Pokemon Go’s Player vs Player (PvP) battles are an exciting new way for trainers to test their skills against other human opponents. Unlike the raids where you team up cooperatively, PvP pits you against the trainer in a head-to-head showdown to become a masterful battler. While hard-core players embrace PvP, it seems daunting for casual trainers to catch Pokemon and battle computer-controlled opponents.
Battle leagues
The first key to success in PvP understands the different battle leagues and cup formats. Each league or cup has a different CP limit, so you must carefully select, build, and power up your Pokemon squads for that particular battle situation.
- Great League: Pokemon max 1500 CP
- Ultra League: Pokemon max 2500 CP
- Master League: No CP limit
There are also rotating cups every season that enforce different rules, such as limiting Pokemon types, generations, regions, etc. Mastering the Great and Ultra leagues is generally advised before moving to the Master League, as they have lower CP caps that are more accessible.
Master switching & baiting
Two of the most crucial battlefield tactics in PvP are switching your active
compte pokemon go and “baiting” your opponent. Unlike computer battles, you switch your active fighter at any time to better counter your opponent. Switching at the correct times – such as when your current Pokemon is low on health or walled by the opponent’s type – is critical to maximizing your team’s collective strength. Great players even bluff their switches to bait out powerful, charged moves. Baiting is another mind game where you carefully manage your charge move to bait out a shield or decisive move from your opponent before unleashing your real nuke.
Manage your resources
PvP isn’t just about type advantages; it’s also about managing your battle resources: Protecting Shields, Energy Advantage, Switch Advantage, and Health Percentages. For example, if you trap your opponent’s final Pokemon in a one shield/2 shield disadvantage, you’ll have more priority even if they have a type advantage. Their shields then keep catch-move pressure with a high energy/low health lead, which is a huge advantage. The player who maintains resource control is the player who wins. Always focus on resource management almost as much as typing. An opponent with an advantage in multiple resources likely seals the win.
Stay patient
Patience is truly a virtue in PvP battles. Don’t get lured into rash moves or squandering essential resources to inflict some damage. Bide your time, identify threats, and then strike with precision. There’s no timer or need to rush, so stay disciplined and wait for that perfect moment – when you have switch/shield lead and a nuke after baiting their shields, etc. Hasty impatience is the downfall of many PvP battlers. PvP is a game of streaks – some days, you get all the good leads, and lag goes your way; other days, the reverse occurs. Maintain your composure and focus on the long-term mastery process, not any match’s outcome.
Consume the best resources
The top PvP trainers voraciously consume the very best resources – they leave no stone unturned in analyzing the Meta, high IV spreads, team-building, matchup guides, streamer videos, tournament footage, and more. A site like PvPoke, PvPCast, and GO Stadium provides matchup matrices; rankings, team recommendations, and in-depth theory crafting you need to understand at a high level. Experience and guide writers like FrThunderaBulk in analyzing and elevating the Meta for everyone. Top streamers break down their every move.
