Pokemon Legends: Z-A is preparing to launch one of its most unique Ranked Battle seasons yet. Season 14, titled Sky Battles, introduces a completely new competitive format that limits players to Flying-type Pokemon and a handful of Levitate-style exceptions, creating a much smaller and more specialized metagame than previous seasons.
The new season begins on July 15 at 11:00 PM PDT (July 16 at 2:00 AM ET) after Season 13 concludes earlier that evening. Sky Battles will remain active until August 5, giving competitive trainers roughly three weeks to climb the ladder.
Flying Pokemon Take Center Stage
Unlike previous Ranked seasons, Sky Battles drastically reduces the number of Pokemon that players can bring into battle. Only Flying-type Pokemon or those that qualify under the special rules can participate, removing a huge portion of the game’s roster from competitive play.
Even several well-known Flying Pokemon won’t make the cut. Pokemon such as Vivillon, Latios, and Latias are excluded despite their popularity in previous formats.
The limited roster is expected to create a much more focused competitive environment where team building and prediction become even more important.
Mega Evolutions Return
Season 14 also marks another return for Mega Evolutions, although this time they are part of the strategy rather than the central theme.
Many of the available Pokemon can Mega Evolve, including:
- Mega Pidgeot
- Mega Charizard
- Mega Dragonite
- Mega Salamence
- Mega Aerodactyl
- Mega Skarmory
- Mega Altaria
- Mega Staraptor
- Mega Hawlucha
- Mega Gyarados
- Mega Rayquaza
Unlike Season 8’s Mega-focused ruleset, players are not forced into using Mega Evolutions, allowing for a wider variety of strategies despite the smaller roster.
Only One Legendary Powerhouse
One of the biggest restrictions involves the season’s two strongest Legendary Pokemon.
Players may include either Yveltal or Mega Rayquaza, but never both on the same team.
Mega Rayquaza also requires players to own the DLC and teach Rayquaza Dragon Ascent before it can Mega Evolve, making it a more demanding option despite its incredible strength.
Early Meta Favorites
With such a limited pool of Pokemon available, several competitors are already expected to dominate the ladder.
Dragonite looks set to become one of the strongest offensive threats, while Fan Rotom offers valuable utility and unique typing. Skarmory remains one of the game’s premier defensive options, and Mega Rayquaza is expected to be among the most dangerous sweepers for players who have access to it.
Because the available roster is relatively small, players can also expect common counters and team compositions to appear far more frequently than in previous Ranked seasons.
Rewards Are Less Generous
Season 14’s rewards are receiving mixed reactions from players.
Instead of valuable items like Gold Bottle Caps or Nuggets, rank rewards now consist entirely of Pretty Feathers:
- Rank A: 300 Pretty Feathers
- Ranks B-E: 200 Pretty Feathers
- Ranks F-R: 100 Pretty Feathers
- Rank S and below: 50 Pretty Feathers
However, Ranked-exclusive Mega Stones are making a return. Players can earn exclusive Mega Stones as they climb the ladder, with rewards ranging from Greninjite at lower ranks up to Blazikenite for the highest-ranked competitors.
As usual, every player’s Ranked Battle rank will reset to Rank Z when Season 14 begins, while Season 13 rewards can be claimed directly from the Ranked Battles menu before starting the new climb.
