A very exciting day for all competitive Pokemon players, the format for the 2016 season has been released. This format change begins on January 1 meaning all events taking place after that, from Premiere Challenges to the Nationals will use the new format. The format remains largely the same with one massive difference, up to 2 powerful Legendary Pokemon are allowed to participate on your team now! The full rule set is below.
- Only Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Game Cards or downloadable versions are permitted for use.
- The battle format is Double Battle.
- Players may use Pokémon from the National Pokédex, from No. 001–720, that are caught in the game, transferred from a previous Pokémon title (e.g. X & Y), or received at an official event or distribution.
- The following Pokémon may not be on a player’s team: Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Deoxys, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Diancie, and Hoopa
- Teams may have no more than two of the following Pokémon: Mewtwo, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Xerneas, Yveltal, and Zygarde.
- Pokémon must be placed in the Battle Box.
- Pokémon are allowed to Mega Evolve.
- Pokémon may not hold the item Soul Dew.
- Pokémon above Level 50 are permitted, but they are auto-leveled down to 50 for the duration of battle.
- Players may use Pokémon with Hidden Abilities.
- Players may use items that have been officially released via Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby, Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, the Pokémon Global Link, or an official event or promotion.
- The Pokémon must have the Blue Pentagon proving that it was caught or hatched in 3DS Games Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire. No transfers from Black and White or previous games.
As a well established competitive player I believe we can expect to see a lot of Geomancy Xerneas, Rayquaza and the two Primal Reversion Pokemon Groudon and Kyogre, particularly the last two as their Primal Forms do not count as Mega Evolution, meaning you could run 3 very powerful Pokemon on the same team when paired up with any other Mega not on the legendary list. Happy soft resetting to all my fellow Pokemon Trainers and be sure to let us know what you think of the new format in the comment section below. You can check out a full rundown of the Championship Points distribution for 2016 right here.
