Are there Gym Battles in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a mainline entry in the Pokémon series, and while it retains many of the same features as other mainline games, it also differs in some ways. While the most notable difference is the gameplay, the way the story works and the player's goals are also different. This includes gym battles.

If you were wondering if there were gym battles in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the answer is no. The Hisui region is set in a time before Sinnoh and gym battles. There are Wardens who serve as the roles of gym leaders. Players will challenge these Wardens, not for gym badges, but instead for the right to challenge Noble Pokémon.

Related: What are Wardens and Noble Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

This isn't the first time that The Pokémon Company and Game Freak have done away with gym battles. Pokémon Sun and Moon did away with this feature and instead used Island Kahunas. Taking this route adds a breath of fresh air to the games and makes them more unique.

Besides the fact that players will face off against Wardens, not too much is known exactly how these challenges will go. Gym battles featured other trainers and puzzles before the player could challenge the gym leader. Only time will tell how this is handled in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

For more information on Pokémon, check out Is Jubilife Village from Pokémon Legends Arceus related to Jubilife City from Diamond and Pearl? and How To Get Darkrai And Shaymin In Pokémon Legends: Arceus on Pro Game Guides.