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Pokémon makes huge changes to the game – and players are furious

NEW changes are coming to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet following the Pokémon Home announcement.

More ‘mons than ever before are allowed in the game, thanks to the transfer system from other games. 

Walking Wake and Iron Leaves are some of the Pokémon that are still banned.
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Walking Wake and Iron Leaves are some of the Pokémon that are still banned.Credit: The Pokémon Company

This means in the new set of competitive battles – known as Regulation D – the number of usable Pokémon is completely changing.

Here are the 53 new Pokémon added to competitive play, and the 23 that still aren’t allowed.

Unbanned Pokémon

Starters

  • Charizard
  • Typhlosion
  • Samurott
  • Chesnaught
  • Delphox
  • Greninja
  • Decidueye 
  • Rillaboom
  • Cinderace
  • Inteleon

Legendaries

  • Urshifu
  • Regieleki
  • Regidrago
  • Kantonian Articuno / Zapdos / Moltres
  • Galarian Articuno / Zapdos / Moltres
  • Tornadus / Thundurus / Landorus / Enamorus
  • Uxie / Mesprit / Azelf
  • Spectrier / Glastrier
  • Cresselia
  • Heatran 

More in Pokémon

Regional variants

  • Alolan Raichu
  • Alolan Dugtrio 
  • Alolan Persian 
  • Alolan Muk
  • Kantonian Tauros
  • Galarian Slowbro / Slowking
  • Wyrdeer
  • Kleavor
  • Ursaluna
  • Hisuian Basculegion
  • Hisuian Sneasler 
  • Hisuian Overqwil 
  • Hisuian Liligant
  • Hisuian Arcanine
  • Hisuian Electrode
  • Hisuian Zoroark
  • Hisuian Braviary
  • Hisuian Goodra
  • Hisuian Avalugg
  • Hisuian Decidueye 
  • Hisuian Samurott
  • Hisuian Typhlosion 

Banned Pokémon

  • Mewtwo
  • Mew
  • Kyogre
  • Groudon
  • Rayquaza
  • Dialga
  • Palkia
  • Giratina
  • Arceus
  • Meloetta
  • Diancie
  • Hoopa
  • Volcanion
  • Magearna
  • Zacian
  • Zamazenta
  • Eternatus
  • Zarude
  • Calyrex
  • Koraidon
  • Miraidon
  • Walking Wake
  • Iron Leaves

There have been split opinions over the new changes among members of the competitive Pokémon community.

While some are excited to use Pokémon that have not been allowed in competitive so far, there are concerns that old ‘mons could dominate.

In Sword and Shield, Regieleki, Galarian Moltres, Rilaboom, Tornadus, and Landorus were all popular.

Cresselia and Heatran also dominated Pokémon in their competitive seasons.

More than that, players are worried about not being able to practice with their new teams at a tournament before the World Championships.

Worlds will be the first major tournament after the rule change on July 1, 2023, meaning that most players will not be able to try out their teams in a live setting.


Written by Georgina Young on behalf of .

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