New Gym Mechanics Revealed

[inkstone]

There are a lot of changes, so just go read the entire post!

In a nutshell:

• You'll be able to get items from gyms like you can pokestops.


• Each gym defender must be unique. (i.e. No stacking Blisseys).


• Gyms will now only have 6 defenders!


• Gym defenders must be kept motivated via berries or they'll return to their trainers. (I think this is a way to let more people interact with gyms even when all slots are filled?)


• We'll earn gym badges.


• The Collaborative Feature: Raid Battles - Basically, from time to time, a Raid Boss will take over gyms -- kicking out all current defenders -- and trainers will have to work together to beat the Raid Boss.

Gyms are going to be disabled in a few hours, so get your bonuses ASAP if you haven't already. ETA 12:41 PM EDT: Gyms have been disabled.

Comments

[catness]

Ok, I'm pretty hyped about it, even though it will be more difficult to earn coins. (But heck, I was getting bored with the gym meta anyway...) Raids sound especially exciting, though I'm kind of scared to finally come face to face with fellow players ;) (Also, it's questionable that with the current level of PoGo enthusiasm, it will be possible to gather 20 players in the same location at the same time.)

Meanwhile, I already miss gyms... the landscape looks so empty without them :( And when the event will be over tomorrow, there will be practically no motivation to play. I hope gyms come back ASAP.

Btw here's the detailed official update about the new features: https://support.pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/hc/en-us/articles/115009004687