When it first launched,Pokemon GOmade it so the only way players could really interact with each other was by meeting up in person. As time has gone on, Niantic has released updates forPokemon GOto include more online multiplayer features. For example,Pokemon GOplayers can send gifts to friends no matter where they’re at in the world. Now more online multiplayer interaction is coming toPokemon GO, this time in the form of battles.
Niantic has announced the GO Battle League forPokemon GO. To participate, players will have to walk a certain distance to earn entry into the Go Battle League, and then they will be able to fight opponents around the world through an online matchmaking system. AsPokemon GOplayers defeat online opponents, they will rank up in the league. More details on the feature are unavailable at this time, but Niantic plans on releasing it to the masses at some point in early 2020.
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The addition of online multiplayer battles inPokemon GOis a big deal, and may give fans hope that more online multiplayer features could be on the way. At the top of manyPokemon GOplayers' wish list would be onlinePokemon trading, as that could give many fans a realistic chance at completing their Pokedex.
Right now, there are manyregion-exclusive Pokemon inPokemon GOthat are only obtainable to players who can travel the world. Sometimes these region-exclusive Pokemon have been made available through special events, but these opportunities have been few and far between, and have really only featured the Gen 1 regionals. By lettingPokemon GOplayers trade with each other online, it would allow Niantic to keep the region-exclusive Pokemon exclusive to their specific regions while also giving players the chance to actually complete their Pokedex.
But a feature like online Pokemon trading, if it ever happens, would be something way down the line. The first step is the online multiplayer battles forPokemon GO, which don’t even launch until 2020. Fans of thepopular mobile gamewill have to wait and see how that works before they can even really think about other online multiplayer features.
Pokemon GOis out now for iOS and Android mobile devices.
