IMGMR: Learn The Art of Battle in Pokémon GO

Many of you aspiring trainers have been asking about the way battles work exactly and how you can perform as best as possible to always emerge victorious!Pokémon GO has introduced a brand new style of Pokémon games taking advantage of AR and live massive multiplayer online mobile game. Of course, if there is Pokémon, then there is Pokémon Battle. Pokémon GO is a very different game compared to the original games on handheld and with that, a new format of battling is introduced. Battles are no longer turn-based so that already changes a lot of things.
The Battle Screen:

iPhone and Android Battle screens

In Pokémon GO, battles are only available to players who have reached Level 5. They are treated as Gym Battles. When challenging a Gym, you may prepare a team of 6 Pokémon that will fight against the Gym’s roster. Let’s break down the battle format step by step and explain what it is you, the player, have to do to win.

When the battle begins, on the top you can see both your Pokémon and the Gym’s Pokémon’s Health Points (HP). When your Pokémon loses all its HP, it is now Fainted and you must use a Revive to nurse it back to life.
Below the HP bars, there is each Pokémon’s Combat Points (CP). These depict the Pokémon’s potential in battle. A high CP Pokémon is technically stronger than a Pokémon with lower CP.
Under your Pokémon ‘s HP bar and next to its CP, there is finally a variable blue bar. This bar is the Special Attack bar and it fills up the more your Pokémon attacks its opponent. When one or more of the bars have been filled, your Pokémon is ready to unleash its stronger attack at your command.
You can flee the battle at any time if you tap on the Run button.
Finally, you can also switch between your different Pokémon at any time. Perhaps switching to a better choice can help you keep the number advantage and even deal more damage through weakness of types.

Pokémon Characteristics:

To learn the art of battle, one must understand what a Pokémon has to offer. As aforementioned, each Pokémon has a level of CP which shows its combat prowess. Besides that, Every Pokémon has a set of two attacks: a basic one that is executed by simply tapping the screen and a special attack that can used when ready. All you have to do is hold the your finger on the screen for a brief moment and your Pokémon will use it.
Pokémon Types:

It is important to pay attention as to what attacks your Pokémon has since they may even have a different typing than your actual Pokémon. This can give them an edge when facing an opponent with higher CP. For example, This Charmeleon would still be very effective against 800 CP Ivysaur or Venasaur since Fire is strong against Grass-types. Speaking of types, it is also important to know the typing of every Pokémon as some are dual-typed as well. Here is the type chart that we are all used to seeing in all the Pokémon games.

With this chart, you can accurately prepare your Pokémon team to match up against a hard Gym at your neighborhood. After all, you want probably want to bring it home for your faction if you want to get better at battling. You could simply tap the screen and hope to win, or you could meticulously prepare a team of your strongest Pokémon and place them on specific slots to take the most advantage on a Gym.
Using the Right Moves:

Now, Pokémon battles in GO are in real time. This mean that the game does not wait for you to make your move like in the original games. Players must tap the screen in order to attack and the adrenaline could make you mindlessly tap your screen like a maniac. However, smart Trainers are wary enough that the game has system put in place and if you act fast and smart enough, you could minimize your casualties and improve your chances of victory.

Sometimes, your special attack will deal less damage than your basic attack due the typing as well; or vice versa. Planning ahead is key in any battle. If you basic attack is super effective and your special move is of a different type, it would be better to keep bashing your opponent on that weakness and keeping your blue bars for the next Pokémon instead.
How to Dodge:

During battle, players swipe right or left to dodge enemy attacks. Of course, dodging the opposing Pokémon’s basic attack is hard as most Pokémon attack really quickly for your fingers (and the servers) to keep up. So, I would suggest prioritizing your dodges when you see your opponent about to unleash their special attack. Once the screen shows your opponent is about to use an attack, make sure you dodge to the left or right the moment the attack is about to land on your Pokémon and it should say “Dodged!”. This could save from a deadly blow and you could answer back with your own special attack at that moment.

There you have it Trainers! You are now set to become a Pokémon Master and earn yourself some Gyms for your faction! Practice these elements and you will find yourself making better decisions in battles and reacting the way you should at the right time. Always keep in mind to pay attention to a Pokémon’s types, its attacks’ types, its CP and dodging away from your opponent’s special move and you will be taking Gyms like it was candy from a baby.

Until next time Trainer, go and catch them all!

IMGMR