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Learn Competitive Pokémon VGC

30 complete guides on VGC mechanics, team building, strategies and Pokémon Champions — in English and Portuguese.

Fundamentals

🎮
What is VGC?
Your introduction to the official Pokémon tournament format
⚔️
Double Battle: how it works
Unique mechanics of double battles
👁
Team Preview: reading your opponent
How to use the 90 seconds of preview to your advantage
🔢
Types and effectiveness
The complete type chart and how to use it
📈
Speed control
Why Speed is the most important stat in Doubles

Team Building

🌿
Natures: stat boosts and nerfs
How to choose the right nature for each Pokémon
📊
SPs and training in Champions
The Stat Points system in Pokémon Champions explained
🎒
Items: complete guide
The best competitive items and when to use them
✨
Essential abilities
The most important competitive abilities
🔗
Team synergy
How to build a team that works together
🏗
Teambuilding process
From idea to finished team step by step
🌊
Classic team archetypes
Rain, Sun, Trick Room, Tailwind and Hyper Offense

Strategy

🛡
Protect: the most important move
Why every competitive Pokémon runs Protect
🌧
Weather strategies
Rain, Sun, Sand and Snow: how to play each weather
🔄
Trick Room: reversed speed
How to build and how to counter Trick Room teams
💨
Tailwind: speed control
The most popular support move in modern VGC
👊
Fake Out: the opening move
How to use and defend against Fake Out
🎯
Redirection: Follow Me and Rage Powder
How to protect your partner by redirecting attacks
🌀
Terrains and their uses
Electric, Grassy, Misty and Psychic Terrain explained
🧠
Reading your opponent
How to anticipate and win the mental game
💊
Status conditions
Burn, Paralysis, Sleep: how to use and resist them
🎲
Hyper Offense vs Stall
The two extremes of the game speed spectrum

Mega Evolution

💎
Mega Evolution in Champions
How Mega Evolution works in Pokémon Champions

Pokémon Champions

⚡
What is Pokémon Champions
The new competitive Pokémon game
💰
VP system explained
How to earn and spend Victory Points in Champions
🏠
Pokémon HOME and Champions
How to transfer Pokémon from HOME to Champions
🌀
Alternate forms in Champions
All available forms and how to get them

Using the Site

🔧
How to use the Champions Builder
Complete Builder guide: from zero to finished team
⚔
How to use the Damage Calculator
Calculate damage and KO chances before battle

Tournaments

🏆
How to participate in tournaments
From casual play to online competition

FAQ

❓
Frequently asked questions
The most common questions from beginner players
📖
Competitive glossary
Terms and abbreviations in competitive Pokémon
🔒
Site privacy and security
How your data is protected on this site
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Fundamentals

🎮 What is VGC?

Your introduction to the official Pokémon tournament format

Video Game Championships

VGC (Video Game Championships) is the official Pokémon competition format organized by The Pokémon Company International (TPCi). It is played in Double Battle format — two Pokémon on each side at the same time.

Why Doubles?

The Doubles format was chosen because it creates far more complex decisions than Singles. With two Pokémon in play, you need to think about:

  • Which target to attack (left or right enemy)
  • Moves that hit multiple Pokémon simultaneously
  • Synergies between your own partners
  • Protection and attack redirection

Tournament Structure

VGC tournaments follow an annual structure called a Regulation, which determines which Pokémon are allowed. Each regulation lasts a few months and rotates the allowed series.

In Pokémon Champions, the format is similar to VGC: Double Battle, automatic level 50, team of 6 with pick-4.

How a game works

Each player brings 6 Pokémon. During Team Preview, both players see each other's 6. Then each player picks 4 Pokémon to battle with. Battles continue until all Pokémon on one side are knocked out.

Pokémon are automatically set to level 50, but stats are still calculated normally — nature, IVs and training all count!
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Fundamentals

⚔️ Double Battle: how it works

Unique mechanics of double battles

Two vs Two

In Double Battles, each player puts two Pokémon in play simultaneously. This radically changes how the game works.

Target selection

For most moves, you choose which Pokémon to attack: one of the two enemies. But beware — some moves have special range:

  • Spread moves — hit all other Pokémon on the field (e.g. Earthquake, Surf, Heat Wave). Deal 75% damage to each target.
  • Self-targeting — affect only the user (e.g. Protect, Swords Dance).
  • Partner-targeting — affect only your partner (e.g. Helping Hand, Follow Me).
  • Random target — hit randomly (e.g. Outrage).
Earthquake and Surf also hit your own partner! Plan your synergies carefully.

Action order

All 4 Pokémon in play act in Speed order. If two Pokémon have equal Speed, the order is random. This makes speed control crucial in Doubles.

Knockout and switch

When a Pokémon is knocked out, its trainer immediately sends a replacement — without waiting for the end of the turn. The replacement acts next turn.

Use your Pokémon's position strategically. The left-slot Pokémon is usually the most active attacker each turn.
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Fundamentals

👁 Team Preview: reading your opponent

How to use the 90 seconds of preview to your advantage

What is Team Preview

Before each battle, both players see each other's 6 Pokémon for 90 seconds. Then each picks 4 to use.

What you should analyze

  • Restricted Legendaries — which legendary did they bring? This defines their core strategy.
  • Likely leads — which 2 Pokémon will they start with? Usually the most synergistic ones.
  • Threats to your team — does any of their Pokémon hit your team hard?
  • Archetype patterns — do you recognize their team? (Rain, Trick Room, Hyper Offense, etc.)

Choosing your 4

You don't always have to bring the same 4. Adapt your selection based on their team:

  • If they have Trick Room, bring your Speed controller.
  • If they have weather, consider Pokémon with Cloud Nine or abilities that block weather.
  • Always bring your best answers to their threats.
Team Preview is where you start winning. Experienced players make 80% of important decisions right here.
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Fundamentals

🔢 Types and effectiveness

The complete type chart and how to use it

The 18 types

Pokémon and moves have types that determine how effective each attack is. There are 18 types in total, since Generation VI.

Damage multipliers

MultiplierMeans
×2Super effective — deals double damage
×4Double super effective (double weakness)
×1Neutral — normal damage
×0.5Not very effective — half damage
×0.25Double resistance — 1/4 damage
×0Immune — no damage

Key competitive points

  • Pokémon with two types multiply their effectiveness. E.g. Charizard (Fire/Flying) is ×4 weak to Rock.
  • Knowing the weaknesses of common Pokémon is essential for choosing coverage moves.
  • In Doubles, Earthquake (Ground) is one of the best choices as it's a spread move that covers many types.
Use the site's Damage Calc to calculate if your move guarantees a KO before the battle!
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Team Building

🌿 Natures: stat boosts and nerfs

How to choose the right nature for each Pokémon

What are Natures

Each Pokémon has a nature that raises one stat by +10% and lowers another by -10%. There are 25 natures, with 5 being neutral (no effect).

Most common competitive natures

Nature+10%-10%
AdamantAttackSp. Attack
ModestSp. AttackAttack
JollySpeedSp. Attack
TimidSpeedAttack
BoldDefenseAttack
CalmSp. DefenseAttack
CarefulSp. DefenseSp. Attack
ImpishDefenseSp. Attack

How to choose

  • Physical offensive Pokémon usually want Adamant (more damage) or Jolly (more speed).
  • Special offensive Pokémon want Modest or Timid.
  • Support Pokémon (Trick Room, Tailwind) usually want a nature that boosts their Defense or SpDef.
In the Champions Builder, the nature selector shows which stat is boosted (green) and which is reduced (red)!
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Team Building

📊 SPs and training in Champions

The Stat Points system in Pokémon Champions explained

What are SPs

In Pokémon Champions, the EV system is replaced by SPs (Stat Points). Each Pokémon has 66 SPs total to distribute among 6 stats.

SP Rules

  • Maximum of 32 SPs in any single stat.
  • Total of 66 SPs per Pokémon.
  • Each SP equals 8 EVs in the stat calculation formula.

Calculation formula

HP formula: floor((2×Base + 31 + floor(SP×8/4)) × 50/100 + 60)

Other stats: floor(((2×Base + 31 + floor(SP×8/4)) × 50/100 + 5) × Nature)

Common distributions

ArchetypeSuggested distribution
Physical attacker32 Atk / 28 Spe (or 32 Spe / 28 Atk)
Special attacker32 SpA / 28 Spe
Tank32 HP / 20 Def / 14 SpDef
Fast support32 Spe / 20 HP / 14 Def
Use the Builder's presets (Atk/Spe, SpA/Spe, HP/Def) for quick distributions!
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Team Building

🎒 Items: complete guide

The best competitive items and when to use them

Why items matter

Items can be the difference between winning and losing a battle. They modify damage, survival, speed, and strategy.

Offensive items

ItemEffect
Choice Band+50% physical Attack, but locks into one move
Choice Specs+50% Special Attack, but locks into one move
Choice Scarf+50% Speed, but locks into one move
Life Orb+30% damage, -10% HP per use
Expert Belt+20% damage on super effective hits

Defensive items

ItemEffect
LeftoversRestores 1/16 HP per turn
Rocky HelmetDeals 1/6 HP to attackers using contact moves
Assault Vest+50% Sp. Defense, but can't use status moves
Focus SashSurvive with 1 HP from a KO hit (full HP required)

Utility items

ItemEffect
Safety GogglesImmune to powder, spore and weather damage (Sandstorm/Hail)
Eject ButtonAuto-switches when hit by damage
Sitrus BerryRestores 25% HP when below 50%
Mental HerbCures Infatuation, Encore, Taunt, Torment (first time)
In Pokémon Champions, Mega Stones enable Mega Evolution. Use the Builder to see which stone each Pokémon uses!
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Team Building

✨ Essential abilities

The most important competitive abilities

Why abilities matter

Abilities are passives that activate automatically in battle. Many entire strategies are built around a key ability.

Weather abilities

  • Drizzle (Politoed) — sets Rain for 5 turns. Boosts Water moves by 50%.
  • Drought (Ninetales, Primal Groudon) — sets Sun. Boosts Fire moves.
  • Sand Stream (Tyranitar, Hippowdon) — sets Sandstorm.
  • Snow Warning (Abomasnow) — sets Snow.

Support abilities

  • Intimidate (Arcanine, Landorus-T) — lowers opponents' Attack on switch-in. One of the most common in VGC.
  • Inner Focus — prevents Fake Out flinch.
  • Prankster (Grimmsnarl, Whimsicott) — status moves get +1 priority.
  • Telepathy — ignores partner's spread moves (no Earthquake damage from ally).

Offensive abilities

  • Protosynthesis / Quark Drive — boosts highest stat under sun/electric terrain.
  • Swift Swim / Chlorophyll — doubles speed in rain/sun.
  • Sheer Force — +30% damage on moves with secondary effects, but removes the effect.
  • Speed Boost (Blaziken) — +1 Speed per turn.
Intimidate is so common that many teams include Inner Focus or Clear Body to protect against it!
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Team Building

🔗 Team synergy

How to build a team that works together

What is synergy

Synergy is when your team's Pokémon mutually benefit each other — covering each other's weaknesses and amplifying strengths.

Offensive synergy

  • Helping Hand + attacker — Helping Hand boosts the partner's damage by 50%. Pair a support with a damage cannon.
  • Fake Out + attacker — Fake Out locks an enemy for one turn, giving the partner space to attack/boost.
  • Tailwind + fast attacker — Tailwind doubles the team's speed for 4 turns.

Defensive synergy

  • Cover type weaknesses — if one Pokémon is weak to Fire, bring another that resists it.
  • Spread + Protect — while one uses spread moves, the other Protects to avoid self-damage.
  • Intimidate + fragile — protect a frail offensive Pokémon with an Intimidate user.

Pillars of a solid team

  • 🏹 1-2 main attackers (damage cannons)
  • 🛡 1 tank or defensive Pokémon
  • ⚡ 1 speed controller (Tailwind/Trick Room/Scarf)
  • 🌀 1-2 supports (Fake Out, Helping Hand, redirection)
Before finalizing a team, ask: "What does my team do if the opponent plays Protect on turn 1?"
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Strategy

🛡 Protect: the most important move

Why every competitive Pokémon runs Protect

Why Protect is so good

Protect is considered the most important move in the Doubles format. It makes the user completely immune to attacks for one turn.

Uses of Protect

  • Survive a turn — while your partner eliminates the threat.
  • Buy time for weather/terrain — let Swift Swim/Chlorophyll kick in.
  • Scouting — find out which move the opponent would have used.
  • Stalling — heal status, recover HP (Leftovers, Ingrain), wear down the opponent.
  • Protecting from Fake Out — Protect the Pokémon the opponent is about to Fake Out.

Limitations

  • Using Protect two turns in a row has a lower success chance.
  • Feint breaks Protect and deals damage.
  • Some moves bypass Protect: Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom, Photon Geyser.

Variations

  • Detect — functionally identical to Protect.
  • King's Shield (Aegislash) — Protect that lowers the Attack of contact attackers.
  • Wide Guard — blocks spread moves for one turn for the whole team.
  • Quick Guard — blocks priority moves (Fake Out, Extreme Speed).
If you don't know what move to put in the 4th slot, use Protect. It's rarely the wrong choice.
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Strategy

🌧 Weather strategies

Rain, Sun, Sand and Snow: how to play each weather

Why use weather

Weather is a passive modifier that affects the entire field. Each weather has specific advantages that can be exploited with the right team.

Rain

  • +50% damage to Water moves; -50% to Fire moves
  • Swift Swim: doubles speed in rain
  • Set by: Drizzle (Politoed), Damp Rock (5→8 turns)
  • Common Pokémon: Kingdra, Barraskewda, Ludicolo, Pelipper

Sun

  • +50% to Fire moves; -50% to Water moves; heals 50% with Synthesis
  • Chlorophyll: doubles speed in sun
  • Set by: Drought (Ninetales, Torkoal)
  • Common Pokémon: Venusaur, Lilligant, Charizard-Y

Sandstorm

  • Deals 1/16 HP per turn to non-Rock/Ground/Steel
  • +50% SpDef for Rock-type Pokémon
  • Sand Rush: doubles speed in sand
  • Set by: Sand Stream (Tyranitar, Hippowdon)

Snow

  • +50% Defense for Ice-type Pokémon
  • Blizzard never misses during snow
  • Set by: Snow Warning (Abomasnow, Ninetales-Alola)
Weather only lasts 5 turns base (8 with weather rock). Your opponent can override your weather!
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Strategy

🔄 Trick Room: reversed speed

How to build and how to counter Trick Room teams

What is Trick Room

Trick Room is a status move that reverses Speed order for 5 turns. Slower Pokémon act first.

Why use Trick Room

  • Allows you to use extremely powerful Pokémon that would be too slow in the normal meta.
  • Hatterene, Dusclops, and Mimikyu are common setters.
  • Classic TR Pokémon: Cresselia, Ursaluna, Torkoal, Stakataka.

Building a Trick Room team

  • 2 TR setters (in case one gets knocked out)
  • 3-4 slow, powerful attackers (high Atk or SpA, low Speed ~50-80)
  • Fake Out on the lead to protect the setter
  • Speed-reducing natures (Brave for physical, Quiet for special)

How to counter Trick Room

  • Imprison — prevents the opponent from using moves you also have (including TR).
  • Taunt — prevents TR (it's a status move).
  • KO the setter — if Dusclops dies before setting, TR won't work.
  • Set TR yourself — resets the counter to 5 turns and inverts back.
Trick Room only lasts 5 turns. Use those 5 turns aggressively — don't waste them with unnecessary Protects!
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Strategy

💨 Tailwind: speed control

The most popular support move in modern VGC

What is Tailwind

Tailwind is a Flying move that doubles the Speed of your entire team for 4 turns. It's one of the most common support strategies in VGC.

Classic Tailwind setters

  • Tornadus — Flying, Prankster (can use with priority)
  • Whimsicott — Fairy, Prankster + Tailwind is devastating
  • Talonflame — Flying/Fire, very fast
  • Scarf Pokémon that learn Tailwind

What to do during Tailwind

With doubled speed, your team needs to close the game in 4 turns. Focus on:

  • Hitting hard with Life Orb or Choice Band/Specs
  • Using Helping Hand to amplify damage further
  • KOing as many Pokémon as possible before Tailwind ends

Against Tailwind

  • Trick Room reverses the Speed back
  • Taunt the setter before Tailwind is used
  • Priority moves (Fake Out, Extreme Speed) ignore speed
Tailwind only lasts 4 turns! Don't waste time — attack from turn 1.
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Strategy

👊 Fake Out: the opening move

How to use and defend against Fake Out

What is Fake Out

Fake Out is a Normal move with +3 priority that causes the target to flinch (skip their turn). It only works on the first turn in play.

Why it's so powerful

  • Guarantees the target doesn't act that turn — valuable setup time.
  • Allows your partner to use Trick Room, Tailwind, Swords Dance uninterrupted.
  • Forces the opponent to Protect or switch.

Common users

  • Incineroar — the most-used Fake Out setter in VGC for years.
  • Rillaboom — also has Grassy Surge, bonus.
  • Persian, Ambipom, Pangoro

How to defend

  • Inner Focus — prevents flinch (Lucario, Gallade).
  • Shield Dust — prevents secondary effects (Butterfree).
  • Protect — completely blocks Fake Out.
  • Quick Guard — blocks Fake Out for both partners.
Incineroar with Fake Out + Parting Shot is one of the most powerful support duos in the Doubles format.
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Strategy

🎯 Redirection: Follow Me and Rage Powder

How to protect your partner by redirecting attacks

What is redirection

Follow Me and Rage Powder make all opponent attacks target the user that turn. It's an extremely powerful support tool.

Follow Me vs Rage Powder

  • Follow Me — works on any Pokémon.
  • Rage Powder — only works on Bug-type Pokémon. Doesn't affect Dark-types or Pokémon with Overcoat.

Classic uses

  • Protect a Pokémon using Trick Room/Tailwind/Swords Dance.
  • Force attacks onto a tank while the partner deals damage.
  • Block attacks against your fragile partner.

Common users

  • Clefairy — Follow Me + Friend Guard (reduces 25% damage to the partner).
  • Amoonguss — Rage Powder + Spore + massive HP. One of the most-used VGC supports.
  • Togekiss — Follow Me + Serene Grace + Air Slash (flinch chance).
Redirection doesn't work against Spread Moves (Earthquake, Heat Wave) — those hit everyone normally!
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Strategy

🌀 Terrains and their uses

Electric, Grassy, Misty and Psychic Terrain explained

What are Terrains

Terrains are field conditions activated by moves or abilities that affect Pokémon in contact with the ground (doesn't work on Flying Pokémon or Levitate users).

Electric Terrain

  • +30% damage to Electric moves
  • Pokémon on the terrain can't fall asleep
  • Activated by: Electric Surge (Pincurchin), Electric Terrain move
  • Used with: Thunder, Pincurchin, Tapu Koko, Regieleki

Grassy Terrain

  • +30% to Grass moves; -50% to Earthquake, Magnitude, Bulldoze
  • Restores 1/16 HP per turn for grounded Pokémon
  • Activated by: Grassy Surge (Rillaboom), Grassy Terrain move

Misty Terrain

  • Grounded Pokémon immune to status conditions (Sleep, Paralysis, etc.)
  • -50% damage to Dragon moves
  • Activated by: Misty Surge (Gardevoir, Tapu Fini), Misty Terrain move

Psychic Terrain

  • +30% damage to Psychic moves
  • Grounded Pokémon immune to priority moves (Fake Out, Extreme Speed)
  • Activated by: Psychic Surge (Indeedee, Tapu Lele), Psychic Terrain move
Psychic Terrain with Indeedee automatically blocks the opponent's Fake Out!
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Mega Evolution

💎 Mega Evolution in Champions

How Mega Evolution works in Pokémon Champions

Mega Evolution is back

Pokémon Champions brought back Mega Evolution, with classic stones from X/Y/ORAS and new stones introduced in Legends: Z-A and DLC.

How it works

  • Equip your Pokémon with the correct Mega Stone (e.g. Charizard → Charizardite X or Y).
  • In battle, you can Mega Evolve once per battle.
  • Mega Evolution happens at the start of the turn, before actions.
  • Stats, type, and ability change immediately.

Classic stones

Venusaurite, Charizardite X/Y, Blastoisinite, Gengarite, Kangaskhanite, and over 40 others.

New stones (Z-A and DLC)

Dragonite, Meganium, Feraligatr, Greninja, Delphox, Chesnaught, Raichu-X/Y, Darkrai, Zeraora, Scovillain, Glimmora and others.

The Champions Builder automatically detects which Mega Stone each Pokémon can use and offers it in the item selector!
Only one Pokémon can Mega Evolve per battle. Choose which to use based on the matchup.
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Pokémon Champions

⚡ What is Pokémon Champions

The new competitive Pokémon game

Pokémon Champions

Pokémon Champions is the new online battle game released on April 8, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2. Focused exclusively on competitive battles.

Main features

  • Double Battle as the standard format
  • Automatic level 50 in ranked battles
  • Mega Evolution support (classic + new stones)
  • VP (Victory Points) system for recruiting and training Pokémon
  • SPs (Stat Points) instead of EVs
  • Pokémon HOME compatibility
  • Integrated official online tournaments

Victory Points (VP)

VP is the in-game currency used to recruit Pokémon, train stats (SPs), change natures and items. You earn VP by winning battles.

Formats

  • Standard Regulation M-A — all gens, no restricted legendaries
  • Regulation with legendaries — allows 1 restricted legendary per team
  • Cup — seasonal tournaments with special rules
The Champions Builder was made specifically to prepare your teams for Pokémon Champions!
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Pokémon Champions

💰 VP system explained

How to earn and spend Victory Points in Champions

What are Victory Points

VP (Victory Points) is the main currency in Pokémon Champions. You need VP to build and improve your competitive team.

How to earn VP

  • Win ranked battles
  • Complete daily and weekly challenges
  • Participate in online tournaments
  • First win of the day (bonus)

How to spend VP

ActionEstimated cost
Recruit a Pokémon~800 VP
Train 1 SP~2 VP
Change nature~100 VP
Equip item~350 VP
Complete team (6 Pokémon)~8,000-12,000 VP
Estimated values! Will be updated after the April 8, 2026 launch.
The Champions Builder automatically calculates the estimated VP cost of your team in the "Team" tab!
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Pokémon Champions

🏠 Pokémon HOME and Champions

How to transfer Pokémon from HOME to Champions

HOME and Champions

Pokémon Champions is compatible with Pokémon HOME, allowing Pokémon from previous games to be transferred.

How it works

  • Connect Pokémon HOME to your Nintendo account.
  • In Champions, access the HOME import menu.
  • Transferred Pokémon arrive with their original stats — but may need SP retraining.

Compatible Pokémon

Pokémon from Sword/Shield, Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl, Legends Arceus, Scarlet/Violet, and Legends Z-A can be transferred via HOME.

Limitations

  • Pokémon with illegal moves in Champions may need adjustments.
  • Mega Stones need to be acquired in Champions — they don't transfer from HOME.
  • SPs need to be retrained in Champions even if the Pokémon had max EVs.
Use the Builder to plan your Pokémon's SPs before training — saves VP!
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Pokémon Champions

🌀 Alternate forms in Champions

All available forms and how to get them

Alternate forms

Pokémon Champions includes hundreds of alternate forms: Alola, Galar, Hisui, Paldea and forms exclusive to Legends Z-A.

Types of forms

  • Regional forms — Alola, Galar, Hisui, Paldea. Different stats and types from the original.
  • Battle forms — Origin Forms (Giratina, Dialga, Palkia), Crowned Sword/Shield (Zacian/Zamazenta).
  • Condition forms — Blood Moon Ursaluna, Roaming Form Enamorus, etc.

How to obtain

  • Regional forms have specific Pokémon to recruit in Champions.
  • Legendary forms usually require specific items or quests.
  • Some forms can be imported via HOME from their original games.
The Champions Builder automatically loads alternate forms from PokéAPI. Search for the base Pokémon — forms appear in the list with a gold tag!
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Using the Site

🔧 How to use the Champions Builder

Complete Builder guide: from zero to finished team

Overview

The Champions Builder has 3 panels: Pokédex (left), Editor (center) and Team (right). On mobile, use the tabs at the bottom of the screen.

Step 1: Choose a Pokémon

  • Search by name or number in the search bar.
  • Filter by type by clicking the type buttons.
  • Click the Pokémon to add it to your team.

Step 2: Configure the Pokémon

  • Choose the Nature — see the hint showing which stat is boosted.
  • Select the Item — Pokémon with Mega Stones have their stone suggested automatically.
  • Choose the Ability.
  • Set the 4 Moves — search in the list or select from the datalist.
  • Distribute the SPs — use the bars, inputs or presets (Atk/Spe, SpA/Spe, HP/Def).

Step 3: Complete your team

Repeat for all 6 Pokémon. The right panel shows the full team, VP cost and type coverage.

Export and Import

  • Export — copies the team as text for sharing.
  • Import — paste an exported text to load a team.
Your team is auto-saved in your browser. You can close and come back without losing progress!
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Using the Site

⚔ How to use the Damage Calculator

Calculate damage and KO chances before battle

What is the Damage Calc

The Damage Calculator lets you simulate move damage before battle, helping you decide which moves, items and SP distributions to use.

How to use

  1. Open the Calc via the "⚔ Damage Calc" button at the top of the Builder.
  2. Set up the Attacker: attack stat, SPs, nature, item, boost, STAB.
  3. Set up the Defender: HP, defense stat, SPs, nature.
  4. Select the Move from the list (search by name).
  5. Set weather, terrain and other modifiers if needed.
  6. See the damage range (min-max) and KO chance.

Understanding results

  • Damage range — minimum to maximum damage across 16 rolls (85-100% of base damage).
  • % of HP — how much % of the defender's HP the move deals.
  • KO chance — how many of the 16 rolls result in a KO (e.g. 12/16 = 75%).
Use the Calc to check if your Pokémon survives a specific hit with your current SP distribution!
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Tournaments

🏆 How to participate in tournaments

From casual play to online competition

Types of tournaments

  • Online ranked — ranked ladder available 24/7 in Champions.
  • In-game tournaments — seasonal events with VP prizes.
  • Official VGC tournaments — competitions organized by TPCi worldwide.
  • Community tournaments — organized by streamers, Discord groups, etc.

How to prepare your team

  1. Build your team in the Champions Builder.
  2. Validate damage with the Damage Calculator.
  3. Study Team Previews to anticipate matchups.
  4. Practice in Ranked before official tournaments.

Regulations

VGC tournaments follow annual regulations. In Champions, the standard regulation is M-A. Always check the tournament regulation before entering.

Communities like Smogon Doubles and Brazilian VGC Discord groups are great for finding community tournaments!
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FAQ

❓ Frequently asked questions

The most common questions from beginner players

Do I need all Pokémon to play?

No! In Pokémon Champions you start with a few Pokémon and earn VP to recruit more. You don't need all of them — just the 6 on your team.

Do IVs matter in Champions?

In Champions, IVs are always 31 in all stats. You don't need to breed for perfect IVs like in main series games.

Can I use any Pokémon?

It depends on the regulation of the format you're playing. Standard Regulation M-A allows Pokémon from all generations without restricted legendaries.

What to do if I don't know what team to build?

Start with a classic, easy-to-play archetype like Rain Team or Trick Room. These teams have a clear strategy and are great for learning the format.

Are there tournaments for beginners?

Yes! Champions has separate ranking divisions. You start in the lowest division and climb as you win battles.

How to learn more?

Read the guides on this site, watch tournament replays on YouTube, and join VGC communities on Discord. The community is very welcoming to beginners!

The best way to learn is to play! Build a team, test it, lose some battles, learn, and improve. That's the natural process.
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FAQ

📖 Competitive glossary

Terms and abbreviations in competitive Pokémon

Essential terms

TermMeaning
VGCVideo Game Championships — official tournament format
KOKnock Out — knocking out a Pokémon
OHKOOne-Hit KO — knocking out with a single move
2HKOTwo-Hit KO — knocking out in two hits
STABSame-Type Attack Bonus — +50% damage when move type matches the Pokémon's type
TR / Trick RoomReversed speed strategy
TW / TailwindDoubled speed strategy
LeadThe 2 Pokémon you start the battle with
Speed CreepAdding a few Speed points to outspeed Pokémon with the same base
Spread MoveMove that hits multiple Pokémon simultaneously
PivotPokémon that switches but causes an effect on exit (e.g. Parting Shot, U-Turn)
Soft Check / Hard CheckPartial / complete counter to a threat
Chip DamageSmall accumulated damage throughout the battle
SPStat Point — Champions training system
VPVictory Points — Pokémon Champions currency
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Strategy

🧠 Reading your opponent

How to anticipate and win the mental game

The mental game

Competitive Pokémon is largely a reading game. You're trying to guess what the opponent will do, and they're trying to guess what you'll do.

How to read your opponent

  • Notice patterns — most players play predictably. If they always Protected turn 1, expect a Protect.
  • Consider incentives — what does the opponent gain by playing X? If X is clearly superior, they'll probably play X.
  • Minimize risk — sometimes it's better to play the safe option even if it's not optimal.

Common situations

  • Opponent is at a disadvantage → likely going to Protect.
  • You have a serious threat → opponent will switch or kill the threat.
  • Opponent with Choice Scarf → if they've used a move already, they'll repeat or switch.

Don't overthink it

It's easy to fall into a "mindgame loop" (they think I think they think...). When in doubt, play the statistically safest move.

After each loss, analyze: "What did they play that I didn't expect? Why?" This improves your reading over time.
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Team Building

🏗 Teambuilding process

From idea to finished team step by step

Where to start

Building a team from scratch can feel daunting, but following a clear process helps a lot.

Step 1: Choose your core

Start with 2 Pokémon that synergize well. E.g.: Tornadus + fast Pokémon = Tailwind team. Rillaboom + Urshifu = Grassy Terrain team.

Step 2: Add support

Add 1-2 support Pokémon that help the core: Fake Out, redirection, Intimidate, status moves.

Step 3: Cover weaknesses

Analyze the type weaknesses of your 4 Pokémon and add 2 more that cover those weaknesses.

Step 4: Define items and SPs

Assign items and distribute SPs based on each Pokémon's role. Calculate with the Damage Calc if needed.

Step 5: Test and iterate

Play 10-20 battles with the team. Identify weak points and adjust. Teambuilding is a continuous process.

Start simple. A simple team well-executed wins more than a complex team played poorly.
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Strategy

💊 Status conditions

Burn, Paralysis, Sleep: how to use and resist them

Primary Status

StatusEffectCure
Burn 🔥-50% physical Attack, -1/16 HP per turnRawst Berry, Lum Berry
Paralysis ⚡25% chance to fail, -50% SpeedCheri Berry, Lum Berry
Sleep 💤Can't act for 1-3 turnsChesto Berry, Lum Berry, wake up naturally
Poison 💜-1/8 HP per turn (regular poison)Pecha Berry, Lum Berry
Freeze ❄Can't act, 20% chance to thaw each turnAspear Berry, Lum Berry

Status in Doubles

  • Spore (Amoonguss) — causes Sleep, one of the biggest threats in the format.
  • Will-O-Wisp — burns physical attackers, essential against physical Attack teams.
  • Thunder Wave — paralysis halves Speed — devastating for the opponent's Tailwind teams.

Status protection

  • Misty Terrain — full immunity to status on the ground.
  • Safety Goggles — immune to Spore and other powder moves.
  • Lum Berry — cures any status once.
  • Comatose (Komala) — immune to all status.
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Strategy

🎲 Hyper Offense vs Stall

The two extremes of the game speed spectrum

Hyper Offense

Hyper Offense teams focus on eliminating the opponent's team as fast as possible. High pressure, high risk, high reward.

  • All Pokémon are offensive
  • Little Protect, lots of pressure
  • Choice Band/Specs/Life Orb everywhere
  • Win fast or lose fast

Stall / Defensive

Defensive teams focus on surviving and wearing down the opponent over time.

  • Leftovers, Rocky Helmet, Assault Vest
  • Stall moves: Leech Seed, status, recovery
  • Pokémon with high HP and defenses
  • Long, calculated gameplay

Balanced (the sweet spot)

Most competitive teams are "Balanced" — a mix of offensive and defensive elements. A main attacker, defensive support, and answers to multiple threats.

In Doubles, pure Stall is rare because the format is very fast. Balanced or Hyper Offense with support are more common.
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Fundamentals

📈 Speed control

Why Speed is the most important stat in Doubles

Why Speed matters so much

In Doubles, speed determines who acts first — and acting first can mean a KO before the opponent moves. A single turn can decide the battle.

Speed control methods

  • Tailwind — doubles team speed for 4 turns.
  • Trick Room — reverses speed order for 5 turns.
  • Choice Scarf — permanent +50% speed for 1 Pokémon.
  • Thunder Wave / Icy Wind — reduces opponent's speed.
  • Swift Swim / Chlorophyll / Sand Rush — doubles speed in the right weather.

Speed Tiers

At level 50, certain base speeds are important reference points:

  • Base 100 Speed = 155 with 0 SPs
  • Base 130 Speed = 133 Spe with Timid and 32 SPs
  • Any Scarf Pokémon > base 100 without scarf
Use the site's Damage Calc to compare speeds before finalizing SP distributions!
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Team Building

🌊 Classic team archetypes

Rain, Sun, Trick Room, Tailwind and Hyper Offense

Rain

Core: Politoed + Swift Swim sweeper (Kingdra, Barraskewda). Support: Incineroar, Amoonguss. Focus: fast KOs with a super-speed sweeper in rain.

Sun

Core: Torkoal + Chlorophyll sweeper (Venusaur, Lilligant). Focus: Torkoal's Eruption in sun + sweeper's Growth.

Trick Room

Core: Dusclops/Hatterene + slow attacker (Ursaluna, Torkoal). Focus: TR setup with Fake Out + hit hard for 5 turns.

Tailwind

Core: Tornadus/Whimsicott + fast attackers. Focus: quick TW setup + aggressive closing.

Balance

No clear central strategy, but good coverage and flexibility. Range of threats, flexible leads, can adapt to any matchup.

For beginners, Rain Team and Trick Room are easier to learn because they have a clear strategy: setup → attack.
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FAQ

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