What is a battle format?

What is a battle format in competitive Pokemon?

Pleaselog inorregisterto add a comment.

A battle format, or just “format”, is apre-existing set of rules that you can use in competitive battles. It decides which Pokemon are allowed, whether the battles are singles or doubles (or something else), what items are banned, and many other things.

There are many battle formats – which one to use is decided before the battle, e.g. when you queue for a match. Some formats are “official” i.e. you can play them on the real games, while others are run by a competitive battling community calledSmogonand played onShowdown.

Battle formats have names to help you tell them apart.Hereis a list of formats for Gen 9.Below are some examples of battle formats you may already be familiar with:

Different Pokemon and strategies are most effective in each format, because of the varying rules of each format. The state of strategy in a format can be called the “metagame” or “meta”. Building teams and strategies around the meta is one of the pivotal aspects of competitive Pokemon.

The rules of battle formats change frequently, especially when a new generation is released and new Pokemon cause the metagame to shift. Because of this, it’s useful tomention the generation as well as the format when sharing strategies or asking for advice.

To choose a format to play, pick a Pokemon you like and research where it is viable. For example, if I like Gyarados, then I might playGen 8 UUbecause Gyarados is very strong in that format.

Battle format options as seen in Sword/Shield via Battle Stadium > Download Rules. Highlighted isBattle Stadium Singles (BSS) Series 10.

Battle format options as seen in Pokemon Showdown’s teambuilder. Notice formats from all generations are available. “Official” formats and Smogon formats are available. Not all have permanent ladders.