How To Create Gym In Pokemon Go

Understanding how to create gym in Pokemon Go is a common goal for dedicated trainers. Establishing a Gym in Pokémon Go requires reaching a specific trainer level and finding an eligible location. However, the process is not as straightforward as simply clicking a button. This guide will walk you through the exact requirements and steps needed to turn a PokéStop into a new Gym.

The core process for creating a Gym involves nominating a PokéStop through Niantic’s Wayfarer system. When enough PokéStops are approved in a single area, the game’s algorithms will automatically convert one into a Gym. You cannot directly choose which location becomes the Gym. Your role is to submit high-quality points of interest that meet Niantic’s criteria.

Prerequisites For Submitting A New Point Of Interest

Before you can even think about creating a Gym, you must meet certain account requirements. These are set by Niantic to ensure submissions are serious and of good quality.

Trainer Level: You must be at least level 37. This shows you have significant experience with the game.
Wayfarer Access: You must have a Niantic Wayfarer account. This is separate from your Pokemon Go login but linked to it.
Clean Record: Your account should be in good standing with no history of violations or abusive nominations.

Identifying An Eligible Location

Not every bench or random tree can become a PokéStop. Your nomination must fall under specific categories that encourage exploration, exercise, or socializing. Great candidates include:

Public parks with signage or unique features.
Historic buildings, markers, or plaques.
Unique architecture or public art (murals, sculptures).
Public libraries, community centers, or places of worship.
Notable local businesses or popular gathering spots.

Locations that are ineligible include private residential property, dangerous areas like the middle of a road, or temporary displays. Always prioritize safety and permanent access.

Checking For Existing Points Of Interest

Before submitting, you must check that your nomination isn’t already a PokéStop or Gym. Use the in-game map and the Wayfarer nomination screen, which will show existing locations. Duplicate submissions are rejected and waste everyone’s time.

The Step-By-Step Nomination Process

Once you have a valid location and meet the level requirement, follow these steps carefully.

Open your Pokemon Go map and tap the Main Menu button.
Select the “PokéStop Nominations” button (it looks like a little Poké Ball with a plus sign).
Tap “Nominate a New PokéStop” to begin. The app will ask for permission to access your camera and location.
You will now be taken through several screens to provide information and photos.

Taking The Perfect Supporting Photos

Your photos are critical. The main photo should be clear, well-lit, and centered on the subject. The supporting photo should show the subject within its broader location to help reviewers understand the area. Avoid including people, license plates, or yourself in the photos.

Writing A Compelling Title And Description

Be clear and concise. The title should be the official name of the place or object. The description should explain *why* it is significant, interesting, or a good place to visit. For the “Supporting Information” field, explain why it makes a good PokéStop—mention safety, pedestrian access, and how it encourages exploration.

How PokéStops Become Gyms

This is the key to creating a Gym. The conversion is automatic and based on the number of accepted Wayspots in a specific map cell. Niantic uses a hidden grid system called S2 cells. When a new PokéStop is approved in a Level 14 S2 cell that previously had no points of interest, it becomes a PokéStop. The magic happens when the count increases.

2, 6, or 20 total Wayspots in a cell: The newest addition will become a Gym.
This means you often need multiple trainers submitting in the same general area to reach the threshold.

You cannot control which of the existing points of interest gets upgraded; it is typically the one with the most photo likes in Pokemon Go or the newest one, depending on the threshold reached.

Reviewing In Niantic Wayfarer

After submission, your nomination enters the review queue. Other players around the world will evaluate it on the Wayfarer website. You can help the process by also reviewing nominations from others. This builds your Wayfarer rating, which can influence how quickly your own submissions are reviewed. Be patient, as review times can vary from a few weeks to several months.

What To Do After Submission

You can check the status of your nomination in the “PokéStop Nominations” screen. Statuses include “In Voting,” “Accepted,” or “Rejected.” If it’s rejected, Niantic will usually provide a reason. Common rejection reasons include poor photo quality, the location being on private property, or the subject not meeting criteria. You can edit and resubmit if you believe you can address the issue.

Strategies For Successful Gym Creation

If your goal is specifically to create a Gym, you need a coordinated strategy. Working alone makes it very difficult.

Coordinate with local players to identify an area (a specific park or neighborhood) that has few PokéStops.
Research multiple eligible locations within that same S2 cell. Use third-party mapping tools to understand cell boundaries.
Have multiple trainers submit nominations for different spots in that cell around the same time.
Once the first nomination is approved and becomes a PokéStop, the second approval could trigger a Gym creation.

Common Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

Many nominations fail due to avoidable errors. Here are the big ones.

Bad Photos: Blurry, dark, or tilted photos get rejected. Take multiple shots in good daylight.
Incorrect Pin Location: The marker on the map must be exactly on the object. Double-check it.
Poor Description: Writing “a cool tree” is not enough. Explain its community or historical value.
Submitting Ineligible Spots: Natural features like generic trees or hills are almost always rejected unless they are famously named landmarks.
Ignoring Rejection Emails: If your submission is rejected, read the reason. It tells you what to fix for next time.

Maintaining And Interacting With Your New Gym

Once a Gym is created, you can help your team by battling for control, placing a strong defender, and feeding it berries. Gyms are central to earning PokéCoins and triggering Raid Battles. A new Gym in your area can revitalize local player activity, so encourage your community to use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request A Gym Directly From Niantic?

No, there is no direct request system. The process is entirely community-driven through the PokéStop nomination and Wayfarer review system. Gyms are created automatically by the game’s rules based on point-of-interest density.

How Long Does It Take For A Nomination To Become A Gym?

The timeline has two parts. First, nomination review can take anywhere from a few weeks to over a year, depending on your location’s reviewer activity. Second, once approved, if it triggers the Gym creation rule, the change from PokéStop to Gym usually happens within a few days, sometimes during the next game sync update.

What Is The Difference Between A PokéStop And A Gym?

PokéStops are places where you can spin a photo disc to get free items. Gyms are larger locations where you can battle to claim control for your team, place Pokemon to defend, and participate in Raid Battles. Gyms also yield more items when spun if your team controls them.

Can A Gym Be Removed From The Game?

Yes, through the “Wayfarer Abuse” reporting system. If a Gym becomes inaccessible (e.g., the building is demolished, or it’s on now-private land), players can report it for removal. Removal requests are also reviewed by the community.

Do Photo Likes Really Influence Which PokéStop Becomes A Gym?

Evidence from the player community suggests that for the threshold that creates the second Gym in a cell (at 6 total points of interest), the point of interest with the most combined photo likes across Pokemon Go and other Niantic games is often chosen. For the first Gym (at 2 points of interest), it’s usually the newer submission.