Pokemon GO Update Features Training At Gyms, Real-Time Combat Instead Of Turn-Based

The Pokémon GO version being used in the ongoing field test was recently updated, adding a few new features to the app, including the ability to train at gyms. [Thanks, Nintendo Everything.]

Additionally, information leaked from the test indicates that Pokémon GO features real-time combat as opposed to the turn-based battles found in the series.

Here is some more information from reddit on the updated field test:

• 3 teams: red, blue, yellow

• Asked to join one of these three teams

• Train at friendly gyms

• Players are paired with random “Computer Player” Pokémon to fight

• They attack and and you attack back in real time

• Training is not turn based – it’s an all out brawl

• In wild encounters, the color of the shrinking circle indicates the difficulty of the catch

• Starts off as red and then approaches green

• Green is a higher probability of catch

• Use the ring to make it more green by feeding the Pokémon berries (allowed only once per encounter) and using a higher level PokeBall

• Pokémon can become “injured” after training

• Heal them with a “health spray” (likely a “potion”)

• Can see each Pokémon’s HP in a bar while battling

• Hyper Potions and Max Revives are showing up at PokeStops

• The Gym Leader’s avatar is displayed (large) behind his/her Pokémon at the Gym

• Other players will see the Gym Leader’s username and their Pokémon/CP when approaching a friendly Gym to train

• It’s assumed non-friendly Gyms will see the same

• There is a ‘crown’ for the Gym Leader

• When you claim a Gym, you select your Pokémon to defend it

• To Train, you fight that Pokémon with another one of your own Pokémon

• When starting a training session, a random Pokémon in your team is selected to fight with

• Can change this by tapping on it in the screen before combat begins

• In training combat, the opponent’s attacks are shown ‘targeting’ with a red crosshair that closes in on your Pokémon

• This appears to be so you can decide to ‘dodge’ or take the hit

• Dodge by swiping left or right

• Can dodge all the way behind an opponents back if you’re quick enough

• Attack by tapping (quick attack) or pressing and holding (for the charge attack)

• There’s a stamina bar of sorts that is broken in two halfs, underneath your HP bar

• It refills about 20% per second, and appears to be boosted forward when you are hit to refill faster

• When executing a charge move, it appears to use up 50% of your stamina

• Types affect damage

• Ex: “It’s not very effective” message above attacks when water vs. water

• “It’s super effective” shows when using a type advantage

Pokemon GO is scheduled to release sometime this year for iOS and Android devices.