In Pokémon Champions, you do not catch Pokémon: you recruit them. The Recruitment Ranch, run by Rucola, regularly offers a selection of Pokémon that you can try for free or recruit permanently.

How the Ranch Works

The Ranch presents a selection of Pokémon drawn from a predefined list specific to the current regulation. A new selection arrives for free every 22 hours. You can get it sooner by spending VP or Speed Vouchers: each voucher saves an hour, so you need 22 for an immediate new selection.

Before recruiting, you can see each Pokémon’s current stats and moves. All of this can be changed later in training.

A new selection of Pokémon at the Recruitment Ranch.
The sheet of an offered Pokémon: its stat points, ability and moves.

The Ranch Pokémon

According to Serebii, the offered Pokémon have two stats already maxed out, as well as a random stat alignment (Nature), ability and moves. They also have a small chance of carrying a special mark or being Shiny.

Trial or Permanent Recruitment

Trial recruitmentPermanent recruitment
CostFree (0 VP)2,500 VP or a Permanent Recruitment Ticket
Duration7 daysUnlimited
FrequencyOnce a dayAs often as your VP and Box allow
TrainingNot possible during the trialAll options
Box spaceNot applicableRequired
The choice between trial recruitment and permanent recruitment.

Steering Encounters

Affinity Tickets, earned through achievements, are used when you ask for a new selection. They increase your chances of meeting Pokémon of a specific type (Fire, Dragon, Fairy…) or a given Poké Ball (Repeat Ball, Luxury Ball, Dusk Ball…). They guarantee nothing, and are consumed on use: save them for the day you are looking for a specific Pokémon.

Special Ranches

In addition to the usual Ranch, which follows the current regulation, special selections accompany certain events and online competitions. They require specific tickets.
SelectionPeriod
Regular selection M-CSeptember 9 → December 2, 2026
Special selection Global Challenge 2027September 18 → 28, 2026
Commemorative selection 2026 WorldsAugust 24 → September 9, 2026
Regular selection M-BJune 17 → September 9, 2026
Special selection Global Challenge 2026April 24 → May 4, 2026
Regular selection M-AApril 8 → June 17, 2026

Dates as recorded by Serebii.

Recruit or Transfer?

Pokémon from your other games can also join Champions via Pokémon HOME, if they are among the allowed Pokémon. It is often the most economical way to get a specific Pokémon, with its ability and Nature already chosen. See Pokémon HOME.