What Pokémon Can’t Go In Gyms? A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re eager to defend your team’s honor and rack up those PokéCoins in Pokémon GO, but you’re running into some frustrating restrictions on which Pokémon you can deploy. Don’t worry, veteran trainer, you’re not alone! The rules governing Gym defenders can be a bit confusing. Let’s break it down:

The primary restriction is that Legendary and Mythical Pokémon cannot be placed in Gyms. This is a deliberate design choice by Niantic, the game developers, to maintain balance and encourage diverse team compositions in Gyms. Think about it: a Gym filled with six Mewtwo would be nearly impossible to conquer! The 1 per species rule also applies. All pokemon but legendaries may be placed as Gym Defenders subject to the 1 per species rule.

While these powerful Pokémon can certainly be used to attack enemy Gyms and dominate Raid Battles, they’re considered too powerful and unique to be stationed as defenders. The in-game lore reason is that these Legendary Pokémon are too attached to their trainers to be left to defend Gyms.

Why This Restriction Exists

The reasoning behind this limitation boils down to a few key factors:

• Balance: Allowing Legendary and Mythical Pokémon in Gyms would significantly imbalance the gameplay. These Pokémon generally have higher stats and access to powerful movesets, making them disproportionately difficult to defeat.
• Diversity: By restricting Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, the game encourages players to explore the vast roster of available Pokémon and experiment with different strategies. You are encouraged to show off other rare, powerful, or Shiny catches.
• Rarity and Value: Legendaries and Mythicals are intended to be special encounters, obtained through challenging Raids, Special Research, or timed events. Making them readily available as Gym defenders would diminish their perceived rarity and value.
• Gameplay Flow: Niantic wants players to attack gyms to earn XP and coins. A gym full of legendaries would be hard to defeat.

Gym Basics

Before we get into the specifics, let’s refresh our memory on how Gyms function in Pokémon GO:

• Claiming a Gym: A Gym can be claimed by a team by placing a Pokémon on it. If the Gym is controlled by another team, it must be defeated multiple times to lower its prestige.
• Gym Defenders: Up to six Pokémon can defend a Gym. A single trainer can only place one Pokémon in a Gym. Teammates must cooperate to fill all the slots.
• Species Limits: Only one Pokémon of each species can be placed in a Gym. You can’t have two Pikachu defending the same Gym, for example.
• Motivation: Pokémon in Gyms lose motivation over time, decreasing their CP (Combat Power) and making them easier to defeat. Trainers can feed their team’s Pokémon berries to restore motivation.

Legendary and Mythical Pokémon: A Closer Look

It’s important to define what constitutes a “Legendary” or “Mythical” Pokémon in the context of Pokémon GO. These classifications are generally consistent with the main series games:

• Legendary Pokémon: These are Pokémon that are typically encountered only once in the main series games and are often associated with specific myths or legends. Examples include Mewtwo, Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Regirock, Regice, Registeel, Latias, Latios, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf, Dialga, Palkia, Heatran, Regigigas, Giratina, Cresselia, Cobalion, Terrakion, Virizion, Tornadus, Thundurus, Reshiram, Zekrom, Landorus, Kyurem, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, Tapu Fini, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Zacian, Zamazenta, Eternatus, Regieleki, Regidrago, Glastrier, Spectrier, Calyrex, and the Treasures of Ruin.

• Mythical Pokémon: These are even rarer than Legendary Pokémon and are typically only obtainable through special distributions or events. Examples include Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Deoxys, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Magearna, Marshadow, Zeraora, Meltan, Melmetal, Zarude, and Pecharunt.

FAQs: All About Pokémon and Gyms

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Pokémon Gyms and eligible defenders:

1. Can I put a Ditto in a Gym? Yes, you can put a Ditto in a Gym. However, remember that it will transform into the first Pokémon that battles it, and retain that form for subsequent battles.

2. Why can’t I battle in some Gyms? If you can’t battle a Gym that isn’t your team’s color, it’s likely because you’re not close enough to the Gym. Move closer to the Gym and try again.

3. How many PokéCoins do I get for defending a Gym? You earn 6 PokéCoins per hour (1 PokéCoin every 10 minutes) for defending a Gym, with a daily limit of 50 PokéCoins.

4. Can I kick my own Pokémon out of a Gym? No, you cannot manually remove your Pokémon from a Gym. It needs to be defeated by an opposing trainer.

5. What happens if a Pokémon is stuck in a Gym for a long time? Eventually, the Pokémon will lose all its motivation and be easily defeated. You’ll receive your PokéCoins when it’s knocked out. There is no current known glitch that causes a Pokemon to be permanently stuck in a gym.

6. Are Shadow Pokémon allowed in Gyms? Yes, Shadow Pokémon can be placed in Gyms, as long as they are not Legendary or Mythical.

7. What are the best Pokémon to use as Gym defenders? Strong defenders typically have high Defense and Stamina stats, as well as access to powerful moves. Good examples include Blissey, Snorlax, Chansey, Steelix, and Metagross.

8. Can I use Pokémon I’ve purified in Gyms? Yes, Purified Pokémon are eligible for Gym defense, as long as they are not Legendary or Mythical.

9. Do Shiny Pokémon have any advantage in Gyms? No, Shiny Pokémon are purely cosmetic variations. They have the same stats and abilities as their non-Shiny counterparts. However, they’re great to show off to other trainers!

10. Why does my Pokémon keep getting kicked out of the Gym quickly? Your Pokémon might be losing motivation rapidly, making it easy for opponents to defeat it. Feed it berries regularly to keep its motivation high. Also consider that other players are more aware now of the type advantages.

11. Can I use Pokémon with Community Day exclusive moves as Gym defenders? Yes, Pokémon with Community Day moves are allowed in Gyms, provided they are not Legendary or Mythical. Some of these moves can be very effective in defending!

12. Do different Pokémon types have advantages or disadvantages when defending Gyms? Absolutely! Type matchups play a crucial role in Gym battles. A Water-type Pokémon is strong against Fire-type attackers, but weak against Electric-type attackers.

13. Is there a level requirement for Pokémon to be placed in Gyms? There is no specific level requirement, but the higher the CP of your Pokémon, the more effective it will be as a defender.

14. How do I earn more than 50 PokéCoins a day? You cannot earn more than 50 PokéCoins per day through Gym defense. This is a hard limit imposed by Niantic.

15. Are there resources for learning more about Pokémon GO strategy and gameplay? Yes! One excellent resource for understanding the science behind games and learning is the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Understanding game design principles can help you become a better Pokémon GO player and appreciate the intricacies of the game.

Conclusion

While the exclusion of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon from Gym defense might seem frustrating, it’s a necessary measure to maintain game balance and encourage a diverse ecosystem of Gym defenders. Focus on building a team of strong, non-Legendary/Mythical Pokémon with diverse type coverage to become a formidable force in Gym battles. Remember to feed your Pokémon berries to keep their motivation high and defend your team’s territory with pride! Good luck, trainer, and happy battling!