Command and Conquer, PvP Style

After discussing the latest new format implemented by GBL, it is simply not possible to escape discussing about the format (themed cup) of Silph Arena for this month, given that I've not done so - and that becomes an imperative. The venue has recently been aiming for formats that turn standard formats inside out, and this month it seems to be no different. It's as if it's trying to aim for one like a certain real-time strategy game... but I digress. It's still Pokémon Go through and through.

Now, then: the themed cup for this month is titled "Commander", and like the previous Prismatic Cup, there is a certain setup for it, which is crucial and needs to be discussed first. For the standard team of 6 Pokémon fit for the Great League for the Silph Arena, one of these Pokémon is designated as a "Commander" and must be selected from one of 10 species: Shiftry, A-Marowak, Jellicent, Poliwrath, Munchlax, Noctowl, Steelix, Empoleon, Escavalier, and Bronzong, which are exempt from further type restrictions. The rest of the 5 Pokémon are to be made up of species with at least one of the Rock, Electric, Psychic, Poison, and Ice types - a pretty "mechanical" selection, considerably.

For those 5 Pokémon, restrictions are abound. Steel types are restricted, except of course for the "Commanders". Mega-Evolved (a current standard), Legendary, Mythical, and Shadow Pokémon are disallowed. Finally, there are seven species that are banned, which are Abomasnow, Wobbuffet, Pachirisu, Stunfisk, Medicham, Galvantula, and Drapion. Interestingly, four out of these seven species are currently being offered in GBL rewards, which affirms their place in PvP battling. In total, there are around 200 species to choose from and make teams with, which should be great in variety.

As for selecting different species in particular, all of the "Commanders" are viable for usage, though some will take more effort and cost to prepare, and they ought to define the rest of the team. For that, best bets on the cheap end include Venusaur, Raichu (either form), and Beedrill, while the middle of the pack even includes newcomers like Barbaracle and Dragalge, and from the premium end, G-Rapidash, Lapras, and Ampharos are viable choices. More fine-tuning of teams is still quite necessary.

If anything, PvP battling in Pokémon Go is its own real-time strategic implementation compared to other forms of Pokémon battling. But add in a "commander" for an "army" of Pokémon to battle similar others, and that becomes something unto itself compared to the way that things are normally done. That command of specific teams should allow Trainers to conquer others in this real-time fashion, and then become the best possible along with the established battalion of Pokémon.

One year ago: A Multicultural Cast

Two years ago: Carry On Carryin' On

Three years ago: The Living Dex

Four years ago: Pastrana and Pikachu