VGC 2020 Rules Released for Pokémon Sword and Shield
The Pokémon Company International has recently published the official rules for the 2020 Video Game Championships (VGC) for Pokémon Sword and Shield. The VGC is the premier competitive Pokémon battling tournament where trainers from all over the world battle it out to become the ultimate Pokémon champion.
Format
The VGC 2020 format will follow the Double Battle format. This means that each trainer will bring a team of six Pokémon but only use four in each battle. Trainers will select their four Pokémon at the beginning of each battle and will switch them in and out during the match.
Rules and Restrictions
To ensure fair gameplay, certain Pokémon, items, and moves are restricted from use in the VGC 2020. This is to maintain balance and promote strategic diversity among trainers. The restricted Pokémon from previous generations include 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 all Legendary Pokémon that are not part of the Galar Region Pokédex.
Additionally, certain powerful items such as the Bottle Cap, Gold Bottle Cap, and the ability to Maximize certain stats are also restricted. Moves like Z-Moves and the Dynamax move Max Knuckle are also banned from use.
Trainers are allowed to use Gigantamax Pokémon in their battles, as long as the Pokémon meet the other format restrictions. However, they need to capture them in the Galar Region or receive them through official distribution events.
Season and Ranked Battles
The VGC 2020 season will begin on January 4, 2020, and the rules and format will remain in place until the conclusion of the Pokémon World Championships. Players can participate in the ranked battles to earn Championship Points, which will be used to determine eligibility for the World Championships.
Trainers will need to abide by the VGC 2020 rules when competing in official tournaments and events. It is important to stay updated with any potential changes and announcements made by The Pokémon Company International.
Now that the official rules for VGC 2020 have been released, trainers around the world can start preparing their teams and strategies for the ultimate battle to become the next Pokémon champion.