Following a slight delay, Season 2 of Pokemon Go's Go Battle League has officially begun. The season was originally scheduled to kick off on May 1, but developer Niantic had to push the start date back due to a "technical issue" it discovered shortly before the season was set to begin. Season 2 is now live as of May 11, and it features some new rewards and other changes.

As before, the Go Battle League's format will rotate every few weeks. From May 11 to June 1, battles will be contested under Great League rules; the format will then shift to the Ultra League from June 1-22; and the Master League will run from June 22 to July 6.

Coinciding with the Master League will be Go Battle League's first-ever Premier Cup. Like the Master League, there are no CP limits in the Premier Cup, although Legendary and Mythical Pokemon cannot be used. After July 6, all three leagues and the Premier Cup will be live until Season 2 ends on July 13.

A few other things will remain the same in Season 2. The walking requirement to take part in the mode has once again been removed, and you'll still have a chance to catch Metagross and Pikachu Libre--which can only be found exclusively through the mode--as reward encounters when you hit rank 1 and rank 10, respectively.

This time around, however, there will be some new Go Battle League rewards, including new Pokemon. You'll encounter Stunfisk starting at rank 4; Rufflet starting at rank 8; and Scraggy starting at rank 9. If you hit rank 10 during the season, you'll earn a new avatar pose, and you'll take home an Elite Fast TM if you close out the season at rank 7 or higher.

Niantic is making other, broader changes to PvP battles as well. You'll now be able to initiate a battle with another player via QR codes, regardless of your friendship level or distance. You'll also be able to send battle invites to Good Friends and Great Friends, rather than just Ultra and Best Friends. Finally, a handful of attacks have receive balance adjustments, and the Legendary Pokemon Palkia is now able to learn the move Aqua Tail.

In other Pokemon Go news, Niantic is bringing back a handful of Legendary Pokemon to the game to celebrate the launch of Remote Raid Passes. Throughout May, the studio will also be offering special "Throwback Challenge" research questlines, which will include the arrival of some Galarian Pokemon.

Go Battle League Season 2 Schedule

Great League

May 11 - June 1

Ultra League

June 1 - June 22

Master League

June 22 - July 6

Premier Cup

June 22 - July 6

All formats