The latest GO Battle League Season 19 has brought some exciting updates to Pokémon GO's PvP roster, leading to numerous speculations and analyses on how these changes will impact the meta. With trainers testing out different Pokémon and strategies to determine the winners and losers of the season, the competitive scene is in full swing.
One of the best ways to gauge the effectiveness of strategies in the current meta is through official Play! Pokémon Pokémon GO tournaments, where top trainers from around the world compete for the title of World Champion. The recent New York International Championship (NAIC) served as an early indicator of what the current season has to offer, giving us insights into the evolving meta.
One significant shift observed at NAIC was the emergence of Quagsire as the top mudboi choice in the meta. With the nerf to Whiscash's Scald ability and the availability of Aqua Tail as its Community Day move, Quagsire has become a formidable force in PvP battles. Its ability to quickly charge up Aqua Tails, especially when used as a Shadow Quagsire, has led to impressive performances at NAIC, showcasing its potential as a top contender in the current meta.
On the other hand, Lanturn, a previously dominant Pokémon in the meta, saw a decline in its popularity due to the nerf to its Spark move. While Lanturn is still a viable option in PvP battles, some trainers have opted for Water Gun as an alternative. This shift has opened the door for other Electric-type Pokémon like Charjabug to shine, with top performers at NAIC including Charjabug on their teams.
The current meta also saw a resurgence of Water-type Pokémon, with Azumarill, Feraligatr, Poliwrath, and Mantine making notable appearances at NAIC. With the decrease in Electric-type threats in the meta, Pokémon like Azumarill have been able to leverage their bulk more effectively, while Feraligatr has emerged as a potent damage dealer. Mantine, despite its weaknesses, has continued to be a popular choice for its bulk and spammy nature.
Overall, the meta shifts and surprises brought about by GBL Season 19 have resulted in a diverse and dynamic competitive landscape. Trainers are adapting to the changes in the meta, exploring new strategies, and discovering the strengths and weaknesses of different Pokémon. As the season progresses and the world championships draw near, it will be interesting to see how the meta continues to evolve and which Pokémon emerge as the top contenders in the PvP scene.
