As in previous games, the player controls a variety of characters by placing toy figures representing the characters onto a near field communication-enabled interface device known as the Traptanium Portal, which activates the character in the game. In Trap Team, however, a new item type has been added: the trap. Unlike the figures, which bring characters into the game, the traps can be used to store forty-seven[7] enemy characters originally found in the game (including Kaos), who may then be controlled as good characters. These stored characters can be taken to other consoles.[1] The Traptanium Portal has a speaker incorporated in its design, to emphasize the trapping mechanic.[7] When enemies are "trapped", their vocals travel from a screen to the portal.[7] Skystones Smash, a mini-game and successor to Skystones from Skylanders: Giants has been added.[7] Skystones Smash is a card game, that uses numbers and is played in a tabletop style which is also included in the game.[7]
Trap Masters[7] are introduced in Trap Team and are special Skylanders that are stronger against trappable villains. The game also establishes Skylanders Minis (miniature versions of regular Skylanders) as playable characters.[8] Players can switch between playing as a villain and a Skylander at any point in the game.[7] In co-operative play players can share the trapped villain, and take turns playing as it.[7] However, a time limit is given to how long a villain can be used.[7] Once the playable villain's energy is depleted, players must wait until the villain's energy can recharge before using the character once more.[7] Villains are actually more powerful than Skylanders.[7] There are also hidden quests involving villains, once completed each quest unlocks exclusive upgrades.[7] Villains can also be stored in the Villain Vault which is located in the game's hub world.[7]
The mobile version of Trap Team uses a bluetooth Traptanium Portal and optional touch controls.[9] If the Traptanium Portal is not connected, players can use "on the go characters", digital versions of the figurines stored on the device.[9]
New elements have been added to the classic eight. These new elements have later become known as Light and Dark; however there are only two Skylanders in each.[citation needed] These Skylanders are Knight Light, Spotlight, Knight Mare and Blackout
