'Pokémon Go' Trainer Battles: Upcoming Features Revealed In Datamine

Last week, Niantic officially announced that player-vs-player battles are finally coming to “Pokémon Go” later this month through a software update. Now, some new details about the upcoming update may have already been revealed thanks to some data mining.

The upcoming update, which has been dubbed as “The Big One,” contains codes that directly reference elements to PvP battles in “Pokémon Go.” These codes were discovered by the Pokémon Hub by data mining the APK of the 0.131.1 update of “Pokémon Go.” The site was able to dig up a lot of clues like buffs and debuffs for attacks and defenses.

The datamine also reveals that there are references in the code that are directly related to Web Sockets for PvP battles. This means that when players are engaged in a trainer battle, their phones are connected constantly to the server.

The added benefit of this is that the user’s phone won’t have to keep requesting Niantic for a server request and data can be transferred anytime. This should make data transfers faster, and players can enjoy a smooth experience. The only problem with this is that Niantic systems might be strained if a lot of “Pokémon Go” players are connected all at once.

With the addition of PvP battles in “Pokémon Go,” the augmented reality mobile game will go through some big changes. This includes some tweaks in the user interface and other audio visual upgrades. Pokémon Hub was able to extract the new loading screen for the game, and it features Electivire fighting Lucario in a trainer battle. This might seem like a small change, but it does make it apparent to all players that the new trainer battle feature is coming. Some players on Twitter are actually seeing this new loading screen right now.

Additionally, the datamine exposed some new icons and textures that will be part of the new PvP battles. Trainer battles will be accessed through a new Battle button icon. There appears to be a new Protect Shield icon, as well. “Pokémon Go” team leaders, namely Spark, Candela and Blanche, are also getting new profile icons and themed backgrounds.

The upcoming update to “Pokémon Go” will also include a plethora of new sound effect and background music tracks. The Pokémon Hub published a video on YouTube showing the new music for when players win or lose a PvP trainer battle.

Niantic Labs said that trainer battles will allow players to challenge their friends and other trainers anytime. Players will have to use a Battle Code in order to challenge someone for a battle. The Battle Code must be scanned by the opponent to initiate the match. Players will also be able to challenge Ultra or Best Friends even when they are far away, according to Eurogamer.

“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,” Niantic said on its blog. “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!”