Understanding how to make a gym on Pokemon Go is a common goal for dedicated trainers. Making a new Gym in Pokémon Go is a community-driven process that hinges on local activity and Wayfarer nominations. You cannot simply place one wherever you want.
This guide explains the entire system. We will cover the rules, the steps, and the strategy behind creating a new Gym in your neighborhood.
You need to know about PokéStops, Wayfarer, and a little bit of luck.
How To Make A Gym On Pokemon Go
The core thing to remember is that Gyms are created automatically by Niantic’s system. They are not manually placed by players or Niantic staff. The creation is triggered by specific conditions in the game’s database of locations, called Wayspots.
Your role is to create the eligible Wayspots that can become Gyms. The system then upgrades one of them based on a count.
Here is the fundamental rule: Gyms only appear at existing PokéStop locations. A brand new location cannot become a Gym first; it must start as a PokéStop.
The Foundation: Understanding Cells And Wayfarer
Niantic uses an invisible grid system based on S2 cells to manage location density. The most important cell size for this process is the Level 17 S2 cell.
This is the golden rule: Only one PokéStop or Gym can exist per Level 17 S2 cell. This prevents locations from being too crowded on the map.
To get a new PokéStop, you must submit a great location nomination through the Wayfarer system. Wayfarer is the platform where players review each other’s submissions.
A successful nomination becomes a Wayspot in Niantic’s database. If it’s in an empty Level 17 cell, it will appear as a PokéStop in Pokémon Go.
Step One: Nominate A Great PokéStop
Your first objective is to create a new PokéStop. This requires finding a location that meets Niantic’s criteria.
Eligible locations include:
- Public parks, playgrounds, and sports fields
- Notable architecture or historical markers
- Public libraries and community centers
- Unique local businesses or murals
- Hiking trail markers and footbridges
You will need to be at least Level 37 in Pokémon Go to access the nomination feature. Open your map, tap the Main Menu, then tap the “Nominate” button.
The submission process involves:
- Taking a clear, daytime photo of the object or place.
- Taking a second photo showing the surrounding area for context.
- Writing a clear, concise title and description.
- Writing a supporting statement that explains why it meets criteria.
- Pinpointing the location accurately on the map.
Accuracy is crucial. An innacurate pin can cause your nomination to be rejected or placed in the wrong cell.
Step Two: The Magic Number For Gym Creation
Once you have PokéStops, the Gym creation rule activates. It is based on the number of PokéStops (and Gyms) in a larger area called a Level 14 S2 cell.
Count all the PokéStops and Gyms in a single Level 14 cell. When the total reaches certain milestones, the oldest PokéStop in that cell will turn into a Gym.
The trigger points are:
- 2 Points of Interest: The oldest PokéStop becomes a Gym.
- 6 Points of Interest: The second-oldest PokéStop becomes a Gym.
- 20 Points of Interest: The third-oldest PokéStop becomes a Gym.
So, to make a Gym, you often need to work with your community to nominate multiple PokéStops in the same broader area until you hit a trigger number.
How To Check S2 Cell Levels
You can use third-party planning tools like the IITC map with Pokémon Go plugins. These tools overlay the S2 cell grid onto a map.
This allows you to see existing PokéStops and plan new nominations in empty Level 17 cells. It also lets you visualize the Level 14 cell boundaries to count your points of interest.
Remember, using these tools is for planning only. You should never submit fake locations or misuse the system.
Step Three: Influencing Which PokéStop Becomes A Gym
Since the oldest PokéStop is usually upgraded, you can sometimes influence the outcome. If you want a specific location to become the Gym, it should ideally be the first PokéStop submitted in that Level 14 cell.
If there are already several PokéStops, you need to check their creation dates. The one that has been live the longest will change next.
Sometimes, photo upvotes in the PokéStop’s gallery can also influence the selection, but the age of the Wayspot is the primary factor.
Coordinating with local players is key here. You might decide together which park or plaza would benifit most from having a Gym.
Common Challenges And Rejection Reasons
Many nominations are rejected. Knowing the common pitfalls increases your chance of success.
Avoid nominating:
- Private residential property (even if it has a cool statue).
- Generic businesses without cultural significance (like a standard chain store).
- Unsafe locations like major roadways or active railroad tracks.
- Natural features like a generic tree, hill, or stream (unless they have a named sign).
- Duplicate locations of an existing Wayspot.
Your supporting description is vital. Explain clearly why your nomination is a great place for exploration, exercise, or socializing.
For example, don’t just say “a playground.” Say “Community Grove Playground, a popular social hub for families since 2010, encouraging outdoor activity.”
Advanced Strategy: Gym And Stop Control
For communities aiming to maximize their local game map, strategic planning is essential. The goal is to fill empty Level 17 cells while managing the count in Level 14 cells.
You might prioritize nominations in a Level 14 cell that has 5 existing PokéStops. One more nomination will trigger the creation of a second Gym at the second-oldest stop.
Conversely, if an area already has 2 Gyms and 18 PokéStops, the next nomination will create a third Gym. Planning can make a big difference for raid accessibility.
Always verify that your planned nomination is in a free Level 17 cell. A nomination in an occupied cell will not go live in Pokémon Go, even if it’s approved in Wayfarer.
What To Do After Your Nomination Is Submitted
After submission, your nomination enters the review queue in Wayfarer. You can help speed up the global process by reviewing nominations from other areas yourself.
To review, visit the Wayfarer website and use your Pokémon Go login. You will be shown submissions and asked to rate them based on Niantic’s criteria.
Reviewing consistently improves your own “Wayfarer Rating,” which can positively influence how quickly your own nominations are reviewed. A “Great” rating is what you should aim for.
Be patient. The review process can take weeks or even months depending on your location’s reviewer activity. You will recieve an email with the final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Pay To Create A Gym In Pokemon Go?
No. There is no way to pay Niantic or anyone else to create a Gym. The process is entirely based on the community-submitted Wayfarer system and the automated cell rules. Any service offering to create Gyms for money is a scam.
How Many Pokestops Make A Gym?
It’s not a simple PokéStop count. It’s based on the total points of interest in a Level 14 S2 cell. The first Gym is created when a cell has 2 total points (1 PokéStop becomes a Gym). The second Gym appears at 6 total points, and the third at 20 points.
Why Was My Pokestop Nomination Rejected?
Common rejection reasons include poor photo quality, the location being on private property, not meeting eligibility criteria, being a duplicate, or an insufficent supporting statement. Review the rejection email and improve your submission before trying again.
Can A New Location Become A Gym Immediately?
Almost never. A new Wayspot will always first appear as a PokéStop if its cell is empty. The only expection is if it is the first nomination in a brand new Level 14 cell that somehow already contains an existing Gym from another game like Ingress, which is very rare.
How Long Does The Whole Process Take?
From nomination to Gym creation, it can take several months. The Wayfarer review itself may take 2-8 weeks. Then, if your nomination creates the trigger count for a Gym, the upgrade to a Gym usually happens within the next few days, but sometimes it can take up to a week for the system to update.