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Can You Put Legendaries in Gyms in Pokémon GO? The Definitive Guide

The short answer is a resounding no. You cannot put Legendary Pokémon in gyms in Pokémon GO. This has been a consistent rule since the introduction of Legendaries into the game, designed to maintain balance and prevent gyms from becoming insurmountable fortresses of overpowered creatures.

But why is this the case, and what are the nuances surrounding gym defense in Pokémon GO? Let’s dive deep into the topic, exploring the rationale behind this rule, the exceptions (and lack thereof), and answering some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding Pokémon placement in gyms.

The Logic Behind the Legendary Ban

The decision to restrict Legendary Pokémon from gym placement stems from a desire to preserve the competitive integrity of the game. Legendary Pokémon are, by design, stronger than most other Pokémon. Allowing them into gyms would create several problems:

Gym Domination: Gyms defended by multiple Legendaries would become exceedingly difficult to take down, effectively locking out many players from earning PokéCoins and participating in gym battles.
Unfair Advantage: Players who possess multiple high-level Legendaries would have a significant and unfair advantage over those who do not.
Reduced Variety: Gyms would likely become populated with the same handful of powerful Legendaries, reducing the diversity of Pokémon used in gym defense.
Discouragement of Casual Players: Facing an insurmountable wall of Legendary Pokémon in every gym would discourage casual players from engaging with this aspect of the game.

Niantic’s goal is to create a game that is accessible and enjoyable for all players, regardless of their level or the strength of their Pokémon collection. Banning Legendaries from gyms is a key part of achieving this goal. The official explanation that “they’re not willing to leave their Trainer’s side, so they can’t be left to defend Gyms” is a lore-based justification for a gameplay mechanic.

Beyond Legendaries: Other Restrictions

While the ban on Legendaries is the most well-known restriction, there are other factors that determine which Pokémon can be placed in a gym:

Full HP: A Pokémon must have full HP (Health Points) to be placed in a gym. This prevents players from simply dumping weakened Pokémon into gyms as a last resort. If a Pokémon is greyed out in the selection screen, it means it needs to be healed with potions or revives.
Mythical Pokémon: Like Legendaries, Mythical Pokémon are also banned from gym placement. These Pokémon are typically even rarer than Legendaries and often possess exceptional stats.
Pokémon Variety: While not a strict restriction, the game prevents multiple players from placing the exact same Pokémon in a gym at the same time. This encourages a diverse selection of defenders and prevents gyms from being filled with six Blissey (although, once upon a time this was a very common strategy).

Shadow and Purified Pokémon

Unlike Legendaries and Mythicals, Shadow Pokémon and Purified Pokémon can be placed in gyms. This adds an interesting dynamic, as Shadow Pokémon offer increased attack power at the cost of reduced defense.

Shadow Pokémon: Placing a Shadow Pokémon in a gym can be a strategic choice, intimidating opponents with its dark aura and potential for high damage output. However, be aware that its lower defense makes it more vulnerable to attackers.
Purified Pokémon: Purified Pokémon, on the other hand, have balanced stats and a unique Charged Attack called Return. While they may not be as visually striking as Shadow Pokémon, they can still be effective defenders.

It is important to note that Shadow Pokémon cannot undergo Mega Evolution. This limitation further balances the gameplay.

Best Pokémon for Gym Defense

While Legendaries are off the table, a wide range of Pokémon are well-suited for defending gyms. Some of the top choices include:

Blissey: Renowned for its massive HP, Blissey can withstand a tremendous amount of damage, making it a formidable defender.
Chansey: Blissey’s pre-evolution, Chansey, is also a strong choice for its high HP.
Slaking: Despite its powerful stats, Slaking’s Truant ability (which forces it to skip every other turn) makes it less effective than it might appear.
Dragonite: A popular Dragon-type Pokémon with high attack and defense.
Metagross: A Steel/Psychic-type Pokémon with impressive defensive capabilities.
Togekiss: A Fairy/Flying-type Pokémon with good overall stats and access to powerful defensive moves.
Milotic: A Water-type Pokémon with balanced stats and the ability to heal itself with moves like Recover.

The best choice for gym defense depends on your individual Pokémon collection and the specific Pokémon already present in the gym. A diverse selection of types is generally more effective than a gym filled with the same Pokémon.

Earning PokéCoins Through Gym Defense

The primary reward for defending a gym is PokéCoins, which can be used to purchase items in the in-game shop. The amount of PokéCoins earned depends on the length of time your Pokémon defends the gym.

Earning Rate: Pokémon earn 1 PokéCoin for every 10 minutes they defend a gym.
Daily Limit: There is a daily limit of 50 PokéCoins. This means that regardless of how many Pokémon you have defending gyms or how long they defend, you will not earn more than 50 PokéCoins in a single day.
Returning Pokémon: PokéCoins are only awarded when your Pokémon is knocked out of the gym and returns to you.

To maximize your PokéCoin earnings, it’s essential to keep your Pokémon healthy by feeding them berries. This will help them stay in the gym longer and earn more coins.

FAQs: Gym Placement in Pokémon GO

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about placing Pokémon in gyms:

1. Can I put Legendary Pokémon in gyms?

No, Legendary Pokémon are banned from being placed in gyms.

2. Can I put Mythical Pokémon in gyms?

No, Mythical Pokémon are also banned from gyms.

3. Can I put Shadow Pokémon in gyms?

Yes, Shadow Pokémon can be placed in gyms.

4. Can I put Purified Pokémon in gyms?

Yes, Purified Pokémon can be placed in gyms.

5. Why can’t I put my Pokémon in a gym?

Possible reasons include: The Pokémon does not have full HP, the gym is full, you already have a Pokémon in that gym, or you are trying to place a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon.

6. What happens if two people try to put the same Pokémon in a gym?

The game will only allow one of that specific Pokémon to be placed in the gym at any given time.

7. How many PokéCoins can I earn per day from defending gyms?

You can earn a maximum of 50 PokéCoins per day.

8. How do I earn PokéCoins from gyms?

You earn PokéCoins at a rate of 1 PokéCoin per 10 minutes your Pokémon defends a gym. The coins are awarded when your Pokémon is knocked out and returns to you.

9. What are the best Pokémon to put in gyms?

Good choices include Blissey, Chansey, Dragonite, Metagross, Togekiss, and Milotic. Choose based on stats, type coverage, and your own collection.

10. Can I feed my Pokémon berries while it’s in a gym?

Yes, you can feed your Pokémon berries to restore its CP (Combat Power) and keep it defending the gym longer.

11. Do different berries have different effects on Pokémon in gyms?

Yes, different berries have different effects. For example, Razz Berries make it easier to catch Pokémon, while Golden Razz Berries fully restore a Pokémon’s CP in a gym.

12. What happens if my Pokémon is knocked out of a gym?

Your Pokémon will return to you with zero HP. You will then need to heal it with potions or revives before using it again. You will also receive any PokéCoins earned during its defense.

13. Can other players feed berries to my Pokémon in a gym?

Yes, members of your team can also feed berries to your Pokémon to help it defend the gym.

14. Does the level of my Pokémon affect how well it defends a gym?

Yes, the level and CP of your Pokémon directly impact its ability to defend a gym. Higher-level Pokémon with higher CP can withstand more damage and defeat more attackers.

15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon GO strategies and mechanics?

You can find more information, tips, and community discussions on various Pokémon GO fan sites and forums. You can also learn about the broader applications of games in education by visiting the GamesLearningSociety.org website.

Conclusion

While the inability to place Legendaries in gyms may seem restrictive, it’s a vital component of maintaining balance and fairness in Pokémon GO. This rule ensures that all players have a chance to participate in gym battles and earn PokéCoins, regardless of their access to rare and powerful Pokémon. By understanding the rules and strategies surrounding gym defense, you can become a more effective gym battler and maximize your rewards. Good luck and happy battling!

Can you put Legendaries in gyms?