The Battle League in Pokémon GO will pause ratings for Season 11, offering developers a chance to do maintenance on gameplay without interrupting competitive features for the game. The Battle League, which is approaching the end of Season 10, is a way for fans of competitive play in Pokémon games to face off against each other for rewards. However, the system needs balancing and adjustments to improve gameplay. While it isn't clear what overhauls are currently planned, hopefully, it will entice more players to use the feature.
Pokémon GO, which is known for allowing players to catch Pokémon on mobile devices, has been a popular addition to the Pokémon series since its initial, limited release in 2016. The Pokémon GO Battle League, which introduced new gameplay to flesh out the app's limited battle features, was added during March of 2020, helping boost gameplay just as Pokémon GO's outdoor-focused was threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, like many experimental features in Pokémon GO, the Battle League system has needed updates and balancing to improve playability.
In a recent post on Pokémon GO, it has been announced that Battle League Season 10 will be extended to March 1, 2022, a day longer than the previous end date. Additionally, the start of Season 11 will see several changes to standard gameplay, including a pause of the rating system used to match players in battle. Ranks will max out at level 20, with the rating not visible to players. Season 11 will also feature the return of past special cups, and be used to test new Pokémon GO Battle Day features. It will be important to note that, unlike previous Battle League Season starts, attack changes and attack availability updates will not be available.
The Battle League announcement coincides with a busy month for Pokémon GO, with February boasting numerous events for players to participate in. Those looking to catch powerful new Pokémon for competitive teams will want to consider joining in on the Pokémon GO Johto Tour, which requires a special ticket to access everything the event offers. Players will be able to catch certain Pokémon species in Spotlight Hours, as well as engage in raids for Johto Legendary Pokémon like Ho-oh and Lugia, among many other exciting features.
Pokémon GO has also announced several ways to earn items needed to participate in upcoming events. Players will also be able to pre-game for the Johto Tour by participating in a special Poké Ball Pep rally, which will be active from February 18 to February 25. While the rehash of past cups and a pause to typical Battle League gameplay may be frustrating for some fans, hopefully, the changes will make the competitive play in Pokémon GO more accessible and enjoyable for fans, and increase the number of participating players.
Pokémon GO is currently free to download on iOS and Android mobile devices.
Source: Pokémon GO