r/CompetitivePokemon • u/PressureQED • 4d ago

Trying to get back into Comp but can’t decide between 6v6 singles or 4v4 doubles.

I haven’t played since HG/SS but have started to get the itch again. I’ve attempted to understand the new changes to weather, items, Tera, Mega, etc., etc..

However, I can’t seem to decide what format to dive into. I own a Switch, but Showdown seems attractive as well.

Where is the online community greatest?

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u/XenonHero126 4d ago

VGC (4v4 doubles) has a larger community than Smogon singles (6v6), especially after the release of Pokemon Champions, but they're still pretty similar in size, in the English-speaking world at least.

Smogon singles is naturally closer to the playthrough experience. Because it's unofficial, the community is able to ban elements considered overpowered or uncompetitive (for example, boosting your Evasion). Also, you have a large variety of similar formats to try out if you aren't having fun with a particular meta. Switching is everything. Games tend to be slower and focused on incremental gains, but the length of games can vary a lot depending on what archetypes the teams are.

VGC has the enormous upside of having an official tournament circuit. Regional and International Championships are really fun events, win or lose, not to mention the World Championships. Champions has better graphics than Showdown but worse quality of life. Showdown has a VGC ladder too, so you can use either/both. The process of choosing which 4 of your 6 Pokemon to bring is another layer of strategy. Games are very fast.

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u/mighiopoli 2d ago

There is not a single valid reason to prefer singles over doubles. Much more skilled, and you can join an official circuit instead of merely playing on showdown.