KEY POINTS

  • Niantic has started to roll out "GO Battle Leauge" to "Pokemon Go" players
  • The new feature will enable players to go head to head with other trainers based on their Trainer level
  • "GO Battle League" was temporarirly paused by Niantic to “ensure a smooth feature launch and prevent server issues.”

Niantic is making true to its promise after it announced the arrival of “GO Battle League,” a new “Pokemon Go” feature that will pit “Pokemon GO” players against each other no matter where they are in the world

The announcement was made late last year in lieu with another feature, “Trainer Battles” to give players a taste of the grand stage. “Trainer Battles” are somewhat akin to “GO Battle League” in the sense the players can compete with nearby trainers provided that they are in their Ultra or Best Friends lists.

In the game's official website, Niantic said “GO Battle League” will “start gradually” this week, and it will be available to Trainers based on their Trainer level.

Pokemon Go sparked a global frenzy as users of the gaming app hunt for virtual cartoon characters
Pokemon Go sparked a global frenzy as users of the gaming app hunt for virtual cartoon characters AFP / ISAAC LAWRENCE

“At launch, the first preseason of the GO Battle League will kick off. During preseason, we will continue to optimize and tune the feature so that Season 1 can be the best season it can be!” said the Pokemon GO Team.

The preseason of the “GO Battle League” will have three Leagues: Great, Ultra and Master and will rotate every two weeks. Players can still rank up during the preseason, but the team pointed that their rank will “be partially reset” when Season 1 starts.

During this time, Niantic will observe players as part of their ongoing thrust to improve Season 1. By this, Engadget pointed that the developer can determine the best season length and rating threshold, among others.

Trainers who want to take part in the “GO Battle League” are tasked to walk five kilometers as their entry ticket and at the same time, unlock five online matches. They can do this up to three times per day if they don't mind the sweat.

On the other hand, players who don't want to walk can opt to spend PokeCoins to enter “GO Battle League.” However, they will need to walk at least two kilometers before they can use this option.

As good as it sounds, Niantic has decided to temporarily pause the roll out of “GO Battle League.” They will use this time to “ensure a smooth feature launch and prevent server issues.”

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