Pokémon GO's gyms are central to the game's competitive aspect, offering trainers a place to battle, train their Pokémon, and claim territory for their team. However, you don't make a gym in the traditional sense. Gyms are pre-existing in-game locations tied to real-world points of interest. This guide will explain how these locations are chosen and how you can contribute to the gym experience.
What Determines Gym Locations in Pokémon GO?
Niantic, the developer of Pokémon GO, uses a system that integrates real-world locations with in-game features. They leverage data from their previous game, Ingress, which used a similar system of "portals" representing points of interest. Generally, gyms are located at:
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Points of Interest (POIs): These are places deemed significant by the community, often including landmarks, public art installations, historical markers, and businesses. Nominating a new PokéStop is a possible indirect way to influence future gym placement, though this is not guaranteed.
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Existing PokéStops: Many PokéStops are upgraded to Gyms based on factors like location density and player activity in the area. An area with many PokéStops might have more Gyms.
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Niantic's Algorithm: The exact algorithm Niantic uses is proprietary and undisclosed. However, factors such as location density, player feedback, and community engagement are likely considered when selecting and maintaining Gym locations.
Can I Suggest a New Gym Location?
Unfortunately, you can't directly request a new gym. However, you can influence the process indirectly:
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Submit a PokéStop: Submitting a new PokéStop through the in-game system is your best option. If the PokéStop is approved and meets the criteria, it has the potential to be upgraded to a Gym in the future. Remember, the submission needs to adhere to Niantic's guidelines, emphasizing community benefit and appropriateness.
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Engage with Existing Gyms: Regularly interacting with existing gyms by battling, training Pokémon, and participating in gym raids contributes to the overall activity in the area. High player activity around certain locations can potentially influence Niantic’s decisions regarding gym placement.
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Provide Feedback: While you can't directly request a gym, you can provide feedback through the in-game help channels or Niantic's official channels if you believe a location is suitable for a gym.
How Do I Contribute to a Gym's Experience?
While you can't create a gym, you can greatly improve the experience for other players:
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Battle Strategically: Use a diverse team to battle effectively and show off your Pokémon skills.
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Leave Strong Pokémon: Leaving strong Pokémon at a gym, especially if you're part of the dominant team, benefits fellow team members and makes the gym more challenging for the opposing team.
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Participate in Raids: Engaging in raids makes the gym a more active and attractive location for the whole community.
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Report Issues: Report any issues with a gym's location or condition to help maintain the integrity of the in-game experience.
In conclusion, while you can't directly create a gym in Pokémon GO, you can significantly impact the gym ecosystem by contributing to the community, strategically playing the game, and providing feedback where appropriate. Remember that the placement of gyms depends heavily on various factors, and the best way to influence their presence is through indirect means, such as submitting a PokéStop and contributing to the overall player experience.
