Walkthroughs

Pokémon GO cheats and tips - Everything you need to know about gyms and raids in 2018

|
| Pokemon GO
Pokémon GO cheats and tips - Everything you need to know about gyms and raids in 2018

I wanna be the very best

Left Arrow
0/5
Right Arrow

Pokémon GO has changed a lot since its initial launch in the Summer of 2016, and two years on we've been revisiting the game to see how things have changed and evolved in the world of AR monsters.

As it turns out, it's largely what we remember, but with a few new things to find and discover. If you haven't jumped in yourself in a while, then you might find yourself a bit out of your depth on a few things.

Looking for friends to play Pokemon Go with?

Not to worry though, as everything you've been wondering about Pokémon GO gyms and raids has been explained in depth right here for you. Aren't we nice?

For more information you already know, take a look at our gym guide from 2016. Pokémon GO

Click Here To View The List »

1
As you remember them

Well the first thing you might notice about gyms in 2018 is that they're, um, well they're pretty much the same as ever?

That's not to say there aren't new things however, that we'll talk about here, but when it comes to battles, taking gyms, and holding them for Pokécoins, that's all still in place.

Battling is pretty much the same. You'll have to take down opponent Pokémon three times before they relinquish the gym to you, and you can install one of your mon. One thing that has changed though, is you can spin gyms just like Pokéstops.

Pokémon GO

2
New locations

If you haven't played in a while then you'll likely notice that gym placements have changed around, or there are more of them.

In general the team at Niantic have been tweaking the placements of Pokéstops, gyms and other locations to make for a smoother experience for players.

Since the gyms also double as locations for raids, it'll be good for you to scout out the locations in advance, place your Pokémon in the gym, and you might even get an EX Raid Pass.

Pokémon GO

3
Berry power

When you place a Pokémon in a gym, it's not actually at full power, sadly. You can top up your Pokémon HP though, with berries.

When not using berries to calm wild Pokémon, you can use them to restore health at gyms your mon are guarding, and you can even do this from far away.

It does mean though that you can actively thwart anyone trying to steal your gym away by healing your Pokémon as they go. Crafty!

Pokémon GO

4
A raid near you

Raids are multi-man events where an extremely strong Pokémon will be available for challenging, and in many cases, you'll need friends to help battle them.

Raids can be tracked using the Pokétracker in the bottom right and on the Raid tab. You can see the raid level, when it will start, if it's ongoing, and what Pokémon has appeared.

You'll do battle similar to gyms, by tapping away and swiping left and right to avoid special attacks.

Once the Pokémon is defeated, you'll get special balls based on how much you helped, and then you can use those to catch the Pokémon you fought. Use a Razz berry of a Golden Razz to calm stronger Pokémon down!

Pokémon GO

5
One man army

Raids are, as we've said, meant for multiple people to take on, but that doesn't mean you're unable to challenge them by yourself.

In fact, as long as you've got a couple of Pokémon with around 2,000 CP, you'll be able to take down a level one raid with little issue by yourself. A level two raid is doable, but much more challenging.

Level three, four, and five raids, though? That's a different matter. The Pokémon there are much more challenging, so perhaps go for a walk with a friend who's prepared to take down some raids alongside you.

Pokémon GO
Left Arrow
0/5
Right Arrow
Dave Aubrey
Dave Aubrey
Dave is the Guides Editor at Pocket Gamer. Specialises in Nintendo, complains about them for a living.