Question 1

What is National Dex?

Accepted Answer

National Dex is a Smogon format that gives you access to every Pokémon across all generations, including Mega Evolutions, Z-Moves, and past-gen exclusives. It runs on Gen 9 mechanics, so Terastallization is also legal. Battles are 6v6 singles with Smogon's National Dex banlist applied.

Question 2

What are the best Pokémon in National Dex?

Accepted Answer

Top National Dex threats include Mega Medicham, Mega Lopunny, Mega Alakazam, Mega Scizor, and Mega Garchomp on the offensive end. Defensively, Ferrothorn, Toxapex, and Slowbro remain staples. Modern threats like Great Tusk and Gholdengo are also strong in the expanded pool. Mega Evolutions are central to the metagame.

Question 3

How is National Dex different from Gen 9 OU?

Accepted Answer

National Dex allows Mega Evolutions, Z-Moves, and every Pokémon ever released, while Gen 9 OU is limited to the Scarlet and Violet Pokédex with no Megas or Z-Moves. National Dex has a separate banlist maintained by Smogon's National Dex council. The two formats share Gen 9 mechanics like Terastallization.

Question 4

What Pokémon are banned in National Dex?

Accepted Answer

National Dex bans Pokémon deemed too centralising, including Mega Rayquaza, Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, Mega Mewtwo X and Y, Shadow Tag users, and others. Many Pokémon banned in standard OU are legal in National Dex because the expanded Pokémon pool provides more counterplay.

Question 5

How do I copy a National Dex team into Showdown?

Accepted Answer

Click any team card to open it, then hit the copy button. Open Pokémon Showdown, go to the Teambuilder, click "Import from text", paste the team, and save. Select Gen 9 National Dex as the format.

Question 6

How do I build a National Dex team?

Accepted Answer

Start with a Mega Evolution — Mega Medicham, Mega Lopunny, or Mega Scizor are great offensive anchors. Pair your Mega with entry hazard setters, a Defogger or Rapid Spinner for hazard removal, and pivots to bring your Mega in safely. Check the sample teams above for current team structures from the National Dex community.

Question 7

Where can I find National Dex sample teams?

Accepted Answer

This page shows National Dex teams shared on crob.at by the community. You can also find official sample teams on the Smogon National Dex forum, the Pokémon Showdown Teambuilder under National Dex, and resources posted by National Dex council members.

National Dex Teams for Pokémon Showdown

Frequently Asked Questions