The new Ranked Battles season in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield has begun, which means you can move up the global leaderboards and earn helpful in-game rewards by battling players from around the world.
The leaderboards reset every month, so now’s the perfect time to jump in. Running until 4:59 p.m. PDT on October 31, 2022, the Ranked Battles October 2022 Season (Season 35) will follow the Series 13 regulations, allowing you to battle alongside special Pokémon that are normally restricted—in fact, you can have as many Legendary and Mythical Pokémon on your team as you want!
Only Pokémon obtained in the Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, Pokémon Sword, or Pokémon Shield games 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 in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. 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 October 2022 Season include Galar Pokédex No. 001–400, Isle of Armor Pokédex No. 001–211, and Crown Tundra Pokédex No. 001–210, as well as the following Pokémon:
Mewtwo, Mew, Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Treecko, Grovyle, Sceptile, Torchic, Combusken, Blaziken, Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert, Latias, Latios, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf, Dialga, Palkia, Heatran, Regigigas, Giratina, Cresselia, Victini, Tornadus, Thundurus, Reshiram, Zekrom, Landorus, Kyurem, Keldeo, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Diancie, Volcanion, 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, Magearna, Marshadow, Poipole, Naganadel, Stakataka, Blacephalon, Zeraora, Meltan, and Melmetal.
There are no restrictions on the number of special Pokémon that may be registered to your Battle Team. Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing are allowed.
October 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 October 2022 season rewards include the following:
Master Ball Tier
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Gold Bottle Cap ×3
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600 Battle Points
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Dynite Ore ×30
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Armorite Ore ×30
Ultra Ball Tier
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Gold Bottle Cap ×1
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300 Battle Points
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Dynite Ore ×10
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Armorite Ore ×10
Great Ball Tier
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Bottle Cap ×3
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Ability Capsule ×1
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100 Battle Points
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Dynite Ore ×5
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Armorite Ore ×5
Poké Ball Tier and Beginner Tier
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Ability Capsule ×1
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50 Battle Points
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Dynite Ore ×5
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Armorite Ore ×5
How to Start a Ranked Battle
To start a Ranked Battle, follow these steps:
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Launch your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield game.
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Open the X menu.
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Select VS.
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Select Battle Stadium.
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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 October 2022 season to be eligible for rewards at the end of the season. To receive your in-game rewards, follow these steps:
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After the competition has ended, launch your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield game.
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Open the X menu.
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Select Mystery Gift.
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Select Get a Mystery Gift.
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Select Get Battle Stadium Rewards.
Good luck battling in the Ranked Battles October 2022 Season!
