How to Leave a Pokemon at a Gym
In the world of Pokemon GO, mastering the art of leaving a Pokemon at a gym can open up new ways to engage with the game, help your team, and earn valuable rewards. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding this feature is essential for progressing and gaining those extra benefits. In this guide, we’ll explore the steps you need to take, what strategies work best, and tips on troubleshooting any issues that might arise.
Why Leave a Pokemon at a Gym?
Leaving a Pokemon at a gym serves multiple purposes:
- It helps your team maintain control of a gym, allowing your faction (Mystic, Valor, or Instinct) to benefit from that territory.
- You earn Pokecoins and rewards over time, which you can use to purchase valuable items in the game.
- It’s a great way to show off your powerful or unique Pokemon to other players.
Now that we know the benefits, let’s dive into the steps of how to leave a Pokemon at a gym effectively.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Leave a Pokemon at a Gym
Follow these steps to leave a Pokemon at a gym and start benefiting from this feature.
Step 1: Find a Gym Your Team Controls
Before you can leave a Pokemon at a gym, your team must control that gym. Gyms are color-coded according to team ownership:
- Blue for Team Mystic
- Red for Team Valor
- Yellow for Team Instinct
Look for a gym controlled by your team. You can check by simply viewing the gym’s color on the map. If the gym isn’t under your team’s control, you can either look for another gym or try to battle and take it over.
Step 2: Approach the Gym
Once you’ve located a gym your team controls, approach it in the real world. In Pokemon GO, you need to be within a certain radius of the gym to interact with it.
Step 3: Tap on the Gym and Select “Add Pokemon”
Tap on the gym icon to open its interface. You’ll see various options, and if the gym is under your team’s control, you should see an “Add Pokemon” button. Tap this to bring up your list of available Pokemon that you can place in the gym.
Step 4: Choose a Pokemon to Defend the Gym
Select a Pokemon you’d like to leave at the gym. Here are some tips on choosing the right Pokemon:
- Choose a Pokemon with a high CP (Combat Power) to make it tougher for opposing teams to take over the gym.
- Opt for Pokemon with good defensive stats, such as Snorlax or Blissey, as they are more resilient against attacks.
- Make sure the Pokemon is fully healed before placing it in the gym. Injured Pokemon cannot be assigned to defend a gym.
Once you choose your Pokemon, confirm the action. Your Pokemon will then be placed in the gym as a defender, ready to help your team maintain control.
Step 5: Keep Track of Your Gym Defender
After placing your Pokemon, you can monitor its status in the “Defenders” section of your profile. It will show you the current status, how long it has been at the gym, and the number of Pokecoins you’re earning. Keep in mind that the longer your Pokemon stays in the gym, the more Pokecoins you’ll earn (up to a daily limit).
Troubleshooting: Common Issues When Leaving a Pokemon at a Gym
If you’re having trouble leaving a Pokemon at a gym, don’t worry! Here are some common issues and tips to help you troubleshoot.
Issue 1: The Gym is Full
Each gym can only hold a maximum of six Pokemon at a time. If you see a message indicating the gym is full, you’ll need to find another gym or wait until one of the defending Pokemon is defeated and leaves the gym.
Issue 2: Your Pokemon is Already Assigned
In Pokemon GO, each Pokemon species can only be placed once in a gym. For example, if there’s already a Charizard in the gym, you won’t be able to add another. Choose a different Pokemon to leave in the gym.
Issue 3: Connectivity Problems
If you’re experiencing connection issues, make sure you have a stable internet connection. Poor connectivity can prevent you from interacting with the gym properly. Also, ensure that your location services are active, as these are required for interaction with nearby gyms.
Maximizing Your Rewards with Pokemon in Gyms
Here are a few strategies to help you earn more from your gym defender:
- Place Your Pokemon in Gyms Overnight: Often, gyms experience less turnover during nighttime, giving your Pokemon a better chance of staying in the gym longer and earning more Pokecoins.
- Use High CP and Defensive Pokemon: Pokemon with high CP and strong defensive stats tend to last longer in gyms, increasing your potential for rewards.
- Rotate Gyms Regularly: By regularly finding and placing Pokemon in different gyms, you increase the chances of having multiple Pokemon earning Pokecoins daily.
For a more in-depth look at gym strategies and how to enhance your team’s dominance, visit our comprehensive Pokemon guide on managing gyms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I retrieve my Pokemon once it’s in a gym?
No, once you place a Pokemon in a gym, you cannot retrieve it manually. Your Pokemon will return to you only when it is defeated in a battle, at which point it will come back with 0 HP. You’ll need to heal it before using it again.
How do I know if my Pokemon has been defeated in a gym?
You’ll receive a notification in Pokemon GO when one of your Pokemon has been defeated in a gym. It will also show up in your collection with zero HP, indicating it needs to be revived and healed.
Can I place multiple Pokemon in the same gym?
No, each player can place only one Pokemon in a particular gym at a time. You can, however, place Pokemon in different gyms as long as they are controlled by your team.
Conclusion
Leaving a Pokemon at a gym is a straightforward yet strategic feature in Pokemon GO that offers benefits in both gameplay and rewards. By following the steps above and understanding the nuances of gym mechanics, you can strengthen your team’s control and maximize your in-game earnings. Make sure to choose your defenders wisely, monitor their progress, and rotate gyms regularly to optimize your rewards.
So, the next time you’re out playing Pokemon GO, be sure to check out nearby gyms, and don’t hesitate to leave a Pokemon to defend and represent your team!
This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by GameMasterHub Team