Are there gyms in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

With a new generation of Pokémon comes new game mechanics, storylines, and ways to play out a game set in the Pokémon world. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet look no different, with new and returning game mechanics displayed in the latest SV trailer.

Many players watched the initial trailer for the games, however, and they questioned whether the new titles would have gyms.

Pokémon gyms are a staple of the series and were one of the pillars the original games and anime were built upon. Making your way through the world set before you and challenging gyms and their gym leaders on the way to becoming your region’s best Pokémon trainer is what almost every Pokémon game is about.

In some of the franchise’s latest installments, however, the developers toyed around with worlds that don’t have any gyms at all. While Pokémon Sun and Moon replaced gyms with the Alolan Islands’ Kahunas, a clear like-for-like change, Pokémon Legends: Arceus went even further. The latest Pokémon game contained nothing like the gym system or SM’s Kahunas, instead having frenzied noble Pokémon that trainers needed to quell to progress in the game.

Here’s everything we know so far about gyms in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Are there gyms in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

Yes, there are gyms in Scarlet and Violet. The Pokémon Company confirmed the return of gyms for the newest generation of Pokémon games today.

Previously, the initial trailer for the games showed off what appeared to be themed arenas for Pokémon battles that looked an awful lot like gyms.

The trailer showed one area that is very clearly a classic Pokémon gym, with the standard battle lines drawn on a field of grass surrounded by flowers and a windmill. The trailer also presented a couple of other themed areas, such as what appears to be a ground-type arena and an area marked with flags bearing a flame emblem. 

Today’s Pokémon Presents finally confirmed that gyms were indeed in Scarlet and Violet, listing them as one of the game’s three main stories that players can play their way through. The presentation also confirmed that for the first time, the gyms can be completed in any order, meaning players can effectively customize how they decide to fight their way through the gyms. There will be eight gyms, the standard number in most Pokémon games.

Players also got a glimpse of the first confirmed gym leader for the game, Grusha. Grusha and his Ice-type Pokémon battle on a snowy mountain in a town named Glaseado.

More information about Scarlet and Violet will undoubtedly become available closer to the time of the games’ release. Rest assured, though, that you’ll have gyms to conquer when they finally get here.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet release on Nov. 18.