Battle Format Rules
Setting up Wi-Fi
To participate in Wi-Fi battles against other players, you need to unlock the Festival Plaza.
How to Unlock the Festival Plaza
- Start the Game and advance the story.
- Head to Hau’oli City on Akala Island.
Progress until you reach the Festival Plaza in Hau’oli City.
Note: You can unlock the Festival Plaza early in the game since the starting point Melemele Island is near Akala Island.
Battle Format
The Wi-Fi battles in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon retain the elements from Sun and Moon. Refer to the list below for the following formats capable of connecting through Wi-Fi.
- Single Battle
- Double Battle
- Multi Battle
- Battle Royale
Single Battle
On the Single format, both trainers send out one Pokemon each. This is the staple format used in the story progression.
Double Battle
The double format pits trainers in a two versus two battle. Compared to Single Battle, trainers can issue commands to two Pokemon simultaneously each turn during a Double Battle.
Multi Battle
Multi format follows a similar pattern to double format since trainers send out two Pokemon at once. The only difference is that it involves three or more trainers. Instead of issuing two Pokemon, you can only issue one command per turn on your own Pokemon.
Battle Royal
Battle Royal is a new format first released in Pokemon Sun and Moon. Four trainers go head to head in a rumble. Each player must bring three Pokemon to participate. In comparison to Multi Battle, trainers participate individually. Whoever earns the highest number knock out points while having the highest remaining Pokemon will be the winner.
Rules
Battles are split into two rules the normal rules, and the flat rules.
The difference between normal and flat is summarized in the table below.
| Rule | Normal | Flat |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Eligible Pokemon | 1~6 | 3 |
| Maximum Level | 50 | 50 |
| Legendary and Mythical Pokemon | No Restriction | Restricted |
| Identical Pokemon (Species) | Yes | No |
| Identical Held Items | Yes | No |
Where to Battle
Quick Link
Using Quick Link allows players to trade and battle with others nearby without an internet connection.
Festival Plaza
Players can unlock the Festival Plaza by the time Lillie shows them the first Pokemon Center. At the festival plaza, players can participate in Missions, trades, and battles when connected to the internet.
Click here to see a detailed guide on the Festival Plaza.
Battle Spot
The battle spot is a hub for players wishing to battle against others over Wi-Fi. There are two types of ladders in Battle Spot the first is Rating Battle, and the second is Free Battle.
Battle Spot Rules
- Flat Rules
- Make sure you have a stable connection
Rating Battle
Players can either go up or down the ladder depending on their performance during Rating Battles. When searching for an opponent, there is a high chance that the player would find an opponent that has a similar Rating. The Normal Rating Battle format does not allow Legendary and Mythical Pokemon.
Sometimes the Season rules can change to allow players to compete with restricted Legendary Pokemon. This change affects the Special Battle category.
Free Battle and Pokemon Global Link (PGL)
Unlike Rating Battles which assign players a Rating based on his performance, the Free Battle does not factor Rating. Free Battle is split into two with one ladder allowing Restricted Legendary and the other without.
To participate in the Battle Spot, players must first register an account on the Pokemon Global Link Website.
Click here to see a detailed guide on how to Register an Account.
| Rule | Single | Double | Multi | Battle Royal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Link (Local) |
○ | ○ | × | × |
| Festival Plaza (Local / Internet) |
○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Battle spot: Free (Internet) |
○ | ○ | × | ○ |
| Battle Spot: Rating (Internet) |
○ | ○ | × | × |
Battle Teams
Similar to Pokemon Sun and Moon, players can register up to six different teams in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. It also allows players to use the teams made by others by scanning their QR Codes from the PGL website. QR Code Teams are eligible for Rating Battles.
Battle Agency
A new Battle format that debuts in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon is the Battle Agency. The battle Agency is a special facility built with its own set of rules. Inside the Battle Agency, players don “Agent” Sunglasses and must assemble a team of three trainers. Each trainer borrows one Pokemon from the attendant.
If you complete a round in this facility, you can obtain items such as the “Bottle Cap.”
Note: By finishing a bout of the Battle Agency, the player increases not only the level of the rental Pokemon.
Search for trainers whose grade matches yours to raise your chances of winning.
Click here to see a detailed guide on the Battle Agency.
Can shiny deoxys be used in the battle spot?