How to Create a Gym in Pokémon Go? Detailed Guidance 2025

Do you want to have a Pokémon GO Gym near your home or favorite hangout spot? This way, not only can you grab daily items, but it's also where you can team up for Raids and battle to earn your daily PokéCoins.

But how to make a Gym in Pokémon GO? Actually, you can't just drop a Gym wherever you want. Instead, you'll need to nominate a PokéStop first, and it will become a Gym if meeting the system. In this guide, we'll walk you through detailed requirements and steps to create Pokémon GO Gym. Let's dive in.

Part 1. Can You Make a Gym in Pokémon GO - Key Requirements

So, can you make a Gym in Pokémon GO? The short answer: yes, but indirectly. To create a Gym, you first need to create a PokéStop in Pokémon GO. Once it's approved and added to the game, the system may upgrade it into a Gym depending on the area's density of stops.

But before you start, you'll need to meet two important requirements:

1️⃣ Reach Trainer Level 35

Only players at level 35 and above can nominate new locations. This ensures that the feature is used by experienced Trainers who understand the game's community rules, According to the latest Niantic explanation.

2️⃣ Submit an Eligible Location

Not every spot can become a PokéStop and Gyms. Niantic looks for places of cultural, historical, community interest, or meeting other specific criteria, including public artwork or mutuals, historical landmarks, community parks or gathering spots, Unique local attractions, etc.

Common Mistakes: What Not to Submit

Just as important as knowing what makes a great PokéStop is knowing what will get your submission instantly rejected. To avoid wasting time, stay away from:

• Private residential property. Even if there's a cool statue in someone's yard, it's off-limits.
• Schools or daycare centers. Any K–12, preschool, or childcare grounds are strictly prohibited.
• Unsafe or inaccessible locations. A stop must have permanent pedestrian access.
• Emergency service areas. Hospitals, fire stations, and police stations are a no-go.
• Generic businesses or natural objects. Random rocks, trees, or temporary displays won't qualify.

By following these guidelines, you'll greatly improve your chances of having your nomination accepted.

Part 2. How to Create a PokéStop in Pokémon GO [Stage 1]

Creating a PokéStop is the very first step of how to make a Gym in Pokémon GO. If your nomination is strong and follows Niantic's rules, it has a much higher chance of getting approved by the Wayfarer community reviewers. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how to create a PokéStop in Pokémon GO:

Step 1 Find an Eligible Location

Before you even open the app, scout a great candidate. Think along the lines of:

• A public sculpture or mural
• A park trail marker
• A unique local shop or café
• A historical plaque or monument

The key is that the location must be safe, permanent, and easily accessible on foot.

Step 2 Open the Nomination Menu

In Pokémon GO, tap the Poké Ball to open the Main Menu. From there, go to Settings in the top right. Scroll down to Uploads, then tap New PokéStop to start your nomination. Note that you can only nominate 40 new PokéStop per day.

Step 3 Set the Exact Location

A map will appear. Drag the orange pin and place it directly over your chosen spot. Make sure your placement is accurate - if the pin is off, reviewers are more likely to reject your nomination.

Step 4 Take a Clear Primary Photo

Your first photo will be the main image players see when they spin the PokéStop. Keep it clear, bright, and focused on the object itself. Avoid including people, cars, or anything distracting in the shot.

Step 5 Take a Supporting Photo

The second photo shows the broader context. This helps reviewers confirm that the PokéStop is in a safe, pedestrian-friendly location. For example, capture the mural plus the sidewalk or plaza where players can stand safely.

Step 6 Add a Title and Description

Now, give your PokéStop an accurate title. If it's an official landmark or business, use its proper name. In the description, add a few details about what makes it special - maybe its history, cultural significance, or why it's a fun place to visit. You'll also be prompted to choose a category, such as Library, Trail Marker, or suggest your own.

Don't forget to preview and confirm all information you gives at former steps.

Step 7 Write Supporting Information

This last step is your chance to convince reviewers. Briefly explain why the spot encourages exploration, exercise, or community interaction. Remember, this information is only visible to the Wayfarer reviewers, not to the public. Once you're happy with everything, hit Submit and your nomination will be sent for review.

Part 3. How to Make a Gym in Pokémon GO [Stage 2]

Once your PokéStop nomination is approved and shows up in the game, you've completed stage one. So in this part, we'll introduce how to create a Gym in Pokémon GO in the second stage.

This part isn't random - it follows a predictable system based on something called S2 cells, which are invisible grid squares that cover the entire world map. For Pokémon GO, two sizes matter:

• Level 17 Cells: These are tiny grid squares. Only one PokéStop or Gym can exist inside each Level 17 cell. If your new submission lands in a Level 17 cell that already has a stop or Gym, it won't appear at all.
• Level 14 Cells: These are much larger and contain many Level 17 cells. The number of PokéStops inside a Level 14 cell is what determines when a Gym will be created.

The Rules to Create a Gym in Pokémon GO

Niantic's system automatically promotes PokéStops to Gyms when certain thresholds are reached within a Level 14 cell:

• The 2nd location in a cell creates the 1st Gym.
• The 6th location in a cell creates the 2nd Gym.
• The 20th location in a cell creates the 3rd Gym.

This means if there's only one PokéStop in your area, the very next successful nomination (the 2nd location) will trigger the appearance of the first Gym.

Which PokéStop Becomes the Gym?

When one of these thresholds is hit, the game doesn't just pick at random. Instead, it promotes the most "popular" PokéStop in that Level 14 cell. Popularity is measured by the number of photos attached to the stop plus the number of likes (upvotes) those photos receive.

Part 4. How to Reach Unlimited Gyms without Leaving Home

So, now you know clearly about how to create a Gym in Pokémon GO. What if you can't create a Pokémon GO Gym in your area, but you still want to enjoy Gym battles, earn PokéCoins, and take part in Raids without all the walking around? Don't worry - you're not out of luck! With the right tool, you can reach Gyms anywhere in the world without leaving your home.

That's where TunesKit Location Changer can help. This powerful GPS spoofing software lets you virtually change your location in Pokémon GO. With it, you can instantly "teleport" to new areas, explore different regions, and access unlimited Gyms. Whether you want to battle rival teams or defend your own Gym for rewards, TunesKit makes it simple and convenient.

Here's how to reach unlimited Gyms more conveniently with TunesKit Location Changer:

Step 1 Download and Launch TunesKit Location Changer

Click the "Try It Free" button above to download TunesKit Location Changer to your computer. Install the program, launch it, and connect your iPhone or Android device.

Step 2 Set Up and Choose Pokémon GO

Follow the on-screen setup instructions to enable virtual location changes. Once configured, select Pokémon GO as your location simulation mode, wait for the map interface to load on your computer, and the game will launch on your phone.

Step 3 Use Joystick Mode to Explore Gyms

In the program, click Joystick Mode in the top-right corner. From here, you can move in any direction - using your keyboard, mouse clicks, or by dragging the joystick. As you navigate the virtual map, you'll encounter Gyms along the way, just like walking in real life.

Part 5. FAQs on Creating a Gym in Pokémon GO

Part 6. Conclusion

This is all about how to make a Gym in Pokémon GO. To sum up, it is a two-stage process that combines strategy, patience, and creativity. First, you'll need to create a high-quality PokéStop nomination. Then, by understanding the hidden S2 cell rules, you'll know exactly when that PokéStop has a chance to become a Gym.

Don't have eligible locations nearby? Tools like TunesKit Location Changer make it easy to explore unlimited Gyms from home, letting you battle, raid, and earn PokéCoins no matter where you are!