Pokemon Sword and Shield

Doubles Tier List - Best Competitive Pokemon for Doubles: September 2022

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Tier List / Doubles Tier List / Movesets / Rental Teams
Competitive Battle Guide

Tier List for Double Battles

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This is our tier list for the strongest Pokemon for Doubles Ranked Battle in the games Pokemon Sword and Shield. If you're planning on getting into Ranked Battle, but don't know what Pokemon to start with, this list will get you started in the right direction. Read on for details about which Pokemon the strongest trainers are using in online play.

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Pokemon SWSH - Tier ListSingles Tier List Pokemon SWSH - Best BuildsBest Builds Pokemon Sword and Shield - Ranked Battle Series 10 Contenders.pngSeries 12 List of Contenders
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Playable Legendary Pokemon in Series 13

Series 13 allows players to use any number of Legendary Pokemon per team for competitive play. These include the following:

Pokemon SWSH - MewtwoMewtwo Pokemon SWSH - LugiaLugia Pokemon SWSH - Ho-ohHo-oh Pokemon SWSH - KyogreKyogre
Pokemon SWSH - GroudonGroudon Pokemon SWSH - RayquazaRayquaza Pokemon SWSH - DialgaDialga Pokemon SWSH - PalkiaPalkia
Pokemon SWSH - GiratinaGiratina Pokemon SWSH - ReshiramReshiram Pokemon SWSH - ZekromZekrom Pokemon SWSH - KyuremKyurem
Pokemon SWSH - XerneasXerneas Pokemon SWSH - YveltalYveltal Pokemon SWSH - ZygardeZygarde Pokemon SWSH - CosmogCosmog
Pokemon SWSH - CosmoemCosmoem Pokemon SWSH - SolgaleoSolgaleo Pokemon SWSH - LunalaLunala Pokemon SWSH - NecrozmaNecrozma
Pokemon SWSH - ZacianZacian Pokemon SWSH - ZamazentaZamazenta Pokemon SWSH - EternatusEternatus Pokemon SWSH - CalyrexCalyrex

Playable Mythical Pokemon in Series 13

For the first time ever, Mythical Pokemon can be used in Series 13. These include the following:

Pokemon SWSH - MewMew Pokemon SWSH - CelebiCelebi Pokemon SWSH - JirachiJirachi
Pokemon SWSH - VictiniVictini Pokemon SWSH - KeldeoKeldeo Pokemon SWSH - GenesectGenesect
Pokemon SWSH - DiancieDiancie Pokemon SWSH - VolcanionVolcanion Pokemon SWSH - MagearnaMagearna
Pokemon SWSH - MarshadowMarshadow Pokemon SWSH - ZeraoraZeraora Pokemon SWSH - MeltanMeltan
Pokemon SWSH - MelmetalMelmetal Pokemon SWSH - ZarudeZarude

Tier List Updates as of 2022/9/7

Tier Changes
Tier 1 No Changes
Tier 2 No Changes
Tier 3 No Changes
Tier 4 No Changes
Delisted No Changes

Ranked Battle Series 13 | Rules and Legal Pokemon

Best Pokemon Tier List For Ranked Battle

This tier list is based on the Pokemon HOME Pokemon Rankings for Series 13, which began on September 1 and is ongoing. We update it daily, so check back for the best Pokemon in ranked battle as of September 2022!

Click a Pokemon to jump to their explanation.

Tier 1
ZacianZacian KyogreKyogre YveltalYveltal
Tier 2
GroudonGroudon Calyrex (Shadow Rider)Calyrex (Shadow Rider) WhimsicottWhimsicott
MagearnaMagearna Calyrex (Ice Rider)Calyrex (Ice Rider) IncineroarIncineroar
RegielekiRegieleki AmoongussAmoonguss PalkiaPalkia
Tier 3
ZekromZekrom GrimmsnarlGrimmsnarl DialgaDialga
Indeedee (Female)Indeedee (Female) LunalaLunala VictiniVictini
ZeraoraZeraora CharizardCharizard ZamazentaZamazenta
Tier 4
MelmetalMelmetal RillaboomRillaboom TornadusTornadus (Incarnate Forme)
Ho-ohHo-Oh ThundurusThundurus (Incarnate Forme) MarshadowMarshadow
White KyuremWhite Kyurem SolgaleoSolgaleo Landorus (Therian Forme)Landorus (Therian Forme)

Best Pokemon - Tier 1

Ranked Battle Series 13 is shaping out to be a hyper aggresive meta with the focus being on strong offensive legendary and mythical Pokemon as sweepers capable of Dynamaxing.

Zacian

Moveset & Best Build for Zacian
Nature Jolly (+Spd, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread Atk 252 / Def 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values HP 167 / Atk 182 / Def 136 / Sp.Def 135 / Spd 209
(Hero of Many Battles)
HP 168 / Atk 244 / Def 136 / Sp.Def 135 / Spd 209
(Crowned Sword)
Ability Intrepid Sword
Held Item Rusted Sword
Moveset Iron Head (Behemoth Blade)
Close Combat
Swords Dance
Play Rough

Zacian is one of the most powerful physical attackers in the game and is an oppresive force in competitive battle that pushed the metagame into its current state of hyper offense.

With the return of Dynamax, it will once again find a niche in offensive teams as the primary Dynamax counter, with its Behemoth Blade doing double damage against opposing Dynamax Pokemon.

Kyogre

Moveset & Best Build for Kyogre
Nature Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread Def 4 / Sp.Atk 252 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values HP 175 / Def 111 / Sp.Atk 202 / Sp.Def 160 / Spd 156
Ability Drizzle
Held Item Choice Scarf
Moveset Water Spout
Thunder
Ice Beam
Origin Pulse

Kyogre's flagship Choice Scarf set from the Advance Generation is still as potent as ever, and can now threaten opposing teams after getting worn down thanks to its Origin Pulse move.

It's best used as a lead Dynamax Pokemon so that it immediately sets up rain and can unleash powerful Water Spouts to sweep or severely weaken the opposing team right at the very beginning.

Yveltal

Moveset & Best Build for Yveltal
Nature Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread Sp.Atk 252 / Sp.Def 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values HP 201 / Def 115 / Sp.Atk 183 / Sp.Def 119 / Spd 166
Ability Dark Aura
Held Item Life Orb
Moveset Dark Pulse
Oblivion Wing
Heat Wave
Sucker Punch

Yveltal is a powerful special sweaper with access to great dual STAB and its signature move letting it stay in matches longer despite the recoil damage from Life Orb.

Best Pokemon - Tier 2

Although they can't top the Tier 1 Pokemon's elite status, the Pokemon in Tier 2 are essential to Ranked Battle.

Groudon

Nature Adamant (+Atk, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread HP 252 / Atk 252 / Sp. Def 4
Final Stat Values HP 414 / Atk 222 / Def 160 / Sp. Def 111 / Spe 110
Ability Drought
Held Item Sitrus Berry
Moveset Precipice Blades
Rock Slide
Swords Dance
Protect

Groudon is a powerful Pokemon that is able to set up Sun as well as being able to hit really hard thanks to its monstrous Attack stat. Its natural defenses also provide Groudon with longevity in a match, allowing it to tank and dish out offense for as long as possible.

Calyrex (Shadow Rider)

Moveset & Best Build for Calyrex (Shadow Rider)
Nature Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread Def 4 / Sp.Atk 252 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values HP 175 / Def 101 / Sp.Atk 217 / Sp.Def 120 / Spd 222
Ability As One
Held Item Life Orb
Focus Sash
Moveset Astral Barrage
Psychic
Giga Drain
Nasty Plot

Calyrex's Shadow Rider form is one of the most threatening sweepers in the current metagame, capable of outrunning and knocking out many Pokemon with its STAB moves.

Whimsicott

Moveset & Best Build for Whimsicott
Nature Timid(+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread HP 4 / Sp.Atk 252 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values HP 136 / Def. 105 / Sp.Atk. 129 / Sp.Def. 95 / Spd. 184
Ability Prankster
Held Item Focus Sash
Moveset Beat Up
Tailwind
Protect
Dazzling Gleam

Though often used in its typical role of a Prankster supporter, Whimsicott also functions as a Beat Up supporter. Using this move on a partner Pokemon like Terrakion or Lucario, it can boost their attack up to four or six stages!

Magearna

Moveset & Best Build for Magearna
Nature Modest (+Sp.Atk, -Atk)
EV Spread HP 4 / Sp.Atk 252 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values HP 156 / Def 135 / Sp. Atk 200 / Sp. Def 135 / Spe 117
Ability Soul-Heart
Held Item Life Orb
Moveset Fleur Cannon
Flash Cannon
Protect
Trick Room

This build is focused on maximizing Magearna's Special Attack and Speed, immediately threatening opposing Yveltal and Calyrex (Ice Rider). Magearna can be a powerful Special Attacker, while supporting slower teammates with Trick Room.

Calyrex (Ice Rider)

Moveset & Best Build for Calyrex (Ice Rider)
Nature Adamant (+Atk, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread HP 252 / Atk 252 / Def 4
Final Stat Values HP 207 / Atk 238 / Def 170 / Sp.Def 151 / Spd 70
Ability As One
Held Item Weakness Policy
Moveset Glacial Lance
High Horsepower
Protect
Trick Room

Calyrex (Ice Rider) thrives in Trick Room, often needing a teammate to set it up for it, or setting it up itself. Once in Trick Room, not too many Pokemon will want to take Glacial Lances or High Horsepowers uncontested.

Incineroar

Moveset & Best Build for Incineroar
Nature Impish (+Def, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread HP 252 / Def 148 / Sp.Def 108
Final Stat Values HP 202 / Atk 135 / Def 141 / Sp.Def 108 / Spd 80
Ability Intimidate
Held Item Shuca Berry
Moveset Fake Out
Flare Blitz
Darkest Lariat
Parting Shot

Incineroar is an effective offensive pivot and lead in any format thanks to its great mixed bulk and Ability Intimidate.

As the quintessential pivot, it can scout teams with Fake Out and cripple sweepers with Parting Shot.

Incineroar is one of the few support Pokemon that can threaten with offense thanks to its naturally high attack stat using its powerful STAB moves, Flare Blitz and Darkest Lariat.

Regieleki

Moveset & Best Build for Regieleki
Nature Modest (+Sp.Atk, -Atk)
EV Spread Sp.Atk 252 / Sp.Def 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values HP 155 / Def 70 / Sp.Atk 167 / Sp.Def 71 / Spd 252
Ability Transistor
Held Item Life Orb
Moveset Rising Voltage
Electroweb
Volt Switch
Protect

Regieleki is a potent Dynamax sweeper especially if the opposing team does not have any Ground type Pokemon to resist its boosted Electric-type moves. It also finds a place in many teams because it is often the fastest Pokemon on the field and can reliably set up Electroweb.

Amoonguss

Moveset & Best Build for Amoonguss
Nature Calm (+Sp.Def, -Atk)
EV Spread HP 252 / Def 184 / Sp.Def 72
Final Stat Values HP 221 / Def 113 / Sp.Atk 105 / Sp.Def 119 / Spd 50
Ability Regenerator
Held Item Black Sludge
Moveset Rage Powder
Spore
Protect
Pollen Puff

Amoonguss' functions as redirection support in the Doubles Metagame, and can easily find itself in all kinds of teams - from Hyper Offense to more balanced or weather-centered teams. It's unique Grass/Poison typing makes it a great answer to the common Water, Fighting, Fairy, and Grass-type sweepers in the format.

Palkia

Nature Modest (+Sp. Atk, -Atk)
EV Spread HP 252 / 4 Def / Sp. Atk 252
Final Stat Values HP 197 / Def 121 / Sp. Atk 222 / Sp. Def 140 / Spe 120
Ability Pressure
Held Item Life Orb
Moveset Spacial Rend
Hydro Pump
Earth Power
Protect

Palkia matches up favorably against other popular restricted Pokemon such as Groudon, Kyogre, and Zacian. Ideally, Palkia gets to Dynamax and take 3 KO's in 3 turns, but if not, increasing its team's Special Defense with Max Quake is still a great help for its team.

Best Pokemon - Tier 3

The Pokemon in Tier 3 are used frequently as counters to those in Tiers 1 and 2.

Zekrom

Moveset & Best Build for Zekrom
Nature Jolly (+Spd, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread Atk 252 / Def 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values HP 175 / Atk 202 / Def 141 / Sp.Def 120 / Spd 156
Ability Teravolt
Held Item Life Orb
Weakness Policy
Moveset Bolt Strike
Outrage
Dual Wingbeat
Dragon Dance

Zekrom's unique dual typing makes it one of the more formidable physical attackers in Ranked Battle Series 8, and is one of the few that can threaten Lugia thanks to its Teravolt Ability.

Grimmsnarl

Nature Impish (+Def, -Sp.Atk)
EVs HP 252 / Def 252 / SpDef 4
Final Stat Values HP 202 / Atk 140 /Def 128 / Sp.Def. 96 / Spd 80
Ability Prankster
Held Item Light Clay
Moveset Reflect
Light Screen
Thunder Wave
Spirit Break

Grimmsnarl is one of the format's premiere support Pokemon, elevating a team's bulk with its Dual Screens and reliable speed control with Thunder Wave or Scary Face. With no Attack EV investment, it can still deal decent damage with Spirit Break, which more importantly can drop an opposing Pokemon's Special Attack stat.

Dialga

Moveset & Best Build for Dialga
Nature Modest (+Sp.Atk, -Atk)
EV Spread HP 252 / Sp.Atk 252 / Sp.Def 4
Final Stat Values HP 207 / Def 140 / Sp.Atk 222 / Sp.Def 121 / Spd 110
Ability Pressure
Held Item Weakness Policy
Moveset Roar of Time
Flash Cannon
Earth Power
Trick Room

Dialga's great typing and mixed defenses make it a great user of Weakness Policy. Using Draco Meteor as an alternative to Roar of Time makes it so Dialga does not skip a turn, at the cost of a Special Attack drop. Its middling Speed makes it a great in Trick Room in metagames with plenty of fast Pokemon.

Indeedee (Female)

Moveset & Best Build for Indeedee (Female)
Nature Calm (+Sp.Def, -Atk)
EV Spread HP 252 / Def 212 / Sp.Def 44
Final Stat Values HP 117 / Def 112 / Sp.Atk 115 / Sp.Def 144 / Spd 90
Ability Psychic Surge
Held Item Sitrus Berry
Moveset Follow Me
Helping Hand
Expanding Force
Protect

Indeedee (Female) sets itself apart from other redirection support by instantly setting up Psychic Terrain with its ability Psychic Surge, which prevents the use of priority moves. This makes it a great counter to the likes of Rillaboom and Talonflame who have priority-boosted attacks thanks to their respective abilities.

Lunala

Nature Modest (+Sp. Atk -Atk)
EV Spread HP 252 / Sp. Atk 252 / Sp. Def 4
Final Stat Values HP 244 / Def 109 / Sp. Atk 207 / Sp. Def 128 / Spe 117
Ability Shadow Shield
Held Item Power Herb
Moveset Moongeist Beam
Meteor Beam
Trick Room
Protect

This Lunala aims to take advantage of its bulk and Shadow Shield Ability to set up Trick Room for its teammates. However, it can function in or out of Trick Room and may not be the best fit for a dedicated Trick Room team. A boosted Meteor Beam is sure to deal good damage to Pokemon who do not resist it.

Victini

Moveset & Best Build for Victini
Nature Jolly (+Spe, -Sp. Atk)
EV Spread HP 4 / Atk 252 / Spe 252
Final Stat Values HP 176 / Atk 152 / Def 120 / Sp. Def 120 / Spe 167
Ability Victory Star
Held Item Choice Scarf
Moveset V-Create
Wild Charge
Zen Headbutt
U-Turn

Victini with Choice Scarf packs enough speed and firepower to immediately threaten top Pokemon such as Zacian, Yveltal and Kyogre. Its Victory Star Ability is naturally synergistic with a Pokemon like Groudon, because it can boost Groudon's inaccurate Precipice Blades, while Groudon's Drought Ability boosts V-Create's damage output.

Zeraora

Moveset & Best Build for Zeraora
Nature Jolly (+Spd, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread Atk 252 / Def 4 / Spe 252
Final Stat Values HP 163 / Atk 164 / Def 96 / Sp. Def 100 / Spe 214
Ability Volt Absorb
Held Item Focus Sash
Moveset Plasma Fists
Coaching
Electroweb
Fake Out

Zeraora can be played in a supportive role thanks to its access to useful utility moves. Its signature move, Plasma Fists has the unique ability to turn Normal-type moves into Electric-type.

Charizard

Moveset & Best Build for Charizard
Nature Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread Sp.Atk 252 / Sp.Def 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values HP 153 / Def 98 / Sp.Atk 161 / Sp.Def 106 / Spd 167
Ability Solar Power
Held Item Life Orb
Moveset Blast Burn
Hurricane
Protect
Ancient Power

Thanks to Dynamax, Charizard is able to take hits even from attacks it is weak to, and by using G-Max Wildfire it's able to put its Hidden Ability, Solar Power, to good use. G-Max Wildfire additionally deals residual damage, which is great for whittling down opposing Pokemon, and breaking Focus Sashes.

Zamazenta

Nature Jolly (+Spe, -Sp. Atk)
EV Spread HP 252 / Atk 4 / Spe 252
Final Stat Values HP 199 / Atk 151 / Def 165 / Sp. Def 165 / Spe 198
Ability Dauntless Shield
Held Item Rusted Shield
Moveset Behemoth Bash
Close Combat
Coaching
Wide Guard

Zamazenta effectively fulfills a supportive role thanks to a great selection of support moves, good defenses and an Ability that complements these defenses. This Pokemon is an excellent fit for defensive teams.

Best Pokemon - Tier 4

When Tier 4 Pokemon come out, we can start to see a bit of individuality in each team. The presence of these Pokemon shows what Tier 1 or 2 Pokemon the user is afraid of. Tier 4 boasts Pokemon who are strong on their own, those who are strong against those in Tiers 1 to 3, and those who are a pain to deal with for all other Pokemon.

Melmetal

Moveset & Best Build for Melmetal
Nature Brave (+Atk, -Spe)
EV Spread HP 252 / Atk 252 / Sp. Def 4
Final Stat Values HP 242 / Atk 214 / Def 163 / Sp. Def 86 / Spe 48
Ability Iron Fist
Held Item Assault Vest
Moveset Double Iron Bash
Thunder Punch
Ice Punch
High Horsepower

Iron Fist gives Melmetal's elemental punches a damage boost. With High Horsepower giving Melmetal Ground-type coverage, and Double Iron Bash giving it Steel-type coverage, Melmetal is also an excellent Dynamax Pokemon thanks to its wide coverage of move types.

Rillaboom

Moveset & Best Build for Rillaboom
Nature Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk)
EV Spread HP 248 / Atk 112 / Def 36 / Sp. Def 112
Final Stat Values HP 206 / Atk 174 / Def 115 / Sp. Def 104 / Spe 105
Ability Grassy Surge
Held Item Miracle Seed
Moveset Grassy Glide
High Horsepower
Protect
Fake Out

Rillaboom's excellent Attack and great mixed defenses make it a great inclusion in any team.
Its Grassy Surge ability partnered with Grassy Glide allows Rillaboom to consistently move first. It offers Fake Out pressure whenever it enters the field.

Tornadus (Incarnate Forme)

Nature Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread Sp. Atk 252 / Sp. Def 4 / Spe 252
Final Stat Values HP 154 / Def 90 / Sp. Atk 177 / Sp.Def 101 / Spd 179
Ability Prankster
Held Item Focus Sash
Moveset Tailwind
Protect
Hurricane
Taunt

Tornadus provides support for its team through its Tailwind, boosting its team's Speed. With Brutal Swing, it can even activate its teammate's Weakness Policy. Taunt lets it shut down opposing Pokemon who would want to set up.

Ho-oh

Moveset & Best Build for Ho-oh
Nature Adamant (+Atk, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread Atk 252 / Def 132 / Spd 124
Final Stat Values HP 181 / Atk 200 / Def 127 / Sp.Def 174 / Spd 126
Ability Regenerator
Held Item Life Orb
Moveset Sacred Fire
Brave Bird
Earthquake
Recover

Ho-Oh is a threatening physical attacker in the current metagame. While most physical attackers aim to outspeed and overpower the opposing team, the Rainbow Pokemon functions more as a bulky offensive pivot that can threaten opposing physical sweepers with a burn from Sacred Fire.

Thundurus (Incarnate Forme)

Nature Jolly (+Spe, -Sp. Atk)
EV Spread HP 4 / Atk 252 / 252 Spe
Final Stat Values HP 155 / Atk 167 / Def 90 / Sp. Def 100 / Spd 179
Ability Defiant
Held Item Safety Goggles
Moveset Fly
Wild Charge
Superpower
Foul Play

Thundurus works great against Sun and Rain teams, often matching up favorably against the likes of Kyogre, Charizard, and Venusaur. Safety Goggles is a great Held Item which protects Thundurus from the ever-present threat of Venusaur's Sleep Powder, who still outspeeds Thundurus in Sun.

Marshadow

Moveset & Best Build for Marshadow
Nature Jolly (+Spd, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread Atk 252 / Def 4 / Spe 252
Final Stat Values HP 165 / Atk 177 / Def 101 / Sp. Def 110 / Spe 194
Ability Technician
Held Item Focus Sash
Moveset Spectral Thief
Shadow Sneak
Close Combat
Protect

Marshadow boasts its access to Technician-boosted Shadow Sneak, being able to immediately threaten the likes of Calyrex (Shadow Rider). Its signature move, Spectral Thief is good for stealing an opposing Pokemon's stat boosts and using it against them.

White Kyurem

Moveset & Best Build for White Kyurem
Nature Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread HP 4 / Sp.Atk 252 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values HP 201 / Def 110 / Sp.Atk 222 / Sp.Def 120 / Spd 161
Ability Turboblaze
Held Item Weakness Policy
Life Orb
Moveset Draco Meteor
Freeze-Dry
Earth Power
Fusion Flare

White Kyurem's great special coverage and ability to ignore opposing Pokemon's Abilities with Turboblaze makes it a powerful special attacker that can easily establish offensive momentum for the team.

Solgaleo

Nature Jolly (+Spe, -Sp. Atk)
EV Spread Atk 252 / Sp. Def 4 / Spe 252
Final Stat Values HP 212 / Atk 189 / Def 128 / Sp. Def 110 / Spe 163
Ability Full Metal Body
Held Item Weakness Policy
Moveset Sunsteel Strike
Wild Charge
Earthquake
Protect

Solgaleo's typing and many weaknesses work to its advantage, allowing it to have many different ways of activating Weakness Policy. Its sky-high Attack stat with a Weakness Policy boost turn Solgaleo into a very efficient physical sweeper that is very difficult to wall.

Landorus (Therian Forme)

Moveset & Best Build for Landorus (Therian Forme)
Nature Impish (+Def, -Sp Atk)
EV Spread HP 244 / Def 252 / Spd 12
Final Stat Value HP 195 / Atk 165 / Def 156 / Sp.Def 100 / Spd 113
Ability Intimidate
Held Item Life Orb
Moveset Earthquake
Rock Slide
Fly
Swords Dance

Landorus, while not as dominant as it once was, is still a potent threat. Thanks to its massive Attack stat and respectable speed, Landorus can pose a threat in or out of Dynamax.

How to Make the Best Team

There is no unbeatable team

Groudon Precipice Blades.jpeg
Unlike in previous Pokemon metagames, there is no party or Pokemon that can defeat anything used against it. However, there are teams which can win consistently, as long as the right Pokemon are chosen for the battle.

Party composition is key

Solgaleo Max Steelspike.jpeg
Battles are not won by individual Pokemon. The team as a whole must be constructed to balance type strengths and weaknesses, and have built-in strategies to defeat opponents. In the current metagame, crafting a party that works together is more essential than ever.

Start off with a Rental Party

It's no easy feat to make a killer team from scratch. It can be a good idea to start off with rental teams, which any player can download and use in Ranked Battle. This can help to understand how a team is built, how to select which Pokemon to use in a battle, and how to use the party's built-in strategies in battle to rack up wins.

Our Best Teams guide has all teams available for rental, so you can try out your favorites to get a feel for some of the most popular Pokemon and strategies in the metagame!
Best Teams for Ranked Battle

Trends of the Current Metagame

Powerful Mythical Pokemon

Dynamax Zeraora.png
Series 13 gives players the opportunity to bring any number of Mythical or Legendary Pokemon to the team, which is way more compared to previous seasons and opens up more possibilities for team synergy.

With Series 13, your Mythical or Legendary Pokemon can comprise your entire team. This has never been done in competitive Pokemon before!

Teams Need a Zacian Check

Zacian Behemoth Blade.jpg
Zacian is still the top dog in the new season, fitting nicely into most teams thanks to its monstrous damage output. Having Pokemon that can take a +1 Behemoth Blade or reduce its damage output with Intimidate or Will-O-Wisp will help your team survive Zacian's onslaught.

Of course, outright knocking it out with a powerful super-effective move is also a good option. Do remember that not too many Pokemon can outspeed Zacian so positioning is important.

A Focus on Hyper Offense

With so many powerful Mythicals and Legendaries now available to use, there's a shift to a more aggressive playstyle. Even defensive teams need a powerful and fast sweeper in the team to keep up in this increasingly hyper offensive metagame!

Summary

And that's our latest Tier List of the current Best Pokemon for Ranked Battle. With Series 13 having just been released for Ranked Battle, we're excited to see how the metagame continues to reshape in the weeks to come.

If you're thinking of getting into competitive play, or if you're having trouble winning online, some of the Pokemon in this article might be just what your team needs.

Here's hoping you can have as much fun playing online as we have. Check back soon as we continue updating with tier upsets, new additions and more individual Build pages!

Pokemon Sword and Shield Related Guides

Pokemon Sword and Shield - Competitive Guides and Best Builds for Ranked Battle

Best Pokemon Builds for Ranked Battle

Other Competitive Guides

Competitive Pokemon Battle Guides
Pokemon SWSH - Tier ListSingles Tier List Pokemon SWSH - Best BuildsBest Builds Pokemon Sword and Shield - Ranked Battle Series 10 Contenders.pngSeries 12 List of Contenders
Pokemon SWSH - Doubles Tier ListDoubles Tier List Pokemon SWSH - Competitive Team BuildingTeam Building Pokemon SWSH - Rental TeamsRental Teams

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