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. Areas only accessible by Skylanders of these elements, as well as Villains of these elements are labeled to be of an "Unknown Element" and cannot be visited or trapped, respectively, until a Light or Dark Skylander is placed on the Portal of Power.
