5 things beginners should do for Pokemon GO PvP

Pokemon GO PvP battle format, the GO Battle League, is entirely different from PvE, and because of this, beginners can find the former challenging to compete. PvP follows a solo gameplay mode, where two online individuals fight with a team of three Pokemon each. The battle mechanics are also different from raids and Gyms, with concepts like optimal Charged Attack timing playing an important part.

Here is the list of the five things starters should know to improve their play in PvP scenarios in Pokemon GO.

Note: This list is subjective and based on the author's opinion.

---

5 things beginners can do to enhance their Pokemon GO PvP gameplay

1) Understand the type weaknesses and resistance of Pokemon

Exploit weaknesses and ignore resistance. (Image via TPC)

Each Pokemon in Pokemon GO PvP boasts resistance against certain moves. But, it is weak to certain moves, too. Broadening your knowledge on this matter is critical to identifying the upsides and downsides of the Pocket Monsters. Players have a misconception that if their monsters have higher combat power, attack, defense, or stamina, then they are already strong, which is incorrect on various levels.

Pokemon like the Starter Pokemon from Kanto, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle have resistance and weaknesses. Learning which attack is effective or ineffective against your team can give you the advantage you need to emerge victorious.

---

2) Prefer the best moveset for Pokemon

The wrong moveset will only make your powerful creature weak, resulting in disliking it. (Image via Niantic)

The second big mistake Pokemon GO PvP beginners often make is to ignore the significance of the best moveset. All Pokemon in the game can access their right moves, which can be done by replacing the wrong ones with the correct ones. It doesn’t matter whether you play the Great League, the Ultra League, or the Master League, you have to teach your unit the latter.

Setting up the proper set of attacks maximizes their total damage output and the damage per second. The results of these data can be further increased by preferring moves with the STAB effect.

---

3) Use two Charged Attacks

Unlock the second Charge Move (Image via Niantic)

Without the second Charged Attack, you will be at a significant disadvantage in Pokemon GO PvP matches. Therefore, it is essential to teach your Pokemon GO team the best second Charged Move. To do this, you must expend Candy and Stardust—the amount of which varies with species.

That said, there is a chance you won't get the exact move you need in one go. To arrive at a creature's best moveset, you might have to expend a few TMs. These items can be obtained in several ways, such as beating raids or receiving rewards upon the completion of Special Research Tasks.

To understand whether the mastered moves are correct or not, you can always double-check by going through the Pokemon GO databases.

---

4) Practice with your team

Practice more (Image via Niantic)

The “practice makes a man perfect” idiom is applicable in all domains of real and virtual lives. The team that you choose to battle in Pokemon GO PvP may lose skirmishes consecutively. However, this should not dishearten you because you may need to realize that you may need more practice.

Not everyone is capable of grasping game sense faster, each individual is different, and this is why you need to face opponents head-on without fear of losing until you become comfortable.

Most importantly, the team that you create must be robust. That said, you should then train yourself and your monsters for the League matches through practice sessions.

---

5) Gain experience from your losses

An experienced player is likelier to win more brawls. (Image via Niantic)

A wise trainer who is conscious of his strategy and gameplay style is more likely to gain experience from his loss. Hence, while playing the Pokemon GO PvP, your main aim should be to learn rather than win. With this mentality, you will be able to master the PvP as well as the PvE aspects of Niantic’s mobile game.

The more experienced player you become, the more wins you can secure. So, first and foremost, don’t hesitate to accept defeat in the GO Battle League.

---

Check out our other Pokemon GO guides:

• Ditto disguises
• Buddy Evolution Adventure Together guide
• Best Fast Attacks in Pokemon GO
• Sierra counters
• Cliff counters
• Arlo counters
• Giovanni counters
• Team GO Rocket Grunts