, but it also costs your held-item slot and can only be activated once per battle, so good execution matters as much as picking the right Mega.
1
Finish the tutorial before trying to use Mega Stones
Mega Stones are not usable until the tutorial is complete. Buying one early does not break anything, but the item cannot be equipped until that tutorial gate has been cleared.
2
Open the correct item menu
Use either the Box menu and press X for the Held Item screen, or select a Pokemon in your active battle lineup and choose Give an Item to Hold. Mega Stones sit in a separate tab, so they will not show up in the standard inventory view.
3
Match the stone to the Pokemon species
Mega Stones are species-specific, such as Gengarite for Gengar. Equipping one also uses the held-item slot, so that Pokemon gives up options like Sitrus Berry, Assault Vest, or Rocky Helmet.
4
Trigger Mega Evolution during the battle
When the correct holder is active in battle, choose Fight and press R to toggle Mega Evolution before selecting the move. Only one Pokemon can Mega Evolve per battle, and if that Pokemon switches out later, it stays in Mega form.
5
Prioritize the launch stones that are easy to plan around
Confirmed launch-shop examples include Charizardite X, Charizardite Y, Gengarite, Tyranitarite, Scizorite, and Gardevoirite at 2000 VP each. Additional Mega Stones are tied to routes such as the Mega Evolution Tutorial, Battle Pass rewards, Mystery Gifts, and the Frontier Shop.
Held Items
Pokemon Champions Held Items Guide
Held Items to Learn First for Faster Team Upgrades
Held items in Pokemon Champions do not all do the same kind of work. Some are cheap matchup tools, some are steady damage boosts, and a few can completely swing a turn when triggered. The fastest way to improve item decisions is to separate baseline shop buys from the utility pieces that should only be purchased for a specific team or matchup.
Type Booster Items
700 VP eachSilk Scarf, Miracle Seed, Charcoal, Mystic Water, Magnet, Dragon Fang, Metal Coat, Fairy Feather
Straightforward offensive shop items listed at 700 VP each.
Best when a Pokemon wins games by repeatedly clicking one main STAB attack type.
Status Cure Berries
400 VP eachCheri, Chesto, Pecha, Rawst, Aspear, Persim
Cheap berry-slot utility items available in the shop.
Useful when one status effect would shut down a key attacker or support slot.
Type Resist Berries
400 VP eachRindo, Occa, Passho, Wacan, Tanga, Coba, Charti, Kebia, Shuca, Yache, Chople, Payapa, Kasib, Haban, Colbur, Babiri, Roseli
Matchup berries listed in the shop for targeted counterplay.
Buy these for specific ladder threats rather than as blind all-purpose items.
Special Shop Picks
1000 VP eachScope Lens, Light Ball
Higher-cost niche items already listed in the launch shop.
Worth considering when a specific Pokemon or crit-focused line makes the item slot matter more than raw bulk.
Rocky Helmet
Shop stapleRocky Helmet
If another Pokemon makes contact with the holder, it takes damage.
Excellent on bulky support Pokemon that expect to absorb physical contact.
Weakness Policy
Shop stapleWeakness Policy
Boosts the holder's attack power if it is hit by a move it is weak to.
Best on Pokemon that can survive the trigger turn and immediately convert it into pressure.
Black Sludge
Shop stapleBlack Sludge
Heals the holder each turn if it is a Poison-type, otherwise it takes damage each turn.
Reserve it for Poison-type users only; it is a sustain slot, not a generic recovery item.
Throat Spray
Shop stapleThroat Spray
Raises the holder's Sp. Atk after it uses a sound-based move.
Strong on special attackers whose move plan naturally includes a sound-based trigger.
Mental Herb
Shop stapleMental Herb
Cures the holder of Infatuation.
A niche utility choice that matters only when you are building for that specific interaction.
Ranked Play
Pokemon Champions Seasons and Regulations
Pokemon Champions separates short ranked seasons from longer regulation windows. Your season determines rank results and season rewards, while regulations determine the usable roster and battle parameters for multiple seasons.
This is the quick reference block for players who want to know what is live right now and what changes next. In the current launch period, Regulation M-A is the active ruleset, Season M-1 is the first ranked season, and Play! Pokemon competition support is moving onto Pokemon Champions during late May and beyond.
Launch Day
April 8, 2026
Season M-1 and the first Battle Pass begin
Ranked Battle Season M-1 began on April 8, 2026 at 02:00 UTC. The first seasonal Battle Pass also opened on the same day, tying the opening reward track to the first ranked season.
Season M-1Battle PassLaunch
Current Regulation
April 8, 2026 – June 17, 2026
Regulation M-A is the active launch ruleset
Regulation M-A is the first regulation group in Pokemon Champions and runs from April 8 to June 17, 2026. Regulations control the usable Pokemon pool and other battle parameters across multiple seasons.
Regulation M-ARulesetRoster Pool
Season Change
May 13, 2026
Season M-1 ends before the regulation window does
Season M-1 and its Battle Pass run until May 13, 2026 at 01:59 UTC. This means the first season ends while Regulation M-A is still active, showing how seasons rotate faster than regulations.
Season EndBattle Pass ResetRank Rewards
Premier Event Transition
May 29–31, 2026
Pokemon Champions becomes the Play! Pokemon event platform
Pokemon Champions makes its Play! Pokemon Premier Event debut at the Indianapolis Regional Championships on May 29-31, 2026. It remains the platform for later Premier Events including the Turin Special Event on June 6-7 and the North America International Championships on June 12-14.
Indianapolis RegionalsPremier EventsCompetitive Transition
Battle Formats
Pokemon Champions Single Battle vs Double Battle
Pokemon Champions supports both Singles and Doubles across its main battle modes, but the two formats serve very different needs. Singles is the cleaner starting point, while Doubles is the competitive centerpiece of early official play.
If you are deciding where to spend your training time, the fastest answer is this: learn Singles to understand your roster, but learn Doubles if you want to follow the official competitive direction of the game. Current online competitions and broader VGC-style play are already centered on Double Battles.
Pokemon on the field
Singles
1 active Pokemon per side
Doubles
2 active Pokemon per side
Where you can queue
Singles
Ranked Battles, Casual Battles, and Private Battles
Doubles
Ranked Battles, Casual Battles, Private Battles, and current official online competitions
Team choice at match start
Singles
Build a team of six, then choose four after seeing the opposing team
Doubles
Build a team of six, then choose four after seeing the opposing team
Competitive spotlight
Singles
Supported in online play, but not the main tournament-facing spotlight of the launch period
Doubles
The standard competitive format used by the Warm-Up Challenge and Global Challenge 2026 I
Decision density
Singles
Cleaner reads and fewer active variables each turn
Doubles
More active threats, more target choices, and more partner-based planning each turn
Move and team synergy
Singles
More direct emphasis on one-on-one matchups, speed control, and switching discipline
Doubles
Much higher value on partner synergy, positioning, spread pressure, and support options
6v6 availability
Singles
No dedicated 6v6 queue is offered in Champions
Doubles
No dedicated 6v6 queue is offered in Champions
Best fit
Singles
Players learning fundamentals or testing individual Pokemon performance
Doubles
Players preparing for official events, ladder trends, and broader competitive play
Online Play
Pokemon Champions Private Battles and Online Competitions
Pokemon Champions supports quick friend battles, custom rooms, and structured online competitions from the same Battle menu. The current live event flow also makes it easy to jump straight from private matches into official tournament play.
This section works like a practical launch checklist. It shows how to create or join a Private Battle room, how competition entry works, and which official events matter first if you want to play beyond casual friend matches.
Private Battles
1
Finish the setup requirement first
Complete the tutorial and create a battle team before you can battle other players online.
2
Open the Private Battle menu
From the title screen, press A, choose Battle, then select Private Battles.
3
Host a room for friends
Choose Make a Room. The host can invite friends through the in-game friend list or share the Room ID manually.
4
Join a room by invite or Room ID
Join by accepting an invitation or by selecting Enter a Room ID and typing in the code shared by the host.
5
Know the room limits before you start
Private Battle rooms support up to 12 players. Up to 8 can be battling at one time, with two players per battle, and others can spectate.
6
Ready up and begin the match
Once there are enough players, each battler chooses a spot, selects a battle team, and confirms Ready to begin.
Online Competitions
7
Enter an Online Competition from the Battle menu
Go to Battle > Online Competitions, pick an event, review the details, accept the rules, choose your team, and confirm entry. When the event becomes active, return to that competition and begin matchmaking.
8
Use Competition Mode for elimination events
For elimination-style events, return to the title screen, open Competition Mode, enter your Entry ID and Table ID, then confirm when you are ready to battle.
9
Play the Warm-Up Challenge while it is live
The Warm-Up Challenge is the first official in-game competition. Entry opened April 8, battles run April 10-13, 2026. Uses Regulation M-A in an International Double Battle format with 15 battles per day. Participation rewards include Gardevoir and 100 Quick Coupons.
10
Mark down the next big competition
Global Challenge 2026 I opens registration on April 23 and closes May 4, 2026 at 01:59 UTC. Battles run May 1-4, 2026. Uses Regulation M-A, listed as an International Double Battle event with 15 battles per day.
11
Follow the shift into official circuit play
Pokemon Champions becomes the platform for Play! Pokemon Premier Events starting with the Indianapolis Regional Championships on May 29-31, 2026, and remains the standard platform for later Premier Events.