Beginner's Complete Guide to Pokemon Champions
New to Pokemon Champions? This guide covers everything you need to start winning battles. Updated July 20, 2026. No new official news since June 17. v1.1.4 patch released (July 7-8, bug fixes only). NAIC Twitch Coupons expired July 14. NA1CCHAMP (22 Quick Coupons) expired July 15. Lucario COROCORO event started July 15 — details pending. Pokesynergy meta data synced July 12 — Kingambit (52.6% WR) and Mega Floette (53.8% WR) are top performers. Sun offense rising, rain declining. Season M-4 Battle Pass is NOW LIVE (July 8 - Aug 5): Sceptile (Standard), Blaziken & Swampert (Premium). Mawile Monthly Challenge July 24-27 — battle phase starts in 4 days! New Replica Team codes: QGYAG5WE3C, HH3MF048VV, K5N29KPU9T.
What is Pokemon Champions?
Pokemon Champions is a pure battle game. Unlike mainline Pokemon RPGs, there is no story, no exploration, and no leveling up. You build a team of 4 Pokemon and battle against other players online.
The game is free-to-start on iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch. Optional in-app purchases are available but not required to compete.
How to Get Started (Mobile)
- Download - Install from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
- Link Pokemon HOME - If you have Pokemon in Pokemon HOME, link your account to import them.
- Pick Starters - Choose your first 4 Pokemon to build a team.
- Complete the Tutorial - Learn the basics of type matchups and turn order.
- Play Casual Battles - Win a few games to learn before ranked.
How to Get Pokemon (Scouting System)
There is no catching in Pokemon Champions. Instead, use the Scouting System at the Roster Ranch:
| Method | Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Trial Scout | Free (refreshes every 22h) | Test a Pokemon for free — convert to permanent later |
| Regular Scout | VP (Victory Points) | Permanently add a Pokemon to your roster |
| Ticket Scout | Fast Coupons / Regular Tickets | Recruit without spending VP |
Tip: Use Trial Scout every 22 hours to test different Pokemon before committing VP. Fast Coupons reduce recruitment wait time by 1 hour each.
How VP Training Works
Unlike mainline games, everything about a Pokemon's build can be changed by spending VP. Moves, stats, and abilities are all reconfigurable — the cost scales with how much you change.
Core Stats You Can Train
| Stat | What It Does | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| HP | Hit Points | Tanks, bulky supporters |
| Attack | Physical damage | Physical sweepers |
| Special Attack | Special damage | Special sweepers |
| Defense | Reduces physical damage | Physical walls |
| Special Defense | Reduces special damage | Special walls |
| Speed | Determines move order | Speed control, fast sweepers |
Abilities Matter!
Each Pokemon's passive ability can define entire matchups. Choose the right ability for your strategy — damage boosts, weather setup, or utility effects are all available.
Understanding Types (Crucial!)
Type matchups are the most important concept in Pokemon Champions. Every Pokemon has 1 or 2 types. Each type is strong against some types and weak against others.
- Super Effective (2x damage) - Your type is strong against theirs.
- Not Very Effective (0.5x damage) - Your type is weak against theirs.
- No Effect (0x damage) - Example: Ghost types are immune to Normal-type moves.
Basic Battle Strategy for Beginners
1. Lead with a Strong Pokemon
Your first Pokemon (lead) sets the tone. Pick one that can handle common threats.
2. Switch to Gain Advantage
Don't be afraid to switch out if your Pokemon is at a type disadvantage.
3. Use Items Wisely
Items like Leftovers (heals a little each turn) or Choice Scarf (makes you faster) can swing battles.
4. Pay Attention to Speed (Speed Tiers)
Faster Pokemon move first. Speed control is one of the most important strategic elements.
SP (Speed Points) - What You Need to Know
SP (Speed Points) is a new system in Pokemon Champions. Each Pokemon has an SP stat that determines turn order. You can allocate SP to different stats when building your team:
- Max Speed SP - Ensures you move before your opponent.
- Balanced SP - Some in Speed, some in Attack/Defense.
- Min Speed SP - Used for "trick room" teams where slow Pokemon move first.
Best Pokemon for Beginners (Regulation M-B)
| Pokemon | Type | Why It's Good |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Garchomp | Dragon/Ground | #1 overall (40% usage, surpassing Sinistcha!). Mega Sand Force adds power. Simple to build. |
| Sinistcha | Grass/Ghost | #2 overall (36.8%, declining but still elite). Matcha Gotcha heals + damages. |
| Basculegion | Water/Ghost | #2 overall (35.8%, 50.4% WR). Last Respects + Scarf. Easy to use, proven in tournament play. |
| Sinistcha | Grass/Ghost | #3 overall (32.0%). Matcha Gotcha heals + damages. The healing engine. |
| Kingambit | Dark/Steel | #5 overall (30.1%, 52.6% WR — highest in S-tier!). Supreme Overlord endgame cleaner. Best beginner closer. |
| Whimsicott | Grass/Fairy | #6 overall (27.8%, 49.3% WR). Tailwind + Encore speed control. Essential for beginners. |
| Mega Charizard Y | Fire/Flying | #7 overall (23.2%, 52.0% WR). Drought sun offense. High win rate, great for beginners. |
🎁 Active Event Codes — Free Pokemon for New Players!
As a new player, claim these free Pokemon and items immediately. Go toMailbox → Mystery Gift in the game:
| Reward | Code / Method | Expires |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Coupons x100 | 10 Million Download Bonus (Mailbox) | Aug 31, 2026 |
| Quick Coupons x100 | Code: HAJ1MAR1G1FT | Aug 31, 2026 |
| Quick Coupons x22 | Code: NA1CCHAMP | EXPIRED July 15, 2026 |
| NAIC Twitch Quick Coupons x12 | Watch NAIC livestream 45 min | EXPIRED July 14, 2026 |
| Festive Gyarados | Code: DRAG0NDANCEPTC26 | EXPIRED — no longer redeemable |
| Dragonite + 100 Quick Coupons | Mystery Gift → Online Gift | Aug 31, 2026 |
| Machamp (No Guard) | Code: CHAMP10N | Aug 31, 2026 |
| Raichu + Raichuite X/Y | Mystery Gift → Online Gift | Sept 1-2, 2026 (LIVE) |
| Mega Raichu X / Y | Free Mega Stones from Mystery Gift | Sept 1, 2026 (LIVE) |
| Pikachu Libre | Mobile Launch Reward (iOS/Android) | Claim within 30 days of login |
| Lucario (COROCORO) | July 2026 COROCORO Comic serial code | Started July 15, 2026 — details pending |
| Sceptile | Season M-4 Standard Battle Pass | July 8 - Aug 5, 2026 (LIVE) |
| Blaziken | Season M-4 Premium Battle Pass | July 8 - Aug 5, 2026 (LIVE) |
| Swampert | Season M-4 Premium Battle Pass | July 8 - Aug 5, 2026 (LIVE) |
| Mawile (Steel/Fairy) | Monthly Challenge July 2026 (3 battles) | July 24-27, 2026 (UPCOMING) |
| Replica Team: Mega Charizard Y | Code: QGYAG5WE3C (by LenVGC) | Active — import in Team Builder |
| Replica Team: Golurk Trick Room | Code: HH3MF048VV (by Its_WDMichael) | Active — import in Team Builder |
| Replica Team: Me ganium Rain | Code: K5N29KPU9T (by NatusPKMN) | Active — import in Team Builder |
| ENDED: Tyranitar (Rock/Dark) | June Monthly Challenge (3 battles) | Jun 26-29 — ENDED. Distribution pending. |
| Battle Pass M-3: Eelektrossite | Free Mega Stone gift in Battle Pass | Season M-3 (ENDED July 8) |
| Battle Pass M-3: Metagrossite | Free Mega Stone gift in Battle Pass | Season M-3 (ENDED July 8) |
| Battle Pass M-3: Starmieite | Free Mega Stone gift in Battle Pass | Season M-3 (ENDED July 8) |
| Gallade (Justified) | May Monthly Challenge reward | Already distributed to participants |
✓ NA1CCHAMP EXPIRED July 15, 2026 — can no longer be redeemed. ✓ NAIC Twitch Coupons EXPIRED July 14. ✓ DRAG0NDANCEPTC26 (Festive Gyarados) EXPIRED — confirmed expired by multiple sources. ✓ Lucario COROCORO event started July 15 — details pending. ✓ 10 Million Download Bonus — 100 Quick Coupons from mailbox (June 25 – Aug 31). Stack with HAJ1MAR1G1FT for 200 total Coupons. ✓ v1.1.4 patch (bug fixes only) released July 7-8. ✓ Pokesynergy Jul 12 data: Kingambit 52.6% WR, Mega Floette 53.8% WR — top performers. ✓ Season M-4 and Battle Pass M-4 are now LIVE (July 8 - Aug 5). ✓ Mawile Monthly Challenge registration is OPEN NOW — battle phase July 24-27, 2026. ✓ All event Pokemon come in Cherish Balls and are male.
Next Steps
- Read the Type Chart - Memorize the basics.
- Build Your First Team - Follow our step-by-step guide.
- Check the Tier List - See which Pokemon are strongest right now.
- Pick Your Starters - Choose the best starters for new players.