Are Legendaries Banned in VGC?
Pokémon VGC (Video Game Championships) is a premier competitive Pokémon tournament format. The question that arises here is, are legendaries banned in VGC? To answer this, it’s essential to understand the history and rules of VGC.
A Brief Look at the History of Legendary Banning in VGC
Historically, legendaries were considered too overpowered for competitive play and were banned in the Metagame, the standard format for competitive battling in VGC. In past years, legendaries like Kyogre, Mewtwo, Dialga, and Giratina were prohibited from official tournaments.
Newer Developments and Rules Change
Recently, VGC has undergone changes, relaxing the restrictions on certain Pokémon. With the introduction of the new regulation 3, several Pokémon, including some legendaries, have been re-issued to be allowed in battles. This new rule changed the competitive landscape and prompted questions about the future of legendary banning.
Pokémon Banned from Competition
To understand if legendaries are banned or not, let’s start with the list of restricted Pokémon:
• Necrozma
• Giratina
• Darkrai
• Lugia
• Arceus, Celebi, Darkrai, Deoxys, Jirachi, Manaphy, Mew, Phione, Shaymin (initially unrestricted, now restricted due to their powerful stats and roles)
Note: Some myths and legendaries were intentionally left out, making VGC an open battlefield. However, due to controversy and potential abuse, iron leaves, Koraidon, Miraidon (the dual electric/grass-type dragon Pokémon) moved to the restricted list of Ubers (high-tiers, with limited competitive play).
Other Repercussions
- The Forbidden Zone is now less strict: Walking Wake and Iron leaves lack Pokédex numbers, which disqualify them from being in most competitive tournaments, thus also making them less suitable options for most teams.
Additional information is also necessary since the release of Scarlet & Violet has some more exceptions. Arceus for instance has its various mythical forms.
Important Things to Consider
Incorporating specific mythical-like Pokémon to competitive teams can make for exciting builds; it would then be up to teams which ones would get utilized during battles.
Keep an ear out for Palmafins and Flutterman to join this forbidden area if they have similar roles.
Keep your attention high for changes regarding any kind of meta. Since in the context of Scarlet as well as Violet these bans are also present
With the help of Regulation 1, these legendaries are the last exceptions the VGC banned or heavily restricted legendaries so far
These powerful Legendaries may, although, return for various Tournaments as ‘free-for-all’
Conclusion
Legendaries are still a big talk in VGC and Competitive Pokémon scene, despite current restrictions on their playthrough.