Pokémon Sword and Shield's final Ranked Battles Season has begun, to continue indefinately until service ends for the games

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield's November 2022 Season for Ranked Battles (Season 36) has begun. This season will be the final Ranked Battles Season for Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, and will run continuously until support for the games is ended an unspecified time in the future. Trainers competing in this season will not receive any rewards.

Season 36 follows the Series 14 regulations, in which Trainers can use up to two powerful, usually ineligible Legendary Pokémon. Trainers are also allowed to Dynamax or Gigantamax their Pokémon during battle.

Only Pokémon obtained in Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, Pokémon Legends: Arceus and those with the battle-ready symbol are eligible. Pokémon from previous games that were transferred via Pokémon HOME can receive the battle-ready symbol from the character next to the door in the center of the Battle Tower in Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield. When the battle-ready symbol is applied, it will forget the moves it knows. If these Pokémon forgets moves that it cannot use or learn in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, those moves cannot be relearned.

Eligible Pokémon

• Galar Pokédex No. 001–400
• Isle of Armor Pokédex No. 001–210
• Crown Tundra Pokédex No. 001–210
• 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.

Only two of the following special Pokémon may be registered:
Mewtwo, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Zacian, Zamazenta, Eternatus, and Calyrex.

How to Start a Ranked Battle
To start a Ranked Battle, follow these steps:

1. Launch your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield game.
2. Open the X menu.
3. Select VS.
4. Select Battle Stadium.
5. Select Ranked Battles.