Niantic today lifted the veil on upcoming trainer battles in Pokémon GO.
Beginning this month, Trainer Battles will allow you to challenge a friend or another Trainer at any time. Challenge another Trainer using a Battle Code, assemble a team of three Pokémon, and see who comes out on top. When Trainer Battles are completed, both participants will receive rewards, including a chance at rare Evolution items.
In order to ensure an even playing field, Trainers must compete in the same Trainer Battle League, which determines the CP limit for the participating Pokémon.
Battles are said to be fast-paced and in real-time instead of turn-based! Your selected team of Pokémon will be able to execute both their Fast Attack and Charged Attack moves. In preparation for battle, you’ll even be able to use Stardust and Candy to unlock a bonus Charged Attack for your Pokémon.
Timing will be important. If you use your head and keep an eye on your opponent’s moves, you may be able to deploy a Protect Shield to save your Pokémon from critical damage. But you only have a limited number of these shields before your Pokémon will be left defenseless.
While Trainers will usually have to be nearby in order to initiate a Trainer Battle, Ultra Friends and Best Friends can challenge each other from any distance.
Team leaders Spark, Candela, and Blanche are available to test your skills and train you too. You can earn rewards once per day when training with a team leader, including Stardust to help power up your Pokémon.
