Regulation I · 2026 · Dual-Restricted Format

Restricted
Pairs Guide

In Regulation I, the most critical decision isn’t which legendary — it’s which <strong class="text-white">pair</strong>. This guide breaks down the most viable combinations from 231 possibilities and the synergy behind each.

Pair Evaluation Framework (6 Axes)

Type Coverage×2

Do the two restricted share critical weaknesses? Does one cover the other’s gaps?

Speed Interaction×1.5

Does the pair need Tailwind? Is TR mode viable? Do speed EVs conflict between the two?

Offensive Mode×1.5

Physical+Special vs dual attacker. Can they hit both high-Defense and high-SpDef walls simultaneously?

Weather/Terrain×1

Does one restricted provide weather or terrain that the other benefits from? (e.g., Sun triggering Protosynthesis)

Support Efficiency×1

How many support slots does the pair require? Simpler needs = more flexible team composition.

Ghost Immunity×1

Does the pair answer Normal-types that are immune to Ghost moves (blocking Astral Barrage)?

Score Formula
Synergy = 70 + (type×2) + (speed×1.5) + (mode×1.5) − (shared weak ×8) − (4× shared ×15) + (immunity ×5)
#1S-Tier

Calyrex-Shadow + Koraidon

Usage ~24%
82/100
Synergy Score
Dark, Fairy
Shared Weaknesses
~24%
Reg I Usage

The #1 pair in Regulation I. Sun boosts Koraidon’s physical output while Calyrex-Shadow provides unparalleled special pressure from turn 1. No defensive Pokémon resists both Ghost and Fighting/Fire simultaneously.

Core Strengths
✓ Auto-Sun + Astral Barrage
✓ Physical+Special dual nuke
✓ Protosynthesis activation
Recommended Support
IncineroarTornadusAmoongussFlutter Mane
#2S-Tier

Calyrex-Shadow + Kyogre

Usage ~18%
79/100
Synergy Score
None!
Shared Weaknesses
~18%
Reg I Usage

Zero shared weaknesses is the defining strength. Rain removes Calyrex-Shadow’s Ground weakness while Kyogre absorbs Earthquakes. Origin Pulse + Astral Barrage creates an oppressive spread damage loop with no safe switch-in.

Core Strengths
✓ No shared weaknesses
✓ Dual special nukes
✓ Rain removes Ground weakness
Recommended Support
IncineroarAmoongussFarigirafTornadus
#3S-Tier

Calyrex-Shadow + Zacian

Usage ~12%
76/100
Synergy Score
None!
Shared Weaknesses
~12%
Reg I Usage

Zacian’s Steel/Fairy directly answers Dark-types that wall Astral Barrage. Intrepid Sword grants +1 Attack on entry. Both legendaries run 252 Speed, giving the pair complete Speed coverage without Tailwind in most matchups.

Core Strengths
✓ Steel covers Dark weakness
✓ Both max-Speed
✓ Fairy destroys Dragon resists
Recommended Support
IncineroarTornadusAmoonguss
#4A-Tier

Calyrex-Shadow + Calyrex-Ice

Usage ~8%
71/100
Synergy Score
Dark, Ghost
Shared Weaknesses
~8%
Reg I Usage

The "Twin Crown" pair operates in two completely different modes. Calyrex-Shadow + Tailwind is a high-speed offensive mode; Calyrex-Ice + Trick Room is a slow control mode. Opponents cannot prepare for both simultaneously.

Core Strengths
✓ Dual-mode (fast + TR)
✓ Opponent cannot prep both
✓ S-tier in respective modes
Recommended Support
IncineroarCresseliaAmoonguss
#5A-Tier

Koraidon + Kyogre

Usage ~7%
68/100
Synergy Score
None!
Shared Weaknesses
~7%
Reg I Usage

Unique anti-meta pair: whichever legendary is on field controls the weather. The strategy forces opponents to commit to one weather answer, then pivot to the other legendary when they bring their counter.

Core Strengths
✓ Dual weather forcing
✓ Physical+Special split
✓ Each counters the other’s weakness
Recommended Support
IncineroarAmoongussTornadus

Calculate Your Pair’s Synergy Score

Use the PokeStats Pair Analyzer to select any two Regulation I restricted legendaries and get instant weakness matrices, speed comparisons, and synergy scoring.

Pair AnalyzerTeam Builder (Weakness Check)Regulation I Full Guide