Regulation Set H comes into force for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Ranked Battles from September 1st — Removes Paradox and Legendary Pokémon

As we enter the final month of Regulation Set G, the format that introduced Restricted Legendary Pokémon to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's VGC scene, Pokémon have announced Regulation Set H, a brand new format revisiting Scarlet and Violet's roots by removing access to any Paradox or Legendary Pokémon. It's important to note that the upcoming Pokémon World Championships 2024 will still be using the Regulation Set G format, allowing use of any Paradox or unrestricted Legendary Pokémon, as well as 1 restricted Legendary Pokémon per team. For both Regulation Set G and Regulation Set H, Mythical Pokemon are still unable to be used.

Running from September 1st to January 5th, 2025, Regulation Set H removes the ability for players to use any Legendary Pokémon, from box-art Legendary staples like Kyogre and Groudon, to newly introduced unrestricted Legendaries like Ogerpon and the Loyal Three. As mentioned previously, Paradox Pokémon are also removed from the available roster.

This spells disaster for many Pokémon who have been taking the spotlight for most of Scarlet and Violet's VGC history. One such Pokémon is Flutter Mane. Although it saw less usage in Regulation Set G, it had still been incredibly popular since it was introduced, hitting hard with Moonblast and Shadow Ball. More previously reliable and popular hard-hitters removed from the roster include Raging Bolt, Gouging Fire, Iron Hands, and Iron Bundle. There are a handful of Pokémon who will appreciate this change, however. Incineroar is likely to continue its role as the most commonly used Pokémon in VGC, not having to worry about hard-hitting attacks from Landorus or any Restricted Legendary. Bloodmoon Ursaluna will also be a huge threat in this format, becoming a super fast and hard-hitting tank under the effects of Trick Room.

Players excited for the introduction of Restricted Legendary Pokémon in Regulation Set G will also be disheartened to see them leaving so quickly. The format isn't over yet, though, and there's still a lot of diversity in how these Restricted Pokémon can be used! Fans of this format will also be excited to learn that Regulation Set G will be returning from January 6th, 2025 through to the end of April 2025. If you enjoy this format, you should also make sure to tune into the Pokémon World Championships taking place from the 16th of August to the 18th of August.

Format Details
Under Regulation Set H, Trainers may use any Pokémon numbered 001-375 and 388-392 in the Paldea Pokédex, 001-196 in the Kitakami Pokédex, or 001-235 in the Blueberry Pokédex, that have been are caught, hatched, and obtained as gifts in either Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet, as well as Pokémon and Regional Forms from the following list that have been brought from Pokémon HOME.

• Raichu (Alolan Form)
• Meowth (Alolan and Galarian Forms)
• Persian (Alolan Form)
• Growlithe (Hisuian Form)
• Arcanine (Hisuian Form)
• Voltorb (Hisuian Form)
• Electrode (Hisuian Form)
• Weezing (Galarian Form)
• Typhlosion (Hisuian Form)
• Sneasel (Hisuian Form)
• Samurott (Hisuian Form)
• Lilligant (Hisuian Form)
• Zorua (Hisuian Form)
• Zoroark (Hisuian Form)
• Braviary (Hisuian Form)
• Sliggoo (Hisuian Form)
• Goodra (Hisuian Form)
• Avalugg (Hisuian Form)
• Decidueye (Hisuian Form)
• Perrserker
• Wyrdeer
• Ursaluna
• Bloodmoon Ursaluna
• Sneasler

Apart from these changes to eligible Pokémon, Regulation Set H is otherwise unaltered from the previous Regulation Set. Pokémon may be entered at any level, but will be set to level 50 during matches. Pokémon may also be given Held Items, however no more than one copy of any item can be present on a player's team. All battles will be limited to 20 minutes total, including 7 minutes of time per player, with Turn Time and Preview Times of 45 and 90 seconds respectively.