Pokémon Champions is battle-only Pokémon: no overworld, no story, just ranked queues under a rotating Regulation ruleset. If you know VGC (Video Game Championship) format from Scarlet/Violet, you already know most of what you need. If you don't, this guide gets you to a starter team.
Use Pokémon HOME to transfer any high-IV Pokémon you already own. Build a rain team as your first ranked deck — Kyogre + Amoonguss + Iron Hands + Zapdos hits 1500+ without effort. Move to Mega teams once you've cleared 1600.
Pokémon HOME transfer
Pokémon Champions accepts transfers from Pokémon HOME — bring your Scarlet/Violet Pokémon over and you skip weeks of IV grinding. Priority transfers: 6IV Pokémon, hidden-ability catches, event Mythicals.
The Regulation system
Every season runs under a Regulation ruleset (M-A, M-B, etc.) that decides which Pokémon are legal. Mega Evolutions, Restricted Legendaries, and format-defining moves rotate in and out. Practice against a Regulation before your rank cares — it's cheap to be one patch behind.
Build your first team
Doubles Format: pick a lead pair and a back pair.
- Leads: A damage anchor and a support.
- Back: A second attacker and a reveal-check.
- Item spread: Mega Stone if applicable, Sitrus Berry, Life Orb, Assault Vest.
Starter recommendation: Rain team with Kyogre + Amoonguss leading, Iron Hands + Zapdos in back.
Learn the Damage Calculator
The in-game Damage Calculator tells you exactly how much damage each attack will do. Use it for every team-building decision — VGC math is precise and small stat changes swing matches.
Rental teams
Every ranked player can share their team code publicly. Copy a 2000+ rating rental team for your first ladder push — you'll learn how the meta plays. Modify from there.
For this guide we consulted the Game8 Pokémon Champions wiki (Regulation M-B rules, rental team codes, HOME transfer), the official Pokémon Champions page, and community discussion on Reddit and player Discords.