A new GO Battle League Season, World of Wonders, has kicked off, bringing with it exciting bonuses, Pokémon appearances, scheduled GO Battle League Cups, and attack rebalances for Trainer Battles. This Season will run from March 1, 2024, until June 1, 2024, at 10:00 am local time. Unlike the previous Season, Timeless Travels, which saw significant changes boosting certain Pokémon up the rankings, the updates in World of Wonders aim to maintain the current meta. However, some Pokémon on the fringe, like Dragonair and Obstagoon, will receive a slight boost, while Feraligatr may have a chance to shine. Other GO Battle League formats, such as Ultra Premier, have also undergone some changes. Let’s dive into the details of the attack rebalances and how they will impact the Season and metagame.
The new Season promises exclusive rewards within the GO Battle League, including an encounter with Pikachu Libre at Legend rank, Elite TMs from Timed Research Passes, and avatar items for reaching different ranks. Trainers can also earn quadruple Stardust from win rewards during Master League periods. Additionally, a special GO Battle weekend will offer four times as many daily battles, and the European International Championships will feature a bonus allowing 10 sets per day. Popular formats like Ultra Premier and Master League Premier will return, while new formats like Jungle Cup: Great League will debut.
The Fighting-type Charged Attack Cross Chop and Water-type Charged Attack Aqua Tail have both received a power increase from 50 to 55, making them more efficient and spammy. These adjustments may seem small but can have a significant impact on various Pokémon, even those already prevalent in the competitive scene. For instance, Dragonair, a key player in Trainer Battles, will benefit from the increased damage of Aqua Tail, helping it perform better against certain opponents. Other Pokémon like Quagsire, Drapion, Goodra, Gyarados, and Palkia will also see increased usage due to the changes in Aqua Tail.
In addition to Aqua Tail, the adjustment to Cross Chop will enhance the performance of Fighting-type Pokémon like Machamp and Obstagoon. These changes could potentially shake up the meta in certain formats, such as the Ultra League Premier rotation. Furthermore, the introduction of Brick Break as a debuffing attack for various Pokémon will open up new strategies for Trainers to explore.
Several other Charged Attacks have been adjusted, including the Ghost-type Shadow Bone and the Water-type Water Pulse, benefiting Pokémon like Alolan Marowak and Araquanid. The addition of Shadow Claw to Feraligatr’s move pool could be a game-changer, making it a more viable option in certain formats. Gallade’s access to Psycho Cut will also improve its performance in battles, especially in the Ultra League Premier format.
Overall, the updates for the World of Wonders Season are relatively conservative, maintaining the current meta in the open Great League. However, the changes to Aqua Tail and Feraligatr could lead to significant shifts in limited formats like Ultra League Premier and Master League Premier. With no attacks or Pokémon directly weakened in this update, Trainers will need to adapt their strategies to utilize the changes effectively. As the Season progresses, new strategies will emerge, shaping the competitive landscape of the GO Battle League.
