Niantic has announced an exciting new season for Pokémon GO’s GO Battle League, titled "Might and Mastery." This update promises a range of new events, rewards, and modifications to the existing combat system, making it an excellent opportunity for trainers to enhance their experience and skills in battles. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what trainers can expect in this new season.
What to Expect in the GO Battle League: Might and Mastery
The "Might and Mastery" season will kick off on March 4, 2025, at 1:00 PM PST (GMT -8). As the new season begins, trainers will notice several changes that will enhance gameplay and competitiveness.
Key Changes
- End-of-Season Rewards: Trainers will find their end-of-season rewards readily available on the Battle screen.
- Rank Reset: Every trainer’s GO Battle League rank will be reset at the beginning of the season, allowing everyone to start fresh.
- Rank-Up Requirements: The criteria for ranking up will remain the same as in the previous season, ensuring familiarity while also providing a fair chance for all trainers.
Schedule for GO Battle Leagues
The "Might and Mastery" season will feature various leagues, each with specific timelines and themes. Below is the detailed schedule:
Great League: March 4 to March 11
- Willpower Cup: Great League Edition
Ultra League: March 11 to March 18
- Scroll Cup: Great League Edition
Master League: March 18 to March 25
- Scroll Cup: Great League Edition
- Note: 4× Stardust from win rewards (excludes end-of-set rewards)
Great League, Ultra League, and Master League: March 25 to April 1
- All leagues will feature 4× Stardust from win rewards.
Great League and Master Premier: April 1 to April 8
Ultra League: April 8 to April 15
- Spring Cup: Great League Edition
Master League: April 15 to April 22
- Spring Cup: Great League Edition
- Note: 4× Stardust from win rewards.
Great League, Ultra League, and Master League: April 22 to April 29
- 4× Stardust from win rewards.
Great League: April 29 to May 6
- Great League Remix
Ultra League: May 6 to May 13
- Great League Remix
Master League: May 13 to May 20
- Retro Cup: Great League Edition
Great League: May 20 to May 27
- Catch Cup: Great League Edition
- Great League, Ultra League, and Master League: May 27 to June 3
- 4× Stardust from win rewards.
Special Events during Might and Mastery
A dedicated event will take place during this season, known as "GO Battle Week: Might and Mastery." This event will run from May 21 at 12:00 AM to May 27 at 11:59 PM local time. Here’s a look at some of the bonuses and features during this exciting week:
- Increased Stardust Rewards: Trainers will earn 4× Stardust from win rewards (this does not apply to end-of-set rewards).
- Expanded Daily Battle Sets: The maximum number of sets available for play per day will increase from five to 20, allowing for a total of 100 battles within the day.
- Free Timed Research: Trainers can access battle-themed Timed Research for free, with rewards including an avatar hat inspired by Mustard, a character from the Pokémon series.
- Varied Pokémon Encounters: Trainers can expect a wider range of Attack, Defense, and HP variations for Pokémon encountered through GO Battle League rewards.
Rewards for Trainers
The "Might and Mastery" season will offer a variety of rewards for trainers who progress through the ranks. Here are some highlights:
Guaranteed Rank-Up Encounters
Trainers can encounter the following Pokémon once per season upon reaching designated ranks:
- Mienfoo
- Vullaby
- Morpeko
- Frigibax
- Dreepy
- Pikachu Libre
If luck is on your side, you may even encounter a Shiny version of these Pokémon!
Standard Encounter Rewards
Throughout the season, trainers can encounter various Pokémon at specific ranks. The list includes:
- Cubone
- Paldean Wooper
- Spoink
- Mienfoo
- Bunnelby
- Skorupi
- Vullaby
- Jumpluff
- Teddiursa
- Barboach
- Cetoddle
- Alolan Marowak
- Lapras
- Pancham
- Active Raid Boss in five-star raids
- Morpeko
- Frigibax
- Dreepy
The Pokémon currently featured in five-star raids may also appear as rewards after reaching rank 20.
Timed Research Pass Details
For those who are truly dedicated to battling, a special Timed Research Pass will be available in the in-game shop at no cost when the "Might and Mastery" season starts. This pass will track your victories throughout the season, with each research page requiring 100 wins to complete. By completing these pages, trainers can earn Stardust and items, including Rare Candy XL, an Elite Fast TM (after 400 wins), and an Elite Charged TM (after 500 wins).
Avatar Rewards Inspired by Mustard
Trainers will have the opportunity to earn unique avatar items inspired by Mustard, the Dojo Master from the Isle of Armor in the Pokémon Sword and Shield expansions:
- Ace Rank: Hat inspired by Mustard
- Veteran Rank: Pants inspired by Mustard
- Expert Rank: Top inspired by Mustard
- Legend Rank: Pose inspired by Mustard
Competitive Cups in the Season
The season will feature several competitive cups, each with specific Pokémon eligibility criteria:
- Willpower Cup: Great League Edition (1,500 CP limit; eligible Pokémon: Fighting, Psychic, and Dark types).
- Scroll Cup: Great League Edition (1,500 CP limit; eligible Pokémon: Water, Fighting, and Dark types).
- Master Premier: No CP limit (Legendary, Mythical, and Ultra Beasts not eligible).
- Spring Cup: Great League Edition (1,500 CP limit; eligible Pokémon: Water, Grass, and Fairy types).
- Great League Remix: 1,500 CP limit; certain popular Pokémon banned.
- Retro Cup: Great League Edition (1,500 CP limit; Dark, Steel, and Fairy types not eligible).
- Catch Cup: Great Edition (1,500 CP limit; only Pokémon caught during the season are eligible).
Updates to the Combat System
The GO Battle League will also see significant updates to the combat system. Trainers should be aware of changes to the switch timer, which will remain at 50 seconds, affecting Trainer Battles against friends and Team GO Rocket battles.
Additionally, various Pokémon will have their attack power and energy costs updated, ensuring a balanced and competitive experience for trainers.
In conclusion, the "Might and Mastery" season in Pokémon GO promises to be an engaging and rewarding experience for trainers. With an array of battle options, exciting rewards, and significant updates to the combat system, players will have ample opportunity to hone their skills and enjoy the competitive spirit of the game. Get ready to battle and aim for the top in this thrilling new season!
