Beginners Guide to Gyms and Raids in Pokémon GO

Understanding Pokémon GO Gyms

What is a Gym?

Gyms in Pokémon GO are locations where players can battle each other’s Pokémon and earn rewards. Each Gym can hold up to six Pokémon, and they serve as a platform for PvP battles, training, and earning Gym Badges. Players can engage in gym battles, defend their own Pokémon, or take down opposing Pokémon in order to control the Gym.

Types of Gyms

1. Friendly Gyms

   • These gyms allow players to practice battling and to train their Pokémon. You cannot earn PokéCoins or rewards from friendly gyms.

2. Team Gyms

   • Owned by one of the three Teams: Team Mystic, Team Valor, or Team Instinct. Players can battle to take control of these gyms for their respective teams.
3. Neutral Gyms
   • Unclaimed by any team. Players can challenge these gyms to claim them for their own teams.

Joining a Gym

To join a gym, approach it and tap the Gym icon. You can either battle for control or contribute Pokémon to defend an allied gym. Ensure your Pokémon is at optimal health to maximize performance during battles.

Gym Battles

Battle Mechanics

1. Selecting Pokémon

   • Choose the best type match-up against the defending Pokémon. For example, use Water-type Pokémon against Fire-types.

2. Tapping and Dodging

   • Tap to execute fast attacks. Use the dodge feature to evade incoming attacks. Timing is essential, especially against charged moves.
3. Charged Attacks
   • Accumulate energy during battles to unleash powerful charged moves. This aspect adds strategy to battles, requiring players to decide when to unleash a strong attack or save energy.

Earning Rewards from Gyms

When you battle and defeat a gym, you can earn Gym Badges, which can be leveled up to earn rewards. You can also obtain PokéCoins by placing your Pokémon in a friendly gym. Each Pokémon in a gym earns 1 PokéCoin per 10 minutes.

Gym Badges

Gym Badges help you track your achievements at specific gyms and offer various in-game benefits. Leveling up your Gym Badge can grant bonuses like increased chances for rare items during raids or improved rewards.

Ways to Level Up Gym Badges

• Battling in the Gym
• Feeding Berries to Pokémon
• Defending Pokémon for extended periods

Understanding Raids in Pokémon GO

What are Raids?

Raids occur in gyms, featuring powerful Pokémon that cannot be captured initially. Players must band together to defeat these Raid Bosses. Once defeated, players can catch the Pokémon using Premier Balls.

Raid Levels

Raids are categorized into levels 1 through 5, with level 1 being the easiest and level 5 featuring Legendary Pokémon. Higher-level raids typically require teamwork due to the strength of the Raid Boss.

Preparing for a Raid

1. Gathering a Team

   • Form a party with friends or join online groups. Coordinate attacks and strategies to take down strong Raid Bosses effectively.

2. Choosing Pokémon

   • Select Pokémon with type advantages against the Raid Boss. Utilize counters, focusing on strengths and weaknesses based on the target Pokémon.
3. Using Items
   • Stock up on Potions, Revives, and other items to replenish your Pokémon’s health before or after the battles.

Raid Battles

Mechanics of Raid Battles

• Join the Raid

  • Tap on the Gym where the raid is happening. Enter with your team, select your Pokémon, and engage in combat.

• Dodge and Attack

  • Similar to standard gym battles, tap to attack and dodge as needed. Communicating with team members can enhance the odds of a successful raid.
• Timing and Strategy
  • Monitor the Raid Boss’s health to time your charged attacks optimally. Focus on the team’s weaknesses to dismantle the boss quickly.

Post-Raid Activities

Upon victory, players will receive a certain number of Premier Balls based on their performance. Players can then attempt to catch the Raid Boss. Make sure to utilize berries to increase capture chances.

Catch Bonuses

• Razz Berries

  • Great for raising your chances of catching Pokémon.

• Silver Razz Berries

  • Even more effective than regular Razz Berries.
• Frill Balls
  • Use them during difficult catches when up against rare Pokémon.

Additional Tips for Gyms and Raids

1. Stay Active

   • Regularly visit local gyms and engage in battles. This will help in leveling badges and recognizing popular local raid timings.

2. Defensive Pokémon

   • Ensure you have strong defensive Pokémon to place in gyms. Great choices include Blissey, Snorlax, and Dragonite.

3. Event Participation

   • Participate in community events that often include exclusive raids and special Gym challenges. This enhances the experience and rewards.

4. Social Engagement

   • Join local Discord or Facebook groups to connect with other players. Sharing tips and strategies can broaden your gameplay experience.
5. Time Management
   • Keep an eye on the timer during raids. Coordinating with friends can ensure that everyone is ready to go all out in the final moments.

Conclusion: Mastering Gyms and Raids

Building a solid understanding of Gyms and Raids in Pokémon GO can significantly enhance your gameplay. Engage actively, collaborate with other players, and keep honing your skills to become a master trainer. By efficiently managing battles at gyms and participating in prominent raids, you can gather powerful Pokémon and make your collection unbeatable. Prioritize captures, consistently return to gyms, and actively seek out raids to boost your game. Adapt your strategies based on evolving gameplay mechanics, and you’ll always stay ahead in the Pokémon GO universe.