Are Legendaries Banned in Pokemon Tournaments? A Comprehensive Guide
The answer to whether Legendary Pokemon are banned in tournaments is… it depends! The rules regarding Legendaries in Pokemon tournaments are often a complex and evolving landscape, varying widely depending on the specific format, series, and organizer. While some formats enforce strict bans on most or all Legendaries, others allow certain subsets or even unrestricted use. Understanding these nuances is crucial for any aspiring competitive Pokemon player.
Understanding the Tournament Landscape
To navigate this confusing territory, it’s essential to first understand the different tiers and governing bodies that oversee competitive Pokemon. The two main arenas are the Video Game Championships (VGC), organized by The Pokemon Company International (TPCI), and the Smogon University format, a fan-made metagame. Each has its own set of rules and ban lists.
VGC Rules: A Shifting Landscape
The VGC format, the official competitive format, sees frequent rule changes with each new game release. Generally, the trend has been toward allowing more Legendary Pokemon over time, but restrictions often apply.
For example, the information from 2023 (as provided) indicated that Legendary Pokemon were banned from VGC that year, alongside Paradox Pokemon. However, it is important to note that the rules are subject to change and that each new series should be reviewed.
Smogon University: A Tiered System
Smogon University, on the other hand, operates with a tiered system based on usage statistics and perceived power levels. Pokemon are categorized into tiers like Ubers, OU (OverUsed), UU (UnderUsed), RU (RarelyUsed), and NU (NeverUsed). The Ubers tier is where the most powerful Pokemon reside, and it’s essentially a ban list for the other tiers. Many Legendary Pokemon, including the likes of Arceus, Kyogre, and Yveltal, find themselves in Ubers due to their overwhelming strength.
Factors Influencing Ban Lists
Several factors contribute to the decisions behind which Pokemon are banned or restricted in competitive play:
- Base Stats: Pokemon with exceptionally high base stats, like Mega Rayquaza or Arceus, often dominate the metagame and limit strategic diversity.
- Abilities: Certain abilities, such as Serene Grace (Togekiss) or abilities that provide weather control, can prove overly disruptive or provide an unfair advantage.
- Movepool: A wide and versatile movepool allows a Pokemon to cover its weaknesses and answer a broader range of threats, making it difficult to counter.
- Overcentralization: If a single Pokemon becomes so powerful that it dictates team compositions and strategies, it is often banned to promote a healthier meta. This was the case for Greninja during the OR/AS meta.
Other Notable Bans and Restrictions
Beyond Legendary Pokemon, it’s important to remember that other factors can lead to bans:
- Hacked or Illegally Obtained Pokemon: Pokemon obtained through cheats or external tools are strictly prohibited in official tournaments.
- Specific Moves or Items: In rare cases, particular moves or items can be banned if they create glitches or unbalance the gameplay.
- Glitches: Caterpie was once banned due to its move String Shot freezing the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify the intricacies surrounding Legendary Pokemon and their legality in competitive tournaments:
1. Can you use Legendary Pokémon in competitive?
Yes, and no! It depends entirely on the specific tournament rules. Some formats allow some or all Legendary Pokemon, while others ban them outright. Always check the tournament rules beforehand.
2. Are all Legendaries banned in VGC?
No, not necessarily. VGC rules change frequently. Always consult the official Pokemon Company International (TPCI) rules for the current VGC season. Some Legendary Pokemon may be permitted, while others are banned.
3. What Legendaries are usually banned?
Pokemon with extremely high base stats, like Arceus, Mega Rayquaza, and some of the cover Legendaries, are frequently banned due to their overwhelming power.
4. Can you use Mythical Pokemon in tournaments?
Mythical Pokemon, like Mew, Celebi, and Jirachi, are often subject to even stricter restrictions than Legendary Pokemon. They are frequently banned from official tournaments.
5. Are pseudo-legendaries allowed in competitive?
Yes, pseudo-legendaries (Pokemon with a three-stage evolution line and a base stat total of 600, like Dragonite, Tyranitar, and Garchomp) are generally allowed in competitive play, though some formats might limit the number you can have on a team (e.g., only one per team).
6. Why is Arceus often banned?
Arceus is banned because of its extremely high base stats and its ability to change type with different Plates, making it incredibly versatile and difficult to counter.
7. Can I use Legendary Pokemon in ranked battles?
In online ranked battles, the rules may differ from official tournaments. Some Legendary Pokemon might be allowed, while others are restricted to a limited number per team. Always check the in-game ruleset for the specific season.
8. Are old Pokémon cards legal in tournaments?
No, generally only cards from the most recent sets are legal for tournament play. Each tournament specifies which card sets are allowed.
9. Why can’t I put Legendary Pokemon in gyms in Pokemon GO?
In Pokemon GO, Legendary and Mythical Pokemon cannot be placed in gyms to defend them. This is likely a design choice by Niantic to make these Pokemon feel more special and less common.
10. Are hacked Pokemon allowed in tournaments?
No, hacked, genned or otherwise illegally obtained Pokemon are strictly prohibited in official tournaments. Using such Pokemon can result in disqualification.
11. Are there restrictions on using multiple of the same Pokemon?
Most competitive formats have a “Species Clause,” which prevents players from using multiple Pokemon of the same species (e.g., two Pikachu) on their team.
12. What is the Sleep Clause?
The Sleep Clause prevents a player from putting more than one of their opponent’s Pokemon to sleep at a time. This rule prevents strategies that rely on locking down the opponent’s team with sleep.
13. Why was Greninja banned in the past?
Greninja was banned due to its Protean ability, which allows it to change its type to match the type of the move it uses, combined with its wide movepool and high speed. This made it incredibly difficult to predict and counter.
14. What’s the difference between VGC and Smogon rules?
VGC is the official tournament format managed by The Pokemon Company International, while Smogon is a fan-made format with its own rules and tiers. VGC rules are determined by TPCI, while Smogon’s rules are based on community consensus and usage statistics.
15. Where can I find the official tournament rules?
Official tournament rules for VGC can be found on the Pokemon Company International website. For Smogon rules, visit the Smogon University website. For more information on the Games Learning Society, see GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion
The legality of Legendary Pokemon in tournaments is a constantly evolving question. Staying informed about the specific rules of each format and tournament is crucial for any competitive player. While the presence of powerful Legendaries can shake up the metagame, ultimately, skill, strategy, and adaptability are the keys to success in the world of competitive Pokemon. Good luck, trainers!