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Category:
Pokémon

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Ranked Battle Regulation D ruleset, explained

Worlds will be interesting this year...
Image of Karli Iwamasa
Karli Iwamasa
|

Published: May 31, 2023 11:58 pm

The Pokémon Scarlet and Violet VGC format will be shifting to Regulation D from July 1 to Sept. 30, 2023. This means the most important tournament of the season, the Pokémon World Championships, will be held under Regulation D rules.

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Whether you’re headed to Worlds or plan on climbing the online ladder, here’s everything you need to know about Regulation D.

Related: Pokémon HOME opens floodgates to rare Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet

What is Regulation D in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet VGC?

Following the Paradox Pokémon added in Regulation B and the Treasures of Ruin added in Regulation C, a huge batch of Pokémon will become legal in VGC once Regulation D begins. More specifically, we’re talking about the Pokémon transferred over from Pokémon HOME, which includes Alolan, Galarian, and Hisuian ‘mons.

There are some exceptions. Like many past VGC formats, “Restricted Legendary Pokémon” will be banned from competitive play.

The following Pokémon will be banned in Regulation D:

  • Mewtwo
  • Mew
  • Kyogre
  • Groudon
  • Rayquaza
  • Dialga
  • Palkia
  • Giratina
  • Arceus
  • Meloetta
  • Diancie
  • Hoopa
  • Volcanion
  • Magearna
  • Zacian
  • Zamazenta
  • Eternatus
  • Zarude
  • Calyrex
  • Koraidon
  • Miraidon
  • Walking Wake
  • Iron Leaves

Every other Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet is fair game. This includes Regieleki, who was recently banned in Smogon OU singles, Landorus, who has a reputation for wreaking havoc, and all the Hisuian Pokémon making their VGC debuts.

Related: Pokémon players demand changes to unfair tournaments in Asia

Interestingly enough, the Pokémon World Championships will be the only major in-person tournament this season under Regulation D rules. The North America International Championships and all remaining regional tournaments will still use the Regulation C format, so we might not know what to expect at Worlds.

World champion Wolfe Glick and other pro players are already eyeing a few strong Pokémon from the new bunch—Regieleki, Urshifu, Rillaboom, and Ursaluna. We’ll see how those ‘mons fit into or define the new meta when Regulation D begins on July 1.

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Author
Image of Karli Iwamasa
Karli Iwamasa
Karli is a freelance writer and editor for Dot Esports based in the Bay Area. She mostly writes about Pokémon with a focus on competitive VGC but also enjoys VALORANT.