Do you need an account for Pokémon Showdown?

No. You can pick a username and start battling. Registering the name keeps it yours and protects it with a password.

What is a Random Battle in Pokémon Showdown?

A format where each player gets a randomly generated team, so you can battle without building one.

Can you import teams into Pokémon Showdown?

Yes. The Teambuilder imports and exports teams as plain text in the format players commonly share online.

Is Pokémon Showdown official?

No. It is an unofficial, open-source fan project and is not made by Nintendo, Game Freak or The Pokémon Company.

Can I play Pokémon Showdown in my browser?

Yes. Pokémon Showdown runs right on this page — press Play at the top. There is nothing to download or install, and it works in any modern browser, Chromebooks included.

Is Pokémon Showdown free?

Yes, Pokémon Showdown is free to play.

Does Pokémon Showdown work on phones and tablets?

Yes — Pokémon Showdown works with a touch screen, so you can play it in a mobile browser.

What games are like Pokémon Showdown?

If you like Pokémon Showdown, try PokeNexus, PokéRogue and PokeVoid. There is a longer list on the “Games like Pokémon Showdown” page.

Pokémon ShowdownNew tab

Loads from pokemonshowdown.com when you press play.

Turn-based strategy (TBS) · Browser game

Pokémon Showdown

Beta

Released October 7, 2011 (15 years ago)

Also known as Pokemon Showdown!

Runs in any browser — no download, works on Chromebook

About Pokémon Showdown

Pokémon Showdown is a Pokémon battle simulator. Play Pokémon battles online! Play with randomly generated teams, or build your own! Fully animated!

How to play Pokémon Showdown

Pokémon Showdown is a fan-made Pokémon battle simulator in the browser. Battles follow the mechanics of the main series games, and you can play formats from many different generations.

Pick Random Battle to get a ready-made team, or build your own in the Teambuilder and battle in competitive formats such as OU. Each turn both players choose a move or a switch, and the turn plays out once both have chosen.

You can climb the ladder against random opponents, challenge a specific user or watch other people’s battles.

Screenshots and video

Collections

Tags and modes

Languages

Pokémon Showdown: questions and answers

Do you need an account for Pokémon Showdown?: No. You can pick a username and start battling. Registering the name keeps it yours and protects it with a password.
What is a Random Battle in Pokémon Showdown?: A format where each player gets a randomly generated team, so you can battle without building one.
Can you import teams into Pokémon Showdown?: Yes. The Teambuilder imports and exports teams as plain text in the format players commonly share online.
Is Pokémon Showdown official?: No. It is an unofficial, open-source fan project and is not made by Nintendo, Game Freak or The Pokémon Company.
Can I play Pokémon Showdown in my browser?: Yes. Pokémon Showdown runs right on this page — press Play at the top. There is nothing to download or install, and it works in any modern browser, Chromebooks included.
Is Pokémon Showdown free?: Yes, Pokémon Showdown is free to play.
Does Pokémon Showdown work on phones and tablets?: Yes — Pokémon Showdown works with a touch screen, so you can play it in a mobile browser.
What games are like Pokémon Showdown?: If you like Pokémon Showdown, try PokeNexus, PokéRogue and PokeVoid. There is a longer list on the “Games like Pokémon Showdown” page.