What Legendaries are Banned?
The Legendary Pokémon that are currently banned in competitive play include Arceus, Celebi, Darkrai, Deoxys, Jirachi, Manaphy, Mew, Phione, and Shaymin, as these Pokémon possess incredibly powerful stats and moves that can greatly impact the balance of a match. These banned Legendaries are not allowed in official Pokémon tournaments and competitive battles due to their overwhelming strength and potential to disrupt the competitive metagame.
Understanding Legendary Bans
Competitive Balance
The decision to ban certain Legendary Pokémon is made to maintain a balanced and fair competitive environment, where all players have an equal chance of winning, regardless of the Pokémon they choose to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What Legendaries are banned in Pokémon tournaments? Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Groudon, Kyogre, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Manaphy, Phione, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, or any Pokémon holding a Soul Dew are banned.
- Why is Darkrai banned? Darkrai is banned because its signature move, Dark Void, is considered broken at a competitive level, making fights pointless and boring.
- Are all Legendaries banned? No, not all Legendaries are banned; lesser Legendaries are not banned from ranked play because they are no more broken than other Pokémon.
- Why are Mythical Pokémon banned? Mythical Pokémon are not permitted in battle, and the reason behind this ban is not explicitly stated, but it’s likely due to their unique characteristics and potential impact on the competitive metagame.
- What is the most hated Legendary Pokémon? According to various rankings, the most hated Legendary Pokémon include Meloetta, Mesprit, Regirock, Articuno, Regice, Regigigas, Phione, and Cosmog and Cosmoem.
- Why was Dracovish banned? Dracovish was banned due to its access to the powerful signature move Fishous Rend, which can deal massive damage to opposing Pokémon.
- Why is Ash-Greninja banned? Ash-Greninja was banned because it became too over-centralizing and gained new moves that allowed it to counter its checks, making it extremely difficult to defeat.
- Why was Caterpie banned? Caterpie was once banned because it knew the move String Shot, which could freeze the game at that point.
- Why was Dark Void banned? Dark Void is banned because Smeargle can use Sketch to copy Dark Void and bring it into battle, potentially putting opponents to sleep and gaining a significant advantage.
- Why can’t Legendary Pokémon be left at Gyms? Legendary Pokémon cannot be left to defend Gyms because they are not willing to leave their trainer’s side.
- What cards are illegal in the Pokémon TCG? Certain cards, such as Milotic from XY – Flashfire, Oranguru from Sun & Moon – Ultra Prism, Sableye from Black & White – Dark Explorers, and Shaymin-EX from XY – Roaring Skies, are banned from the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
- Is Dragonite banned? Dragonite is not banned in the current metagame, but it has been banned in the past due to its incredible strength and versatility.
- Why do Legendaries have no gender? Legendaries have no gender because they are unique, godly creatures that do not fit into traditional gender categories.
- Is Zacian a restricted Pokémon? Zacian is a Legendary Pokémon that is permitted in competitive play, but it may be subject to certain restrictions or bans in specific tournaments or formats.
- Why is Arceus banned? Arceus is banned due to its incredible versatility and high stats, which can be EV trained to make it nearly unbeatable, as well as its signature move, Judgement, which can change type depending on the plate it holds.