Pokemon Scarlet and Violet adds Ranked Battles

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet announced the ranked battles Series 1, an opportunity for players to compete and become Pokemon Masters.

Two weeks into its release, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet announced the introduction of ranked battles. This competitive global series will see trainers battling to become the first Pokemon Master in Paldea. The ranked battles are available now and will remain open until January 31, 2023.

Like a regular ranked system, players will receive points based on their results. Opponents are matched according to their rank and will advance in the ladder as they gain points. Players will receive rewards by the end of the season regardless of their final rankings. This is the first ranked battle series and players can expect other series in the future.

The battles will have specific timers:

• Total Time, 20 minutes
• Player Time, 7 minutes
• Preview Time, 90 seconds
• Turn Time, 45 seconds

Trainers can only use Pokemon registered in the Paldea Pokedex. It means players that obtain a Charizard through the Tera Raids cannot use it in battle. Galarian Meowth, Johtonian Wooper, Quagsire cannot be used in battle either. Paradox Form Pokemon and legendary are also forbidden in the ranked battles.

The team limitations might change in the future. Pokemon announced that Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will be linked with Pokemon HOME in 2023, so players will be able to transfer Pokemon to their accounts.

Is there a difference between Pokemon Scarlet and Violet in ranked battles?

Players can participate in the ranked battles regardless of the version of the game they own. Pokemon that are exclusive to one version or the other can be used in the ranked battle since those are registered in the Paldea Pokedex.

In order to participate in the ranked battles, and access all the online features, players must own a Nintendo Online membership.