Pokemon GO trainer battles can be tricky to win, especially when you’re just starting out. Whether you’re looking to climb the ranks in the GO Battle League or just want to beat your friends, there’s a fair bit to wrap your head around. If you’re someone struggling with it all, this one’s for you. So get your Pokeballs ready and dive in as we give you the best tips to win trainer battles in Pokemon GO.
1. Getting Started
When you jump into a Pokemon GO battle, you’ll be working with three Pokemon on your team. The battle system is pretty straightforward – you tap the screen to do fast attacks, and you’ll build up energy to do stronger-charged attacks. You also get three protective shields to block big hits from your opponent. Think of these shields as your safety net as they can save you in tough spots.
The battle keeps going until someone’s Pokemon are all knocked out, or until you hit the time limit. If you run out of time, whoever has more Pokemon left wins. If you both have the same number of Pokemon, it comes down to who has more health.
2. Picking Your Battle League
Pokemon GO gives you different leagues to choose from, and each one has its own style. The Great League caps Pokemon at 1,500 CP, the Ultra League goes up to 2,500 CP, and the Master League lets you use any CP level.
If you’re new, start with the Great League. It’s more forgiving and you don’t need super rare or powerful Pokemon to do well. The Master League can be tough because you’ll run into a lot of players using maxed-out legendary Pokemon.
3. Building Your Battle Team
A good team isn’t just about high CP numbers. Think about type coverage first. You want Pokemon that can help each other out. If you have a water Pokemon that’s weak to electric attacks, try adding a ground Pokemon that electric moves can’t touch. This way, when your opponent brings out an electric Pokemon, you have an answer ready.
Pokemon that can take hits are really valuable in battles. I’ve seen many battles where a bulky Pokemon outlasts a stronger attacker and ends up winning. Look for Pokemon with good defense and HP stats, as they’ll give you more chances to use your charged attacks.
4. The Right Moves Matter
Your Pokemon’s moves are super important. The fast move is what you’ll be using most often, so pick one that builds energy quickly. Some moves hit harder but build energy slowly. In most cases, you want the faster energy builders because charged attacks often decide battles.
Each Pokemon can learn two charged moves if you’re willing to spend the resources. It’s worth it. Having two different types of charged moves makes you less predictable and gives you more options. Try to have one move that charges quickly to make your opponent use their shields, and another stronger move for when their shields are gone.
5. Energy Management
Think of energy in Pokemon GO as a resource you’re collecting throughout the battle. Each fast attack gives you a certain amount of energy, and different Pokemon collect it at different speeds. Moves like Mud Shot and Psycho Cut build energy really quickly, while moves like Waterfall hit harder but build energy more slowly.
You can save up to 100 energy for each Pokemon. That means you can potentially use two charged attacks back-to-back if you save up enough energy. This can be a game-changing strategy, especially when your opponent is out of shields.
6. Battle Timing and Strategy
Timing is everything in Pokemon GO battles. Don’t rush to use your shields right away. Sometimes it’s better to let a Pokemon faint than waste a shield if it’s already almost knocked out. Watch your opponent’s Pokemon and moves. If they’ve been saving energy, they might be planning to hit you with multiple charged attacks in a row.
Switching Pokemon is another crucial skill. You can only switch once every 60 seconds, so you have to be smart about it. If your first Pokemon is at a big disadvantage, switching right away might seem like the obvious choice. But sometimes it’s better to stay in and do some damage first because your opponent might switch too.
Don’t forget about weather bonuses. When the weather boosts a certain type, those Pokemon get a small CP boost. This can sometimes push a Pokemon just over the CP limit for Great or Ultra League, so always check your team’s CP before battling.
7. Advanced Strategies
The “safe swap” approach is a strategy where you have a very reliable Pokemon as your second Pokemon that can handle multiple types of threats. Pokemon like Vigoroth or Sableye work well because they don’t have many weaknesses and can put pressure on lots of different Pokemon.
Right after a charged attack, there’s a brief moment where neither Pokemon can attack. Use this time to switch Pokemon if you need to, giving you a slight advantage in timing.
You can practice battles anytime against the team leaders. It might seem basic, but it’s a great way to get comfortable with how battles work without the pressure of facing other players. Use this time to practice timing your charged attacks and getting used to different Pokemon matchups. If you’re serious about improving, start recording your Pokemon Go battles. Watching your battles afterward can help you spot mistakes or missed opportunities.
Remember, becoming good at Pokemon GO battles takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you’re not winning right away. Focus on understanding these concepts one at a time, and you’ll see your win rate start to improve. Even when you’re losing battles, you’re still making progress and learning from each match.
The most important thing is to have fun while battling. Yes, winning is great, but don’t let losses get you down. Every battle teaches you something new, and that’s how you get better. Keep at it, use these tips, and you’ll start seeing more wins come your way.
So how do you plan to get started with Pokemon GO trainer battles? Let us know in the comments below.
