Pokémon Go, the augmented reality game that took the world by storm in 2016, has been a constant source of entertainment for millions of players worldwide. One of the most iconic aspects of the game is the team system, where players can choose to join one of three teams: Mystic, Valor, or Instinct. But what if you want to switch teams? Is it possible, and if so, how do you do it?
Why Would You Want to Switch Teams?
Before we dive into the details of switching teams, let’s take a step back and explore why someone might want to switch teams in the first place. There are several reasons why a player might want to switch teams:
Newfound Loyalty
Perhaps you initially chose a team based on its color scheme or the advice of a friend, only to later discover that you resonated more with the values and ideals of a different team. Maybe you’ve started playing with a new group of friends who are all on a different team, and you want to join forces with them.
Tactical Advantages
You might want to switch teams to gain a tactical advantage in battle. For example, if you’re playing in a highly competitive PvP scene, you might want to switch to a team that’s stronger against the opponents you frequently face.
Personal Growth
Alternatively, you might simply want to experience the game from a different perspective. Switching teams can give you a fresh start, allowing you to re-experience the game’s storyline and challenges with a new team’s lens.
Can You Actually Switch Teams in Pokémon Go?
So, is it possible to switch teams in Pokémon Go? The short answer is yes, but with limitations.
When Pokémon Go first launched, team switching was not an option. You chose your team at the beginning of the game, and that was it. However, in response to community feedback, Niantic, the game’s developers, introduced a team-switching feature in 2020.
The Team Medallion
The team-switching feature is tied to an item called the Team Medallion. This rare item can be used to switch teams, but it comes with some caveats:
Limited Availability
The Team Medallion is only available through special events, research tasks, or as a reward for participating in certain activities. It’s not something you can buy or earn easily.
Cooldown Period
When you use a Team Medallion, you’ll be unable to switch teams again for a set period of time (typically 365 days). This means you’ll need to think carefully before making the switch.
Consequences of Switching
Switching teams using a Team Medallion will reset your team affiliation, but it won’t affect your progress, Pokémon, or other game data.
How to Get a Team Medallion
So, how do you get your hands on a coveted Team Medallion? Here are some ways to obtain one:
Special Events
Niantic occasionally hosts special events that offer Team Medallions as rewards. These events might be tied to specific holidays, anniversaries, or other celebrations. Keep an eye on the in-game news and the Pokémon Go social media channels to stay informed about upcoming events.
Research Tasks
Some research tasks, like the Limited Research tasks, may reward Team Medallions upon completion. These tasks are usually available for a limited time and require you to complete specific challenges or tasks.
Other Activities
Participating in certain activities, such as Pokémon Go Fest or other community events, might also reward Team Medallions.
Alternatives to Switching Teams
If you can’t get your hands on a Team Medallion or don’t want to wait for the cooldown period to end, there are alternative ways to experience the game with a different team:
Create an Alternate Account
You can create a new Pokémon Go account and choose a different team from the start. This will give you a fresh start, but you’ll need to build your new account from scratch.
Join a Team-Focused Community
Look for online communities or social media groups focused on the team you’re interested in. You can participate in discussions, learn from other players, and get tips on team-specific strategies without having to switch teams.
Conclusion
Switching teams in Pokémon Go is possible, but it requires careful consideration and a bit of luck. If you’re willing to put in the effort to obtain a Team Medallion, you can experience the game from a new perspective. However, if you’re unable to get a Team Medallion, there are alternative ways to engage with the game and its community.
Remember, team loyalty is important, but it’s also about having fun and enjoying the game. Whether you stick with your original team or switch to a new one, Pokémon Go is all about embracing the adventure and making unforgettable memories with fellow trainers.
| Team | Description |
|---|---|
| Mystic | The blue team, led by Blanche, values knowledge and wisdom. |
| Valor | The red team, led by Candela, prioritizes strength and bravery. |
| Instinct | The yellow team, led by Spark, focuses on trust and instinct. |
Can I switch teams in Pokémon Go?
You can switch teams in Pokémon Go, but there are some restrictions to be aware of. Team switching is only available for players who are level 40 or above, and you can only switch teams once every 365 days. This means that you’ll need to be a high-level player and have a good understanding of the game before you can switch teams.
It’s also important to note that switching teams will not affect your progress or your Pokémon collection. You’ll still have access to all of your Pokémon, and you’ll still be able to participate in raids and other activities. However, you will lose any team-related rewards or bonuses that you’ve earned, so be sure to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
How do I switch teams in Pokémon Go?
To switch teams in Pokémon Go, you’ll need to follow these steps: open the game, tap on your avatar in the bottom left corner, and then tap on the “Team” option. From there, you’ll be able to select the team you want to switch to. You’ll be prompted to confirm your decision, and then the switch will be made.
It’s a relatively straightforward process, but make sure you’re certain about your decision before confirming. As mentioned earlier, you can only switch teams once every 365 days, so you’ll want to make sure you’re making the right choice for your gameplay experience.
What are the three teams in Pokémon Go?
In Pokémon Go, there are three teams to choose from: Mystic, Valor, and Instinct. Each team is led by a specific character, and each team has its own unique philosophy and approach to the game. Mystic is led by Blanche and focuses on analyzing and studying Pokémon. Valor is led by Candela and focuses on training and battling Pokémon. Instinct is led by Spark and focuses on trusting and understanding Pokémon.
The team you choose will affect certain aspects of your gameplay experience, such as which gyms you’ll be able to participate in and which rewards you’ll be eligible for. However, your team choice won’t affect your ability to catch Pokémon or participate in other activities, so don’t worry too much about making the “wrong” choice.
Will switching teams affect my Pokémon collection?
Switching teams in Pokémon Go will not affect your Pokémon collection in any way. You’ll still have access to all of the Pokémon you’ve caught, and you’ll still be able to use them in battles and raids. Your Pokémon will not be affected by the team switch, so you don’t need to worry about losing any of your favorite Pokémon.
That being said, you may find that certain Pokémon are more useful or valuable to one team than another. For example, if you have a Pokémon that’s particularly strong against a certain type of Pokémon, it may be more valuable to a team that focuses on battling that type of Pokémon. However, this is just a strategic consideration, and it won’t affect your ability to keep and use your Pokémon.
Can I switch teams if I’m in a raid?
No, you cannot switch teams if you’re currently participating in a raid. You’ll need to exit the raid and return to the main game screen before you can switch teams. This is because raids are team-specific, and switching teams in the middle of a raid could cause confusion and disrupt the experience for other players.
If you’re planning to switch teams, make sure to do so before participating in a raid or other team-based activity. This will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all players involved.
Will switching teams affect my friends list?
Switching teams in Pokémon Go will not affect your friends list in any way. You’ll still be able to see your friends’ activities and interact with them, regardless of which team you’re on. Team switching only affects your affiliation with a particular team and does not affect your social connections within the game.
That being said, you may find that you’re more interested in interacting with players from your new team, or that you have more in common with players from a particular team. However, this is just a social aspect of the game, and it won’t be affected by your team switch.
Can I switch teams if I’ve already received team rewards?
Yes, you can still switch teams even if you’ve already received team rewards. However, you will lose access to any team-related rewards or bonuses that you’ve earned, as mentioned earlier. This means that if you’ve earned rewards for participating in team activities or achieving certain milestones, you’ll no longer have access to those rewards if you switch teams.
Make sure to weigh the pros and cons of switching teams before making a decision, especially if you’ve invested a lot of time and effort into earning team rewards. You may want to consider whether the benefits of switching teams outweigh the loss of your rewards.