After much teasing, Pokemon Go’s PVP mode has finally been detailed. Known in-game as Trainer Battles, Trainers will be able to put themselves and their Pokemon against their friends in battles. Niantic confirmed all the new details in a blog post on their official site.
Trainer Battles will be familiar to those who have used the gym and raid system already existing in Pokemon Go. In these battles, players tap on the screen to use a quick move and build up their charge move meter. Once charged, trainers can tap on the move to unleash an attack that does massive damage. This is exactly how this will work within Trainer Battles with a few added changes.
The biggest change comes from the addition of shields and a lack of dodging. Each trainer will receive two shields at the start of battles and will be tasked with using them at the right time to avoid taking damage. Dodging, on the other hand, is nonexistent in the mode, making shields all the more useful in battle.
Each trainer will bring three Pokemon into battles so choosing the right ones will be imperative. Additionally, Niantic has added in three different leagues to keep matches fair. The Great League only allows Pokemon 1500 CP and below, the Ultra League only allows Pokemon 2500 CP and below and finally, the Master League removes any CP restrictions present in Pokemon Go.
Most Trainer Battles will require players to be close to each other to fight, but not all. Ultra Friends and above in Pokemon Go are able to battle remotely from anywhere in the world. If you don’t have anyone nearby and want to participate in battles, Niantic has given trainers the option to battle the three team leaders.
There is still no firm date for the release of Trainer Battles in Pokemon Go, but Niantic has promised its release by the end of the year.
