The 65th season of the Campeonato Gaúcho kicked off on August 4, 1985 and ended in December 8, 1985. Fourteen teams participated. Grêmio won their 23rd title. Gaúcho and Rio-Grandense were relegated.
Participating teams
System
The championship would have three stages.:
First round: The fourteen clubs played each other in a single round-robin system. The team with the most points qualified to the Finals. Second round: The fourteen clubs played each other in a single round-robin system. The team with the most points qualified to the Finals. The two teams with the fewest points in the sum of both rounds were relegated. Finals: The round winners would play to define the champions. If the same team won both rounds it won the title automatically.