Unveiling the Secret to Team Switching in Pokemon GO

Since its launch, Pokemon GO has captivated millions of players around the globe with its interactive, augmented reality gameplay. An essential part of this experience revolves around joining one of three teams: Team Mystic, Team Valor, or Team Instinct. Initially, players are required to choose a team when they reach level 5. However, what if you feel you made the wrong choice or simply want to try a different team?

This guide will take you through the detailed process of switching teams in Pokemon GO, providing answers to common questions, troubleshooting tips, and key information you need for a successful switch. Whether you’re looking to join friends on another team or simply explore a new experience, switching teams is possible—just follow these steps!

Why Switch Teams in Pokemon GO?

Team choice plays a significant role in Pokemon GO as it impacts Gym battles, Raid coordination, and overall gameplay experience. Here are a few reasons why players might want to change teams:

Joining Friends: Many players want to align with their friends’ team for easier collaboration.
Exploring Different Strategies: Each team is known for unique strategies and tactics in Gym battles, making it interesting to switch and explore.
New Experiences: Changing teams can refresh your gameplay experience and allow you to view the game from a different perspective.

Whatever your reason, switching teams in Pokemon GO is simple but requires some in-game resources and attention to detail.

How to Switch Teams in Pokemon GO

To switch teams, Niantic, the developer of Pokemon GO, introduced an item called the Team Medallion. This item allows players to change their team once every 365 days. Below is a detailed guide on acquiring and using the Team Medallion.

Step 1: Purchase the Team Medallion

The Team Medallion is the key item needed to change teams in Pokemon GO. It can be purchased directly from the in-game shop for 1,000 PokéCoins. Here’s how you can purchase it:

Open Pokemon GO on your device.
Tap on the PokéBall icon at the bottom center of your screen.
Select the Shop option.
Scroll down until you see the Team Medallion listed under items.
Use 1,000 PokéCoins to purchase the Team Medallion.

Note: If you don’t have enough PokéCoins, you may need to earn them by defending Gyms or purchasing them via microtransactions.

Step 2: Confirm the Team Change

Once you’ve purchased the Team Medallion, you can switch teams immediately. However, be cautious, as you can only use the Team Medallion once a year. Here’s how to confirm the switch:

After purchasing the Team Medallion, it will appear in your Item Bag.
Locate and tap on the Team Medallion to begin the team switch process.
Review the details carefully. You’ll be prompted to choose between Team Mystic, Team Valor, or Team Instinct.
Select your desired team and confirm the change.

Once confirmed, you’ll officially be part of your new team in Pokemon GO!

What Happens After Switching Teams?

Switching teams has several impacts on gameplay:

Gyms: You will now support and defend Gyms aligned with your new team, and any of your Pokémon stationed in Gyms of your previous team will return to you.
Team-Based Events: You’ll be able to participate in events and bonuses that apply to your new team.
Team Leader: You’ll be guided by the leader of your new team (Blanche, Spark, or Candela) during certain challenges.

For detailed information on how teams work, check out our comprehensive Pokemon GO Teams Guide.

Troubleshooting Team Switching in Pokemon GO

While switching teams is usually straightforward, there are some common issues players may encounter. Here are troubleshooting tips for a smooth team transition:

Issue 1: Insufficient PokéCoins

If you don’t have enough PokéCoins to purchase the Team Medallion, consider:

Defending Gyms: Place Pokémon in Gyms to earn PokéCoins over time.
In-App Purchases: You can buy PokéCoins directly from the in-game shop if needed.

Issue 2: Can’t Find the Team Medallion

If the Team Medallion doesn’t appear in the shop, it could be because:

You already purchased it and need to check your item bag.
You may not have reached the required level to buy the item, so ensure you are at level 5 or higher.

Issue 3: Team Change Error

In rare cases, players may encounter an error while switching teams. To resolve this:

Ensure your game is updated to the latest version, as older versions may have bugs affecting items.
Clear Cache: If you’re on Android, clearing the cache for Pokemon GO might resolve certain issues.
Restart the app and try again.

If none of these solutions work, consider reaching out to Niantic’s support team for assistance.

FAQs About Team Switching in Pokemon GO

Can I switch teams more than once a year?

No, the Team Medallion has a cooldown period of 365 days, so you can only switch teams once every year. Plan your choice carefully to avoid regrets.

What if I want to switch back to my original team?

You’ll need to wait a full year before switching back or to another team. Keep in mind that you’ll need another Team Medallion to do so.

Does switching teams affect my Pokémon or progress?

Switching teams won’t impact your Pokémon, items, or level progress. It only changes the team affiliation for gyms and certain team-based events.

Can I join a specific team if I switch?

Yes, after purchasing a Team Medallion, you can select any of the three teams. Choose wisely based on friends or preferences.

Conclusion

Changing teams in Pokemon GO offers a fresh experience and an opportunity to collaborate with new friends or try a different approach to the game. While the process requires some in-game currency and comes with a one-year cooldown, it’s a straightforward task when following the right steps. Whether you’re switching for strategic reasons or personal preferences, we hope this guide has made it easier for you to understand and execute team switching in Pokemon GO.

Remember, team choices impact a significant part of your experience, from Gym battles to special events, so weigh your options before making the change. Now that you know the secret to team switching, why not take a look at our advanced strategies guide for Pokemon GO to maximize your gameplay on your new team?

This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by GameMasterHub Team

Unveiling the Secret to Team Switching in Pokemon GO