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Trainer Versus Trainer Battles Confirmed Arriving in Pokemon GO

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PvP/Trainer Battle Details

On November 30 2018, Niantic began a series of tweets in the early morning teasing something. at 7:00AM Pacific, they showed a distinct picture of a battlefield with a trainer:

This distinctly Pokemon-themed battlefield means that Trainer vs Trainer battles will be arriving soon!

Several prominent Pokmeon GO players/accounts have also spoken about a top-secret event that gave a few choice players a chance to try the new battle system!

November 30 Info

At 3:00PM PT, Niantic Japan also released more information on how the system will work. There will be three "Leagues", called "Great League", "Ultra League", "Master League".

The leagues are separated by CP; 1500 or less for Great League, 2500 or less for Ultra League, and unlimited for Master League.

Pokemon will battle in teams of three.

December 4 Update

On December 4, Niantic released more information on how Trainer Battles will work.

  • Battles will use the "tapping" system
  • 2 Charged moves can be available(2nd charge move unlocked with Candy & Stardust, same movepool)
  • Challenge using "Battle Codes", QR code similar to Friendship Codes
  • "Protect Shields" are available to block incoming charged attacks, but you only get 2 per battle
  • Ultra Friends and Best Friends don't have to be near each other to battle
  • "When Trainer Battles are completed, both participants will receive great rewards, including a chance at rare Evolution items."
  • Training with the team leaders will earn rewards once per day, and increase your progress towards an Ace Trainer medal!

IGN also has a very detailed article that includes the following:

  • There is not a decided cost for unlocking the 2nd charged move
  • 2nd charged moves will be usable in Raids and Gyms
  • Trainer Battle rewards only obtainable three times per day
  • Rewards from battling Team Leaders(Blanche, Candela, Spark) available once per day
  • Trainer Battles can be a source of increased friendship
  • You will not know your opponent's team ahead of time
  • CP number preview before powering up a Pokemon will be a feature added when 2nd charge moves become available
  • You will not be able to dodge during a Trainer Battle
  • The feature will be released "As soon as next week, and will definitely be out before the end of the month."
  • Ditto and Shedinja are banned
  • New Trainer Battle loading screen

See below for full announcement details.

Full Announcement Text

Trainers,

From encountering and catching your first Pokémon to assembling a powerful team to take on a Legendary Pokémon in Raid Battles, you have certainly built incredible skills as a Trainer over the last two years. Are you ready for the next big challenge? Show off your skills against others with Trainer Battles, coming soon to 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 great 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. Strength alone will not ensure victory! Whether you’re battling with a Caterpie or a Mewtwo, the cleverer and more strategic Trainer will have an advantage.

Battles are fast-paced and real-time, so don’t expect to wait your turn! 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 is 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. So, near or far, you can battle with your closest friends!

Looking to learn the ropes or sharpen your budding battle skills? Team leaders Spark, Candela, and Blanche are eager to test your bravery! You can earn rewards once per day when training with a team leader, including Stardust to help power up your Pokémon. Work toward earning an Ace Trainer medal!

It’s up to you to get your Pokémon into shape! The only way you’ll become a Trainer Battle master is to get out there and GO!


—The Pokémon GO team

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