Pokémon GO has changed the PvP system for you. The place where you fight against other players. We show you here the changes from December 2020.
What is this new PvP? In November, Niantic announced the largest update that your mobile game Pokémon GO has ever seen – Go Beyond. At that time, they provided some small information but did not reveal too much.
On November 30, there were finally details about what the new PvP will look like.
- Instead of 10 ranks, there are now 24 ranks
- The four highest ranks have special names
- Medals for reaching the highest ranks
- New Pokémon rewards
- Exclusive rewards depending on the rank achieved
This is how trainer battles change in Pokémon GO
More ranks: Niantic has already explained that they are increasing the limit from 10 to 24 ranks. You achieve these by playing and winning accordingly. You will also receive a rating for your performance. Once you reach a certain rating, you count as one of the four highest ranks in Pokémon GO.
| Rating | Rank |
| Ace | 2,000 |
| Veteran | 2,500 |
| Expert | 2,750 |
| Legend | 3,000 |
New rank system: On the following ranks, you will notice a special feature. They are unique regarding progress and what rewards you receive. Upon reaching these ranks, you only need one set of battles to advance further.
- Rank 5: Mysterious items as a reward
- Rank 10: Stardust as a reward
- Rank 15: Special candies as a reward
- Rank 19: Pokémon encounters as a reward
New Pokémon encounters: At various ranks, you will now meet new Pokémon. These are:
- Rank 16: Guaranteed encounter with Igamaro
- Rank 17: Guaranteed encounter with Fynx
- Rank 18: Guaranteed encounter with Froxy
- Rank 20: Initially, trainers have the chance to encounter the current legendary 5-star boss. During the second half of Season 6, you will be rewarded with a surprise Pokémon.
- Legend rank: Guaranteed encounter with Libre Pikachu
What happens next? Since the end of Season 5 on November 30, you will now find your rewards in the battles overview. Depending on how you placed, there are Charged TMs, Fast TMs, Elite Charged TMs, Raid passes, and Stardust waiting for you.
The most important dates: Remember these dates if you want to try PvP in Pokémon GO again.
- The Great League runs from November 30 to Monday, December 14 at 22:00
- The Ultra League and its Premier Cup run from December 14 at 22:00 to Monday, December 28 at 22:00
- The Master League, the Premier Cup, Master League Classic, and the Holiday Cup run from December 28 at 22:00 to Monday, January 4, 2021. Only Pokémon that have not been strengthened with XL candies can participate in the Master League Classic
- All three leagues and the Ultra League Premier Cup run from Monday, January 4, 2021, at 22:00 to Monday, January 11, 2021, at 22:00
- From December 28 at 22:00 to January 4 at 22:00, you will receive double Stardust for wins and completing battle sets. This counts for the Master League, the Premier Cup, Master League Classic, and the Holiday Cup.
- The Holiday Cup (from December 28 at 22:00 to January 4 at 22:00) has a CP limit of 1,500. Only the types Normal, Grass, Electric, Ice, Flying, and Ghost may participate.
How do you like it? Did Niantic hit the right spots with this overhaul, or do you wish for further changes in the trainer battles?
Let us know here at MeinMMO what could still be improved in PvP or why everything is exactly as you wished it would be.
