As the second year of Pokémon Go arrives, Niantic has detailed major changes to the gameplay centered around how gyms and gym battles work. Gyms will soon work like PokéStops and include exclusive items, badges, and more while battling is getting more advanced with new social features coming.
Before now, PokéStops included special items you could receive from interacting with them when nearby, but gyms were strictly for battling. When the update rolls out, however, players can interact with gyms in the same way as PokéStops to receive PokéBalls and potions.
Gyms will also include exclusive items earned through battles: “Rare Candies, Golden Razz Berries, and two types of Technical Machines—Fast and Charged.” These are awarded after defeating Raid Bosses, a new battle feature coming with the update.
The new Raid Battle feature is coming alongside an overhaul of how gyms work in the game:
The new changes aren’t live yet and Niantic has temporarily disabled gyms in Pokémon Go ahead of the rollout. Niantic is also planning its first official real-world Pokémon Go event in Chicago next month while it continues using in-game events to promote gameplay.
Pokémon Go is available for free on the App Store and works with the Pokémon Go Plus bracelet for more in-game perks.
