How do I start playing Pokémon Champions competitively?

Pick three Pokémon you like from the Champions Lab tier list, learn their abilities and weaknesses, then fill out a six-mon team in the team builder so you don't share a 4× weakness. Run it on ladder and adjust.

What's the easiest Pokémon to start with in Pokémon Champions?

Look for Pokémon with a high beginner score on the Champions Lab database — they have forgiving stats, simple abilities and clear roles. Sort the database by 'beginner-friendly' to see the list.

Do I need to learn every Pokémon's weaknesses?

Eventually, yes — but you don't need to memorize them. Use the database during teambuilding and the matchup section on each Pokémon's page during ladder play.

What's the difference between Singles and Doubles in Pokémon Champions?

Singles uses one Pokémon per side and rewards setup sweeps and switch chess. Doubles uses two per side and rewards spread moves, support abilities and speed control. Different tier lists.

Pokémon Champions Beginner's Guide — How to Start Competitive

Pokémon Champions Beginner's Guide

Brand new to competitive Pokémon Champions? This is the shortest possible path from your first match to actually understanding why you won or lost.

Step 1 — Learn the five things that matter

Type matchups — what hits hard, what gets resisted.
Abilities — the hidden modifier on every Pokémon.
Held items — what each Pokémon is carrying.
Speed tiers — who moves first.
Switching — when to swap out instead of attacking.

Step 2 — Build a starter team

Open the team builder and pick six Pokémon. Aim for: a fast attacker, a bulky pivot, a wall, a setup sweeper, and two flex picks. The builder will warn you if your team shares too many type weaknesses.

If you want the safest possible starting six, sort the database by beginner score and pick from the top of the list.

Step 3 — Use Champions Lab during matches

When you face a Pokémon you don't know, look it up on Champions Lab in a second tab. Each page tells you, in plain English, the abilities, weaknesses, best moveset, items and counters — exactly the information you need before clicking a move.

Step 4 — Climb

Pick a format ( Singles or Doubles), run 10–20 matches, and after each loss check the opposing team on Champions Lab. Patterns appear fast. After 50 matches you'll have a tier list in your head.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start playing Pokémon Champions competitively?: Pick three Pokémon you like from the Champions Lab tier list, learn their abilities and weaknesses, then fill out a six-mon team in the team builder so you don't share a 4× weakness. Run it on ladder and adjust.
What's the easiest Pokémon to start with in Pokémon Champions?: Look for Pokémon with a high beginner score on the Champions Lab database — they have forgiving stats, simple abilities and clear roles. Sort the database by 'beginner-friendly' to see the list.
Do I need to learn every Pokémon's weaknesses?: Eventually, yes — but you don't need to memorize them. Use the database during teambuilding and the matchup section on each Pokémon's page during ladder play.
What's the difference between Singles and Doubles in Pokémon Champions?: Singles uses one Pokémon per side and rewards setup sweeps and switch chess. Doubles uses two per side and rewards spread moves, support abilities and speed control. Different tier lists.