Your first team, in five steps
- Open the original All-22 Builder from the Play button. The classic lineup gives you a complete starting point.
- Choose your Pokémon generation and whether to include Legendaries. The default Kanto builder uses the original 150 without Legendaries.
- Choose a 3-4 or 4-3 defense, then Fullback or Slot offense. These switches change the jobs on your team.
- Click a player to replace them. On desktop, drag one player onto another to swap their spots. Picking an existing teammate also swaps the two.
- Use Save Image for a team picture or Copy Link to share the lineup. Use Play with Your Team to visit the games.
What do the 22 positions mean?
All-22 refers to the 11 starters on offense and 11 on defense. The offense includes a quarterback, halfback, five linemen, tight end, two outside receivers and either a fullback or slot receiver. Your defensive front depends on the formation.
| Group | First thing to look for |
|---|---|
| Quarterback | Sp. Atk, then supporting composure and speed |
| Offensive line | Defense and weight across all five blockers |
| Receivers and corners | Speed; keep both outside spots covered |
| Pass rushers | Attack and Speed |
| Safeties | Sp. Def and Speed |
Use the position finder for the full breakdown, including type bonuses. A familiar Pokémon name is a starting point; the role’s actual requirements decide the fit.
Choose what to do next
| You want to… | Open this mode |
|---|---|
| Experiment freely | Builder — swap and compare without a Team Score |
| Chase an undefeated season | 17–0 Challenge — draft from a region/type roll |
| Work with random Kanto picks | 151 Challenge — allocate each random Pokémon |
| Draft with friends | Fantasy Draft — take turns filling teams |
| Control a football game | All-22 Bowl or Pro — play on the field |
The challenges grade your finished roster; the free Builder does not. Use the same scouting priorities in both, but do not look for a Team Score in the free Builder.
Three habits that make the next team better
- Put fast Pokémon where speed actually matters. A slow but heavy player can be useful on the interior line.
- Check your least suitable positions before upgrading an already strong star. Weak fits receive extra penalties in the Team Score.
- Keep your lineup’s link or image before experimenting. The original game’s saved team belongs to all22pokemon.com, while this guide stays open separately.
Quick answers
Does the Builder need an account?
You can build a lineup without signing in. The original site uses X sign-in for leaderboard participation.
Can I swap players after placing them?
Yes, in the free Builder. Challenge picks are committed as you draft, so plan those placements more carefully.