Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Pokemon Draft League?

A Pokemon Draft League is a competitive format where players take turns drafting Pokemon to build their teams. Each Pokemon has a point value, and you have a budget to work with. Once everyone has drafted their teams, you battle against other players in the league over a season.

Think of it like a fantasy sports draft, but for Pokemon battles!

How do I join a draft?

Log in with your Discord account using the button in the top right.
Go to the Drafts page and find an upcoming draft.
Click on it and hit the Join Draft button before the signup deadline.
Once the admin starts the draft, you'll take turns picking Pokemon.

How does the draft work?

Drafts use a snake draft order. In a snake draft, the pick order reverses each round. For example, if you pick first in round 1, you pick last in round 2, then first again in round 3.

Each Pokemon has a point cost. You start with a budget (usually 120 points) and must stay within it. You need to draft at least the minimum team size (usually 8 Pokemon), and can draft up to the maximum (usually 12).

Once you've reached the minimum team size, you can choose to finish drafting early if you're happy with your team. This removes you from the turn rotation while others continue drafting.

If you run out of budget or hit the maximum team size, your turns will be automatically skipped.

What are Captains?

Some draft leagues include a Captain Mechanic. After the main draft is complete, each player selects up to 2 of their drafted Pokemon as Captains.

Captains are special — they're the only Pokemon on your team that can use the league's designated battle mechanic. The specific mechanic varies by league.

Captain Mechanics

Each draft league may feature one of the following captain mechanics:

Mega Evolution

Only your Captain Pokemon can Mega Evolve during battle. Mega Evolution temporarily transforms a Pokemon into a more powerful form, boosting its stats and sometimes changing its type or ability.

Z-Moves

Only your Captain Pokemon can use Z-Moves. Z-Moves are extremely powerful one-use moves that can turn the tide of a battle. Each type has its own Z-Move.

Dynamax

Only your Captain Pokemon can Dynamax. Dynamaxing doubles a Pokemon's HP and converts its moves into powerful Max Moves for three turns.

Gigantamax

Only your Captain Pokemon can Gigantamax. Gigantamaxing is a special form of Dynamax available to specific Pokemon, giving them a unique appearance and an exclusive G-Max Move.

Terastallization

Only your Captain Pokemon can Terastallize. Terastallization changes a Pokemon's type to its Tera Type, providing new offensive and defensive possibilities. The Pokemon gains STAB on moves matching its Tera Type.

How does the season work?

After drafting (and captain selection, if applicable), the league enters its active season. A round-robin schedule is generated so each player battles every other player.

You draft 8–12 Pokemon, but bring only 6 into each battle. Choose your team of 6 strategically based on your opponent's roster.

Match results are reported on the draft page, and standings are tracked on the Leaderboard.

Where do I battle?

Battles take place on Pokemon Showdown, a free online battle simulator. Coordinate with your opponent to schedule and play your matches, then report the results on this site.