I've already updated the happenings (that is, themed cups) of the new Silph Arena season, as the community arm of Pokémon Go PvP, but now I've fallen behind on updating the counterparts for Go Battle League, as the official in-game arm for that. Therefore, I have to update on that as well. And there have, in fact, been a few of those since the last time I updated on them, and they're all fascinating in different ways, whether as completely new formats or slight rehashes of older formats.
The Holiday Cup has been a staple of the coinciding season since it was introduced around the turn of 2020/2021 as a Great League format that celebrates the times. This season, along with its usual return in the last full week of December, it was also renewed as an Ultra League format for use in the week turning over into the new year, but still with the same type restrictions as the regular format. Because of its identical qualities, it would be no surprise that Obstagoon also made it as a strong contender here, as in the regular Great League format; that seems to be a novelty of the format.
September last year saw the introduction of the Weather Cup with four "focus types" and usage of the Ultra League. Predictably, the situation in the third week of January became the converse to the above; this format returned with usage of the Great League, certainly with the same "focus types". Along with Pokémon of the Water type as main contenders (two notorious species are Lanturn with its Electric type half and Ludicolo with its Grass type half), Blaziken became a good contender for its prowess against the Rock and Ice types. This is one case where a league change becomes significant.
Following the Weather Cup, there was the Electric Cup. Like other single-type formats, the focus type here is the Electric type, allowing most species that possess this type. I say "most" because right out of the gate there are already strict bans: Stunfisk (the Unova form), Heliolisk, Charjabug, and Vikavolt all cannot be used, with the first of these obviously having a total advantage if it was allowed with its Ground type resistance. One particular strong contender here is Hisuian Electrode, as its Grass type half provides a good buffer against practically everything, though Galvantula can provide a workaround.
With two formats swapping leagues and one format attempting to deliver something quite novel, there are noble attempts at changing things up while still allowing some of the "old guard" in them. It's something that the Go Battle League can provide over the course of its weekly pacing, and it just has to be something that Trainers like me ought to keep up with, in addition to other PvP happenings. And sometimes, like now, a little catching up may always be needed in order to keep the PvP mind fresh.
One year ago: All Star, All Pokémon
Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 2/7/2021
Three years ago: Turning Around and Back
Four years ago: Local EX Raid (with "Friend Boost"), 2/7/2019
Five years ago: An Eye for Pokémon
Six years ago: Conserve and Cooperate
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