Early Pokemon gyms were a bit lacklustre. Most towns have one and while they play an important role in helping you grow as a trainer, they aren’t anything special.
Misty, for example, is done particularly dirty when you look at her anime gym. They’re basically there to teach you the ins and outs of types and the rock paper scissors synergy that defines the battle system - if a Water gym is coming up, you’d better prepare your Grass-type.
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