Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: Ranked Battles Season 31 Overview

The competitive landscape in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet is heating up as Season 31 of Ranked Battles kicks off. Running from now until June 30, 2025, at 23:59 UTC, this season provides an excellent opportunity for Trainers to showcase their abilities, climb the leaderboards, and snag various in-game rewards.

As players engage in battles against others from around the globe, they will have the chance to test their skills in a thrilling environment. The current season adheres to Regulation Set I, and players are permitted to utilize the Terastallization mechanic, adding an additional layer of strategy to battles.

Eligible Pokémon for Season 31

In this season, a wide array of Pokémon from different Pokédexes can participate. Trainers can utilize Pokémon from the Paldea Pokédex (entries 001-400), Kitakami Pokédex (entries 001-200), and Blueberry Pokédex (entries 001-242). Additionally, select special Pokémon are also allowed, enhancing the diversity of strategies available to players.

Some of the notable Pokémon eligible for battle include:

• Alolan Raichu
• Galarian Meowth and Persian
• Hisuian Arcanine and Growlithe
• Legendary Pokémon such as Mewtwo, Lugia, and Rayquaza

These Pokémon can be combined in various team compositions, making each battle a unique experience.

Restrictions on Special Pokémon

While many Pokémon are eligible, there are specific restrictions regarding the use of special Pokémon. Trainers can include no more than two of the following powerful Pokémon in their Battle Teams:

• Mewtwo
• Lugia
• Ho-Oh
• Kyogre
• Groudon
• Rayquaza
• Dialga (and its Origin Forme)
• Palkia (and its Origin Forme)
• Giratina (both Altered and Origin Formes)
• Reshiram
• Zekrom
• Kyurem (including both White and Black forms)

These restrictions ensure that the battles remain balanced and competitive, encouraging players to strategize effectively with their chosen Pokémon.

How Battles Are Conducted

All battles in Season 31 will automatically set Pokémon to level 50, ensuring that players compete on an even playing field. Furthermore, trainers are not permitted to use duplicate held items in their teams, which adds another layer of strategy when assembling your roster.

During battles, players are matched with opponents of similar ranks, which helps maintain competitive integrity. The overall battle structure is designed to enhance the gaming experience, allowing players to demonstrate their skills against comparable opponents.

Time Management in Battles

Time is of the essence in competitive Pokémon battling. The total time allocated for each match is 20 minutes, which includes 7 minutes of player time, a 45-second turn timer, and a 90-second preview time before the match begins. These constraints encourage quick thinking and decision-making, crucial skills for any competitive Trainer.

Rewards for Participation

Participating in Ranked Battles not only offers the thrill of competition but also provides valuable in-game rewards. The rewards are tiered based on the player's final ranking at the end of the season. Here’s a breakdown of the rewards available in different tiers:

• Master Ball Tier:

  • 5 Bitter Herba Mystica
  • 2 Level Balls
  • 1 Gold Bottle Cap
  • 3 Bottle Caps
  • 1 Ability Patch
  • 300,000 League Points

• Ultra Ball Tier:

  • 2 Bitter Herba Mystica
  • 1 Level Ball
  • 1 Gold Bottle Cap
  • 1 Bottle Cap
  • 1 Ability Capsule
  • 150,000 League Points

• Great Ball Tier:

  • 1 TM171 (Tera Blast)
  • 1 Bottle Cap
  • 1 Ability Capsule
  • 60,000 League Points

• Poké Ball Tier:

  • 1 TM171 (Tera Blast)
  • 20,000 League Points
• Beginner Tier:
  • 10,000 League Points

To qualify for rewards, players must complete at least one match during the season, regardless of the outcome. This means that every player has the opportunity to earn something for their efforts.

Requirements for Participation

Engaging in Ranked Battles necessitates a Nintendo Switch Online membership, which is sold separately. Players must also have a Nintendo Account to access online features. It’s important to note that the membership automatically renews after the initial term unless canceled, and not all features may be available in every region. Reliable internet access is crucial for engaging in online battles.

Fair Play and Conduct

Maintaining the integrity of the game is essential, and players are expected to adhere to specific guidelines. Engaging in actions such as altering game data, using hacked Pokémon, or disconnecting frequently during matches can lead to penalties or restrictions from future events. Players should ensure they provide accurate information and avoid collaborating with others to manipulate results.

Conclusion

As Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's Ranked Battles Season 31 unfolds, Trainers are invited to embrace the challenge and excitement of competitive play. With the chance to utilize a rich variety of Pokémon, engage in strategic battles, and earn rewards, this season promises an engaging experience for both new and seasoned players alike. Dive into the action, hone your skills, and see how far you can climb the rankings!