A dedicated Pokémon GO player has recently uncovered a surprising limit within the game: a cap on how many Pokémon a trainer can have defending Gyms simultaneously. This discovery has raised eyebrows among some players, as achieving this feat is quite difficult, especially in highly populated areas where Gym turnover is frequent.
In Pokémon GO, players can battle at Gyms and leave their Pokémon to defend them for their team. However, some regret leaving their Pokémon at Gyms for extended periods if the location isn’t contested. But one player, known as RmvblDsk, managed to push the limits by placing so many Pokémon in Gyms that they received an in-game error message alerting them to a cap of twenty defending Pokémon at any given time.
This revelation surprised many within the community, as few players ever reach that limit. While some were aware, it was news to many who rarely come close to having twenty Pokémon defending Gyms at once.
Unlocking the Gym Leader Medal
The player who made the discovery explained that their focus on defending Gyms was part of their effort to unlock the Gym Leader Medal. This prestigious medal requires a staggering 15,000 hours of defending Gyms. Though they’ve already unlocked the medal, they’ve continued their habit of placing Pokémon in Gyms, leading to the discovery of the hard cap.
Why the Limit Exists
The limit of twenty Pokémon is likely in place to prevent players from unfairly dominating multiple Gyms, particularly in areas with little competition. Players can earn PokéCoins from defending Gyms, so the cap might be designed to curb excessive farming of in-game currency, ensuring balance and encouraging fair play.
For most players, this cap won’t be an issue due to the contested nature of Gyms in urban and suburban locations. However, for those who travel or frequent remote areas where Gyms are rarely visited, it’s something worth keeping in mind.