Pokémon: Let’s Go Adds A New Requirement System For Challenging Gym Leaders

Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go Eevee! are adding all kinds of cool stuff to go with the updated graphics, but a new requirement system for challenging Gym Leaders might make some fans unhappy.

The official website for Pokémon: Let’s Go updated with new info on the story. In the “What’s a Pokémon Gym?” section it starts out by explaining the basics of it being a facility where Pokémon Trainers go to test their skills and to receive Gym Badges by defeating a Gym Leader.

That sounds pretty standard, but the next part throws a curveball we haven’t seen in the series: In order to challenge the Gym,  you’ll need to clear requirements presented at the entrance. Requirements vary from certain Pokémon types, levels, and plenty more. The info was available

The Gym Guide is usually found at the entrance of all Pokémon Gyms. They often offer tips and hints for the Trainer to take on the Gym or its Leader; however, in Pokémon: Let’s Go they’ll be there to make sure you meet the right requirements. In the above screenshot, we see the Pewter Gym Guide before fighting Brock. He asks you to present him either a Grass-type or Water-type Pokémon if you want to get in.

While it seems like these requirements are being made with the purpose of helping out new players, it’ll definitely take away some party structure freedom. That means you might have to go out of your way to get a certain type of Pokémon you normally wouldn’t have in your team otherwise, or you might not be able to take on the challenge of facing a Gym Leader at a lower level.

We still don’t have all the information on how it works, but we’ll likely hear more about it in the near future.