Game Details:

Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo / The Pokémon Company
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Release Date(s): October 12th, 2013 (JPN), October 12th, 2013 (USA), October 12th, 2013 (EUR)
Mode(s): Single Player, Multiplayer
Rating(s): CERO: A (JPN), PEGI: 3+ (EUR), ESRB: E (USA)
Controller(s): Nintendo 3DS
Extra Contents: X and Y Main Page, Pokémon Bank / Poké Transporter, Mega Evolution, Super Training, Player Search System (PSS), Holo Caster, Nintendo Network, Berries, Ribbons, Patches, Rating Battles
Pokémon Global Link: Poké Miles Store,Balloon Popping, Graffiti Eraser, Mine Cart Adventure, Poké Doll Grabber, Medals, Online Tournaments

Rating Battles (レーティングバトル)

Players that wish to test their battling skills against other real world opponents can play Rating Battles via the Player Search System. Selecting the Battle Spot from the PSS menu, then selecting Random Matchup and then selecting Rating Battle would being the process. Players could then select the Special option to battle in the current season rule set.

In Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, there are five different battle formats for Rating Battles: Single Battle, Double Battle, Triple Battle, Rotation Battle and the new Special Battle. Rules for Special Battles change every three months.

Basic Rules

Below is a list of the basic rules that are used in most of the Rated Battles:

• Any Pokémon with a level greater than 50 will have its level automatically set to Level 50. Pokémon who's level is 50 or below will not have their level changed.
• Players cannot use two or more Pokémon of the same species / same Pokédex number.
• Players can only use any Pokémon that can be obtained through regular gameplay or distributed through an event. Pokémon that have been imported using hacked methods are not allowed.
• Players can give their Pokémon items to hold for use in the competition but no two participating Pokémon can hold the same item.
• Players can only use Items that can be obtained through regular gameplay or distributed through an event. Items that have been imported using hacked methods are not allowed.
• None of the following Pokémon may be used: Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde

Move Effects

Certain moves have been modified for competition play. The following moves are affected by the environment they are used in and will behave in the following ways:

• Nature Power becomes Tri Attack. This is due to the fact that Rating Battles always take place in the Building environment.
• Secret Power has a 30% chance of afflicting an opposing Pokémon with paralysis. This is due to the fact that Rating Battles always take place in the Building environment.
• Camouflage changes the players type to Normal. This is due to the fact that Rating Battles always take place in the Building environment.

Pokémon Ranking Statistics

At the start of Season 3 for Rating Battles, the Pokémon Global Link website added Rating Battle Pokémon Ranking statistics for each Season. The top 12 Pokémon were listed for: All matches, Single, Double, Triple, Rotation and Special Battles. Clicking on each Pokémon would list: The top moves used by that Pokémon, its Ability, the Nature, the Item held and the Top 10 Pokémon entered together with that Pokémon.

ΩR/αS League and X/Y League

With the launch of Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, players in the ΩR/αS League battle against players only using those games. Pokémon X and Pokémon Y players compete in a separate league against other Pokémon X and Pokémon Y players in the X/Y League. Players in X and Y cannot access the ΩR/αS League.

Rating Battle Season 1

Season Time Period: October 25th, 2013 until December 23rd, 2013
Rules for Special Battle:
Battle Type: Single Battle
Pokémon Restrictions:Pokémon introduced in Pokémon X and Y only.
Banned Pokémon: Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde

The first season Special Battle format was Single Battle that restricted the Pokémon to those that were introduced in Pokémon X and Pokémon Y. Each battle could take no more than 30 minutes, Trainers got 120 seconds to select Pokémon and each Trainer got 60 seconds to select an action each turn.

Rating Battle Season 2

Season Time Period: December 24th, 2013 until February 25th, 2014
Rules for Special Battle:
Battle Type: Double Battle
Pokémon Restrictions: Kalos Pokédex and they must be caught or hatched in Pokémon X and Y
Banned Pokémon: Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Mewtwo

Rating Battle Season 2 coincided with the Japanese launch of Pokémon Bank, meaning that Pokémon imported from earlier games could be used by those who had Poké Transporter available to them. The Special Battles this time matched the regulations for the Pokémon Video Game World Championships that took place in August of 2014. Players could only use Pokémon from the Central Kalos Pokédex from #001 to #150, Coastal Kalos Pokédex from #001 to #153, or Mountain Kalos Pokédex from #001 to #147. All Pokémon used must be native to the Kalos region in Pokémon X or Pokémon Y. A native Pokémon is a Pokémon that is hatched, distributed to, or caught in Pokémon X or Pokémon Y. Pokémon that have been transferred to Pokémon X or Pokémon Y via Pokémon Bank or Poké Transporter are not native. All the Pokémon Lv. 51 or higher were set to Lv. 50 during battles and the time limit was 15 minutes per game, with 90 seconds allocated for pre-game team preview and a 45-second time limit per turn.

Rating Battle Season 3

Season Time Period: February 24th, 2014 until May 12th, 2014
Rules for Special Battle:
Battle Type: Double Battle
Pokémon Restrictions: Kalos Pokédex and they must be caught or hatched in Pokémon X and Y
Banned Pokémon: Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Mewtwo

Season 3 was the first season where Pokémon Transporter was available to all players throughout the entire season, regardless of region. The Special Battles this time used the same format as in Season 2. Players could only use Pokémon from the Central Kalos Pokédex from #001 to #150, Coastal Kalos Pokédex from #001 to #153, or Mountain Kalos Pokédex from #001 to #147. All Pokémon used must be native to the Kalos region in Pokémon X or Pokémon Y. A native Pokémon is a Pokémon that is hatched, distributed to, or caught in Pokémon X or Pokémon Y. Pokémon that have been transferred to Pokémon X or Pokémon Y via Pokémon Bank or Poké Transporter are not native. All the Pokémon Lv. 51 or higher were set to Lv. 50 during battles and the time limit was 15 minutes per game, with 90 seconds allocated for pre-game team preview and a 45-second time limit per turn.

Rating Battle Season 4

Season Time Period: May 13th, 2014 until July 14th, 2014
Rules for Special Battle:
Battle Type: Inverse Single Battle
Pokémon Restrictions: None
Banned Pokémon: Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde

Season 4 is the first time Inverse Battle rules have been able for use online. The Special Battles this time are single battles with Inverse Battle rules, and unlike earlier seasons, Pokémon no longer have to be native to Kalos. All the Pokémon Lv. 51 or higher were set to Lv. 50 during battles and the time limit was 30 minutes per game, with 120 seconds allocated for pre-game team preview and a 60-second time limit per turn.

Rating Battle Season 5

Season Time Period: July 14th, 2014 until September 8th, 2014
Rules for Special Battle:
Battle Type: 6-on-6 Single Battle
Pokémon Restrictions: None
Banned Pokémon: Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, and Diancie

In Rating Battle Season 5, players battles were based on rules like those used in the first generation of Pokémon games, Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Blue Version. 6-on-6 Single Battles, with no items allowed. Players were able to build their team from more Pokémon than just those available in the original games. Pokémon of a level greater than 50 had its level automatically set to Lv. 50

Rating Battle Season 6

Season Time Period: September 8th, 2014 until November 13th, 2014 at 3:59 a.m. (EST)
Rules for Special Battle:
Battle Type: Double Battle
Pokémon Restrictions: None
Banned Pokémon: Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, and Diancie cannot be used. The following Pokémon, which were the most popular in Double Battles from Rating Battle Seasons 1 through 5, also cannot be used: Charizard, Gengar, Kangaskhan, Gyarados, Tyranitar, Mawile, Salamence, Garchomp, Togekiss, Rotom, Cresselia, Amoonguss, Thundurus, Landorus, Greninja, Talonflame, Meowstic, Aegislash, and Sylveon.

In Rating Battle Season 6, a players team must have consisted of Pokémon that were not among the top-ranking Pokémon in seasons 1–4, up to midway through Season 5. Pokémon above Level 50 had their level automatically set to Level 50 during battles. Players could give their Pokémon items to hold in this competition.

Due to launch of Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, an extended maintenance was required and the original end date of Season 6 was November 20th, 2014. The date was changed during the regularly scheduled maintenance period on October 20th, 2014 to November 13th, 2014 at 3:59 a.m. (EST).

Rating Battle Season 7

Season Time Period: November 21st, 2014 until January 12th, 2015 at 11:59 UTC
Rules for Special Battle:
Battle Type: Double Battle
Pokémon Restrictions: Only Pokémon from the Hoenn regional Pokédex as it appears in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, caught or hatched in Pokémon X and Y and official event gift Pokémon.
Banned Pokémon: Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, and Deoxys.

In Rating Battle Season 7, players could use only Pokémon from the Hoenn regional Pokédex as it appears in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire (with some Pokémon excluded). There were two leagues to participate in this season: ΩR/αS League and X/Y League. Pokémon above Level 50 had their level automatically set to Level 50 during battles. 4 to 6 Pokemon from level 1 to 100 could be put in the battle box and the time limit was 30 minutes per game, with 120 seconds allocated for pre-game team preview and a 60-second time limit per turn.

Rating Battle Season 8

Season Time Period: January 12th, 2015 until March 16th, 2015 at 11:59 UTC
Rules for Special Battle:
Battle Type: Double Battle
League Pokémon Restrictions: National Pokédex No. 001 through 719.
Banned Pokémon: Eligible Pokémon are restricted to those that you caught, hatched from Eggs, or received as a Mystery Gift in Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby, or Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. Pokémon that have been brought from Pokémon Black Version, Pokémon White Version, Pokémon Black Version 2, or Pokémon White Version 2 using Poké Transporter cannot be used. Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, and Diancie cannot be used.

Rating Battle Season 8 only allowed Pokémon to hold Berries during the match with dozens of different Berries to choose from. Teams could not hold two or more of the same type of Berry. Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire players continued to battle against players from only those games in the ΩR/αS League. Pokémon X and Pokémon Y players competed in a separate league against other Pokémon X and Pokémon Y players in the X/Y League.

Rating Battle Season 9

Season Time Period: March 17th, 2015 until May 12th, 2015 at 11:59 UTC
Rules for Special Battle:
Battle Type: Single Battle
League Pokémon Restrictions: National Pokédex No. 001 through 719.
Banned Pokémon: Eligible Pokémon are restricted to those that you caught, hatched from Eggs, or received as a Mystery Gift in Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby, or Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. Pokémon that have been brought from Pokémon Black Version, Pokémon White Version, Pokémon Black Version 2, or Pokémon White Version 2 using Poké Transporter cannot be used. Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, and Diancie cannot be used.

In this season, players had less time than usual to choose their next actions and the matches were be significantly shorter. Players had to analyze the situation quickly and make lightning-fast decisions to win! All of the battles were be Single Battles, with most of the Pokémon in the National Pokédex available for play.

Battle Time: 10 minutes.
Selection Time: 30 seconds to select Pokémon.
Turn Time: 15 seconds to select an action each turn.

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire players continued to battle against players from only those games in the ΩR/αS League. Pokémon X and Pokémon Y players continued to compete in a separate league against other Pokémon X and Pokémon Y players in the X/Y League.

Rating Battle Season 10

Season Time Period: May 12th, 2015 at 01:00 AM until July 14th, 2015 at 12:59 AM
Rules for Special Battle:
Battle Type: Single Inverse Battles
League Pokémon Restrictions: National Pokédex No. 001 through 719.
Banned Pokémon: Eligible Pokémon are restricted to those that you caught, hatched from Eggs, or received as a Mystery Gift in Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby, or Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. Pokémon that have been brought from Pokémon Black Version, Pokémon White Version, Pokémon Black Version 2, or Pokémon White Version 2 using Poké Transporter cannot be used. Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, and Diancie cannot be used.

Rating Battle Season 10 featured Inverse Battles where attacks that used to be super effective were not very effective and vice versa. All Pokémon above Level 50 were leveled down to Level 50 for the duration of the battle.

Battle Time: Each battle can take no more than 30 minutes.
Selection Time: Each Trainer gets 120 seconds to select Pokémon.
Turn Time: Each Trainer gets 60 seconds to select an action each turn.

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire players continued to battle against players from only those games in the ΩR/αS League. Pokémon X and Pokémon Y players continued to compete in a separate league against other Pokémon X and Pokémon Y players in the X/Y League.

Rating Battle Season 11

Season Time Period: July 14th, 2015 at 08:00 PM until September 14th, 2015 at 7:59 PM
Rules for Special Battle:
Battle Type: Double Battles
League Pokémon Restrictions: National Pokédex No. 001 through 720.
Banned Pokémon: Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Diancie, and Hoopa cannot be used.
The following Pokémon, which were the most popular in Double Battles from Rating Battle Seasons 7 through 10, also cannot be used: Charizard, Gengar, Kangaskhan, Tyranitar, Gardevoir, Mawile, Salamence, Garchomp, Rotom, Heatran, Cresselia, Amoonguss, Bisharp, Terrakion, Thundurus, Landorus, Greninja, Talonflame, Aegislash, and Sylveon.

In Rating Battle Season 11, any Pokémon that was ranked among the top 12 for Double Battles in any of Seasons 7 through 10 (as of June 17) will not be allowed. That means popular Pokémon such as Kangaskhan, Terrakion, and Sylveon had to stay in the players PC! Pokémon that are typically restricted, such as some Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, were also disallowed. It’s was up to the player to put together a winning combination of Pokémon that were less commonly used! All of the battles were Double Battles, with most of the Pokémon in the National Pokédex available for play. All Pokémon above Level 50 were leveled down to Level 50 for the duration of the battle.

Battle Time: Each battle can take no more than 30 minutes.
Selection Time: Each Trainer gets 120 seconds to select Pokémon.
Turn Time: Each Trainer gets 60 seconds to select an action each turn.


Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire players continued to battle against players from only those games in the ΩR/αS League. Pokémon X and Pokémon Y players continued to compete in a separate league against other Pokémon X and Pokémon Y players in the X/Y League.

Rating Battle Season 12

Season Time Period: September 14th, 2015 at 7:00pm until November 16th, 2016 at 6:59pm
Rules for Special Battle:
Battle Type: Single Battles
League Pokémon Restrictions: National Pokédex No. 001 through 720.
Banned Pokémon: Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Diancie, and Hoopa cannot be used.

Battle Time: Each battle can take no more than 30 minutes.
Selection Time: Each Trainer gets 120 seconds to select Pokémon.
Turn Time: Each Trainer gets 60 seconds to select an action each turn.

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire players continued to battle against players from only those games in the ΩR/αS League. Pokémon X and Pokémon Y players continued to compete in a separate league against other Pokémon X and Pokémon Y players in the X/Y League.

Rating Battle Season 13

Season Time Period: November 16th, 2015 at 7:00pm until January 18th, 2016 at 6:59pm
Rules for Special Battle:
Battle Type: Double Battles
League Pokémon Restrictions: National Pokédex No. 001 through 720.
Banned Pokémon: Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Diancie, and Hoopa cannot be used.

Prepare for a twist to the Special format with Rating Battle Season 13. In this season, Mega Stones were not be permitted. Return to the time before Mega Evolution was discovered and compete in fierce Double Battles. Additionally, Pokémon in Standard format battles once again require the blue pentagon, meaning players could not bring them into their game via the Poké Transporter. In all formats, the Pokémon that are typically restricted, such as some Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, will continue to be disallowed.

Battle Time: Each battle can take no more than 30 minutes.
Selection Time: Each Trainer gets 120 seconds to select Pokémon.
Turn Time: Each Trainer gets 60 seconds to select an action each turn.

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire players continued to battle against players from only those games in the ΩR/αS League. Pokémon X and Pokémon Y players continued to compete in a separate league against other Pokémon X and Pokémon Y players in the X/Y League.

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