The Nightfall Cup

Get ready for a new challenge beginning on December 1st! With it comes a new chance to prove your skill and increase your global and local player ranking! The Nightfall Cup - an epic battle fought under the dark of night - follows the same basic rules as all Silph Arena global cups, but this month it comes with a special twist! Here's what you need to know:

What Is The Nightfall Cup?

Each month the Silph Arena holds a month-long Cup - a 'themed' PvP tournament - that provides tens of thousands of trainers around the world a specially-designed competitive challenge and a chance to prove they're the very best. The Silph Arena is the world's largest global network for ranked Pokémon GO^TM tournament play.

During the Cup (December 1^st - December 31^st), local Silph League communities host and record a special tournament using the free Silph.gg tools. Wins and losses in this local tournament affect your player rank on local and global leaderboards - and may eventually even earn you an invitation to compete at Regionals and even the Continental or World Championships held at the end of the season!

All players are welcome to compete, whether it's your first tournament or your hundredth! Find a local tournament near you on the Tournament Map!

Reminder: only remote events are permitted through December!

Nightfall Cup Rules

The Nightfall Cup has a few special rules (designed to provide added challenge and fun) that differ from standard PvP combat in Pokemon GO:

• Team of 6: Competitors will bring a team of 6 Pokemon (and register them before the tournament begins). All battle parties used must be comprised of these 6 Pokemon.
• Great League: Matches are played in Great League: only Pokemon up to 1500 CP are permitted in the Cup.
• Nightfall Types: Only Pokémon with Ice, Fighting, Ground, Normal, and Poison types (including dual types) are allowed.
  • Mega Pokémon are not eligible to use in the Nightfall Cup.
• Eligible List: What follows is the official list of exactly which species are permitted for use in the Nightfall Cup:

  Gen 1

  #1

  #2

  #3

  #13

  #14

  #15

  #16

  #17

  #18

  #19

  #20

  #21

  #22

  #23

  #24

  #27

  #28

  #29

  #30

  #31

  #32

  #33

  #34

  #39

  #40

  #41

  #42

  #43

  #44

  #45

  #48

  #49

  #50

  #51

  #52

  #53

  #56

  #57

  #62

  #66

  #67

  #68

  #69

  #70

  #71

  #72

  #73

  #74

  #75

  #76

  #83

  #84

  #85

  #87

  #88

  #89

  #91

  #92

  #93

  #94

  #95

  #104

  #105

  #106

  #107

  #108

  #109

  #110

  #111

  #112

  #113

  #115

  #124

  #128

  #131

  #133

  #137

  #143

  #144

  Gen 2

  #161

  #162

  #163

  #164

  #167

  #168

  #169

  #174

  #190

  #194

  #195

  #203

  #206

  #207

  #208

  #211

  #214

  #215

  #216

  #217

  #220

  #221

  #225

  #231

  #232

  #233

  #234

  #236

  #237

  #238

  #241

  #242

  #246

  #247

  Gen 3

  #256

  #257

  #259

  #260

  #263

  #264

  #269

  #276

  #277

  #286

  #287

  #288

  #289

  #290

  #293

  #294

  #295

  #296

  #297

  #298

  #300

  #301

  #307

  #308

  #315

  #316

  #317

  #322

  #323

  #327

  #328

  #329

  #330

  #333

  #335

  #336

  #339

  #340

  #343

  #344

  #351

  #351

  #352

  #361

  #362

  #363

  #364

  #365

  #378

  #382

  #383

  Gen 4

  #389

  #391

  #392

  #396

  #397

  #398

  #399

  #400

  #406

  #407

  #413

  #423

  #423

  #424

  #427

  #428

  #431

  #432

  #434

  #435

  #440

  #441

  #443

  #444

  #445

  #446

  #447

  #448

  #449

  #450

  #451

  #452

  #453

  #454

  #459

  #460

  #461

  #463

  #464

  #471

  #472

  #473

  #474

  #475

  #478

  #486

  Gen 5

  #499

  #500

  #504

  #505

  #506

  #507

  #508

  #519

  #520

  #521

  #529

  #530

  #531

  #532

  #533

  #534

  #536

  #537

  #538

  #539

  #543

  #544

  #545

  #551

  #552

  #553

  #559

  #560

  #568

  #569

  #572

  #573

  #582

  #583

  #584

  #585

  #585

  #585

  #585

  #586

  #586

  #586

  #586

  #590

  #591

  #613

  #614

  #615

  #618

  #619

  #620

  #622

  #623

  #626

  #627

  #628

  #638

  #639

  #640

  #645

  #645

  #646

  #647

  #648

  Gen 6

  #652

  #659

  #660

  #661

  #667

  #668

  #674

  #675

  #676

  #676

  #676

  #676

  #676

  #676

  #676

  #676

  #676

  #676

  #690

  #691

  #694

  #695

  #698

  #699

  #712

  #713

  Gen 7

  #19

  #20

  #27

  #28

  #37

  #38

  #50

  #51

  #88

  #89

  #731

  #732

  #733

  #734

  #735

  #739

  #740

  #747

  #748

  #757

  #758

  #759

  #760

  #765

  #783

  #784

  #793

  #794

  #795

  Gen 8

  #80

  #83

  #110

  #122

  #145

  #199

  #211

  #215

  #263

  #264

  #554

  #555

  #562

  #618

  #713

  #819

  #820

  #831

  #832

  #862

  #865

  #866

  #867

  #870

  #889

  #901

  #903

  #904

  And in text form:

  • Abomasnow, Aipom, Alolan Vulpix, Amaura, Ambipom, Amoonguss, Arbok, Ariados, Articuno, Audino, Aurorus, Avalugg, Azurill, Baltoy, Barboach, Beartic, Beedrill, Bellsprout, Bergmite, Bewear, Bibarel, Bidoof, Blaziken, Blissey, Bouffalant, Braviary, Breloom, Budew, Bulbasaur, Buneary, Bunnelby, Buzzwole, Camerupt, Chansey, Chatot, Chesnaught, Cinccino, Claydol, Cloyster, Cobalion, Combusken, Conkeldurr, Crabominable, Crabrawler, Croagunk, Crobat, Cryogonal, Cubchoo, Cubone, Deerling (Autumn Form), Deerling (Spring Form), Deerling (Summer Form), Deerling (Winter Form), Delcatty, Delibird, Dewgong, Diggersby, Diglett, Diglett (Alolan), Dodrio, Doduo, Donphan, Dragalge, Drapion, Drilbur, Dubwool, Dugtrio, Dugtrio (Alolan), Dunsparce, Dustox, Eevee, Ekans, Emboar, Excadrill, Exploud, Falinks, Farfetch’d, Fearow, Fletchling, Flygon, Foongus, Froslass, Furfrou, Furfrou (Dandy Trim), Furfrou (Debutante Trim), Furfrou (Diamond Trim), Furfrou (Heart Trim), Furfrou (Kabuki Trim), Furfrou (La Reine Trim), Furfrou (Matron Trim), Furfrou (Pharaoh Trim), Furfrou (Star Trim), Furret, Gabite, Galarian Darmanitan, Galarian Darumaka, Galarian Farfetch’d, Galarian Linoone, Galarian Mr. Mime, Galarian Slowbro, Galarian Slowking, Galarian Stunfisk, Galarian Yamask, Galarian Zapdos, Galarian Zigzagoon, Gallade, Garbodor, Garchomp, Gastly, Gastrodon (East Sea), Gastrodon (West Sea), Gengar, Geodude, Gible, Girafarig, Glaceon, Glalie, Glameow, Gligar, Gliscor, Gloom, Golbat, Golem, Golett, Golurk, Graveler, Greedent, Grimer, Grimer (Alolan), Groudon, Gulpin, Gumshoos, Gurdurr, Hakamo-o, Happiny, Hariyama, Haunter, Heliolisk, Helioptile, Heracross, Herdier, Hippopotas, Hippowdon, Hisuian Avalugg, Hisuian Qwilfish, Hisuian Sneasel, Hitmonchan, Hitmonlee, Hitmontop, Hoothoot, Igglybuff, Infernape, Ivysaur, Jigglypuff, Jynx, Kakuna, Kangaskhan, Kecleon, Keldeo, Koffing, Kommo-o, Krokorok, Krookodile, Kyurem, Landorus (Incarnate Forme), Landorus (Therian Forme), Lapras, Larvitar, Lickilicky, Lickitung, Lillipup, Linoone, Litleo, Lopunny, Loudred, Lucario, Machamp, Machoke, Machop, Makuhita, Mamoswine, Mankey, Mareanie, Marowak, Marshtomp, Medicham, Meditite, Meloetta (Aria Forme), Meowth, Mienfoo, Mienshao, Miltank, Minccino, Monferno, Mr. Rime, Muk, Muk (Alolan), Munchlax, Nidoking, Nidoqueen, Nidoran♀, Nidoran♂, Nidorina, Nidorino, Nihilego, Nincada, Ninetales (Alolan), Noctowl, Normal Castform, Numel, Obstagoon, Oddish, Onix, Oranguru, Overqwil, Palpitoad, Pancham, Pangoro, Patrat, Persian, Phanpy, Pheromosa, Pidgeot, Pidgeotto, Pidgey, Pidove, Pignite, Pikipek, Piloswine, Poliwrath, Porygon, Porygon-Z, Porygon2, Primal Groudon, Primeape, Pupitar, Purugly, Pyroar, Quagsire, Qwilfish, Raticate, Raticate (Alolan), Rattata, Rattata (Alolan), Regice, Regigigas, Rhydon, Rhyhorn, Rhyperior, Riolu, Roselia, Roserade, Rufflet, Runerigus, Salandit, Salazzle, Sandile, Sandshrew, Sandshrew (Alolan), Sandslash, Sandslash (Alolan), Sawk, Sawsbuck (Autumn Form), Sawsbuck (Spring Form), Sawsbuck (Summer Form), Sawsbuck (Winter Form), Scolipede, Scrafty, Scraggy, Sealeo, Seismitoad, Sentret, Seviper, Sirfetchd, Skitty, Skorupi, Skrelp, Skuntank, Skwovet, Slaking, Slakoth, Smoochum, Sneasel, Sneasler, Snorlax, Snorunt, Snover, Snowy Castform, Spearow, Spheal, Spinarak, Spinda, Stantler, Staraptor, Staravia, Starly, Steelix, Stoutland, Stufful, Stunfisk, Stunky, Swablu, Swalot, Swampert, Swellow, Swinub, Taillow, Tauros, Teddiursa, Tentacool, Tentacruel, Terrakion, Throh, Timburr, Torterra, Toucannon, Toxapex, Toxicroak, Tranquill, Trapinch, Trubbish, Trumbeak, Tyrogue, Unfezant, Ursaluna, Ursaring, Vanillish, Vanillite, Vanilluxe, Venipede, Venomoth, Venonat, Venusaur, Vibrava, Victreebel, Vigoroth, Vileplume, Virizion, Walrein, Watchog, Weavile, Weedle, Weepinbell, Weezing, Weezing (Galarian), Whirlipede, Whiscash, Whismur, Wigglytuff, Wooloo, Wooper, Wormadam (Sandy Cloak), Yungoos, Zamazenta (Hero of Many Battles), Zangoose, Zigzagoon, Zubat
• No Duplicates: Only one of each Pokemon species is permitted on your team of 6. (No species duplicates!)
• Arena Rules will be followed in all other particulars.

Take a moment to review the Arena Rules linked above. The rules have been updated for the new Competitive PvP Season, make sure you’re familiar with all of the changes!

How to Compete

Registration for the December Cup will become available to local community leaders on November 21^st, 2020 - but Nightfall Cups must be scheduled for dates between December 1^st and December 31^st, 2020. Find a Cup tournament near you via the Tournament Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Community Leader Questions:

How Do I Host a Nightfall Cup Tournament in My Community?

Simply log in to Silph.gg with an authorized Community Leader account and create a Cup tournament on your community management page. You will be given an RSVP url to share with your community and, on the day of the tournament, a join code to confirm your tournament's registrants. For a guide to setting up your tournament on Silph.gg, click here.

How Do I Become Authorized to Host Tournaments on Silph.gg?

All Silph League Discord community admins simply need to add themselves as 'Tournament Admins' via the Discord @SilphRoad bot:

• On Discord, use the @SilphRoad add-tournament-admin @username#0000 command in your #silph-league channel. (You may need to log out of Silph.gg and back in again!)

Telegram channel and group admins are automatically authorized on Silph.gg.

Can I host multiple Nightfall Cups in my community in December?

Yes. However, only one Nightfall Cup will have significant impact in the participant’s Global Ranking. Participants can choose at at any point before they report their final round if they want that specific Cup to be weighted more heavily than the others.

Does the Nightfall Cup have to be hosted on a specific date?

Any date between December 1^st and December 31^st, 2020 is a valid date to hold your community's Nightfall Cup. The tournament registration page will not allow registering your Cup for an invalid date or time - so as long as you are able to create your tournament on Silph.gg, you will know it is set for a valid date.

I am a community leader of a Facebook Group (or other platform like Slack, Line, etc). How do I host the Nightfall Cup Cup for my community?

The Arena team is working quickly to enable non-Discord/Telegram communities to host the Cup. Stay tuned for news on this front!

Participant Questions:

How Do I Join a Nightfall Cup Tournament in My Community?

Find a local Cup being hosted by a community near you via the Tournament Map and read the event details on the event's RSVP page!

How Important Are Monthly Cups for My Player Rank?

Very. The vast majority of player rank in the Arena is derived from performance in the global, standardized Cups. (This is because Cups allow the Arena to observe the same controlled competitive scenarios for each player!)

Why is the Nightfall Cup played in Great League?

Great League (max 1500cp) provides a diverse, new playing field with many options for creative, competitive teams. It also allows more casual players to join tournaments at meetups without being completely unable to compete with level 40 trainers who often sport the same level 40 Legendary Pokemon. Great League also marks immediately irrelevant much of the amassed arsenal of those who manipulate their GPS location ('spoof') to circumvent in-game mechanic limiters and acquire unnatural advantages.

Where can I learn more about global player ranking?

You can learn more about Global Player Rankings by reading our Guide to Player Rank.

About the 2020-2021 Competitive Season »