What Are Ranked Battles in Pokémon Legends: Z‑A?
Pokémon Legends: Z‑A Ranked Battles are real-time, four‑trainer skirmishes where players test their tactical prowess against each other. Ranks range from Z to A, reflecting your strength as a Trainer. Progress through the ladder by winning battles and earning points through performance-driven actions. Along the way, you can also obtain valuable items like Mega Stones and Exp. Candies that help power up your team.
How to Prepare Your Battle Team
Before you dive into the arena, assemble a dedicated Battle Team. From the main menu, go to Boxes and switch from Current Party to Battle Teams (press the X Button twice). Choose three Pokémon from your Boxes for the Ranked Battles. Note that Pokémon currently in your party cannot be selected, so move your preferred competitors into Boxes first. Don’t forget to give your Pokémon the Mega Stones and any other items they might need for battle.
Joining Ranked Battles
To participate, open the main menu, select Link Play, then choose Ranked Battles. You will need an active internet connection, so verify your connectivity beforehand. On the Z‑A Battle Club screen, you’ll have a final chance to tweak your team. Press the A Button to ready up, and matchmaking will search for opponents around your current rank.
Battle Rules and Time Management
Each match has a three-minute time limit. If one of your Pokémon faints, you’ll return to the starting point and re-enter the battle with all your Pokémon fully recovered. You can switch your active Pokémon up to three times, and this limit resets whenever a Pokémon is knocked out. Staying aware of your team’s health and your opponent’s threats is key to staying in the fight until the clock runs out.
Ranking, Scoring, and Promotions
At the end of a battle, Trainers are ranked from 1st to 4th based on how many opposing Pokémon they defeated. You also earn points by executing specific in-battle actions, and these points combine with your final rank to determine your total score. As you accumulate the maximum possible points for your current rank, you’ll be promoted to the next rank. Seasons begin with Rank Z, and you can climb all the way to the ultimate Rank A. Your rank does not decrease within a season, so consistent performance pays off over time.
Points-Boosting Actions to Watch For
There are many ways to rack up points during a match, including:
- First to deal damage
- Last to deal damage
- First to Mega Evolve
- First to claim an item
- Scatter attacker (defeat at least one Pokémon for each opponent)
- Supereffective attacker (five or more supereffective moves)
- Mega Evolution destroyer (defeat a Mega‑Evolved Pokémon)
- Most active attacker (most landed attacks)
- Fresh opponent hunter (attack opposing Pokémon at full health most often)
- Mega‑Evolving master (defeat a Pokémon after Mega Evolving)
- Flawless survivor (no fainted Pokémon in your team)
- Number‑Pokémon defeater (based on total knockouts)
These actions offer strategic targets during battles. Practice recognizing opportunities to maximize your points while maintaining solid team integrity.
Using Glowing Items on the Battlefield
Glowing items appear on the field and provide temporary buffs or healing. Color-coded effects include:
- Green: Restores HP for all party Pokémon
- Red: Boosts Attack and Special Attack for all party Pokémon
- Blue: Boosts Defense and Special Defense for all party Pokémon
- Mega Power orbs: Grant Mega Power
Being alert to these items and exploiting them at the right moment can turn a tight match in your favor.
Strategic Tips for Climbing from Z to A
- Balance offense and defense: diversify moves to cover multiple matchups.
- Move management matters: preserve your momentum by planning your three switches wisely.
- Item timing: pick up a beneficial item when you’re near a group of opposing Pokémon or when a key move is about to land.
- Study opponents: observe move patterns to anticipate switches and Mega Evolutions.
Important Notice and Terms of Use
Ensure you comply with the game’s terms of use and seasonal rules. Rankings reset at the start of each season, but your progress across the season is what determines your ultimate rank by the end date.
