Competitive Trainers in Pokémon Legends: Z-A will need to rethink their strategies as Season 13 introduces a major ruleset change. Starting June 25, Ranked Battles will no longer allow any Legendary or Mythical Pokémon, removing 25 powerful species from competitive play.
The decision marks a return to stricter Ranked Battle regulations after Season 12 temporarily relaxed some restrictions. While these bans are expected to be temporary, they will significantly reshape the competitive landscape over the coming weeks.
25 Legendary and Mythical Pokémon Removed
Season 13 bans the following Pokémon from Ranked Battles:
- Xerneas
- Yveltal
- Zygarde
- Diancie
- Mewtwo
- Heatran
- Volcanion
- Cobalion
- Terrakion
- Virizion
- Keldeo
- Meloetta
- Genesect
- Hoopa
- Marshadow
- Meltan
- Melmetal
- Darkrai
- Latias
- Latios
- Kyogre
- Groudon
- Rayquaza
- Magearna
- Zeraora
These Pokémon cannot be used in Ranked Battles throughout Season 13, regardless of their builds or held items.
Mega Evolutions Continue to Define the Meta
One of Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s biggest attractions remains its expanded Mega Evolution system. Ranked Battles are also the primary way players earn certain Mega Stones, making the competitive ladder an important part of progression.
Because of that, changes to Ranked Battle regulations have a much larger impact than simply altering the online meta. Players looking to unlock Mega Stones for various Pokémon—including several starter Pokémon and other fan favorites—will still need to participate in Ranked Battles despite the stricter restrictions.
Some New Mega Evolutions Are Also Affected
Interestingly, several Pokémon receiving Mega Evolutions in Pokémon Legends: Z-A are also part of the Season 13 ban list.
Heatran and Zeraora, for example, may have gained powerful new Mega forms in this entry, but players won’t be able to use them in Ranked Battles during the season. This means some of the game’s newest additions will temporarily remain exclusive to other battle modes.
A Different Competitive Experience
Pokémon Legends: Z-A already stands apart from previous Pokémon games thanks to its real-time, turnless battle system. Combined with rotating Ranked Battle regulations, each season has the potential to dramatically change which Pokémon dominate competitive play.
Without Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, trainers can expect a more balanced environment where traditional team-building and creative strategies may play a larger role than simply relying on some of the franchise’s strongest Pokémon.
The Restrictions May Not Be Permanent
The good news for collectors and competitive players is that these restrictions are unlikely to last forever.
Previous seasons have shown that Pokémon Legends: Z-A rotates its Ranked Battle regulations regularly, with Legendary and Mythical Pokémon occasionally returning before being restricted again. If that pattern continues, Season 13’s ban should be viewed as part of an ongoing competitive rotation rather than a permanent removal.
For now, however, trainers looking to climb the Ranked ladder will have to leave their Legendary and Mythical partners behind and build new teams for Season 13.
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