- Pokémon GO rebuilds core Trainer Battle system to improve PvP consistency.
- Damage and energy now resolve at the end of each turn.
- Swaps are standardized, making defensive plays more predictable.
Pokémon GO is making some major changes to Trainer Battles, especially for those of you who spend time in PvP. Instead of tweaking small issues one by one, the team has rebuilt parts of the core battle system to make fights feel fairer and more consistent.
In the latest blog, the makers addressed that over time, especially in competitive PvP, players noticed rare but frustrating inconsistencies. Sometimes, damage timing, swaps, or Charged Attacks behaved slightly differently depending on connection quality or device performance.
Pokémon GO Trainer Battles: All the changes explained
Damage and energy now resolve more consistently
One of the biggest changes is how damage and energy are handled. Now, damage always resolves at the end of a turn, and energy is awarded at the same time. So if both players use one-turn Fast Attacks together, they properly tie instead of one landing first due to a slight network variation.
Charged Attacks are also more standardized, always beginning on the next turn. Their effects, like stat changes, apply in a clearer and more predictable order.
Swapping Pokémon is more reliable
Swapping has also been cleaned up. Swaps now always resolve before damage, meaning if you switch to catch an incoming move, it should behave the same way every time. Quick swaps consistently cost one turn, while forced swaps after a faint do not. The swap interface also appears slightly earlier after Charged Attacks, making fast inputs smoother in tight situations.
Battles continue even during disconnects
Another important update is how battles handle disconnects. Previously, if one player dropped connection, outcomes could become unclear.
Now, once both players connect and the match begins, the battle continues to resolve properly even if someone disconnects. Knockouts, energy gains, and alignment will still play out cleanly instead of ending in awkward or confusing ways.
Related articles for further reading:
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- Pokémon GO is increasing the level cap to 80, bringing major progression rework and rewards this October
- Pokémon GO Stunning Styles event to feature multiple debuts, various Pokémon forms, and more
- Pokémon GO Product Director reassures players following high-profile Scopely deal: “No ads, no data sales”
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