Pokémon GO - GO Battle League: New Moves - A Review
By [Your Name]
Introduction
Pokémon GO’s GO Battle League (GBL) is one of the most dynamic aspects of the game, constantly evolving with new moves, balance changes, and meta shifts. Niantic’s recent updates have introduced several new moves, shaking up the competitive landscape. In this review, we’ll analyze these new moves, their impact on PvP battles, and how they influence team compositions.
New Moves Overview
1. Triple Axel (Ice-type, Fast Move)
Users: Weavile, Hitmontop, others
Stats: 3 turns, 3.33 DPT (Damage Per Turn), 3.33 EPT (Energy Per Turn)
Analysis:
Triple Axel is a versatile Ice-type Fast Move that provides solid damage and energy generation. Unlike Powder Snow, it offers higher burst potential, making it a strong choice for Weavile in both Great League and Ultra League. However, its three-turn duration makes it slightly predictable, and opponents can time their shields effectively.
Impact on Meta:
- Weavile becomes more viable in PvP, especially against Dragon and Grass types.
- Hitmontop gains a new niche as a Fighting-type with Ice coverage.
2. Scorching Sands (Ground-type, Charged Move)
Users: Flygon, Ninetales, Camerupt
Stats: 55 Energy, 80 Power, 30% chance to lower opponent’s Attack
Analysis:
Scorching Sands is a groundbreaking addition to the Ground-type move pool. Unlike Earthquake, it’s cheaper and has a debuff chance, making it a spammable alternative.
Impact on Meta:
- Flygon benefits greatly, as it now has a low-cost Ground move to complement Earth Power.
- Ninetales (Alolan) gains a surprise coverage move, making it harder to predict.
- Camerupt becomes slightly more viable in limited metas.
3. Psychic Fangs (Psychic-type, Charged Move)
Users: Mewtwo, Sharpedo, others
Stats: 35 Energy, 40 Power, lowers opponent’s Defense by 1 stage
Analysis:
This move is one of the cheapest in the game, making it highly spammable. The Defense drop adds immense pressure, forcing opponents to shield or risk taking increased damage.
Impact on Meta:
- Mewtwo (Shadow) becomes even more terrifying, as it can now debuff opponents quickly.
- Sharpedo gains a new tool in limited formats, though its frailty remains an issue.
4. Mist Ball & Luster Purge (Psychic-type, Signature Moves)
Users: Latias (Mist Ball), Latios (Luster Purge)
Stats:
- Mist Ball: 50 Energy, 70 Power, 50% chance to lower opponent’s Attack
- Luster Purge: 50 Energy, 70 Power, 50% chance to lower opponent’s Defense
Analysis:
These signature moves make Latias and Latios more viable in PvP. While they don’t replace Outrage or Psychic entirely, they offer utility with their debuff chances.
Impact on Meta:
- Latias becomes a bulkier debuffer in Ultra League.
- Latios gains a more aggressive playstyle with Luster Purge.
Meta Shifts & Team Building Adjustments
1. Rise of Ice-types
With Triple Axel, Ice-types like Weavile and Alolan Sandslash gain more relevance, potentially shifting the meta against Dragon and Flying-heavy teams.
2. Ground-type Dominance
Scorching Sands makes Ground-types more flexible, reducing reliance on Earthquake and allowing for faster pressure.
3. Psychic-type Pressure
Psychic Fangs and the Latis’ signature moves introduce new debuff strategies, forcing opponents to play more cautiously.
Conclusion
The new moves in Pokémon GO’s GO Battle League have significantly altered the competitive scene. Triple Axel, Scorching Sands, Psychic Fangs, and the Lati twins’ signature moves bring fresh dynamics, making battles more unpredictable and exciting. Trainers must adapt their teams to counter these new threats while leveraging them for their own strategies.
What do you think of these changes? Will Weavile dominate, or will Ground-types rise to the top? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Tags: #PokemonGO #GOBattleLeague #PvP #NewMoves #PokemonGOMeta #Niantic #Gaming #MobileGames
