Within the Battle Spot option of the PSS, which allows for random battles with other players, for both Free and Rating Battles there is a mode called Special Battles. Special Battles contain unique rulesets that change with each Battle season on the Pokémon Global Link and this page is to archive all of the rulesets introduced within Special Battle

Season 1

Battle Period: November 18th 2016 - January 16th 2017
Battle Type: Single Battle
Pokémon Restrictions: Alola Pokédex - Allows for Solgaleo, Lunala, Magearna & Ash-Greninja

The first season runs with a special Single Battle ruleset which will allow for the use of Solgaleo, Lunala, Magearna & Ash-Greninja, which can't be used in standard Rating Battles. No items are allowed

Season 2

Battle Period: January 17th 2017 - March 20th 2017
Battle type: Single Battle
Pokémon Restrictions: National Pokédex.
Banned Pokémon: Only 1 of the following can be used per team Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Magearna
The other standard rules apply, including all set to Level 50 if above that, and you choose 3 Pokémon out of your 6, and you cannot have two Pokémon holding the same hold item.

This is a special Battle ruleset where all Pokémon are usable, but you can only use one Legendary or Mythical Pokémon in your team. Pokémon transferred from all generations are allowed

Season 3

Battle Period: March 21st 2017 - May 15th 2017
Battle type: Single Battle
Pokémon Restrictions: National Pokédex.
Banned Pokémon: Mewtwo, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Magearna
Item Restrictions: All Pokémon have to hold Z-Crystals
The other standard rules apply, including all set to Level 50 if above that, and you choose 3 Pokémon out of your 6, and you cannot have two Pokémon holding the same hold item.

This is a special Battle ruleset where all Pokémon except the Legednary and Mythical Pokémon are restricted, but all Pokémon need to be holding Z-Crystals

Season 4

Battle Period: May 16th 2017 - July 17th 2017
Battle type: Single Battle
Pokémon Restrictions: National Pokédex.
Banned Pokémon: Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Magearna, Ash-Greninja
Item Restrictions: Mega Stones, Focus Sash, Z-Crystals and Eviolite are banned
The other standard rules apply, including all set to Level 50 if above that, and you choose 1 Pokémon out of your 6, and you cannot have two Pokémon holding the same hold item. Battles have a 5 minute duration, with turns having a 15 second timer

This ruleset requires you to bring up to 6 Pokémon to the selection screen, but you only bring 1 Pokémon to the battle. Mega Stones, Focus Sash, Z-Crystals and Eviolite are banned

Season 5

Battle Period: July 18th 2017 - September 12th 2017
Battle type: Single Inverse Battle
Pokémon Restrictions: National Pokédex.
Banned Pokémon: Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Magearna, Marshadow,Ash-Greninja
The other standard rules apply, including all set to Level 50 if above that, and you choose 3 Pokémon out of your 6, and you cannot have two Pokémon holding the same hold item. Battles have a 10 minute duration, with turns having a 60 second timer. Pokémon need to be from X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun or Moon
The other standard rules apply, including all set to Level 50 if above that, and you choose 3 Pokémon out of your 6, and you cannot have two Pokémon holding the same hold item.

This is a special Battle ruleset where Inverse Battles are used

Season 7

Battle Period: November 17th 2017 - January 23rd 2018
Battle Type: Single Battle
Pokémon Restrictions: Alola Pokédex

The first season runs with a special Single Battle ruleset which will allow for the use of the brand new Alola Pokédex

Season 8

Battle Period: January 24th 2018 - March 15th 2018
Battle type: Single Battle
Pokémon Restrictions: National Pokédex. No more than 1 of Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Magearna, and Marshadow.

The second season runs with a special Single Battle ruleset which will allow for the use of the brand new National Pokédex and 1 Legendary or Mythical Pokémon

Season 9

Battle Period: March 16th 2018 - May 14th 2018
Battle type: Double Battle
Pokémon Restrictions: National Pokédex. No Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Magearna, and Marshadow.
Item Restrictions: No Z-Crystals, Mega Stones or Eviolite

The third season runs with a special Single Battle ruleset which will allow for the use of the National Pokédex with a twist of only allowing you to pick 2 of your 6 Pokémon in battle

Season 10

Battle Period: May 15th 2018 - July 10th 2018
Battle type: Double Battle - Inverse Battles
Pokémon Restrictions: National Pokédex. No Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Magearna, and Marshadow.

The fourth season runs with a special Double Battle ruleset which will allow for the use of the National Pokédex with a twist of running the Inverse Battle type chart

Season 10

Battle Period: July 11th 2018 - September 3rd 2018
Battle type: Single Battle
Pokémon Restrictions: National Pokédex. No Mewtwo, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Arceus, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Xerneas, Yveltal, Solgaleo, Lunala, Dusk Mane Necrozma, and Dawn Wings Necrozma cannot be used..

The eleventh season runs with a special Single Battle ruleset that allows for the use of Mythical Pokémon

Season 12

Battle Period: September 4th 2018 - November 6th 2018
Battle type: Single Battle
Pokémon Restrictions: National Pokédex. Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, Mewtwo, Mew, Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Regirock, Regice, Registeel, Latias, Latios, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf, Dialga, Palkia, Heatran, Regigigas, Giratina, Cresselia, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Cobalion, Terrakion, Virizion, Tornadus, Thundurus, Reshiram, Zekrom, Landorus, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Type: Null, Silvally, Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, Tapu Fini, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Nihilego, Buzzwole, Pheromosa, Xurkitree, Celesteela, Kartana, Guzzlord, Necrozma, Magearna, Marshadow, Poipole, Naganadel, Stakataka, Blacephalon, Zeraora, and Ash-Greninja cannot be used.
Banned Items: Mega Stones

The twelfth season runs with a special Single Battle ruleset. This ruleset bans usage of any Sub-Legenday (including Ultra Beasts), Legendary and Mythical Pokémon. It also blocks the use of Mega Stones

Season 13

Battle Period: November 6th 2018 - January 8th 2019
Battle type: Double Battle
Pokémon Restrictions: Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, Mewtwo, Mew, Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Regirock, Regice, Registeel, Latias, Latios, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf, Dialga, Palkia, Heatran, Regigigas, Giratina, Cresselia, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Cobalion, Terrakion, Virizion, Tornadus, Thundurus, Reshiram, Zekrom, Landorus, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Type: Null, Silvally, Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, Tapu Fini, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Nihilego, Buzzwole, Pheromosa, Xurkitree, Celesteela, Kartana, Guzzlord, Necrozma, Magearna, Marshadow, Poipole, Naganadel, Stakataka, Blacephalon, and Zeraora only

The thirteenth season runs with a special Double Battle ruleset. This ruleset only allows Legendary (including Ultra Beasts) or Mythical Pokémon

Season 14

Battle Period: January 8th 2019 - April 2nd 2019
Battle type: Single Battle
Pokémon Restrictions: Pokémon Restrictions: Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Magearna, Marshadow, Zeraora, and Ash-Greninja may not be used.
Item Restrictions: Berries only

The fourteenth season runs with a special Single Battle ruleset. This ruleset only allows Pokémon to hold Berries

Season 15

Battle Period: April 2nd 2019 - June 17th 2019
Battle type: Single Battle
Pokémon Restrictions: Only Clefairy, Clefable, Mankey, Primeape, Poliwhirl, Poliwrath, Abra, Kadabra, Alakazam, Machop, Machoke, Machamp, Geodude, Graveler, Golem, Gengar, Drowzee, Hypno, Hitmonlee, Hitmonchan, Chansey, Mr. Mime, Jynx, Electabuzz, Magmar, Snorlax, Mew, Cleffa, Togepi, Togetic, Politoed, Aipom, Snubbull, Granbull, Teddiursa, Ursaring, Smeargle, Smoochum, Miltank, Blissey, Celebi, Ludicolo, Makuhita, Hariyama, Sableye, Meditite, Medicham, Plusle, Minun, Volbeat, Illumise, Spinda, Kecleon, Banette, Jirachi, Ambipom, Happiny, Munchlax, Electivire, Magmortar, Togekiss. Attack Restrictions: Metronome only Item Restrictions: No Mega Stones

The fifteenth season runs with a special Single Battle ruleset. This ruleset only allows Pokémon that know Metronome

Season 16

Battle Period: June 18th 2019 - September 3rd 2019
Battle type: Single Battle
Pokémon Restrictions: No Venusaur, Charizard, Cloyster, Gengar, Kangaskhan, Gyarados, Snorlax, Zapdos, Dragonite, Azumarill, Scizor, Skarmory, Porygon2, Tyranitar, Blaziken, Breloom, Mawile, Salamence, Metagross, Garchomp, Lucario, Hippowdon, Gliscor, Mamoswine, Rotom, Heatran, Serperior, Excadrill, Ferrothorn, Hydreigon, Volcarona, Thundurus, Landorus, Greninja, Aegislash, Toxapex, Mimikyu, Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Fini, Celesteela, Kartana, and Naganadel or Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Magearna, Marshadow, Zeraora, and Ash-Greninja.

The sixteenth season runs with a special Single Battle ruleset. This ruleset only allows Pokémon haven't ranked in top 30 during Seasons 7 to 15 in Single Battles

Season 17

Battle Period: September 3rd 2019 - November 25th 2019
Battle type: Single Battle
Pokémon Restrictions: No Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Magearna, Marshadow, Zeraora, and Ash-Greninja.
Banned Moves: Sonic Boom, Dragon Rage

The seventeenth season runs with a special Single Battle ruleset. This ruleset bans Pokémon over Level 1 and fixed damage moves