Pokémon Champions is a battle-focused Pokémon game made for competitive play. It launched on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 in April 2026, arrived on iOS and Android on June 17, 2026, and is free to start. There’s no adventure, no wild catching and no Gyms — just team building and battles, including Mega Evolution. Here’s how to get started.
Table of Contents
How Pokémon Champions works
- Recruit Pokémon instead of catching them. There are no wild encounters or Poké Balls.
- Earn Victory Points (VP), the main resource for recruiting and training.
- Battle in casual and ranked modes using the current Regulation rules (for example, Regulation M-A), which decide which Pokémon and mechanics are allowed.
- Cross-progression: play on Switch and continue on your phone with the same account.
Step 1: Link Pokémon HOME right away
Linking HOME is the biggest head start you can get:
- Open Pokémon HOME on Switch (or the mobile app).
- Select the Pokémon Champions icon and confirm your Nintendo Account.
- Choose Pokémon to send — up to 30 per batch.
- In Champions, collect them from the Recruit menu.
Your Pokémon are sent as visitors: they stay safely in HOME, and a usable copy appears in Champions. Only species in the Champions roster can be sent, and Pokémon obtained in Champions can’t be sent to HOME. Guides note there’s a VP bonus when you first link.
Step 2: Do the training and tutorials
Champions includes training battles and an AI coach that explain doubles strategy, speed control and targeting. Even experienced players should run through them to learn the interface.
Step 3: Use Replica Teams
Not ready to build a team? Replica Teams let you borrow proven team setups so you can jump into battles and learn what top players use.
Step 4: Build your first team
- Start from a strong core — two Pokémon that work well together.
- Cover weaknesses — check our Pokémon type chart.
- Include speed control (moves like Tailwind or Trick Room) and a way to protect yourself.
- Plan your Mega Evolution — decide which Pokémon will hold your Mega Stone and build the team around it.
- Test in casual battles before ranked.
Ranked battles
Ranked seasons reward you based on your final rank. The best approach for beginners:
- Play casual matches until you win about half your games.
- Copy and adapt popular teams rather than inventing everything from scratch.
- Watch replays of your losses to spot mistakes.
Spending VP wisely
- Spend VP on Pokémon you’ll actually use in the current Regulation.
- Don’t recruit everything — bring trained Pokémon from HOME first.
- Check events for extra VP and free rewards.
FAQ
Is Pokémon Champions free?
It’s free to start, with optional purchases.
Can I play Pokémon Champions on my phone?
Yes. It launched on iOS and Android on June 17, 2026, with cross-progression with Switch.
Do I lose my Pokémon when I send them from HOME?
No. They’re sent as visitors and remain in HOME.
More Pokémon guides: how to transfer Pokémon to HOME and how to Mega Evolve in Legends: Z-A.
Hi, I’m Emam Hasan — an English teacher and the founder of Anirban Lexicon Center in Mirpur, Dhaka. I run Takedownloads to share honest game guides, tips and app reviews that help players choose well and play better. Alongside teaching, I work in digital marketing and SEO, and I enjoy turning complex topics into simple, helpful lessons anyone can follow.
