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The official Pokémon website has announced the details for the May 2021 Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Ranked Battles Season.

Compete In the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Ranked Battles May 2021 Season

Earn in-game rewards by pitting your most powerful Pokémon against players from around the world.

The new season of Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Ranked Battles has begun and will run throughout May 2021. Test your Trainer skills in head-to-head battles with players around the world, move up the global leaderboards, and earn helpful in-game rewards. However, unlike last season, you'll no longer be able to bring a powerful, usually ineligible Legendary Pokémon into battle—are you up to the challenge?

Eligible Pokémon

The Ranked Battles May 2021 Season (Season 18) will follow Series 9 regulations, which no longer allow the use of special Pokémon. See the list below for details on what Pokémon are eligible to compete.

Galar Pokédex No. 001–397, Isle of Armor Pokédex No. 001–210, and Crown Tundra Pokédex No. 001–209 are eligible for battle, as well as the following Pokémon: Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Treecko, Grovyle, Sceptile, Torchic, Combusken, Blaziken, Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert, Latias, Latios, Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf, Heatran, Regigigas, Cresselia, Tornadus, Thundurus, Landorus, Rowlet, Dartrix, Decidueye, Litten, Torracat, Incineroar, Popplio, Brionne, Primarina, Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, Tapu Fini, Nihilego, Buzzwole, Pheromosa, Xurkitree, Celesteela, Kartana, Guzzlord, Poipole, Naganadel, Stakataka, and Blacephalon.

Only Pokémon obtained in Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield or those with the battle-ready symbol are eligible. Pokémon from previous games in the Pokémon series can receive the battle-ready symbol from the character next to the door in the center of the Battle Tower. When the battle-ready symbol is applied to your Pokémon, your Pokémon will forget the moves it knows. If your Pokémon forgets moves that it cannot use or learn in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, those moves cannot be relearned.

How to Start a Ranked Battle

To start a Ranked Battle, follow these steps:

1. Launch your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield game.
2. Open the X menu.
3. Select VS.
4. Select Battle Stadium.
5. Select Ranked Battles.

You can press the Y Button to see an overview of Ranked Battles before you begin your match.

Game Rewards

Before battle, you'll be matched up with other players of similar rank to ensure even competition. When the season concludes, the higher the tier you finish in, the greater your in-game rewards. The May 2021 Season rewards include the following:

Master Ball Tier

• Gold Bottle Cap ×3
• 600 Battle Points
• Dynite Ore ×30
• Armorite Ore ×30

Ultra Ball Tier

• Gold Bottle Cap ×1
• 300 Battle Points
• Dynite Ore ×10
• Armorite Ore ×10

Great Ball Tier

• Bottle Cap ×3
• Ability Capsule ×1
• 100 Battle Points
• Dynite Ore ×5
• Armorite Ore ×5

Poké Ball Tier and Beginner Tier

• Ability Capsule ×1
• 50 Battle Points
• Dynite Ore ×5
• Armorite Ore ×5

Once the season is over, you can collect your in-game rewards. Remember, you will need to finish at least one match with a win or loss during the May Season to be eligible for rewards at the end of the season. To receive your in-game rewards, follow these steps:

1. After the competition has ended, launch your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield game.
2. Open the X menu.
3. Select Mystery Gift.
4. Select Get a Mystery Gift.
5. Select Get Battle Stadium Rewards.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/compete-in-the-pokemon-sword-and-pokemon-shield-ranked-battles-may-2021-season/