How to Play Ranked Battle | Pokemon Sword and Shield

This article will show you all information regarding the Ranked Battle competitive online mode in the game Pokemon Sword and Shield.

To learn more about how to get your Pokemon ready to compete in the intense metagame of competitive Ranked Battles, check out our articles below.

What is Ranked Battle?

Ranked Battle is a mode of competitive online play in Pokemon Sword and Shield wherein you battle within set rules to earn points in order for you to improve your Rank and move to higher Tiers.

You can play with other players from across the globe and fight to become the very best in Pokemon battles worldwide. Ranked Battles will test Pokemon trainers on their battling ability; as you continue to higher tiers, the difficulty also rises as highly competitive players begin to appear.

How to Compete in Ranked Battles

1. Go to the Options Menu

Go to the Options Menu by tapping the X button on the joycon.

2. Select the Vs. Option

On the Options menu, choose and select the VS option.

3. Select Battle Stadium

On the Victory Station screen (get it, VS?), choose the Battle Stadium at the bottom left of the screen.

4. Select Ranked Battles

Under the Battle Stadium menu, choose and select Ranked Battles.

5. Select either Single or Double Battle

You can select either Single or Double battle depending on what battle format you would like to participate in. Keep in mind the Ranks and Tiers are separate for Single and Double battles.

6. Select the team that you want to use

Select what team you want to use in the battle. You can make sets of Pokemon as presets to allow you to choose the team you want easily. You can then pick 3 out of the 6 Pokemon in Single Battle and 4 out of the 6 Pokemon in Double Battles. Picking the Pokemon with the best matchup against your opponent's Pokemon is key; however, keep in mind they will be doing the same thing against yours.

7. Wait for an opposing Trainer

Wait for an opposing trainer for the match to begin.

8. Battle

Battle other trainer and unleash your Pokemon Battling skills.

9. Get Points or Lose Points depending if you win or lose.

After the Ranked Battles you will get points towards your tier. You will gain a certain amount if you win and will lose a certain amount if you lose the battle.

Ranked Battle Rules & Information

Ranked Battle Season 19

Rules

For comprehensive details on the rules of the current series of Ranked Battle, check out our full article below!

Ranked Battle Rules and Legal Pokemon

Legal Pokemon

All Pokemon which are included in the Galar Pokedex, #001-397, excluding Zacian, Zamazenta, and Eternatus may participate in Ranked Battles.

In addition, the Kanto Starters excluded from the Galar Pokedex (Bulbasaur and Squirtle and their evolutions), as well as the Alolan Starters and their evolutions are legal for Ranked Battle.

Lastly, Galarian Slowpoke is legal for Ranked Battle as well.

• Galar Pokédex numbers: #001–397
• National Pokédex numbers #001–009 (Kanto starters)
• National Pokédex number #79 (Galarian Slowpoke)
• National Pokédex numbers #722–730 (Alolan starters)

Single Battle

Double Battle

Rank Tiers

Additional Information

1. Rankings for Single and Doubles are separate.
2. You cannot go down a rank once your tier has been raised. No matter how many times you lose, your Tier will stay the same.
3. An Internet connection is required in playing Ranked Battles. You will need an Nintendo Switch Online Subscription to participate in all online activities in Pokemon including Ranked Battles.

Related Links

Beginner Tips and Guides