After weeks of practice rounds, the official first season of the Pokémon Go Battle League is ready to start.
In a new blog post, Niantic confirmed the date and times for the start of Pokémon GO Battle League Season 1 with information on the rewards and so much more. There will be events held to prep trainers for the upcoming first season and chances at catching Legendary Pokémon.
The first season of the Pokémon Go Battle League starts March 13, but until then all three Leagues (Great, Ultra, Master) will be available starting March 5 at 4 p.m. EST until the official start next week.
Once the preseason ends, trainers who achieved rank 4 or higher will receive a Premium Battle Pass, which allows players to earn extra rewards each day.
Before we dive in, check out the video below, with more insight on the Pokémon Go Battle League Season 1.
POKEMON GO BATTLE LEAGUE SEASON 1 START DATE & SCHEDULE
The Pokémon Go Battle League Season 1 begins March 13 with the Great League. The League will shift, allowing trainers of all levels to compete and earn rewards before all three Leagues become available for a limited run.
Here are the schedule and times for the upcoming Pokémon Go Battle League:
- The Great League (1500 CP limit) will run from Friday, March 13, at 4 p.m. EST to Friday, March 27, at 4 p.m. EST
- The Ultra League (2500 CP limit) will run from Friday, March 27, at 4 p.m. EST to Friday, April 10, at 4 p.m. EST
- The Master League (no CP limit) will run from Friday, April 10, at 4 p.m. EST to Friday, April 24, at 4 p.m. EST
- All three leagues will be available from Friday, April 24, at 4 p.m. EST to Friday, May 1, at 4 p.m. EST.
POKEMON GO BATTLE LEAGUE SEASON 1 REWARDS
Starting at rank 4, Legendary Pokémon like Darkrai, Altered Forme Giratina and Thundurus will arrive as rare reward encounters. Darkrai and Giratina can even be encountered in their Shiny forms.
Here's the schedule of Legendary reward encounter Pokémon:
- You'll have a chance to encounter Darkrai as a GO Battle League reward encounter from Friday, March 6, at 8 a.m. to Monday, March 9, at 10 p.m. local time.
- You'll have a chance to encounter Altered Forme Giratina as a GO Battle League reward encounter from Friday, March 13, at 8 a.m. to Monday, March 16, at 10 p.m. local time.
- For all other time periods, Thundurus you'll have a chance to encounter Legendary Pokémon reward encounter in the GO Battle League until further notice.
Before the Pokémon Go Battle League begins, Niantic is offering players a chance to strengthen their teams with powerful Pokémon. Here's a rundown of what to expect leading up to the start of Season 1:
- An event to help you prepare for GO Battle League: From Tuesday, March 10, at 8 a.m. to Thursday, March 12, at 10 p.m. local time, strong Pokémon will be appearing in raids, including Skarmory, Swampert, Shieldon, and more. Registeel and Cresselia will be appearing in five-star raids. You'll also earn twice the usual Stardust from Raid Battles and Trainer Battles during this event. Please note that this bonus will not apply to GO Battle League Trainer Battles.
- A GO Battle League Season 1 launch celebration: From Friday, March 13, at 8 a.m. to Monday, March 16, at 10 p.m. local time, more Pokémon thought to be powerful in the GO Battle League will be available in raids, including Altered Forme Giratina in five-star raids. Fighting-type Pokémon will also be appearing more frequently in the wild. Also if you're lucky, you might find a Shiny Timburr! Your best bet would be battling and catching it in one-star raids!
Niantic is also giving the following GO Battle League bonuses during the event period:
- You'll receive a Premium Battle Pass when you win all five battles in a set on the premium track of the GO Battle League.
- You'll be able to complete seven sets of GO Battle League battles per day, up from the regular five sets, for a total of 35 battles per day.
- You'll receive bonus Stardust in the GO Battle League.
What do you think of the upcoming Pokémon Go Battle League? Let us know in the comments section.
