Regulation M-B is here, and it brings the biggest shake-up Pokémon Champions has seen since launch. Season M-3 runs on this new ruleset, and the competitive landscape shifted almost overnight. We have spent the early days laddering with these new picks, so this guide breaks down what changed, what matters, and how we plan to climb. Whether you play on Switch or the new mobile version, this is your starting point.
What Regulation M-B Actually Changes
Regulation M-B is the second Mega format in the game. The key thing to know is simple. Every Pokémon legal in Regulation M-A is still legal here. M-B just stacks new toys on top of that base. So you do not need to rebuild your whole team. Most M-A squads need only one or two swaps to feel current.
This update adds more than 20 new Pokémon and 16 fresh Mega Evolutions. It also drops 15 new held items that many players begged for since launch. Two brand-new abilities debut as well. Nothing got removed from the roster, which is great news for veterans.
Season M-3 Schedule and Format
Season M-3 is the first ranked season to run under M-B rules. It runs from June 17 to July 8, 2026, a shorter window than past seasons at roughly three weeks. The Champion Tier and the top Master Ball ranks open on June 24, one week after the start. Here are the core details.
| Detail | Singles | Doubles |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation start | June 17, 2026 | June 17, 2026 |
| Regulation end | September 2, 2026 | September 2, 2026 |
| Season M-3 window | June 17 to July 8, 2026 | June 17 to July 8, 2026 |
| Team size | 3 to 6 Pokémon | 4 to 6 Pokémon |
| Level | All set to Lv. 50 | All set to Lv. 50 |
| Turn timer | 45 seconds | 45 seconds |
A few rules trip up new players, so keep them in mind. You can Mega Evolve only one Pokémon per battle. You cannot run two Pokémon sharing the same item. Also, Mega Lucario Z and Mega Garchomp Z stay banned here. There are no restricted legendaries, so it is an open free-for-all otherwise.
New Pokémon and Mega Evolutions
The headline additions are the Hoenn starters, Mawile, Metagross, and most of the remaining Legends Z-A Megas. On the non-Mega side, Gholdengo, Annihilape, and Grimmsnarl join the party. Grimmsnarl alone reshapes support play with Prankster screens.
Below are the new Megas we think you must respect right away. We picked these based on early usage and our own ladder games.
| Mega | Ability | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
Mega Metagross
|
Tough Claws | Fast Steel attacker at base 110 Speed, safest all-round pick |
Mega Swampert
|
Swift Swim | Doubles Speed in rain, now learns Wave Crash for huge damage |
Mega Mawile
|
Huge Power | Fairy/Steel typing plus monstrous attack, shrugs off Intimidate |
Mega Staraptor
|
Contrary | Close Combat raises its defenses, Intimidate switch-ins backfire |
Mega Sceptile
|
Lightning Rod | Fastest new Mega, absorbs Electric, gains Earth Power coverage |
Mega Eelektross
|
Elevate | New ability, ignores Ground and hazards, snowballs on each KO |
Mega Pyroar
|
Fire Mane | New ability, permanent 50% boost to Fire moves, no HP condition |
Mega Scrafty
|
Intimidate | Stacks two Intimidates in one Pokémon, strong in Doubles |
Two abilities are completely new to the game. Elevate gives Mega Eelektross Levitate-style immunity plus a free boost to its highest stat after a knockout. Fire Mane is an always-on Fire damage boost, which beats Blaze since it needs no low-HP trigger.
A quick tip from us. Watch the type changes. Mega Staraptor becomes Fighting/Flying, Mega Barbaracle becomes Fighting/Rock, and Mega Sceptile picks up Dragon. That last one means Sceptile is now weak to Fairy and Ice, so do not play it carelessly into Floette.

New Items That Shift the Format
The item drop is honestly the bigger story for veterans. These cheap power spikes change calcs across the board. The standouts are below.
- Life Orb: Adds a flat 30% damage boost at a small HP cost. It is a perfect fit on Garchomp and Basculegion, since it boosts every move type, not just one.
- Light Clay: Extends screens, which pairs beautifully with Grimmsnarl putting up Reflect and Light Screen.
- Wide Lens and Scope Lens: Help shaky accuracy moves and crit fishing, a nice buff for sleep-powder leads.
- Weather Rocks: Stretch your weather from five turns to eight. Damp Rock on Pelipper keeps rain alive far longer.
- Expert Belt and Wise Glasses: Small but safe damage bumps for mixed and special attackers.
If we had to name one game-changer, it is Life Orb. It quietly makes already-scary attackers cross key knockout thresholds.
Battle Pass M-3 Rewards
The new Battle Pass M-3 gives both free and premium tracks. Here is what you can grab.
| Track | Notable Rewards |
|---|---|
| Free | Starmie, Starminite (its Mega Stone), VP, Quick Coupons, Teammate and Training Tickets |
| Premium | Metagross, Metagrossite, Eelektross, Eelektrossite, profile icons, Canari's outfit from Legends Z-A |
For free players, the Starmie and its Mega Stone are the real prizes. Premium players who want Mega Metagross can save VP by earning it straight from the pass. If you would rather skip the grind and recruit new picks faster, a quick Pokémon Champions Top Up keeps your VP and Quick Coupons stocked through the season.
Early Format Reads and Team Ideas
We have seen a few archetypes dominate the opening tournaments and ladder. None of these need exotic pieces, so they are great starting points.
- Dual-Mega Rain: Mega Metagross plus Mega Swampert behind a Damp Rock Pelipper. Pure pressure.
- Sun Offense: Mega Pyroar with a Drought setter like Ninetales melts the field with boosted Fire moves.
- Contrary Bird: Mega Staraptor stacks defense off Close Combat, especially nasty next to Grimmsnarl support.
- Mawile Balance: Mega Mawile with Mega Charizard Y gives you double Intimidate and a fairy-steel wall.
Across all of these, Grimmsnarl and the Sinistcha plus Incineroar core keep showing up. That defensive backbone is the glue holding the best teams together right now.
Proven Team Suggestions
These five Doubles cores have already won events or hit high ladder ranks this season. Every member is M-B legal, so you can recruit and build them today. Remember you carry two Mega Stones on the dual-Mega teams but only Mega Evolve one per match.
| Team Archetype | Six Pokémon | Mega Slot | Game Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pyroar Sun |
Pyroar Ninetales Whimsicott Farigiraf Basculegion Floette |
Mega Pyroar (or Floette) |
Set sun, swing between Tailwind and Trick Room, hit hard with boosted Fire moves |
| Contrary Staraptor |
Staraptor Grimmsnarl Sinistcha Garchomp Sylveon Basculegion |
Mega Staraptor |
Parting Shot into Staraptor, snowball defenses off Close Combat, heal with Sinistcha |
| Dual-Mega Rain |
Metagross Swampert Pelipper Archaludon Grimmsnarl Sinistcha |
Mega Metagross Mega Swampert |
Drizzle with Damp Rock, sweep in rain with Swift Swim, screens for safety |
| Raichu Y Offense |
Raichu Incineroar Sinistcha Ceruledge Floette Milotic |
Mega Raichu Y |
Pivot with the Incineroar plus Sinistcha core, set up Calm Mind Floette behind it |
| Charizard Mawile |
Charizard Mawile Incineroar Whimsicott Basculegion Garchomp |
Mega Charizard Y or Mega Mawile |
Double Intimidate pressure, Tailwind from Whimsicott, Life Orb spam from Basculegion |
If you are new to team building, start by copying one of these shells. Once you learn how it plays, swap one piece to fit your style. That is exactly how most top players found their own builds.
Quick Tips to Climb
A few things have saved us games this season, so we will pass them along.
- Do not overcommit your Mega. You only get one per battle, so pick the matchup carefully.
- Respect Mega Floette. It checks half the new flashy threats, including Staraptor and Sceptile.
- Slap Life Orb on a strong attacker before reaching for niche type items. The all-type boost wins more games.
- Borrow rental codes from top players. Team building is hard, and a proven shell teaches you the format fast.
Conclusion
Regulation M-B feels healthy and fresh without erasing what we already built. Season M-3 is short, so jump in now and bank those ranked rewards while the season is live. The new Megas and items give us real choices, and that is exactly what a fun competitive season should do.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does Season M-3 start and end?
Season M-3 runs from June 17 to July 8, 2026. The Champion Tier and top Master Ball ranks open on June 24.
Is Regulation M-B the same as Season M-3?
No. M-B is the ruleset and roster. M-3 is the ranked season that runs on it. Regulation M-B lasts until September 2, 2026.
Can I still use my Regulation M-A team?
Yes. Every M-A Pokémon stays legal. Most M-A teams need only one or two swaps to feel current.
How many Mega Evolutions can I use per battle?
Only one. You can carry several Mega Stones, but you Mega Evolve a single Pokémon each match.
What are the new abilities in M-B?
Two debut here. Elevate sits on Mega Eelektross, and Fire Mane sits on Mega Pyroar.
Are any Pokémon banned in M-B?
There are no restricted legendaries. The only excluded Megas are Mega Lucario Z and Mega Garchomp Z.
Which new Mega should I build around first?
Mega Metagross is the safest all-rounder. Mega Swampert and Mega Eelektross hold the highest ceiling.
Can I play Pokémon Champions on mobile?
Yes. The game now runs on Switch, iOS, and Android, with full cross-play access to the same roster.































