Season 9 of Pokemon Legends: Z-A’s ranked battles has ushered in a significant shift for competitive players on Nintendo Switch.
Game Freak, the powerhouse developer behind the Pokemon franchise, has made the bold decision to ban both Legendary and Mythical Pokemon from this season's ranked matches.
This controversial move signals a return to classic competitive play, restoring balance and giving less prevalent species a chance to shine.
The update is available now via the Nintendo Switch eShop, and early feedback from the community highlights increased match diversity and strategic depth.
Impact of Legendary and Mythical Pokemon Ban
By removing Legendary and Mythical Pokemon from ranked battles, Game Freak has addressed common complaints over dominant team compositions seen in the last few seasons.
Previously, players encountered teams stacked with Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, and Mega Rayquaza—powerhouses that could swiftly overwhelm most competitors.
According to Game Freak’s recent statement, the goal of season 9 is to "foster an environment where all eligible Pokémon can thrive, making competitive battles more enjoyable for both veterans and newcomers."
Top Performers of Season 9
With a lower overall power level, classic species have reclaimed the spotlight.
Garchomp, returning as a top-tier pick, is prized for its versatility and offensive presence despite a notable weakness to Ice-type attacks.
Many trainers are pairing Garchomp with Focus Sash or Yache Berry, maximizing survivability, and running staple moves like Dig, Dragon Claw, Dragon Rush, and Swords Dance.
Garchomp’s resurgence has brought Glaceon back to prominence as a potent counter—its access to Ice Shard and Ice Beam reliably picks off Garchomp carrying a Focus Sash.
Marowak stands out this season thanks to the Thick Club, doubling its Attack stat and making moves like Swords Dance, Bonemerang, Stone Edge, and Dig devastating to opponents.
While not the bulkiest contender, its raw offensive power ensures frequent appearances in top ranks.
Skarmory’s Mega Evolution continues to provide strong utility.
Trainers favor Magnet Bomb and Fly for widespread coverage, while Swords Dance further boosts its damage potential.
Combined with teammates that patch up its weaknesses, Skarmory remains a formidable threat on the battlefield.
Gholdengo leverages its unique movement speed—distinct from in-game Speed stats—to evade common Ground-type attacks like Earthquake.
With a moveset of Nasty Plot, Steel Beam (or Make It Rain), Shadow Ball, and Thunderbolt, Gholdengo offers unmatched offensive flexibility.
Thunderbolt, notably, now tracks opponents and boasts infinite range, making it a must-have.
Glaceon’s role as an Ice-type specialist is stronger than ever.
Previously hampered by low Speed and limited movepool, it now effectively counters top threats like Gyarados, Swampert, Dragonite, and Salamence with Calm Mind, Ice Shard, Ice Beam, and Freeze-Dry in its arsenal.
Wider Team-Building Opportunities
The diversity within Pokemon Legends: Z-A’s season 9 metagame is at a high point.
Beyond the headline stars, Pokemon like Excadrill, Gyarados, Metagross, Ampharos, Porygon-Z, Armarouge, Sirfetch’d, Chandelure, Golisopod, and various Mega Evolutions—including Mega Absol Z, Mega Garchomp Z, and Mega Lucario Z—are all seeing competitive play.
The lowered power ceiling makes strategic experimentation more viable, encouraging trainers to bring their personal favorites.
For trainers exploring new options, standard items like Focus Sash help compensate for lower defenses, while weakness berries like Shuca Berry can neutralize key vulnerabilities.
The Nintendo community is embracing this fresh strategic landscape, as matches now reward a broader range of tactics.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A’s ranked season 9 is live now via the Nintendo Switch eShop.
With Legendary and Mythical Pokemon sidelined, the competitive scene is more accessible and varied than ever.
As team compositions diversify, expect to see fresh, exciting battles and renewed interest within the global Pokemon community.
Game Freak, the powerhouse developer behind the Pokemon franchise, has made the bold decision to ban both Legendary and Mythical Pokemon from this season's ranked matches.
This controversial move signals a return to classic competitive play, restoring balance and giving less prevalent species a chance to shine.
The update is available now via the Nintendo Switch eShop, and early feedback from the community highlights increased match diversity and strategic depth.
Impact of Legendary and Mythical Pokemon Ban
By removing Legendary and Mythical Pokemon from ranked battles, Game Freak has addressed common complaints over dominant team compositions seen in the last few seasons.
Previously, players encountered teams stacked with Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, and Mega Rayquaza—powerhouses that could swiftly overwhelm most competitors.
According to Game Freak’s recent statement, the goal of season 9 is to "foster an environment where all eligible Pokémon can thrive, making competitive battles more enjoyable for both veterans and newcomers."
Top Performers of Season 9
With a lower overall power level, classic species have reclaimed the spotlight.
Garchomp, returning as a top-tier pick, is prized for its versatility and offensive presence despite a notable weakness to Ice-type attacks.
Many trainers are pairing Garchomp with Focus Sash or Yache Berry, maximizing survivability, and running staple moves like Dig, Dragon Claw, Dragon Rush, and Swords Dance.
Garchomp’s resurgence has brought Glaceon back to prominence as a potent counter—its access to Ice Shard and Ice Beam reliably picks off Garchomp carrying a Focus Sash.
Marowak stands out this season thanks to the Thick Club, doubling its Attack stat and making moves like Swords Dance, Bonemerang, Stone Edge, and Dig devastating to opponents.
While not the bulkiest contender, its raw offensive power ensures frequent appearances in top ranks.
Skarmory’s Mega Evolution continues to provide strong utility.
Trainers favor Magnet Bomb and Fly for widespread coverage, while Swords Dance further boosts its damage potential.
Combined with teammates that patch up its weaknesses, Skarmory remains a formidable threat on the battlefield.
Gholdengo leverages its unique movement speed—distinct from in-game Speed stats—to evade common Ground-type attacks like Earthquake.
With a moveset of Nasty Plot, Steel Beam (or Make It Rain), Shadow Ball, and Thunderbolt, Gholdengo offers unmatched offensive flexibility.
Thunderbolt, notably, now tracks opponents and boasts infinite range, making it a must-have.
Glaceon’s role as an Ice-type specialist is stronger than ever.
Previously hampered by low Speed and limited movepool, it now effectively counters top threats like Gyarados, Swampert, Dragonite, and Salamence with Calm Mind, Ice Shard, Ice Beam, and Freeze-Dry in its arsenal.
Wider Team-Building Opportunities
The diversity within Pokemon Legends: Z-A’s season 9 metagame is at a high point.
Beyond the headline stars, Pokemon like Excadrill, Gyarados, Metagross, Ampharos, Porygon-Z, Armarouge, Sirfetch’d, Chandelure, Golisopod, and various Mega Evolutions—including Mega Absol Z, Mega Garchomp Z, and Mega Lucario Z—are all seeing competitive play.
The lowered power ceiling makes strategic experimentation more viable, encouraging trainers to bring their personal favorites.
For trainers exploring new options, standard items like Focus Sash help compensate for lower defenses, while weakness berries like Shuca Berry can neutralize key vulnerabilities.
The Nintendo community is embracing this fresh strategic landscape, as matches now reward a broader range of tactics.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A’s ranked season 9 is live now via the Nintendo Switch eShop.
With Legendary and Mythical Pokemon sidelined, the competitive scene is more accessible and varied than ever.
As team compositions diversify, expect to see fresh, exciting battles and renewed interest within the global Pokemon community.