Pokémon GO is a game about collecting Pokémon. More features like PvP battles, photo mode, and raids have been added over the years, but the main draw will always be adding more 'mons to one's collection. Developer Niantic knows this, and has kept developing ways to extend the collecting process. Simply handing out the entire Pokédex in batches would eventually reach an end point, so Niantic has reached deep into Pokémon lore to release a series of ♔costumed critters. Pikachu Libre is one of the rarest of these, and Niantic seems intent to keep it that way.
Pikachu Libre began as one of the many outfits Cosplay Pikachu could wear in Pokémon Alpha Ruby & Omega Sapphire. Only this female, heart-tail Pikachu was allowed to sport the orange tights of a luchador. This variant became such a fan favorite that she made appearances in Pokkén Tournament in Super Smash Bros. She was a natural fit for the debut of Pokémon GO's PvP l𒉰eague as a special pri💜ze. The problem is that she stayed that way.
To get a Pikachu Libre in Pokémon GO, a player must reach rank 10 in the PvP Battle League. This is the highest rank in the gಞame, and pretty much only achievable by the best players. That in turn means that very few ever get the chance to capture Pikachu Libre. It wasn't always supposed to be this way, though. Redditor reminds us that Niantic planned to make Pikachu Libre available at lower ranks.
Niantic declared🐻 in the first competitive season that "In the future, Pikachu Libre will be available startꦯing at lower ranks." The game is now about to start Season 3, and Pikachu Libre is still listed as a Rank 10 exclusive. Now two seasons doesn't seem like much, and Niantic never committed to a timeframe, but these seasons last weeks. Battle League began in March, and we still have no idea when the little luchador will grace our phone screens. At least, not those of us who aren't elite battlers.
And that's the real issue. Pokémon GO's PvP began plagued with bugs. Even now, players are still taking advantage of a that's been around sinc🉐e season one. Those who manage to circumvent the bugs and exploit-users still have to contend with a meta centered around Pokémon they might not have. To put it simply, PvP isn't really that fun unless you're a hardcore player.
Like most competitive scenes, Pokémon GO Battle League rewards its most dedicated players. That's great! Niantic is smart to recognize its biggest fans. But an exclusive Pokémon reward? In a game about collecting Pokémon? A cool skin or badge is a better reward that doesn't exclude players who ♔don't like PvP. Niantic should de🤡finitely make good on its word to spread the Pika Libre love, and sooner rather than later.