Pokémon Gym
Overview
A Pokémon Gym is a type of location in the Pokémon video game series, where players can battle the Gym Leaders to earn Gym Badges, which are required to enter the Pokémon League. The concept of the Pokémon Gym has also been incorporated into other Pokémon media, including the trading card game and the animated television series.
Structure and Function
Each Pokémon Gym is run by a Gym Leader, a skilled Pokémon Trainer who serves as the final challenge within the Gym. The Gym Leader is assisted by a number of Gym Trainers, who must be defeated before the player can challenge the Gym Leader. Each Gym focuses on a specific type of Pokémon, and the Gym Leader's team of Pokémon will typically all be of this type.
Gym Badges
Upon defeating a Gym Leader, players are awarded a Gym Badge. Collecting these Badges is a key aspect of the Pokémon games, as players must earn a certain number of Badges in order to qualify for the Pokémon League, the final challenge of the game. In addition to this, Gym Badges also serve other functions in the games, such as allowing players to control higher-level Pokémon and enabling the use of certain abilities outside of battle.
Gym Leaders
Gym Leaders are often depicted as being among the most skilled Trainers in their respective regions. They are known for their expertise in a specific type of Pokémon, and their teams are built around this type. Some Gym Leaders also have additional roles in their communities, such as serving as mayors or researchers.
Gym Trainers
Gym Trainers serve as the initial challenges within a Pokémon Gym. They are typically less experienced than the Gym Leader, but their teams are designed to test the player's skills and preparation for the Gym's specific type of Pokémon.
Types of Gyms
While most Gyms focus on a specific type of Pokémon, there are exceptions. Some Gyms, known as "dual-type" Gyms, focus on two types of Pokémon, while others do not focus on a specific type at all. These "typeless" Gyms typically feature a more diverse range of Pokémon and can pose unique challenges for players.
In Other Media
The concept of the Pokémon Gym has been incorporated into other Pokémon media. In the Pokémon Trading Card Game, players can earn Gym Badges by defeating Gym Leaders, similar to the video games. In the Pokémon animated series, the protagonist Ash Ketchum travels from region to region, challenging Gym Leaders in order to qualify for the Pokémon League.