Pokemon Sword/Shield Will Feature 18 Different Gyms Between Both Versions [UPDATE]

Earlier this year, The Pokemon Company revealed that version-exclusive gyms would be featured in Pokemon Sword/Shield for Switch. While fans have been pondering what kinds of gyms we’ll be seeing next, it looks like we may have already have more answers.

During a recent interview with Game Informer, Game Freak apparently revealed that the games will showcase a total of 18 different gyms between both versions. These will be split between ‘Major’ and ‘Minor’ leagues.

For example: Bea’s fighting-type gym is part of the Major league in Pokemon Sword, while Allister’s Ghost-type gym will feature in the Major league of Pokemon Shield. The idea is that the gyms rotate between Major and Minor leagues each year in the Galar region. However, Game Freak did not clarify if players of each version can eventually experience all 18 gyms.

Nevertheless, the reveal of 18 total gyms might be exciting to some fans. After all, this implies that every existing Pokemon Type should have a gym to itself. This includes Dark-Type Pokemon – which have never featured in their own gym before.

What do you think of this news? Feel free to share your thoughts below.

[UPDATE: The Pokemon Company has clarified that while these 18 gyms are part of Galar’s in-universe setting, players will only tackle 8 gyms in either version’s main story. Read more here.]