In Pokémon Colosseum, almost every battle is played with two Pokémon against two. This format, introduced by Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, changes strategy profoundly: spread moves, Abilities and synergy between partners become decisive. Here is our advice for mastering it.
The rules of Double Battles
- Each Trainer sends out two Pokémon at a time. When one faints, a replacement comes in right away, as long as any are left.
- Some moves hit both opponents (Razor Leaf, Gust, Icy Wind, Growl…), others hit every Pokémon on the field, including your partner (Earthquake, Surf, Explosion…).
- A move that targets several Pokémon has its damage reduced, but is often still more worthwhile than a single-target move.
- You can support your partner: Helping Hand boosts the power of its attack, Follow Me draws the opponents’ attacks onto the user.
Pairing your two Pokémon well
| Duo | Why it works |
|---|---|
| A Flying-type or Levitate Pokémon + an Earthquake user | Earthquake hits the whole field, but spares your immune partner |
| A Surf user + a Water- or Grass-type Pokémon | Your partner resists your own attack |
| A slow, sturdy Pokémon + Helping Hand | The power of the partner’s attack is increased by half |
| Espeon + Umbreon | The two starter Pokémon cover each other: Psychic to strike, Dark to take hits and resist Psychic attacks |
Priority targets
- The Pokémon that can ruin everything: the one that knows Explosion, a sleep move or a powerful spread move.
- The Shadow Pokémon you want to catch, last: knock out its partner first so you can throw your Poké Balls safely.
- The fragile Pokémon: focusing two attacks on the same target eliminates an opponent every turn.
Moves that shine in doubles
- Earthquake, Surf, Sandstorm, Heat Wave: heavy damage on several targets.
- Helping Hand, Follow Me, Heal Bell: support moves, which several Shadow Pokémon get back once purified.
- Protect: shields one Pokémon while its partner acts.
- Rain Dance and Sunny Day: change the weather for both sides, to the benefit of a team built around it.
For all the other tips, see our tips; for the tournaments, Battle Mode.
