Pokemon GO: How Gyms Work

Claiming a Gym

Once the battle has been defeated, the Gym’s Prestige will drop. Prestige is displayed on the main Gym screen next to the level and name of the Gym up at the top. If you drop a Gym’s Prestige to zero then the opposing team will be evicted and it’ll open up for you to take control of for yourself. This is the main mechanic of Pokemon GO’s Gyms that will have people checking into the game on the daily to ensure that they either have, or haven’t retained control, and then heading off out to go and put things right.

To claim a Gym in the name and color of your team all you have to do is leave a Pokemon of your very own there to raise the Gym’s Prestige and keep it defended.