All the changes coming to Pokémon Go Battle League Season 4

A new Battle League season is set to begin in Pokémon Go. In Season 4, there are a few small tweaks to the rewards players earn over the course of the season, and a handful of changed moves. Not only that, but there are several Battle League themed cups. These Theme Leagues may not increase your overall Coaching Rank, but they do offer unique rewards for those who wish to participate during the limited time they are available.

Season 4 changes and what is the same

These are the details that will not change in Season 4 of Battle League.

• It is not necessary to walk to participate in the Battles of the Battle League.
• The friendship level required to fight from a distance is still to be good friends
• Pikachu Libre inspired avatar items remain Tier 7 rewards
• Pokémon RPG Blue Inspired Avatar Items Remain Rank 10 Rewards
• Pokémon rewards and reward encounters remain the same as of Season 3
  • Pidgeot from row 1
  • Galarian Zigzagoon from rank 4
  • Galarian Farfetch'd would start at rank 7
  • Rufflet from row 8
  • Scraggy from rank 9
  • Pikachu Libre from rank 10

These are the big changes you can expect to see in Season 4.

• You can reach rank 2 by completing a certain number of battles
• You can reach ranks 3-9 by winning a certain number of battles.
• You will still need to hit a 3 rating to reach Rank 000, just like in previous seasons of the GO Battle League.
• Stardust from rank 1 to rank 3
• Stardust, TM and a Raid Pass from Rank 4 to Rank 10
• There is a new avatar pose for coaches who arrive at # 10
• If you end Season 4 at Rank 7 or higher, instead of an Elite ChargedTM, you earn an Elite FastTM

Not much has changed in Season 4, likely due to the limited capacity coaches have to go through to win Battle League battles. These demands are likely to return after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns occurring around the world.

Pokémon movement changes

Three moves are also being changed for Season 4. Bug buzz, the Bug-type charged attack move, can now reduce a Pokémon's defenses. Flame Charge, the Fire-type charge move, now does less damage but increases the overall attack stat of the attacking Pokémon. The latest change is to the Signal Beam, Bug-type charged move, and it now has a chance to lower the defending Pokémon's attack and defense stats. Those who have never used a Pokemon with these attacks before might be a good time to reconsider these choices and try them out in the Big League.

Additionally, Vespiquen can now learn to use the signal beam as a charge move.

Battle League Season 4 Schedule

Season 4 begins September 14 with the Great League. Here's how long it lasts and how long before the other leagues are available.

• Great League: September 14 to September 28 from 13 p.m. PT. All Pokémon have a limit of 1500 CP.
• Ultra League and Premier Cup: September 28 to October 12 from 13 p.m. PT. All Pokémon have a limit of 2500 CP. However, you cannot use Legendary or Mythic Pokémon in the Premier Cup.
• Master League and Premier Cup: October 12-26 from 13 p.m. PT. No Pokémon has a CP limit. However, you cannot use Legendary or Mythic Pokémon in the Premier Cup.
• Halloween Cup: The Halloween Cup ends Season 4 from October 26 to November 3 at 13 p.m. PT.

After the Halloween Cup on November 3, all three leagues and the Premier Cup will be available from November 3 to November 9, starting at 13 p.m. PT, and Season 5 begins on November 9. The date for Season 5 may change, but it's the date set now. Trainers will want to make sure to jump into the Halloween Cup at the end of the money. This will be an opportunity for Trainers to earn Pokémon with Halloween costumes and potentially unlock access to Mega Gengar for those who complete the timed research published alongside.

There's a lot going on in Pokémon Go's Battle League Season 4. Make sure you don't miss your chance to reach Rank 10 and receive the many rewards for your hard work in each league.