Have you got to a Gym in Pokemon GO and been somewhat lost in all of its features? Don’t worry, let us run you through every last thing you need to know.
When you reach level 5 in Pokemon GO you’re given the ability to start battling at Gyms. It’s at this point that you’ll have to make a decision. Which team should you join to help in their bid for world domination of Gyms?
For those who are unaware, there are three different teams to choose from in Pokemon GO: Instinct, Mystic, and Valor, otherwise known as Yellow, Blue, and Red respectively. There’s no benefit to joining one over the other, so choose based on personal preference. this is the ultimate battling guide
Prestige is a score displayed by each Gym. It represents the collective CP or ‘Combat Points’ of the Pokemon defending that Gym. The higher the Prestige, the more difficult the Gym will be to defeat.
Winning battles against the Gym’s Pokemon will lower Prestige, and once it hits zero, you essentially boot the current team out of that Gym. Now you know what is a manageable target, it’s time to get fighting. Need a guide? here’s how to take over and win battles at them
To take on a Gym, you’re given the choice of taking six Pokemon with you. You’ll want to take your six Pokemon with the highest CP levels. Then, let the battle begin.
To attack, all you have to do is tap on the enemy Pokemon. A second attack gets charged up as the fight progresses and you continue to land your attacks. This can later be released by holding down on the screen when the power bar is full.
Once you’ve defeated a Gym you can claim it for your own team. In order to leave a Pokemon at the Gym, look for the little icon in the bottom left-hand of the screen. Tap this and then select the Pokemon you want to help defend it.
If you want your Pokemon to reign supreme at the Gym and become the Gym leader you’ll need to do one really simple thing- have the Pokemon with the highest CP at the Gym.
Do this one thing and you’ll immediately be crowned as leader of the Gym meaning that opponents will have to get through any Pokemon prior to yours before they can even lay a finger on it. It’s a good feeling being the very best.
Gyms aren’t just a way to show off to other players, they grant you rewards as well. here’s a guide to how to use gyms
For every 21 hours your Pokemon holds its place at the Gym you’ll earn 500 Stardust and 10 PokeCoins. Not too shabby at all.
Sometimes you may find that you’re only able to battle with one Pokemon. This happens when you may have started a battle at a Gym that your team already controls.
You can still attack a Gym of the same color, but you’ll find it much harder with only one Pokemon to take on multiple opponents.
For more tips, tricks, and guides, be sure to check out our Ultimate Pokemon GO Guide.
Your One-Stop Shop for Everything Gyms
Joining a Team
There are three different teams to choose from: Instinct, Mystic, and Valor, otherwise known as Yellow, Blue, and Red, respectively. There's no benefit to joining one over the other, so choose based on personal preference.
Prestige
Winning battles against the Gym’s Pokemon will lower its Prestige, and once it hits zero, you essentially boot the current team out of that Gym. Now you know what is a manageable target, it's time to get fighting.
Challenging a Gym
To attack, all you have to do is tap on the enemy Pokemon. Normal attacks charge a blue bar in the upper left hand corner. When it's full, hold down on the screen to unleash your Pokemon's special attack. To dodge incoming attacks, swipe left or right when you see a yellow flash on the edge of the screen or the Pokemon winding up an attack. Remember that type effectiveness will come into play, so keep an eye on your Pokemon's strengths and weaknesses.
Defending a Gym
If you come across a Gym controlled by your team and want to leave a Pokemon there, you can only do so if there is an open slot, and this is dependent on the Gym's level. A level three Gym can have three Pokemon stationed, a level five Gym can have five, and so on. To raise a Gym's level, the team controlling it must battle against it to train.
Fighting Your Own Team's Gym
You can attack a Gym of the same color, but you'll find it much harder with only one Pokemon to take on multiple opponents. Successful challenges will raise the level of your team's Gym, though, allowing more Pokemon to be stationed there and strengthening it overall.
Battle Your Own 'Mon
Collect Your Rewards
For every 21 hours your Pokemon holds its place at the Gym, you'll earn 500 Stardust and 10 PokeCoins. Not too shabby at all. To collect them, head to the in-game store and click on the icon in the upper right corner.
Become a Gym Leader
Do this, and you'll immediately be crowned as leader of the Gym. It's a good feeling being the very best.
For more tips, tricks, and guides, be sure to check out our Ultimate Pokemon GO Guide.
About the author
Chris Jecks
Chris is the Managing Editor of Twinfinite. Chris has been with the site and covering the games media industry for eight years. He typically covers new releases, FIFA, Fortnite and any good shooters for the site, and loves nothing more than a good Pro Clubs session with the lads. Chris has a History degree from the University of Central Lancashire. He spends his days eagerly awaiting the release of BioShock 4.