Pokemon VGC regulation I preview

The final third of the 2024-25 Pokémon VGC season is upon us with the ninth and final ruleset to be used in the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet era, Regulation I, starting this weekend. Double the Legendaries means double the competition level, after all.

The road to the 2025 Pokémon World Championships in Anaheim, California in August is approaching its apex, so here’s what you need to know for the next four months of competitive play.

What’s Different From Regulation G?

Regulation G, which was the ruleset for two four-month spans in the past calendar year, allowed players to use one “restricted” Pokémon, which spans Legendaries and the like.

Now in Regulation I, players will be allowed to use two of these “restricted” Pokémon, which opens up many avenues for team-building. Some may be familiar from previous Pokémon titles, others, not so much.

Which Restricted Pokémon Look to be the Most Popular?

With so many Pokémon that have signature moves that hit both opponents on the field, having a way to counter that is crucial, and the additional “restricted” Pokémon that Regulation I allows lets such configurations be built.

Wide Guard users like Lunala and Zamazenta can take advantage of guarding against such moves, all while being a nuisance otherwise with their natural bulk.

Otherwise, staples of Regulation G are the key Pokémon to keep an eye on. Look out for the sun-setting beast Koraidon, electric special sweeper Miraidon, both Calyrex variants with their immense offensive potential, the mysterious Terapagos and storm bringer Kyogre.

These Pokémon can change any game in a heartbeat with the playstyles they’re best suited to, whether it be changing the weather, terrain or turn order. Pay attention to what each of them does and you’ll see the metagame take shape.

What Other Pokémon Will Be Used Often?

The Pokémon VGC meta is filled with staples and memes across the Pokédex, and this can’t be symbolized more than the ever-so useful Incineroar, with the flinch move Fake Out, retreat move Parting Shot and a wide variety of moves to choose from and a decent damage output as well.

There are also powerful and useful physical attackers like the Grassy Terrain-setting Rillaboom, surging Rapid Strike, Urshifu and mask-wearing Ogerpon as well as strong special attackers like the legendary Chi-Yu and Paradox Pokémon Flutter Mane and Raging Bolt.

Other useful utility Pokémon include Pokémon with the ability Prankster, like the rain-setting and Tailwind-bringing Tornadus and the Encore user Whimsicott, as well as the Regenerator-bearing Mushroom Pokémon Amoonguss.

Having a good supporting cast is going to be critical to building teams in Regulation I, and so many will have a chance to do that across the world.

How many players have already clinched tickets to Worlds?

Over 26,000 people have competed in at least one Pokémon VGC live event this season, and 648 have clinched their tickets to Anaheim to participate in the year's biggest event.

Two official events in both the North American and European regions are still to come, and 266 players are within 100 points of qualifying, so be on the lookout for spots to fill up as the season winds down.

You can stream the Pokémon VGC Regional Championships in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Saturday and Sunday on the official Pokémon YouTube and Twitch channels. Saturday’s coverage starts at 10:30 a.m. EST, while Sunday’s begins at 11:30 a.m.

Owen Klein is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email ojk5092@psu.edu.