Instructions for playing Pokémon Champions for new players

Pokémon Champions is a Pokémon game that focuses entirely on tactical PvP battles between players, where you build a team, customize your Pokémon, and compete online in a professional ranked style.

The game is currently released on Nintendo Switch on April 8, 2026, while the iOS and Android versions are expected to launch on June 17, 2026. If you’re just starting to play Pokémon Champions, below are helpful guides to help you get used to the game more easily.

Pokémon Champions for Android

Pokémon Champions for iOS

Instructions for playing Pokemon Champions for newbies

Get Pokémon from HOME or recruit

Players can acquire Pokémon by transferring them from Pokémon HOME, or recruiting Pokémon at Roster Ranch.

When recruiting Pokémon at Roster Ranch, you can choose to temporarily recruit for free or spend VP to permanently unlock that Pokémon.

Build a squad of 6 Pokemon

Gamers build a team of 6 Pokémon to bring into battle, with a familiar interface similar to the PC menu in previous traditional Pokémon games.

Based on the main series Pokémon titles, Pokemon Champions may also impose some restrictions on Pokémon species or items used. These regulations will likely change each season.

Customize Pokémon With VP

Unlike previous Pokemon games, the entire process of building Pokemon in Pokemon Champions uses Victory Points (VP ​​- victory points).

Moves, stats, and Abilities can all be changed by spending VP, and the cost will increase proportionally to the level of modification you make.

Join the match

After building and selecting your Pokémon, you can battle other Trainers through Ranked Matches, Casual Battles, Private Battles and
Online Competitions.

• Ranked Battles There is a ranking system to climb ranks.
• Casual Battles will not record achievements, suitable for practicing tactics and testing new formations.
• Private Battles allows you to challenge your friends.
• Online Competitions Act as tournaments in the game, aiming for a competitive environment at a higher level.

Analyze competitors

When the match starts, both you and your opponent can see each other’s lineups. This allows both sides to adjust strategies based on: Pokémon types, Ability advantages, and the opponent’s formation. The number of Pokémon selected to participate in battle will depend on the battle format.

Select Pokemon to participate in the battle

• In Single Battles, you can choose 3 Pokémon to face your opponent.
• In Double Battles, you can bring up to 4 Pokémon into battle.

Try to choose Pokémon that have the ability to coordinate well with each other and can compensate for the weaknesses of your teammates.