Obscuros Battle Styles

Competitive battles (player vs player) for the most part follow the Obscuros OU format. It currently follows Smogon's Gen 8 National Dex OU, however is being redesigned to fit Obscuros's meta more specifically. Be sure to check this page before any competitive battles in Obscuros, and for discussion, check out the **#competitive** channel in our Discord.

## Battle Standards

* Opponents are expected to be **respectful** towards each other and show good sportsmanship
* **Team Preview is always on** - this allows opponents to know what Pokémon the other is bringing into battle. A standard of competitive play (note that Gym Leaders can choose to not enable team preview on an individual level)
* Levels all raise to 100 temporarily for competitive battles, so your Pokémon to not need to be level 100
* Challengers are expected to put forth a **reasonable effort** to win, in order to avoid wasting their opponent's time. This generally **should not be an issue**, but avoid such things as bringing less than a full party of Pokémon (or half if that format is being used), or bringing all very weak Pokémon. Challengers that do not abide this in tournaments will be forfeited and/or not receive participation prizes. Repeat offenders may be barred from future tournaments.

## Most Common Battle Format - Obscuros OU

Obscuros OU, for the most part, utilizes **Smogon's Gen 8 National Dex OU list for banned Pokémon/moves/items/abilities**.

For a full list of bans and guidelines, see the Obscuros OU page.

## Special Gyms

### The Serenity Gym

Serenity is a Special Gym, built and run by Noctea. Serenity has it's own ruleset, which follows the spirit of Generation 7's Uber tier. As National Dex Uber tier does not exist, the ruleset in place allow for all Pokémon to be played, while also adhering to the above-listed Standard Battle clauses. Additionally, another clause is added:

* **Mega Rayquaza Clause:** Rayquaza is not permitted to Mega Evolve.

### Pokémon Contest Gym

Contest Hall is a Special Gym, originally run by ImNotus. Contest Hall uses a special battle style, referred to as a Contest Battle. Contest Battles follow the NationalDex OU rules, in addition to it's own special rules, which include the following:

* **Contest Rule:** Pokémon cannot repeat a move unless they have used all their moves at least once.
* **3v3 Battle:** Players may only use three Pokémon in a Contest Battle.
* **Four Moves:** All Pokémon must know four moves.
* **Choice Banned:** The items Choice Scarf, Choice Specs, and Choice Band cannot be held by Pokémon.

### Pokémon Stadium Gym

Pokémon Stadium is a Special Gym, originally run by NyxGoddess. Pokémon Stadium is meant to replicate different battle type from the official game of the same name, and originally was meant to specifically use a Little Cup variant as it's format.

As more details are officially decided, more information will be added to this section.

## Special Tournament Types

While most official tournaments follow the NationalDex OU rules, there are many other possible variants that can be implemented.

### Type Lock

Type Lock follows the NationalDex OU rules, but puts heavy limitations on the types of Pokémon that are allowed. These choices are often thematic, dealing with a nearby holiday or event. An example would be the December 2020 event, *"Type Lock: Ice, Fairy, Electric, Grass."* These types are meant to invoke a festive feel around the holiday season. In the example listed, only Pokémon that are OU or lower tier are allowed, and must also be atleast one of the listed types.