As in previous games, the player controls various characters by placing toy figures representing them onto a near field communication-enabled interface device called the Traptanium Portal, which activates the character in the game. Trap Team adds the trap, a new type of item which, unlike the figures, which bring characters into the game, can be used to store forty-seven[6] Villains and control them as playable characters who are more powerful than Skylanders.[6] 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;[6] when enemies are "trapped", their vocals travel from a screen to the portal.[6] The game features Skystones Smash, a mini-game that is the successor to Skystones from Skylanders: Giants.[6] It is a number-based card game played in a tabletop style.[6]
Trap Team introduces Trap Masters,[6] special Skylanders that are stronger against trappable villains, as well as Skylanders Minis, miniature versions of regular Skylanders.[7] Players can switch between playing as a villain and a Skylander at any point in the game.[6] In co-operative play, players can share the trapped villain and take turns playing as it.[6] However, there is a time limit to how long a villain can be used, which is shortened when player using the villain is hit by attacks.[6] Once the playable villain's energy is depleted, players must wait until their energy recharges before they can use them again.[6] There are also hidden quests involving villains, which unlock exclusive upgrades upon completion.[6] Villains can also be stored in the Villain Vault, which is located in the game's hub world.[6]
The mobile version of Trap Team uses a bluetooth Traptanium Portal and optional touch controls.[8] If the Traptanium Portal is not connected, players can use "on the go characters", digital versions of the figurines stored on the device.[8]
Trap Team also introduces the new elements of Light and Dark, with Knight Light and Spotlight for Light and Knight Mare and Blackout for Dark. 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 or Trap is placed on the Portal of Power.
