Player-Versus-Player Battles Is Officially Coming To Pokémon GO

After two and a half years since its launch, Pokémon GO now releases player-versus-player version.

Here are a few things to know about this new exciting battling.

1. Battles will be played with teams of three

It's not turn-based as the Pokémon Games main series. Instead of a classic six-player team, players will engage other players in real-time battles with teams of three Pokémon each.

According to developer Niantic, six-versus-six Pokémon will make the game too time-consuming, making it less fun.

2. Select your opponent

In order to initiate a battle with the players that are on your nearby, you need to scan a battle code.

But with your ultra friends or your best friends anywhere around the world, you can challenge them to a battle or conversely without scanning QR code.

3. Battles with team leaders

Pokémon GO AI team leader trainers

If there's no one on your side or you just want to test and train your skills, you can also choose to battle with team leaders: Blanche (Mystic), Candela (Valor) and Spark (Instinct).

• Tap on nearby
• Tap on the battle tab
• Tap on Blanche, Candela or Spark and then choose your battle team.

It is notable that when you do battles with gym leaders, you can earn points, and later get yourself the Ace Traner medal.

4. Pokémon’s Combat Power

Pokémon GO PvP's league option

Battles are divided into three different league levels :

• Great League is for Pokémon with a CP under 1,500
• Ultra League for Pokémon with a CP under 2,500
• Master League for Pokémon of any CP

This league system help Pokémon with different strengths shine at their own league, increasing the total of valuable Pokémon. The system also allows new players to battle at lower levels without having to encounter stronger Pokémon.

5. Battling time is limited

The battles will have a current time limit to avoid overlong matches and the winner is decided by the number of Pokémon left or the amount of Pokémon health.

6. Rewards and friendship levels

• Rewards: The winner and the loser are both rewarded with items. And one of the best rewards is the Sinnoh stones item which used for the evolution of several Pokémon.
• Friendship levels: To increase your friendship levels, you can send your friend a gift, battle with each other or take part in a raid together.

7. Other actions

• Fast attack: Tap on the screen to fast attack. But remember, there is no swiping to dodge.
• Charge TMs: When you start a charge attack, you'll see a timer and a circle. Before time runs out, the faster you tap on the circle, the better your charge attack can damage the opponent.
• Protect Shield: If you know that your opponent is going to do a charge attack, you can deploy this "Protect Shield". In real-time battle, it's can block a lot of incoming damage. But keep in mind that each player has only two "Protect Shields" during the match so you can’t spam shields and hope to win.
• A second charge move: You will also have the ability to unlock a second charge move permanently on your Pokemon by using Stardust and candy. You will receive a new random move from its currently available moves when you unlock a second charge move. Moreover, this move can also be used during gym or raids battles.

In addition, the weather in-game will depend on the weather in player’s current location. However, it will not effect on PvP Pokémon battles.