The Element Cup of GBL

Last month, Go Battle League (GBL) of Pokémon Go implemented a format with type-based restrictions, though only few types were restricted, and most of the other types were free to make themselves present. Such a format can obviously be restricted further, and this has been true in the past for various PvP battling implementations. That seems to be the frame of mind for a recently implemented format, and restrictions are followed through, not just for types but also the mechanics of the Pokémon that may be involved, resulting in a little something called the "Element Cup".

And little it is. For this cup format, only Pokémon with at least one type of Grass, Fire, and Water may be put into battle. Those are the exact basic types of the three starter Pokémon that any Trainer starts with, which becomes the "elementary" aspect of the cup format, involving the basics. It's also little in another way, as the restrictions of the Little Cup from way back in November of last year also fully apply for this format (CP 500 or less, first Pokémon of one that has an evolution line). This also further ensures that the "elementary" aspect of the cup is followed through and through. Of course, moves of other types and additional secondary Pokémon types are still fair game and are the determinants of complexity for this format.

As for what to expect with this cup format, a few starter Pokémon do make it in as frequent picks, and they may be good to build from as a base, especially if options are limited. By and large, however, Trainers may want to opt for non-starter Pokémon with those other moves and secondary types, some of which can really make a difference. Ducklett, for example, is Water and Flying, and may know the exceptionally powerful moves of Aerial Ace and Brave Bird, making this a threat for all types and especially Grass. Other threats to watch out for are speedy Charged moves and ones that can or do alter stats of Pokémon on either end.

I've had the chance to battle with this cup format since it became available last Tuesday, and for an "elementary" cup, it is extensively dynamic. The choice of Pokémon as above will definitely matter, but what will also matter is the way one battles. If one has experienced the prior unrestricted Little Cup, one will know that the pace of battling is very different compared to even a regular Great League format. One has to quickly decide whether or not to use Charged moves or to switch, and one may even have to potentially hold back on Protect Shields for attacks that may come on the back end of the battle. Then there are the type restrictions that make this "elementary"... or not at all depending on what Pokémon one has and the opponents have.

This cup format may be considered as a way of "going back to basics", and the name of the cup format pretty much says it all. With the implications of a very minor subset of types and a "miniature" battle format, Trainers are forced to think about what really matters for themselves and their Pokémon team. The results may become rather complicated, but they're also what comes out of the "basics" that are put into play. Every format aside from a truly basic format will always have restrictions of some kind, but if one looks hard enough, one may just find the "elementary" side of things - they're just that, as a certain character would say.

One year ago: Descending into the Catacombs

Two years ago: Fast Captures in Pokémon Go

Three years ago: Let's Go Trade

Four years ago: Speedblogging Like a Ninjask