The Sun Also Rises... on SLA

A new season of the Silph League Arena (SLA) has just started, and with it comes the first of its thematic cups. As a new day dawns, the first thing that occurs is the appearance of that great big orb that brings light to the day, otherwise known as the sun. Likewise, this first theme or cup kicks off the season just like the sun rises to start off the new day. Accordingly, the theme or cup is called "Sunrise" to mark the momentous occasion, and it becomes the one for this month (October) and all tournaments held within it.

As expected by its name, the theme or cup permits all Pokémon types that in Pokémon Go are boosted in the Sunny weather, which would be the Grass, Fire, and Ground types. For an added measure, it also permits Flying types and Normal types, the latter being one of the two that are boosted in Partly Cloudy weather. The other one, which is the Rock type, unfortunately is part of the ban list, in addition to Mega Evolution, and... that's pretty much it for the ban list. All other types in conjunction with any of the five allowed as above, as well as special Pokémon of Legendary and Mythical category, are fair game for this brightly shining theme or cup.

In the meta, a few things appear to stand out. There are the Flying squadron, the water and mud boys, the strange Grasses, and the big hitters of various types. The Flying squadron has a likely role in keeping the water and mud boys at bay as well as fending off the strange Grasses. Meanwhile, the strange Grasses may fend off the water and mud boys, while putting pressure on big hitters. Some of the big hitters, especially those with the Fire type, may be able to deal with others of their own kind and a select few of the type groups. There are also "outliers" in the form of Drifblim and Galarian Stunfisk that can keep the big groups at bay. In all, the meta appears intricate enough even for an initial theme such as this one.

As stated, this is the first theme or cup for the season. Being that this theme has very few restrictions, other than the ones that result from the inclusions, it becomes a good way to start off the season for everyone. It makes sense to allow both absolute beginners and seasoned veterans to start off on the same simple footing as a warm-up to the dynamics of this season. Speaking of dynamics, it is notable that the biggest dynamic introduced in Pokémon Go thus far, being Mega Evolution, is (forced to be) absent. It would be expected, as likewise Mega Evolution is absent from Go Battle League, and both require more measured approaches to battling. Not much can be said about their inclusions as of now, but perhaps time will tell.

While the current theme or cup may not be as complicated as that of the story of a lost generation, it still is quite complicated and promises lots of great battles as it heralds a new season of the SLA. After what could be considered as a season with an anticlimactic progression last time, there is the hope that there is a kind of renewal or invigoration, that this season will progress in the best of ways even during the worst of ways, which the world is unfortunately still in. With that, a new day has dawned on the SLA, and the sun has risen for the occasion.

One year ago: Dub Reunion, Dub History

Two years ago: A Strongly Brilliant Thing

Three years ago: Feelings for Female Trainers