Beginner's Guide 1 | Getting to Know Pokémon Champions: The Free Online Pokémon Battle Game

1. How Pokémon Champions Differs from Mainline Pokémon Games

• Champions takes the battle system from the mainline games and builds an entire game around it: no adventure, no gyms, just battles.
• The upside: the process of raising Pokémon is streamlined, and the developers can push updates and balance changes far more frequently.
• Who it's for: anyone who's wanted to get into competitive Pokémon but never found the right entry point.

2. Free to Play, Across Multiple Platforms

• Free-to-play: The Nintendo Switch version launched on April 8, 2026, with no Nintendo Switch Online membership required. A mobile version is expected in June 2026.
• Free-to-start: The game's primary currency is VP (Victory Points), which cannot be purchased directly: you earn it by playing matches, win or lose.
• Free Pokémon rentals: Every 22 hours, you can take on an intern Pokémon for a 7-day trial. Speed-up tickets shorten the wait time, while recruitment tickets or VP can be used to permanently add one to your roster.

3. Four Battle Modes Available

• Ranked Battle: The core competitive mode. Your rank is on the line, and you earn VP.
• Casual Battle: A practice mode with no rank or VP implications.
• Private Battle: Play with friends using custom rulesets: create or join a private room.
• Online Competition: Officially organized tournaments held periodically, usually with participation rewards.

4. Singles or Doubles?

• Each team consists of 6 Pokémon. Before the match begins, both players can see each other's full team of 6.
• Singles: 1v1. Each player selects 3 Pokémon to bring into battle.
• Doubles: 2v2. Each player selects 4 Pokémon. Official competitions currently use the Doubles format.

5. Regulation Sets and Seasons

• Regulation Sets: The ruleset governing a competition period: which Pokémon and mechanics are allowed.
• Season: Rankings reset at the start of each season, and rewards are distributed based on your previous season's final rank.
• The first format is Regulation Sets M-A, running from April 8 to June 17, 2026.
• The first season is Season M-1, running from April 8 to May 13, 2026.

6. Official Confirmation of Future Platforms

• The Pokémon Company has officially confirmed that Pokémon Champions will be the game platform used at the 2026 Pokémon World Championships.
• It will also be the platform for all future official Pokémon battle competitions going forward.

7. Closing Thoughts

• There's never been a better time to get into competitive Pokémon.
• Nobody starts out as an expert: learn as you play.
• The barrier to entry is low, but mastery takes time.
• Come join the battle!