Pokémon Scarlet & Violet VGC Rules & Regulations

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This page will show the official Rules & Regulations that all VGC events played at Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet events during the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons. These formats apply to all official events in the Play! Pokémon circuit, as well as many grassroots events.
  • Battle Rules: These are the rules that apply to all battles. They define the basic framework all VGC battles are played.
  • Team Rules: These are a general set of rules that apply to all teams. They provide a framework for what's allowed in VGC, such as Pokémon being auto-levelled to Level 50 and the Species & Item clauses.
  • Regulations: These are a set of rules that apply to all official VGC events that allow or restrict the Pokémon, moves, or items players can use on their teams. The current Regulation is usually announced one month before it comes into effect throughout each season.

Battles Rules

  • All battles are Doubles Battle played on Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet.
    • Each game, players will select 4 out of 6 Pokémon to use in battle from their Battle Team.
    • The battle will be over when either all 4 Pokémon on either side are unable to battle or the in-game time limit (20 minutes) has expired.
  • There is no round timer, and all matches will continue until either all 4 Pokémon on either side are unable to battle or the in-game time limit (20 minutes) has expired. There are three in-game timers:
    • Team Preview: 90 seconds
    • Move Time Limit: 45 seconds
    • Player's total time limit (Your Time): 7 minutes
    • Game Time: 20 minutes
  • If a match ends with an unresolved outcome, the tiebreakers are applied. For disconnection cases, refer to the rules document.
  • Matches during the Swiss Rounds may be played using either best of one or best of three, with the latter primarily used at all Regional and higher-level events.
  • In TPCi tournaments, players will compete using open team lists. At the start of a match, players will swap their team list with the opponent and return it at the end of a set. Players are not allowed to write on or alter their opponents' lists. The team list will contain the following information:
    • The Pokémon's species, including forms or regional variants.
    • Ability
    • Held Item
    • All Moves
    • Tera Types

Team Rules

  • Players may only use Pokémon that were: 
    • Obtained in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet
    • Imported into Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet via Pokémon HOME, even if they weren't caught in Paldea
  • Pokémon may use and move or ability that's obtainable through normal gameplay. This includes Hidden Abilities and event-exclusive moves and Abilities
  • Pokémon will be auto-levelled to Level 50 during the battle, no matter what their level was previously.
  • Item Clause: No two Pokémon may hold the same item on any team.
  • Species Clause: No team may contain two Pokémon of the same species, determined by their Pokédex number (Rotom-Heat and Rotom-Wash are not allowed since they are both Rotom)

Format Schedule

All events in the Play! Pokémon circuit since January 2023 will be played on Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet until said otherwise. This applies to The Pokémon Company International (TPCi), The Pokémon Company (TPC), and The Pokémon Company Korea (TPCK) events.

The official VGC rules, including which Pokémon are allowed, vary for each Regulation for Ranked Battles on the in-game ladder. This means both online and real-life events usually follow these Regulations unless announced otherwise.
  • Regulation Set A: January 2-31, 2023
  • Regulation Set B: February 1 to March 31, 2023
  • Regulation Set C: April 1 to June 30, 2023
  • Regulation Set D: July 1 to September 30, 2023
  • Regulation Set E: October 1, 2023 to January 3, 2024
  • Regulation Set F: January 4 to April 30, 2024
  • Regulation Set G: May 1 to August 31, 2024
  • Regulation Set H: September 1, 2024 to January 5, 2025
  • Regulation Set G (again): January 6 to April 30, 2025
  • Regulation Set I: May 1 to August 31, 2025

Regulation Set A


Regulation Set A is the first format for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet that was announced. During this Regulation, all Paradox Pokémon, Legendary Pokémon, and the Treasures of Ruin are ineligible to use. Regulation Set A was also the official format on the in-game Battle Stadium from December 2, 2022 to January 31, 2023 and was used in VGC events on January 2-31, 2023.

This format was also originally referred to as Series 1, but was retroactively renamed on March 1, 2023.
  • The following Pokémon are allowed: All Pokémon in the Paldea Pokédex #001-375 and #388-392 
  • The following Pokémon are ineligible to use: Vivillon [all but Fancy], Great Tusk, Scream Tail, Brute Bonnet, Flutter Mane, Slither Wing, Sandy Shocks, Iron Treads, Iron Bundle, Iron Hands, Iron Jugulis, Iron Moth, Iron Thorn, Gimmighoul [Roaming Form], Wo-Chien, Chien-Pao, Ting-Lu, Chi-Yu, Roaring Moon, Iron Valiant, Koraidon, Miraidon, Charmander, Charmeleon, Charizard, Galarian Meowth, Wooper, Quagsire, Froakie, Frogadier, Greninja, Scorbunny, Raboot, Cinderace, Perrserker
Pokémon added in events from February 2023 onwards and in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero are also ineligible to use.

Regulation Set B


Regulation Set A is the second format for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet that was announced. During this Regulation, Paradox Pokémon are now allowed, but Legendary Pokémon and the Treasures of Ruin are ineligible to use. Regulation Set B was also the official format on the in-game Battle Stadium and VGC events from February 1 to March 31, 2023.

This format was also originally referred to as Series 2, but was retroactively renamed on March 1, 2023.
  • The following Pokémon are allowed: All Pokémon in the Paldea Pokédex #001-392 and #397-398. Due to connectivity with Pokémon GO, all Vivillon patterns except its Poké Ball form are now allowed.
  • The following Pokémon are ineligible to use: Vivillon [Poké Ball pattern], Roaming Form Gimmighoul, Wo-Chien, Chien-Pao, Ting-Lu, Chi-Yu, Koraidon, Miraidon, Charmander, Charmeleon, Charizard, Galarian Meowth, Wooper, Quagsire, Oshawott, Dewott, Samurott, Hisuian Zorua, Hisuian Zoroark, Froakie, Frogadier, Greninja, Rowlet, Dartrix, Decidueye, Scorbunny, Raboot, Cinderace, Perrserker, Walking Wake, Iron Leaves
Pokémon added in events from April 2023 onwards and in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero are also ineligible to use.

Regulation Set C


Regulation Set C is the third format for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet that was announced. During this Regulation, the Treasure of Ruin are now allowed, but Koraidon, Miraidon, Walking Wake, and Iron Leaves are ineligible to use. Regulation Set C was also the official format on the in-game Battle Stadium and VGC events from April 1 to June 30, 2023.
  • The following Pokémon are allowed: All Pokémon in the Paldea Pokédex #001-398.
  • The following Pokémon are ineligible to use: Vivillon [Poké Ball pattern], Roaming Form Gimmighoul, Koraidon, Miraidon, Charmander, Charmeleon, Charizard, Cyndaquil, Quilava, Typhlosion, Galarian Meowth, Wooper, Quagsire, Oshawott, Dewott, Samurott, Hisuian Zorua, Hisuian Zoroark, Chespin, Quilladin, Chesnaught, Froakie, Frogadier, Greninja, Rowlet, Dartrix, Decidueye, Scorbunny, Raboot, Cinderace, Sobble, Drizzile, Inteleon, Perrserker, Walking Wake, Iron Leaves
Pokémon added in events from April 2023 onwards and in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero are also ineligible to use.

Regulation Set D


Regulation Set D is the fourth format for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet that was announced. During this Regulation, Pokémon that can be transferred from Pokémon HOME are available to use. Regulation Set D was also the official format on the in-game Battle Stadium and VGC events from July 1 to September 30, 2023.
  • The following Pokémon are allowed: All Pokémon in the Paldea Pokédex #001-398 except Koraidon and Miraidon, including Pikachu in a cap, Vivillon [Poké Ball pattern], and Roaming Form Gimmighoul
  • The following Pokémon HOME-exclusive Pokémon are allowed. These Pokémon cannot be found in Paldea but can be brought via Pokémon HOME: Charmander, Charmeleon, Charizard, Alolan Raichu, Alolan Diglett, Alolan Dugtrio, Alolan Meowth, Galarian Meowth, Alolan Persian, Hisuian Growlith, Hisuian Arcanine, Galarian Slowpoke, Galarian Slowbro, Alolan Grimer, Alolan Muk, Hisuian Voltorb, Hisuian Electrode, Tauros, Articuno, Galarian Articuno, Zapdos, Galarian Zapdos, Moltres, Galarian Moltres, Cyndaquil, Quilava, Typhlosion, Hisuian, Typhlosion, Wooper, Quagsire, Galarian, Slowking, Hisuian Qwilfish, Hisuian Sneasel, Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf, Heatran, Cresselia, Oshawott, Dewott, Samurott, Hisuian Saurott, Hisuian Lilligant, White Striped Basculin, Hisuian Zorua, Hisuian Zoroark, Hisuian Braviary, Tornadus, Thundurus, Landorus, Chespin, Quilladin, Chesnaught, Fennekin, Braxien, Delphox, Froakie, Frogadier, Greninja, Carbink, Hisuian Sliggoo, Hisuian Goodra, Hisuian Avalugg, Rowlet, Dartrix, Decidueye, Scorbunny, Raboot, Cinderace, Sobble, Drizzile, Inteleon, Perrserker, Kubfu, Urshifu, Regieleki, Regidrago, Glastrier, Spectrier, Wyrdeer, Kleavor, Ursaluna, Basculegion, Sneaseler, Overqwil, Enamorus
  • The following Pokémon are ineligible to use: 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
  • Additionally, in Ranked Battle Season 10, after the release of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero – Part 1: The Teal Mask, the following Pokémon were allowed to use that are from the Kitakami Pokédex: Diplin, Poltchageist, Sinistcha, Okidogi, Munkidori, Fezandipiti, Ogerpon
Pokémon added in events from October 2023 onwards and in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero – Part 1: The Teal Mask are also ineligible to use.

Regulation Set E


Regulation Set E is the fifth format for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet that was announced. During this Regulation, Pokémon that can be found in the Kitakami Pokédex and certain Pokémon not found in either Pokédex are available to use. Regulation Set E was also the official format on the in-game Battle Stadium and VGC events from October 1, 2023 to January 3, 2024.
  • The following Pokémon are allowed: All Pokémon in the Paldea Pokédex #001-398 except Koraidon and Miraidon, All Pokémon in the Kitakami Pokédex #001-200, and other eligible Pokémon through events of Pokémon HOME.
    • Additionally, the following Pokémon are now allowed that aren't in the Kitakami Pokédex: Alolan Sandshrew, Alolan Sandslash, Alolan Vulpix, Alolan Ninetales, Alolan Geodude, Alolan Graveler, Alolan Golem, Galarian Weezing, Turtwig, Grotle, Torterra, Chimchar, Monferno, Infernape, Piplup, Prinplup, Empoleon
  • The following Pokémon are ineligible to use: Mewtwo, Mew, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Meloetta, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Magearna, Zacian, Zamazenta, Eternatus, Zarude, Calyrex, Koraidon, Miraidon, Walking Wake, Iron Leaves
Pokémon added in events from January 2024 onwards and in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero – Part 2: The Indigo Disk are also ineligible to use.

Regulation Set F


Regulation Set F is the sixth format for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet that was announced. During this Regulation, Pokémon that can be found in the Blueberry Pokédex and certain Pokémon not found in either Pokédex are available to use. Regulation Set F was also the official format on the in-game Battle Stadium and VGC events from January 4 to April 30, 2024.
  • The following Pokémon are allowed: All Pokémon in the Paldea Pokédex #001-398 except Koraidon and Miraidon, All Pokémon in the Kitakami Pokédex #001-200, All Pokémon in the Blueberry Pokédex #001-239 & #241-242, and other eligible Pokémon through events of Pokémon HOME.
    • Additionally, the following Pokémon are now allowed that aren't in the Blueberry Pokédex: Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Regirock, Regice, Registeel, Latias, Latios, Regigigas, Cobalion, Terrakion, Virizion
  • The following Pokémon are ineligible to use: Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Meloetta, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Magearna, Zacian, Zamazenta, Eternatus, Zarude, Calyrex, Koraidon, Miraidon, Terapagos
Pokémon added in events from January 2024 onwards and in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero – Part 2: The Indigo Disk are also ineligible to use.

Regulation Set G


Regulation Set G is the seventh format for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet that was announced. During this Regulation, players can use one Restricted Legendary Pokémon on their team. Regulation Set G was also the official format on the in-game Battle Stadium and VGC events from May 1 to August 31, 2024. This Regulation made its return from January 6 to April 30, 2025.
  • The following Pokémon are allowed: All Pokémon in the Paldea Pokédex #001-400, All Pokémon in the Kitakami Pokédex #001-200, All Pokémon in the Blueberry Pokédex #001-239 & #241-242, and other eligible Pokémon through events of Pokémon HOME.
    • Additionally, players are allowed to use one of the following Restricted Legendary Pokémon on their team: Mewtwo, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Zacian, Zamazenta, Eternatus, Calyrex, Koraidon, Miraidon, Terapagos
  • The following Pokémon are ineligible to use: Mew, Deoxys, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Keldeo, Meloetta, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Magearna, Zarude, Pecharunt

Regulation Set H


Regulation Set H is the eighth format for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet that was announced. During this Regulation, all Paradox Pokémon, Treasures of Ruin, the Loyal Three, and all other Legendary Pokémon available natively in the games or through Pokémon HOME. Regulation Set H was also the official format on the in-game Battle Stadium and VGC events from September 1, 2024 to January 5, 2025.
  • The following Pokémon are allowed: All Pokémon in the Paldea Pokédex #001-375 and #388-392, All Pokémon in the Kitakami Pokédex #001-196, All Pokémon in the Blueberry Pokédex #001-235, and other eligible Pokémon through events of Pokémon HOME.
  • The following Pokémon are ineligible to use: Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, Mewtwo, Mew, Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Regirock, Regice, Registeel, Latias, Latios, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf, Dialga, Palkia, Heatran, Regigigas, Cresselia, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Cobalion, Terrakion, Virizion, Tornadus, Thundurus, Reshiram, Zekrom, Landorus, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Magearna, Zacian, Zamazenta, Eternatus, Kubfu, Urshifu, Zarude, Regieleki, Regidrago, Glastrier, Spectrier, Calyrex, Enamorus, Great Tusk, Scream Tail, Brute Bonnet, Flutter Mane, Slither Wing, Sandy Shocks, Iron Treads, Iron Bundle, Iron Hands, Iron Jugulis, Iron Moth, Iron Thorn, Wo-Chien, Chien-Pao, Ting-Lu, Chi-Yu, Roaring Moon, Iron Valiant, Koraidon, Miraidon, Walking Wake, Iron Leaves, Okidogi, Munkidori, Fezandipiti, Ogerpon, Gouging Fire, Raging Bolt, Iron Boulder, Iron Crown, Terapagos, Pecharunt

Regulation Set I


Regulation Set I is the ninth format for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet that was announced. During this Regulation, players can use up to two Restricted Legendary Pokémon on their team. Regulation Set I was also the official format on the in-game Battle Stadium and VGC events from May 1 to August 31, 2025.
  • The following Pokémon are allowed: All Pokémon in the Paldea Pokédex #001-400, All Pokémon in the Kitakami Pokédex #001-200, All Pokémon in the Kitakami Pokédex #001-239 & #241-242, and other eligible Pokémon through events of Pokémon HOME.
    • Additionally, players are allowed to use up to two of the following Restricted Legendary Pokémon on their team: Mewtwo, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Zacian, Zamazenta, Eternatus, Calyrex, Koraidon, Miraidon, Terapagos
  • The following Pokémon are ineligible to use: Mew, Deoxys, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Keldeo, Meloetta, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Magearna, Zarude, Pecharunt
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