If you've just started your journey in the Hisui region, you might be wondering where all the gyms are. It's a classic part of the Pokemon journey: travel from town to town, beat the gym leader, and collect their badge. But in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, things are a little different.

So, are there gym leaders in Pokemon Legends: Arceus? The short answer is no. Since the game is set in the distant past, long before Pokemon trainers and the Pokemon League were a thing, the traditional gym challenge doesn't exist yet. But don't worry, there are still plenty of tough challenges to face.

Instead of gyms, you'll encounter powerful "Noble Pokemon." These are special Pokemon who have been blessed with a mysterious power, making them much larger and stronger than their normal counterparts. Your job is to quell their frenzy and calm them down. I remember the first time I faced the Noble Kleavor. I was so used to turn-based battles that the frantic, action-based style of the fight really threw me off! I had to dodge its attacks in real-time while throwing balms to soothe it. It was a completely new and exciting way to battle.

What Replaces Gym Leaders?

While there aren't any gym leaders, there are characters called "Wardens" who are tasked with looking after these Noble Pokemon. They function in a similar way to gym leaders, testing your skills before you can face the Noble Pokemon. Each Warden has their own personality and a partner Pokemon that you'll need to battle. My favorite was Warden Ingo. His serious demeanor and powerful Pokemon team provided a real challenge that felt like a classic gym leader battle.

The lack of gyms might seem strange at first, but it fits perfectly with the game's setting. You're one of the first Pokemon trainers in a world where people are still learning to live alongside these amazing creatures. It felt like I was truly a part of building the Pokemon world we know and love today. It makes you appreciate the history and lore of the Pokemon universe even more. If you're a fan of the series, you might also be interested in how to get more Pokeballs in Pokemon GO.

If you're looking to make some in-app purchases to enhance your Pokemon Legends: Arceus experience, consider giving Playstorm a try. On Playstorm, you can play fun mobile games and earn gems that you can redeem for Google Play or Apple App Store gift cards.