Niantic is now debuting "Pokémon GO's" revamped person-versus-person (PvP) battles in the game, and this arrives via the latest Preview Cup (Experimental) release via the Go Battle League.
The previous version of "Pokémon GO's" PvP battles delivered a buggy and inconsistent experience to players, and it was met with significant criticisms from its fans who played it in the game.
'Pokémon GO' Debuts New PvP Battles in Preview Cup
Niantic announced that the latest overhaul to the famed PvP battles in "Pokémon GO" is now here, and it is now open for players to try out and familiarize themselves with.
The Preview Cup (Experimental) went live earlier this week, giving trainers an early look at what the rebuilt battle system feels like in practice.
This test of the new PvP battle system can be accessed through the Go Battle League area, just as you would find any other limited-time cup in the game. Niantic is now inviting players to try out the new battle system and is asking players to share their feedback regarding this latest version.
One thing to keep in mind before jumping in: these battles count towards the daily Go Battle League limit despite being experimental content, something that is proving not particularly popular with those already enmeshed in the competitive "Pokémon GO" scene.
New Experimental Features, Experiences in PvP
Niantic's blog outlines several meaningful changes coming to the battle system. Damage now resolves at the end of each turn, and energy is awarded at the same time. This means energy gains are more predictable, and outcomes depend on decisions and timing within the turn system, not a player's local network speed.
Swapping Pokémon also works differently. Swaps now always resolve before damage, meaning that when a trainer swaps on the same turn that an opponent's Fast Attack completes, the incoming Pokémon will consistently take the damage.
According to Niantic, players need not worry if the client stops responding mid-battle as PvP matches will continue to progress, including the outcomes on knockouts, energy gain, and more, even if an opponent is disconnected.
The Preview Cup is, however, reportedly struggling with lag and freezing. For many, the new battle mode does not feel much different, except perhaps a bit glitchier, said ComicBook Gaming. That said, Niantic has not confirmed how long the Preview Cup will run.
