The new Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Ranked Battles season has begun, giving Trainers another chance to test their skills in head-to-head battles with players around the world, move up the global leaderboards, and earn helpful in-game rewards.
The leaderboards reset every month, so now’s the perfect time to jump in. Running until 4:59 p.m. PDT on May 31, 2022, the Ranked Battles May 2022 Season (Season 30) will follow the Series 12 regulations, which means you can battle with two powerful, usually ineligible Legendary Pokémon at your side. Also, Pokémon are allowed to Dynamax or Gigantamax during battle.
Only Pokémon obtained in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield or those with the battle-ready symbol are eligible. Pokémon from previous games in the Pokémon series can receive the battle-ready symbol from the character next to the door in the center of the Battle Tower. When the battle-ready symbol is applied to your Pokémon, your Pokémon will forget the moves it knows. If your Pokémon forgets moves that it cannot use or learn in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, those moves cannot be relearned.
Eligible Pokémon
Eligible Pokémon for the Ranked Battles May 2022 Season include:
Galar Pokédex No. 001–400, Isle of Armor Pokédex No. 001–210, and Crown Tundra Pokédex No. 001–210 are eligible for battle, as well as the following Pokémon:
Mewtwo, Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Treecko, Grovyle, Sceptile, Torchic, Combusken, Blaziken, Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert, Latias, Latios, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf, Dialga, Palkia, Heatran, Regigigas, Giratina, Cresselia, Tornadus, Thundurus, Reshiram, Zekrom, Landorus, Kyurem, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Rowlet, Dartrix, Decidueye, Litten, Torracat, Incineroar, Popplio, Brionne, Primarina, Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, Tapu Fini, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Nihilego, Buzzwole, Pheromosa, Xurkitree, Celesteela, Kartana, Guzzlord, Necrozma, Poipole, Naganadel, Stakataka, and Blacephalon.
Two of the following special Pokémon may be registered to your Battle Team:
Mewtwo, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Zacian, Zamazenta, Eternatus, or Calyrex.
May 2022 Season Rewards
Before battle, you’ll be matched up with other players of similar rank to ensure even competition. The higher the tier you finish in, the greater your in-game rewards will be after the season concludes. The May 2022 season rewards include the following:
Master Ball Tier
Gold Bottle Cap ×3
600 Battle Points
Dynite Ore ×30
Armorite Ore ×30
Ultra Ball Tier
Gold Bottle Cap ×1
300 Battle Points
Dynite Ore ×10
Armorite Ore ×10
Great Ball Tier
Bottle Cap ×3
Ability Capsule ×1
100 Battle Points
Dynite Ore ×5
Armorite Ore ×5
Poké Ball Tier and Beginner Tier
Ability Capsule ×1
50 Battle Points
Dynite Ore ×5
Armorite Ore ×5
How to Start a Ranked Battle
To start a Ranked Battle, follow these steps:
Launch your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield game.
Open the X menu.
Select VS.
Select Battle Stadium.
Select Ranked Battles.
How to Receive In-Game Rewards
You will need to finish at least one match with a win or loss during the May 2022 season to be eligible for rewards at the end of the season. To receive your in-game rewards, follow these steps:
After the competition has ended, launch your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield game.
Open the X menu.
Select Mystery Gift.
Select Get a Mystery Gift.
Select Get Battle Stadium Rewards.
Good luck battling in the Ranked Battles May 2022 Season!
