This article is about the battle variation. For the battle mode found in the Pokémon Cable Club in Generation III or the Pokémon Communication Club Colosseum in Generation IV, seeDouble Battle (Battle Mode).

ADouble Battle (Japanese:ダブルバトルDouble Battle), also known as atwo-on-two battle, is aPokémon battle with each side featuring twoPokémon at once. Debuting in the games inGeneration III, and featuring occasionally in theanimated series prior to this, they may feature up to fourPokémon Trainers. A Double Battle with two Trainers per side who each control one Pokémon is called aMulti Battle.

In the games

In a Double Battle, two teams of two Pokémon face each other in battle. One Trainer may control both Pokémon on either side of the battle, or two Trainers may cooperate on one or both sides of the battle, each controlling their own Pokémon (meaning that anywhere from two to four Trainers may take part in a Double Battle).

Somespecific Trainer classes, such asSis and Bro andSr. and Jr., automatically engage the player in Double Battles; inGeneration III, they will only battle if the player steps on the tile directly in front of them; fromGeneration IV toVI, they can move towards the player to initiate such battles; and inGeneration VII, they can battle the player from afar but remain stationary (like all other Trainer classes in those games). If the player has only one conscious Pokémon, Trainer classes who will only engage the player in Double Battles will ignore the player and comment that the player should bring two Pokémon to battle them with.

FromPokémon Emerald toGeneration V (as well as inPokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl), two independent Trainers who see the player at the same time will engage the player in a Double Battle. If the player has only one conscious Pokémon, the two Trainers who see the player at the same time will take turns battling the player in two Single Battles, with the second Trainer approaching and battling the player immediately after the first Trainer is defeated.

InPokémon Colosseum, all battles that the player participates in are Double Battles. The only way to engage in a Single Battle in Pokémon Colosseum is to do so in battle mode. However, the player does watch a Single Battle betweenEagun andSkrub.

InPokémon XD, the majority of battles are Double Battles, similar to Colosseum. However, the first two battles in the game—againstChobin andNaps—are Single Battles, as are all wild battles and one optional battle against aSupertrainer at the entrance to thePokémon HQ Lab. Some Trainers inMt. Battle only use one Pokémon, so it is possible to battle them in a Single Battle. The player also watches two Single Battles involvingZook—one withArdos and one withBiden.

From Generation IV onward, moves that target multiple Pokémon resolve in order of the target's respective Speed stats. If a Pokémon faints, it is not replaced until the end of the turn, rather than immediately after the Pokémon is knocked out, making it possible for a Pokémon's move to fail due to a lack of target if both of the opposing Pokémon are knocked out before it attacks.

InGeneration IV andV, someNPCs (most notably thestat Trainers inPokémon Diamond, Pearl, andPlatinum) accompany the player while they explore certain areas. In these situations, all wild Pokémon encounters are Double Battles against two Pokémon. In such situations, it is impossible to use aPoké Ball to capture a Pokémon unless the other is knocked out first. The NPC Trainer will heal the player's team after every battle. The player cannot use movement-basedfield moves such asSurf orRock Climb while accompanied by an NPC.

InGeneration V, many routes containdark grass, in which the player has the ability to encounter two wild Pokémon at a time, initiating a wild Double Battle. Similar to the wild Double Battles of Generation IV, it is impossible to use aPoké Ball to catch a Pokémon unless the other Pokémon is knocked out first.

InPokémon Scarlet and Violet, every Trainer atBlueberry Academy (excluding theSpecial Coaches, aside fromRyme) is exclusively fought in a Double Battle.

The HP of Pokémon is not displayed numerically on the player's side in Generation III and Generation IV handheld games—only the bar will be shown to save screen space. The numeric amount of HP can be toggled with the Start button.

The Double Battle format is most notably used in official competitive tournaments like theWorld Championships.

Effects on moves

Several differentmoves are made specifically for Double Battles, such asHelping Hand. Some others, such asSurf, can have noticeably different effects. In Generation III, if there is more than one target, moves that can hit both foes (but not moves that hit all Pokémon on the field, such asEarthquake) have their damage reduced by 50%. In subsequent games, if there is more than one target, any move that can hit multiple Pokémon has its damage reduced by 25%. This damage reduction only takes effect if there are multiple targets when the move is executed whenever or not they would be hit by it, a slot with no Pokémon in it does not count as a target.

The movesAfter You,Quash,Helping Hand,Ally Switch,Follow Me,Rage Powder,Aromatic Mist,Hold Hands, andSpotlight have no effect in Single Battles, but do in Double Battles.

The moveFlame Burst takes away 1/16th of the maximum HP of the other Pokémon on the same team as the target Pokémon. This damage is not treated as an attack.

The moveAcupressure, while in a Double Battle, can target the ally instead of the user.

The movesOutrage,Petal Dance,Thrash,Uproar, andRaging Fury target the user when selected, but are used against one random foe when executed.

This chart displays all moves that work differently in Double Battles.

Effects on Abilities

ManyAbilities are also adapted especially for Double Battles. These Abilities are:

• Lightning Rod - If a single-targetElectric-type move is used, it will be forced to strike the Pokémon with this Ability, regardless of the Pokémon originally selected as the target and regardless of the move's accuracy. Moves that target multiple Pokémon cannot be redirected. In Generation V and beyond, the move will raise theSpecial Attack stat of the Pokémon and deal no damage to it, unless the Pokémon is immune to the attack by nature of being aGround-type.
• Plus - If a Pokémon with Plus is in battle on the same side of the field as a Pokémon with Minus, itsSpecial Attack stat will be boosted by 50%. In Generation V and beyond, the effect is also present if another Pokémon on the same side has Plus.
• Minus - If a Pokémon with Minus is in battle on the same side of the field as a Pokémon with Plus, itsSpecial Attack stat will be boosted by 50%. In Generation V and beyond, the effect is also present if another Pokémon on the same side has Minus.
• Storm Drain - If a single-targetWater-type move is used, it will be forced to strike the Pokémon with this Ability, regardless of the Pokémon originally selected as the target and regardless of the move's accuracy. Moves which target multiple Pokémon cannot be redirected. In Generation V and beyond, the move will raise theSpecial Attack stat of the Pokémon and deal no damage to it.
• Flower Gift - The physicalAttack andSpecial Defense stats of Pokémon with this Ability and their ally are increased by 50% duringharsh sunlight.
• Healer - At the end of each turn, an ally'sstatus condition has a 30% chance of being cured.
• Friend Guard - Damage done to allies is reduced by 25%.
• Telepathy - A Pokémon with this Ability will avoid damage from any moves used by its ally, whether they directly target it or target it as well as opponents.
• Victory Star - The accuracy of moves used by Pokémon with this ability and their ally are increased by 10%.
• Aroma Veil - Pokémon with this Ability and their ally cannot be afflicted byTaunt,Torment,Encore,Disable, nor byCursed Body,Heal Block, andinfatuation.
• Flower Veil - Prevents stat drops and status conditions for Pokémon with this Ability (ifGrass-type) and a Grass-type ally.
• Sweet Veil - Pokémon with this Ability and their ally cannot fallasleep.
• Queenly Majesty,Dazzling,Armor Tail - Prevents opponents from usingpriority moves against the Pokémon or its allies.
• Battery - The base power of allies'special moves is increased by 30%.
• Receiver - If an ally faints in battle, Receiver will be replaced by the fainted Pokémon's Ability.
• Power of Alchemy - If an ally faints in battle, Power of Alchemy will be replaced by the fainted Pokémon's Ability.
• Power Spot - The base power of allies' moves is increased by 30%.
• Steely Spirit - The base power ofSteel-type moves used by the Pokémon and its allies is increased by 50%.
• Commander - When aTatsugiri with this Ability is on the same side of the field as aDondozo, it will enter the Dondozo's mouth and the latter will have itsAttack,Defense,Special Attack,Special Defense, andSpeed raised by two stages each, at the cost of being unable to switch out. No moves can hit Tatsugiri while it is inside Dondozo's mouth, but the Trainer cannot select any moves for it to execute.
• Costar - When the Pokémon enters a battle, it copies an ally's stat changes.

In animation

Pokémon the Series

Pokémon the Series: The Beginning

Team Rocket have been conducting "illegal" Double Battles sincethe third episode ofPokémon the Series, long before the concept was introduced to thegames.

InPokémon Double Trouble, the first official Double Battle occurred. In order to win theJade Star Badge, Ash had to defeatLuana'sMarowak andAlakazam in a Double Battle at theKumquat Gym. ThoughAsh's Pikachu andCharizard were initially unwilling to cooperate, they eventually overcame their differences in order to win the battle. A notable difference about this Double Battle compared to the ones introducedlater is that winning the match requires only defeating one of the opposing Trainer's two Pokémon.

Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire

After the release ofRuby and Sapphire, Double Battles were seen in the animated series more often.

InAll in a Day's Wurmple, the first Double Battle took place.Forrester Franklin introduced the concept to Ash, and they had a battle that Ash won.

InSolid as a Solrock, Ash'sGymbattle againstTate and Liza is a Double Battle, just like in the games.

InFrom Brags to Riches andShocks and Bonds, in order to qualify for the finals of theEver Grande Conference, competitors must win three Double Battles in the preliminaries.

InTactics Theatrics!!, Ash had a Double Battle againstTucker at theBattle Dome. He used hisCorphish andSwellow against theFrontier Brain'sSwampert andArcanine and was able to win the battle, earning the Tactics Symbol, his thirdSymbol overall.

FromThe Bicker the Better onwards, Ash teamed up with other Trainers to conductTag Battles.

Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl

A Double Battle can also be conducted underContest Battle rules; more specifically, the battling stage of everyGrand Festival uses the Double Battle style. Additionally, with the introduction ofDouble Performances inPokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl,Coordinators have to use two Pokémon in both the Performance Stage and the Battle Stage ofPokémon Contests following the format.

InStrategy Begins at Home!,Dawn challenged hermother,Johanna, to a Double Battle. Despite having developed a strategy which herPiplup andPachirisu managed to pull off during battle, Dawn still had trouble dealing with Johanna's skills as aTop Coordinator and her well-trainedGlameow andUmbreon. As a result, she lost the battle.

InDouble-Time Battle Training!, Dawn faced off againstZoey in a Double Battle, using herMamoswine andCyndaquil against herrival'sKirlia andLeafeon. During the battle, Dawn attempted to use a newly developedcombination, but it failed and Zoey emerged victorious.

Pokémon the Series: Black & White

InBattling the Bully!, there was a pretend Double Battle betweenMick andGlenn, both using borrowed Pokémon.

InEvolution by Fire!, Ash battledShamus,Tepig'soriginal Trainer, in a Double Battle . During the battle, Tepigevolved, giving him enough power to earn victory for his new Trainer.

Pokémon the Series: XY

InBattling with Elegance and a Big Smile!,Serena battledAria in a Double Battle . During the battle, Serena'sFennekin evolved intoBraixen, allowing her andPancham to even the playing field. However, Aria had to cancel the battle because of an urgent phone call.

InAll Eyes on the Future!, Ash battledOlympia in a Double Battle at theAnistar Gym. The battle ended in Ash's victory, earning him thePsychic Badge.

Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon

InTrials and Determinations!, Ash'sgrand trial battle againstOlivia was a Double Battle. The battle eventually ended in Ash's victory, earning him aRockium Z.

InMission: Total Recall!,Gladion battledFaba in a Double Battle at a motel. The battle ended in Faba's victory after he defeated both of Gladion's Pokémon and put him asleep with hisHypno'sHypnosis.

InActing True to Form!, Ash battledKiawe in a Double Battle atPokémon School. However, the battle was called off afterAsh's Pikachu discoveredMeowth trying to stealAsh's Rowlet.

InAiming for the Top Floor!, Ash battledRyuki in a Double Battle at theKantonian Gym, eventually emerging victorious.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

InSword and Shield: "From Here to Eternatus!", Ash engagedChairman Rose in a Double Battle atHammerlocke Stadium whileLeon left to confrontEternatus. The battle concluded inthe next episode, with Ash winning thanks to his newly evolvedLucario.

InThe Future is Now, Thanks to Strategy!, Ash had a Double Battle withClemont at theLumiose Gym to try out hisSirfetch'd's newly learnedMeteor Assault. During the battle,Ash's Dracovish also ended up learningDragon Rush, earning Ash a swift victory over his formertraveling companion.

Pokémon Horizons: The Series

InThe Bittersweet Truth,Liko andMurdock had a two-on-one Double Battle againstMitchell at theMotostokeBattle Café, with Liko and Murdock using one Pokémon each against Mitchell's two. The battle ended without a clear winner, as Murdock and Mitchell started a bake-off in the middle of the match without ever finishing the battle.

InThe Rising Volt Tacklers vs. The Explorers!,Spinel confrontedFriede in a Double Battle inLaqua in an attempt to stall him. While Spinel was able to take advantage ofCaptain Pikachu'sAbility,Lightning Rod, withSkill Swap,Friede's Charizard and Cap emerged victorious, thanks to Friede's unpredictable strategies.

InTerastallization vs. Mega Evolution!, Nemona challenged Roy to a Double Battle at Naranja Academy. While Nemona held the advantage at first thanks to her strategies and support tactics, Roy was eventually able to counterattack with his own strategies. Once Lucario Mega Evolved and Pawmot Terastallized, it resulted in a clash with Lucario emerging victorious. As Nemona's Pokemon was knocked out first, she lost by default, making Roy the winner of the battle. In the same episode, Penny challenged Dot to a Double Battle using her Sylveon and Flareon.

In the next episode, Penny and Dot's Double Battle commenced, with Sylveon's Cute Charm ability detrimenting Quaxwell's performance. Dot had to get Tinkatuff to knock some sense into Quaxwell to get him back in track. After both trainers Terastallized their Pokemon, a clash of attacks ensued, but when Quaxwell's guard was down, Flareon jumped in to defeat him with Swift. Penny then won the battle by first knockout.

About a year later, inTaking the Next Steps, Liko and Diana had a Double Battle, with Meowscarada and Charcadet against Arcanine and Wash Rotom. Although Charcadet nullified Arcanine's fire-type attacks thanks to its Flash Fire ability, Meowscarada was defeated by Flare Blitz while saving Charcadet from Wash Rotom's Hydro Pump. After getting a lecture on teamwork by Diana, Charcadet then defeated Wash Rotom and learnt Fire Spin, but it was not enough as Arcanine defeated it afterwards with Extreme Speed, making Diana the winner.

Blueberry Academy Double Battle Training

Starting withHZ115, it was revealed thatBlueberry Academy has extensive training based on Double Battles.Nemona was revealed to have studied Double Battles, andAnn participated in a battle againstLacey as part of this training.Liko,Roy,Dot, andUlt also began Double Battle Training upon arriving there, where each of them participated in a double battle.

In the manga

Pokémon Adventures

Ruby & Sapphire arc

InAdding It Up with Plusle & Minun I,Ruby challenged aPlusle and aMinun aboard theAbandoned Ship.

InOn the Loose and Hyper With Zangoose and Seviper I, Ruby andSwimmer Jack battled a wildSeviper andZangoose.

InRayquaza Redemption I,Wally facedNorman in a Double Battle during his training.

InYou Can Fight Day or Night With Lunatone & Solrock,Tate and Liza explicitly stated Double Battle tactics during their battle withBlaise, but were overwhelmed by their opponent's illusions.

FireRed & LeafGreen arc

InRed and Blue Make Purple Opponents andDouble Dealing with Deoxys,Red andBlue were pitted against each other in a Double Battle byUltima as her final trial for the two before they could learn her ultimatemoves. While battling, the two Trainers had to travel through a corridor, which had two independently moving sides that changed speed and even direction depending on how muchdamage each of them dealt on their opponents. However, Red and Blue managed to reach the end of the corridor simultaneously, meaning the battle ended in a tie.

Emerald arc

InAs Luck Would Have It, Kirlia andMoving Past Milotic,Emerald faced several Double Battles against virtual Trainers during hisBattle Pike challenge.

Diamond & Pearl arc

InRing Around the Roserade II,Platinum facedGardenia in a Double Battle.

InCrowded by Croagunk & Advanced on by Abra I,Paka and Uji fought in a Double Battle againstSaturn's Pokémon.

InBombastic Bibarel & Heroic Hippopotas,Diamond andPearl challenged twoTrainers in a Double Battle at theSeven Stars Restaurant in order to winprize money.

InDramatic Drapion & Crafty Kricketune II, Diamond battled twoScientists atLake Valor to follow through on the promise he made to Paka and Uji to protect Platinum.

Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire arc

InGroudon Returns andKyogre Returns,Sapphire briefly engagedZinnia in a Double Battle.

InPS615, Ruby and Sapphire faced Zinnia in a Double Battle, withZinnia's Salamence teaming up withAster'sNoivern.

The Electric Tale of Pikachu

Similar to theanimated series, Double Battles appeared inThe Electric Tale of Pikachu before they were formally introduced in the games.

In the TCG

A 2-on-2 Battle format used to be listed in thePokémon Trading Card Game ruleset during the EX Series as an unofficial game mode[1]. Players could have up to two Active Pokémon in play (and four in the Bench), and should have the maximum number of Active Pokémon whenever possible. Only one Pokémon could attack during a player's turn, and players would choose which Active Pokémon would attack, defend or receive the effects of cards that targetted the Active spot. Some cards printed during this period also had effects that targetted both of a player's Active Pokémon for this format.

In other languages

Related articles

• Double Performance

This game mechanic article is part ofProject Games, aBulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on thePokémon games.

• Articles needing more detailed references
• Terminology
• Game mechanics
• Battle variations