Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Ranked Battle Regulation F, explained

The sixth Regulation series for Scarlet & Violet ranked battles, Regulation F, has finally been announced. This new era of battles in competitive Pokémon is the first after the release of The Indigo Disk DLC. The new ruleset adds a variety of returning Pokémon, as well as most of the DLC’s new Pokémon.

Table of Contents

• When does Regulation F start?
• What’s new in Regulation F?
• Notable New Pokémon
• Notable Returning Pokémon
• Regulation F Rewards

When does Regulation F start?

Regulation F in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will run from January 4, 2024, until April 30, 2024. All premier competitive events that fall into this date range will follow this ruleset.

What’s new in Regulation F?

Regulation F allows the use of all available Pokémon in the Paldea and Kitakami Pokédex, including new and returning Pokémon from The Indigo Disk DLC. However, the ruleset does leave certain restricted Legendary and Mythical Pokémon banned, at least for now, which are listed below:

• Mewtwo and Mew
• Ho-Oh and Lugia
• Kyogre, Groudon, and Rayquaza
• Jirachi and Deoxys
• Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina
• Phione and Manaphy
• Darkrai
• Shaymin (Land and Sky Formes)
• Arceus
• Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem
• Keldeo
• Meloetta (Aria and Pirouette Formes)
• Hoopa (Unbound and Confined)
• Diancie
• Volcanion
• Cosmog and Cosmoem
• Lunala, Solgaleo and Necrozma
• Magearna
• Zacian and Zamazenta
• Eternatus
• Zarude
• Calyrex (Regular and Mount Forms)
• Koraidon and Miraidon
• Terapagos (All Forms)

Notable New Pokémon

The new Paradox Legendary Pokémon Raging Bolt, Iron Crown, Gouging Fire, and Iron Boulder are all legal in Regulation F. These Pokémon are powerful and are sure to dominate the meta with their excellent typings, great stats, and new exclusive moves.

Archaludon, the evolution of Galar’s Duraludon, is another standout with stats to rival the aforementioned legendary Pokémon. Archaludon is a great addition to Rain-based teams with its new signature move Electro Shot giving it a +1 boost to its Special Attack before firing off a 130 base power attack immediately in the Rain.

Notable Returning Pokémon

By far the most significant addition to the newly added Pokémon is the return of every starter Pokémon. This means the return of competitive Pokemon staple, Incineroar, who is already dominating early tournament usage stats.

Also, the previously banned Paradox Pokémon Walking Wake and Iron Leaves are finally available for official competitive use. Like their counterparts introduced in the Indigo Disk, Walking Wake and Iron Leaves are powerful Paradox Pokémon capable of being standout attackers on a variety of different teams.

Regulation F Rewards

Players who have reached certain milestones and ranks during Regulation F will receive rewards after the season concludes and the results are announced. These rankings and results are based on the results of your battles.

Players need to finish at least one match with a win or loss during the season to be eligible for rewards, but it’s encouraged to aim to reach Master Ball rank to earn the maximum amount of valuable items.