Regulation Set M-A explained: rules, restricted list and Mega Evolutions

Regulation Set M-A is the current format for competitive Pokémon Champions VGC. It launched in June 2026 and introduced several changes that reshaped team building, most notably the return of Mega Evolutions under a controlled restricted system.

Core rules

Matches are Double Battles played at Level 50 with Open Team Sheets, meaning both players see each other's team before selecting their four. Each player brings six Pokémon and selects four for each game. Series are Best-of-three in most official events, so adaptation between games matters as much as the team list itself.

The restricted slot

The defining rule is the one-restricted limit. Each team may include exactly one Restricted Pokémon. This includes box-art legendaries such as Kyogre, Groudon, Calyrex, Miraidon and Koraidon, as well as select Mythical and Ultra-tier threats. You cannot run two restricted Pokémon on the same roster, which forces a clear team identity around your chosen win condition.

Mega Evolutions return

Regulation Set M-A allows a specific list of Mega Evolutions: Kangaskhan, Salamence, Gardevoir, Metagross, Mawile, Charizard Y, Venusaur, Blaziken, Lucario and Gengar. Mega Stones take the held item slot, so these Pokémon cannot hold items like Focus Sash or Sitrus Berry. The trade-off is a significant stat boost and, in some cases, an improved ability. Mega Salamence and Mega Kangaskhan are already showing up in top cuts.

What changed from Regulation L?

The biggest shift is the restricted limit tightening from two to one, plus the Mega Evolution list. This reduces double-restricted snowball strategies and rewards balanced cores that protect a single restricted win condition. It also opens the door for non-restricted Mega users to act as secondary threats.

Building for M-A

When building, decide whether your restricted slot is a fast cleaner, a Trick Room sweeper or a weather setter, then build the other five slots to support that plan. Remember Species Clause and Item Clause: no duplicate Pokémon and no duplicate held items. Test your roster in the Team Builder and check the Regulations page for the full legality list.