How is the rank earned at the end of a level calculated?

Question

I assumed that is was based on score, but then I beat a level in less moves but with a lower score and received a higher rank. If the rank is based on remaining moves, just like the pokemon's catchability, what is the purpose of receiving a score?

Answer 1

The rank is based on the number of moves left after dealing enough damage to the Pokemon you are playing against. I take it as a rule of thumb for, the regular levels, that half the given moves give S rank (rounded up if the moves is odd; e.g. if you have 15 moves, using 8 moves or lower and complete the stage gives you S), and similar for time based levels, using half the given time will give you S.

The score on regular levels might not mean much to the player. But this score can be used in online competitions. The last one as of today was a timed level with 1 minute to get a highest score against MegaCharizard Y and the players are ranked based off their scores, which then is used to determine who gets prizes and who don't.

Answer 2

According to Bulbapedia:

The rank the player earns is determined by the number of moves or amount of time the player has remaining, and the total number of moves or amount of time the player started the stage with.

For most move-limited stages, if the number of moves remaining upon competition of the stage is greater than or equal to half the total number of moves they started with (rounded down), the player will be awarded an S-rank. While the purchase of a +5 Moves does not affect catch percentages, it does affect rank. For most timed stages, if the amount of time remaining upon competition of the stage is greater than or equal to half the total amount of time they started with (rounded down), the player will be awarded an S-rank.

• All Competitive Stages and Stage 149: Haxorus will always grant an S-rank upon competition, regardless of performance. Meowth's Coin Mania also shares this trait.

• Expert stages are unlocked depending on total number of S-ranks the player has on main stages. Ranks on expert and special stages have no impact on gameplay.

The ranks below S are A, B, and C, respectively. Remaining move numbers for each rank are typically arbitrary, as on many stages with low starting moves it can be impossible to get a B or C rank. Ranks below S serve no functional value, regardless, and do not contribute to the unlocking of extra stages.