Pokemon Guides

Straightforward Pokemon guides.

Browse practical references for Nuzlockes, competitive play, and game mechanics. No maze, no fake dashboard, just the articles.

12 Guides

4 Tracks

2026 Updated

Start here - Challenge runs

The Complete Nuzlocke Guide

Learn the core Nuzlocke rules, optional clauses, edge cases, beginner-friendly games, and strategy tips for finishing your first run.

18 min read Start here

Read guide ->

By the Numbers

Original analysis built from the site's own Pokedex and tournament data, with every table counted rather than estimated.

3 guides

Tournament data By the numbers

Regulation M-C Usage Report

Usage, Mega Stones, sets, cores, and every winning team from 156 top-cut team sheets across 11 Pokemon Champions events.

12 min read Read ->

Type matchups By the numbers

Every Type Combination Ranked for Defense

All 171 typings scored against the type chart and checked against 1,025 Pokemon, plus the 9 combinations no Pokemon has ever had.

11 min read Read ->

Base stats By the numbers

Is Pokemon Power Creep Real?

Average base stat totals for every generation's fully evolved Pokemon, and the two groups that explain most of the increase.

9 min read Read ->

Nuzlocke

Rules, variants, challenge formats, and run-planning advice for trainers who want every route to matter.

2 guides

Challenge runs Start here

The Complete Nuzlocke Guide

Learn the core Nuzlocke rules, optional clauses, edge cases, beginner-friendly games, and strategy tips for finishing your first run.

18 min read Read ->

Variant tier list Challenge runs

Nuzlocke Variants Ranked

Compare Hardcore, Wedlocke, Soul Link, Cagelocke, Wonderlocke, Egglocke, and more by difficulty, rules, and best next challenge.

14 min read Read ->

VGC/ Competitive

Current format explainers, competitive terminology, and battle prep for players building smarter teams.

5 guides

Competitive formats Competitive

VGC 2026 Regulation Guide

Understand every active 2026 VGC format, including Champions Regulation Set M-A, Scarlet/Violet Regulation Set I, bans, mechanics, and tournament prep.

22 min read Read ->

Beginner guide Competitive

How VGC Actually Works

A plain-English introduction to VGC doubles, Regulation Sets, team preview, best-of-three play, and how to start competing.

16 min read Read ->

Damage calcs Competitive

Pokemon Damage Calculator Tutorial

Learn how to use the Pokemon Showdown Damage Calculator, read damage ranges, test EV spreads, and confirm KOs.

15 min read Read ->

Set notation Competitive

How to Read a Smogon Set

Break down items, abilities, EV spreads, natures, Tera Types, and moves in standard Smogon and Showdown set notation.

16 min read Read ->

Glossary Competitive

Competitive Pokemon Lingo Cheat Sheet

Decode 100+ competitive Pokemon terms from VGC, Smogon, Showdown, team building, damage calcs, tiers, items, moves, and community slang.

20 min read Read ->

Game Guides

Mechanics, game-specific systems, and deep dives for modern Pokemon releases and feature changes.

2 guides

Mega mechanics Mechanics

Mega Evolution in Legends: Z-A

Learn how Mega Evolution, Mega Gauges, Plus Moves, Rogue Megas, Z Mega Evolution, Mega Stones, and competitive Mega picks work in Legends: Z-A.

16 min read Read ->

Scarlet/Violet mechanics Mechanics

Tera Types Explained

Understand Terastallization, Tera Type changes, defensive Tera, offensive Tera, Tera Blast, and Stellar Tera Type.

15 min read Read ->

Planning a challenge run?

Roll a game-aware team that fits your ruleset before you start.

Open Team Randomizer ->