Pokemon Go July 2019 battle update bringing new attacks and Trainer Battle tweaks

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New and more moves are on the way

Pokemon Go
(Image credit: Niantic)

Pokemon Go is making some small but significant changes to its battle system this month. As developer Niantic announced today, an upcoming update will introduce two new attacks, including the Fairy-type Fast Attack Charm, and make more existing moves available to several Pokemon. Here's the full list: 

  • Alolan Raichu: can now learn Grass Knot
  • Vileplume: can now learn Sludge Bomb
  • Hypno: can now learn Fire Punch, Ice Punch, Thunder Punch
  • Electrode: can now learn Foul Play
  • Aerodactyl: can now learn Rock Throw
  • Articuno: can now learn Ancient Power, Ice Shard 
  • Zapdos: can now learn Ancient Power, Drill Peck 
  • Moltres: can now learn Ancient Power, Wing Attack 
  • Sceptile: can now learn Dragon Claw
  • Aggron: can now learn Smack Down
  • Claydol: can now learn Mud-Slap
  • Bronzong: can now learn Bulldoze, Psyshock
  • Electivire: can now learn Ice Punch
  • Charm: Fairy-type Fast Attack available to Raichu, Clefable, Wigglytuff, Wobbuffet, Granbull, Donphan, Gardevoir, Delcatty, Latias, Togekiss, and Gallade
  • Skull Bash: Normal-type Charged Attack and Defense buff available to Blastoise, Raichu, Lapras, Snorlax, and Rhyperior

Speaking of Charged Attacks: the Pokemon Go July 2019 battle update will also add new "swiping and tapping mechanics" to Charged Attacks in Trainer Battles. Swapping Pokemon during battles will also briefly pause the fight to "prevent combatants from damaging each other while one Pokemon is switching out." That sounds pretty maddening - like someone taking three turns in a board game while you're still setting up your side - so this ought to be a nice change. 

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Austin Wood
Austin Wood
Senior writer

Austin has been a game journalist for 12 years, having freelanced for the likes of PC Gamer, Eurogamer, IGN, Sports Illustrated, and more while finishing his journalism degree. He's been with GamesRadar+ since 2019. They've yet to realize his position is a cover for his career-spanning Destiny column, and he's kept the ruse going with a lot of news and the occasional feature, all while playing as many roguelikes as possible.

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