A few changes have been made to the game's multiplayer trainer battles.
Trainers, Niantic, the developer of Pokemon Go, announced a few changes to the game’s trainer battles system, which allows you to compete against other players casually in the free-to-play mobile game.
For one, players will be able to invite another trainer to compete in a trainer battle using a QR code. You’ll be able to invite players to compete regardless of how far away you are from them in the real-world, and regardless of your in-game friendship level.
If you want to compete against in-game friends, you’ll still be able to send invitations to friends at the “Good” and “Great Friends” level. Previously, players could only battle against their friends if they were at the “Ultra” and “Best Friends” levels.
Next, changes have been made to a few battle moves. Niantic detailed those changes in a news post:
- “Drill Run: Its energy requirement has been reduced.
- Moonblast: Its energy requirement and damage have both been reduced, and it now has a chance to lower the opponent’s Attack stat.
- Wild Charge: Its energy requirement has been reduced, its damage has been increased, and it will sharply lower the user’s Defense stat.”
Finally, Palkia, a Water- and Dragon-type Legendary Pokemon from Generation IV of the Pokemon universe, will now be able to learn the Charged Attack Aqua Tail.
These changes were announced alongside plenty of new details about Season 2 of the Pokemon Go Battle League. If you’re interested in rising through the ranks by competing against other players, check out our guide to Season 2.
Trainers, what do you think of these changes to the trainer battles system in Pokemon Go? Let us know in the comments, or tweet us at @superparenthq.
Brandy Berthelson has been writing about video games and technology since 2006, with her work appearing on sites including AOL Games, Digital Spy, and Adweek. When she’s not gaming, Brandy enjoys crafting, baking, and traveling with her husband.
