Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a fresh take on the classic Pokémon formula, but does this new adventure include the iconic Pokémon Gyms? The short answer is no, Pokémon Legends: Arceus does not have any gyms. Instead of battling your way through eight gym leaders to become the champion, you’ll be taking on a whole new set of challenges.

This change really threw me for a loop at first. I've been playing Pokémon since I was a kid, and the gym challenge is such a core part of the experience. I remember spending hours training my team to take on Brock's Onix in Pokémon Red. But after a few hours in the Hisui region, I realized that the new system is just as engaging, if not more so.

What Replaces Gyms in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

Instead of gyms, Pokémon Legends: Arceus introduces Noble Pokémon. These are powerful, frenzied Pokémon that you’ll need to calm down by throwing balms at them. Each Noble Pokémon is protected by a Warden, who is a special trainer that looks after the Noble. You’ll need to battle the Warden before you can take on the Noble Pokémon itself.

The Noble Pokémon battles are a lot more action-packed than traditional gym battles. You'll have to dodge their attacks and throw balms at them, all while trying to send out your own Pokémon to battle them. It's a fun and challenging new system that really keeps you on your toes. I remember my heart pounding as I dodged a barrage of attacks from the Noble Kleavor. It took me a few tries, but finally calming it down felt like a real accomplishment, just like earning a gym badge.

This new system is a big departure from the traditional Pokémon formula, but it’s a welcome one. It’s a fun and challenging new way to play Pokémon that I’m sure you’ll enjoy. And if you're wondering about the trainers you'd normally find in gyms, you can read our post on whether there are gym leaders in Pokemon Legends Arceus.

If you’re looking for a way to fund your Pokémon adventures and make some in-app purchases, you should check out Playstorm. You can earn gems by playing free games on the app, which you can then redeem for Nintendo eShop gift cards. It’s a great way to get some extra cash to spend on your favorite games.