Can You Demote in GO Battle League? Understanding Rank Movement
The question of demotion in Pokémon GO’s Battle League (GBL) is a common one, often causing confusion among trainers striving for higher ranks. The short answer is yes, you can demote in GO Battle League, but only under specific conditions. The demotion system is designed to encourage consistent performance while still allowing for fluctuations within a season. Let’s delve into the specifics to clarify how rank movement works in GBL.
Understanding the Ranks in GO Battle League
Before exploring demotion, it’s essential to understand the GBL rank structure. Currently, there are 24 ranks in total. Ranks 1 through 20 are numbered tiers, while 21 through 24 are named tiers with unique titles. The climb from rank 1 to 20 primarily involves participating in battles and winning a certain number of them. Once you reach Rank 21 and beyond, you’ll need to achieve a specific rating to progress.
- Numbered Ranks (1-20): These ranks are primarily about participation and accumulating wins. As you advance, the rewards for winning battles improve.
- Named Ranks (21-24): These represent the higher echelons of competition:
- Rank 21 (Ace): Requires a rating of 2000.
- Rank 22 (Veteran): Requires a rating of 2500.
- Rank 23 (Expert): Requires a rating of 2750.
- Rank 24 (Legend): Requires a rating of 3000.
How Demotion Works
The key distinction to understand regarding demotion lies between numbered and named ranks.
- Demotion Within Numbered Ranks (1-20): Yes, you can be demoted within the numbered ranks. For example, you can drop from Great Ball Rank 9 to Great Ball Rank 8. However, you cannot drop below the lowest numbered rank of a named tier. This means if you are at Great Ball Rank 7, you cannot drop below that back into the previous named tier (Poke Ball Tier). This ensures that once you break into a new named tier, you’ll never go lower for that season.
- Demotion Within Named Ranks (21-24): No, you cannot drop below a named rank once you achieve it. If you reach Ace (Rank 21), you will never drop below Rank 21 for the rest of the season, even if your rating drops. Similarly, once you reach Veteran (Rank 22), Expert (Rank 23), or Legend (Rank 24), you cannot be demoted below those ranks respectively.
Essentially, once you have reached any of the named tiers (Ace, Veteran, Expert, or Legend), you cannot go back down, regardless of losses. The demotion system is designed to prevent large swings in rank and make your climb in GBL as smooth as possible.
End of Season Reset
It’s also important to note that your GBL rank will reset at the end of each season. This gives every player a fresh start and ensures a competitive environment. However, the rank-up requirements typically remain the same as the prior season. You will, however, get end-of-season rewards based on the highest tier you achieved during that season. This is important, since even if you tank your rank near the end, you will still receive the maximum benefits based on your peak performance for that season.
Why This Matters
Understanding the demotion system in GBL allows you to strategize your battle participation. You can battle more freely within numbered ranks, knowing you can drop slightly as you hone your skills. However, if you are approaching a higher-named rank, it might make sense to hold back until you feel confident to get through that hurdle. This knowledge also allows you to battle strategically after reaching named ranks, knowing you cannot demote.
GO Battle League FAQs
To provide even greater clarity, here are 15 frequently asked questions related to demotion and rank in GO Battle League:
1. Can I drop from Ace rank in Pokémon GO?
No, once you reach the Ace rank (Rank 21), you cannot drop below it for the rest of the season. The same applies to Veteran, Expert, and Legend ranks.
2. How do I get past level 20 in GO Battle League?
To progress past Rank 20, you need to achieve a certain rating. Specifically:
* Rank 21 (Ace): 2000 rating
* Rank 22 (Veteran): 2500 rating
* Rank 23 (Expert): 2750 rating
* Rank 24 (Legend): 3000 rating
3. Does dodging affect my rank?
While dodging a battle may increase your LP (League Points) deficit, it does not cause a demotion by itself. Demotion only occurs when you reach 0 LP within a numbered rank and lose a battle.
4. Can you demote between divisions within a tier?
Yes, demoting between divisions within a tier (e.g., from Great Ball Rank 9 to Great Ball Rank 8) is possible with consecutive losses.
5. Do I still get ranked rewards if I demote?
Yes, you will receive end-of-season rewards based on the highest rank you achieved during the season, not your rank at the season’s end.
6. How many battles are needed to get to Rank 10?
It takes at least 50 battles (10 sets of 5) to reach Rank 10, with the requirement to win at least one battle per set from Ranks 6 to 10.
7. Does my GBL rank reset every season?
Yes, your GBL rank resets at the end of each season, giving every player a fresh start.
8. What are the rewards for higher ranks in GO Battle League?
As your rank increases, you’ll receive better rewards for winning battles, including higher-quality items and more stardust.
9. Can I get Legendary Pokémon from GO Battle League?
Yes, once you reach Rank 20, every victory that ensures a mystery Pokemon encounter should be a legendary Pokémon, typically the one featured in raids at that time.
10. Is it hard to get to Legend rank in GO Battle League?
Getting to Legend rank requires a significant number of wins and strategic battling. You essentially need to win a certain number of games more than you lose, which depends on your win rate.
11. What is the highest CP Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
Slaking is currently the Pokémon with the highest CP, reaching up to 5010 CP.
12. What is the maximum number of battles per day in GO Battle League?
The maximum number of sets you can play per day is increased to 20 sets (100 battles) from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. local time.
13. Is battling in Pokemon GO worth it?
Yes, battling is worth it for various reasons, including the opportunity to collect powerful Pokémon, complete your Pokédex, gain exclusive rewards, and enjoy the competitive aspects of the game.
14. What are the chances of getting a 100% IV Pokémon?
The chance of getting a 100% IV (15/15/15) Pokémon is 1/4096, or about 0.0244%.
15. How can I get Pikachu Libre?
To obtain Pikachu Libre, you must reach Legend rank (Rank 24) in GO Battle League and encounter it as a reward. It also has a chance to be shiny.
Conclusion
In summary, while you can be demoted within numbered ranks in GO Battle League, you cannot be demoted from any of the named tiers once you reach them. Understanding this system is key to strategizing your battles and maximizing your rewards in each season of GBL. Keep battling, and enjoy your climb to higher ranks!