Niantic announces big changes for the Pokémon Go Battle League

Pokemon Go Battle League
Pokemon Go Battle League (Image credit: iMore)

What you need to know

  • Part of the Go Beyond update, the Pokémon Go Battle League is getting a major update.
  • Instead of ten ranks, Trainers will have 24 ranks to climb.
  • The transition from one rank to the next promises to be a much more gradual shift.
  • The reward structure will also be changing, giving even more opportunites for unique rewards.

As part of the Go Beyond update announced today, Niantic will be giving the Pokémon Go Battle League a huge overhaul. Beginning with the next Go Battle League season, each season will be tied to the new Seasons mechanic with each lasting for three months exactly. While this predictability will certainly be a welcome change, the restructuring of the ranks will likely be a much bigger hit with the fans.

One of the biggest complaints players have expressed about the Go Battle League is the huge difficulty difference between ranking up to seven and the last three ranks. To help make the transition from one rank to the next more consistent and an overall better experience, there will now be 24 ranks featuring much more gradual increases in difficulty. The last four ranks will have all new names and badges.

Additionally, the reward system is going to be completely restructured. Although we don't know what these rewards will look like just yet, the folks at Niantic promise that this restructure will give players even more opportunities to earn unique rewards for ranking up. More details will be released as we get closer to the next season of the Go Battle League.

Are you excited to climb to even higher ranks in the Pokémon Go Battle League? What sort of rewards are you hoping to see with this update? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to check out our Best Pokémon Go Accessories, so you're fully equipped for your Pokémon Journey!

Casian Holly

Casian Holly has been writing about gaming at iMore since 2019, but their real passion is Pokémon. From the games to the anime, cards and toys, they eat, sleep, and breathe all things Pokémon. You can check out their many Pokémon Go and Pokémon Sword and Shield guides and coverage here on iMore.