One of the big questions players had about Pokemon Legends Arceus before launch is if it has any Pokemon Gyms. The Pokemon League challenge is the main series games’ primary focus. Since it’s been such a big part of the franchise, fans wondered if any gyms or trials are in Arceus or if Game Freak was finally changing up the formula.
Does Pokemon Legends Arceus have gyms or trials?
Pokemon Legends Arceus doesn’t have gyms. The game takes place long before the Hisuian region (which would later become Sinnoh) is settled. Only Jubilife Village and the two local tribes inhabit the lands, which are filled with wild Pokemon.
At this point, people and Pokemon haven’t yet bonded, and few are brave enough to train these powerful creatures. As such, there’s no Pokemon League yet, and even the few trainers that players do run into aren’t especially confident or experienced. As a result, the majority of the battles that players will fight in during the game are against wild Pokemon.
Likewise, there aren’t any trials in Pokemon Legends Arceus. The noble Pokemon are reminiscent of the guardian deities seen in Sun and Moon. Still, there aren’t any trials or even real battles with them.
The story in Pokemon Legends, Arceus has moved to a quest-based system. Instead of fighting through eight gyms to make it to the Elite Four and face the champion, players take on more varied tasks. Players will explore the untamed wilds of Hisui while trying to fill up the first Pokedex of the region. While doing this, they’ll have to help the inhabitants of Hisui, calm the rampaging noble Pokemon, and try to solve the mystery of why Arceus brought them into the past. Some players will miss the gyms and trainer battles, while others will feel like it’s a refreshing departure.
