Pokemon Team Builder

Build your team for Pokemon Colosseum. Click on any Pokemon below to add it to your team. Share your team with friends and have fun exploring the Orre region and saving Shadow Pokemon!

Blue tally marks indicate resistances, immunities, or STAB coverage. Red tally marks indicate weakness.

About Pokemon Colosseum

Pokemon Colosseum is a unique RPG adventure released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2003 (Japan) and 2004 (North America). Unlike traditional Pokemon games, Colosseum features a mature story set in the Orre region, where trainers must snag and purify Shadow Pokemon from the evil organization Team Cipher. Our Pokemon Team Builder helps you plan your team for this unique double-battle focused adventure.

Game Overview

Pokemon Colosseum revolutionized the Pokemon series by introducing Shadow Pokemon, a new mechanic where certain Pokemon have their hearts closed, preventing them from leveling up or following commands properly. The game focuses exclusively on Double Battles, requiring trainers to think strategically about team synergy and partner Pokemon. Unlike traditional Pokemon games, you cannot catch wild Pokemon in the grass - instead, you must snag Shadow Pokemon from enemy trainers using the Snag Machine.

Unique Features of Colosseum

Pokemon Colosseum introduced several revolutionary features that make it unique among Pokemon games:

  • Shadow Pokemon System - Special Pokemon with closed hearts that must be purified before they can level up or follow commands properly
  • Snagging Mechanics - Use the Snag Machine to capture Shadow Pokemon from enemy trainers during battles
  • Double Battle Exclusive - Every battle in Colosseum is a Double Battle, requiring different strategies than traditional single battles
  • Purification Process - Shadow Pokemon must be purified by battling with them, walking with them, or using special items to restore their hearts
  • RPG Story Mode - A mature, story-driven adventure rather than the traditional gym leader challenge structure
  • Orre Region - A desert region with a unique atmosphere and no wild Pokemon encounters in the traditional sense
  • No Wild Pokemon - Unlike mainline games, you cannot catch wild Pokemon by walking in grass - all Pokemon must be obtained through snagging or special events
  • Battle Mode - The game includes a separate Battle Mode for competitive play against other trainers

Impact and Significance

Pokemon Colosseum marked a significant departure from traditional Pokemon games, offering a more mature story and unique gameplay mechanics. The Shadow Pokemon system and exclusive focus on Double Battles created a different strategic experience. Our Pokemon Team Builder helps you navigate the unique mechanics of Colosseum and build a team capable of snagging and purifying Shadow Pokemon effectively.

Shadow Pokemon and Snagging Mechanics

The core mechanic of Pokemon Colosseum is the Shadow Pokemon system. Shadow Pokemon are Pokemon whose hearts have been closed by Team Cipher, making them unable to level up or follow commands properly until purified. Our Pokemon Team Builder helps you understand which Shadow Pokemon are available and plan your team accordingly.

Understanding Shadow Pokemon

Shadow Pokemon behave differently from regular Pokemon in several ways:

  • Heart Gauge - Each Shadow Pokemon has a Heart Gauge that must be reduced to zero through purification before they can level up or evolve
  • Shadow Moves - Shadow Pokemon know special Shadow Moves that cannot be forgotten until purified, replacing their regular moves
  • No Experience Gain - Shadow Pokemon cannot gain experience points until purified, making purification a priority
  • Uncontrollable Behavior - Shadow Pokemon may not follow commands properly until purified, making battles more challenging
  • Purification Required - Shadow Pokemon must be purified before they can function as normal Pokemon team members

Snagging Process

Unlike traditional Pokemon games, you cannot catch wild Pokemon in Colosseum. Instead, you must snag Shadow Pokemon from enemy trainers:

  • Snag Machine - A special device that allows you to capture Shadow Pokemon from enemy trainers during battles
  • Enemy Trainers - Team Cipher members and other trainers use Shadow Pokemon that you can snag
  • Battle Requirement - You must battle and weaken Shadow Pokemon before you can snag them, just like traditional catching
  • Limited Availability - Each Shadow Pokemon is only available from specific trainers at specific points in the story
  • No Wild Encounters - The Orre region has no wild Pokemon encounters in grass, making every Pokemon unique and story-related

Shadow Pokemon Categories

Shadow Pokemon in Colosseum are categorized by how you obtain them:

  • Snaggable Shadow Pokemon - The main Shadow Pokemon you can snag from enemy trainers throughout the story
  • Gift Pokemon - Special Pokemon received through story events, such as Eevee or special legendary encounters
  • Transfer Pokemon - Pokemon transferred from Generation 3 mainline games via GameCube-GBA link cable

Our Pokemon Team Builder allows you to filter by these categories to see exactly which Pokemon are available for your team in Pokemon Colosseum.

Team Building Tips for Pokemon Colosseum

Building an effective team in Pokemon Colosseum requires understanding the unique mechanics, particularly the Shadow Pokemon system and the exclusive focus on Double Battles. Our Pokemon Team Builder offers advanced filtering and type analysis tools to help you make informed decisions. Here are strategic considerations for planning your perfect team.

Double Battle Strategy

Since every battle in Colosseum is a Double Battle, your team composition must work differently than in single battles:

  • Team Synergy - Consider how Pokemon work together in pairs, not just individually
  • Partner Selection - Your starting Pokemon (Espeon or Umbreon) is your partner throughout the game - plan your team around complementing them
  • Cover Moves - Moves that hit both enemies (like Surf or Earthquake) can be powerful but require careful positioning
  • Protective Moves - Consider moves like Protect to shield one Pokemon while the partner attacks
  • Type Combinations - Pair Pokemon with complementary types to cover each other's weaknesses
  • Status Support - Consider Pokemon with status moves to support the team in Double Battles

Shadow Pokemon Purification

Purifying Shadow Pokemon is essential for team building, as they cannot level up until purified:

  • Battle Frequently - Shadow Pokemon purify faster when used in battles, so include them in your active team
  • Walk with Pokemon - Walking with Shadow Pokemon in the party helps reduce their Heart Gauge
  • Time in Party - Simply keeping Shadow Pokemon in your party over time gradually purifies them
  • Purification Items - Special items can speed up the purification process for Shadow Pokemon
  • Priority Purification - Focus on purifying Pokemon you plan to use frequently, as they cannot gain experience until purified
  • Heart Gauge Management - Plan which Shadow Pokemon to purify first based on your team needs

Story Progression Recommendations

Colosseum's story-driven structure requires strategic team planning:

  • Starting Pokemon - Choose Espeon or Umbreon as your partner - Espeon is Psychic type (strong early), Umbreon is Dark type (more defensive)
  • Early Shadow Pokemon - Focus on snagging and purifying useful Shadow Pokemon early in the game
  • Type Coverage - Ensure your team has diverse type coverage for the various battles throughout the story
  • Legendary Encounters - Plan for legendary Shadow Pokemon encounters like Entei, Raikou, and Suicune
  • Battle Facilities - Consider team composition for post-game battle facilities like the Battle Tower
  • Transfer Strategy - If transferring Pokemon from Generation 3 games, plan which Pokemon to bring over

Important Battle Considerations

  • Type Coverage - With limited Pokemon availability, ensure your team has diverse type coverage to handle various opponents
  • Shadow Pokemon Limitations - Remember that Shadow Pokemon cannot level up until purified, so plan accordingly
  • Partner Pokemon - Your starting Espeon or Umbreon will be with you throughout - build your team to complement them
  • Double Battle Moves - Prioritize moves that work well in Double Battles, like spread moves or support moves
  • Purification Priority - Focus on purifying Pokemon you need for immediate story progression
  • No Wild Encounters - Every Pokemon is unique, so plan carefully - you cannot catch replacements later
  • Snagging Strategy - Weaken Shadow Pokemon before attempting to snag them, just like traditional catching
  • Team Cipher Battles - Prepare for challenging battles against Team Cipher members who use Shadow Pokemon

Frequently Asked Questions - Pokemon Colosseum

What are Shadow Pokemon and how do they work?

Shadow Pokemon are Pokemon whose hearts have been closed by Team Cipher, preventing them from leveling up or following commands properly. They have a Heart Gauge that must be reduced to zero through purification before they can function normally. Shadow Pokemon know special Shadow Moves and cannot gain experience until purified. Our Pokemon Team Builder helps you track which Shadow Pokemon are available and plan your purification strategy.

How do I catch Pokemon in Pokemon Colosseum?

Unlike traditional Pokemon games, you cannot catch wild Pokemon in grass. Instead, you must snag Shadow Pokemon from enemy trainers using the Snag Machine during battles. You must weaken Shadow Pokemon like traditional catching, then use the Snag Machine to capture them. Some Pokemon are also received as gifts through story events or transferred from Generation 3 mainline games.

What is the difference between Espeon and Umbreon as starting partners?

Espeon is a Psychic type with high Special Attack and Speed, making it strong for offensive play early in the game. Umbreon is a Dark type with high Defense and Special Defense, making it more defensive and suitable for support roles. Both are excellent choices, and your decision affects early-game strategy. Our Pokemon Team Builder helps you plan your team around either choice.

How do I purify Shadow Pokemon?

Shadow Pokemon can be purified through several methods: battling with them in your party, walking with them, keeping them in your party over time, or using special purification items. Purification is essential because Shadow Pokemon cannot level up until purified. The purification process reduces the Heart Gauge to zero, restoring the Pokemon's heart and allowing it to function normally.

Can I transfer Pokemon from other games to Pokemon Colosseum?

Yes! You can transfer Pokemon from Generation 3 mainline games (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, LeafGreen) to Pokemon Colosseum using a GameCube-GBA link cable. This allows you to bring favorite Pokemon from other games into your Colosseum team. However, keep in mind that Colosseum focuses on Double Battles, so plan transferred Pokemon accordingly.

Why can't my Shadow Pokemon level up?

Shadow Pokemon cannot gain experience points until they are purified. This is because their hearts are closed, preventing normal growth. You must reduce their Heart Gauge to zero through purification before they can level up or evolve. This makes purification a priority for any Shadow Pokemon you plan to use actively in battles.

What makes Pokemon Colosseum different from mainline Pokemon games?

Pokemon Colosseum differs in several key ways: it focuses exclusively on Double Battles (no single battles), you cannot catch wild Pokemon in grass (must snag Shadow Pokemon), it features a mature story-driven RPG structure (not gym leaders), it introduces the Shadow Pokemon system (requiring purification), and it's set in the Orre region (desert setting, no wild encounters). These differences require different team building strategies than traditional Pokemon games.

How many Shadow Pokemon can I snag in Pokemon Colosseum?

There are 48 Shadow Pokemon total that can be snagged throughout the story. Each Shadow Pokemon is only available from specific trainers at specific story points, making careful planning essential. Our Pokemon Team Builder helps you see which Shadow Pokemon are available and plan your snagging strategy accordingly.

Are there legendary Pokemon in Pokemon Colosseum?

Yes! Pokemon Colosseum features several legendary Shadow Pokemon including Entei, Raikou, and Suicune. These legendary Pokemon are obtained through the story and must be snagged and purified like other Shadow Pokemon. They are powerful additions to your team once purified and leveled up.