How to Swap Teams in Pokémon Go? Easy Step & Workarounds

When you first start your adventure in Pokémon GO, you're faced with a pretty big decision - do you side with the intuitive Team Instinct, the wise Team Mystic, or the fearless Team Valor? At first, your decision might be based on your favorite color, a friend's suggestion, or just gut instinct. But over time, you might start thinking... Did I choose the right team?

Don't worry - you're not alone. I've been playing since the early days, and I've swapped teams myself. So in this guide, I'll walk you through how to change teams in Pokémon GO, how to choose the right team, and how to enhance gameplay without changing teams.

Part 1. Does It Matter Which Team You Pick in Pokémon Go

You might be wondering: Does choosing a team really affect my gameplay? The short answer is - yes, it does. Your team plays a key role in two major features: gyms and raid battles. Let's dive into one-by-one:

1. Gym Battles & PokéCoins

Gyms are where teams compete head-to-head. Defeat rival Pokémon, place your own, and your team claims the gym. That's not just bragging rights - it earns you PokéCoins, the game's premium currency. You earn up to 50 coins per day while your Pokémon defends a gym. Coins can buy essential items like Lucky Eggs, Incubators, and Raid Passes.

But here's the catch: if your team rarely holds gyms in your area, earning those coins can be frustrating. So picking the most active local team can seriously boost your progress.

2. Raid Battles & Team Bonuses

In Raid Battles, being on the right team gives you a real edge. You get extra Premier Balls if your team deals the most damage, or the raid is at a gym your team controls (+2 balls). Those bonus balls often mean the difference between catching a Legendary or watching it escape . Being aligned with the dominant raiding team in your community can improve your catch rate - big time.

How to Pick a Team in Pokémon Go?

Now that you know the impact of your team choice, you might be wondering: what team should I pick in Pokémon Go?

Choosing a team that resonates with your values, playstyle, or simply your friend group is a good place to start. Here's a quick breakdown of the teams:

Team	Color	Leader	Leader's Focus	Core Value	Philosophy
Mystic (43%)	Blue	Blanche	Researching Pokémon evolution	Wisdom	Believes that staying calm, logical, and analytical is the key to victory.
Valor (32%)	Red	Candela	Researching how to enhance Pokémon's natural power	Strength	Believes that true power is achieved through rigorous training, dedication, and harnessing a Pokémon's raw strength.
Instinct (25%)	Yellow	Spark	Researching Pokémon hatching from eggs	Intuition	Believes that success in battle comes from trusting your gut feelings and the innate talents of your Pokémon.

Ultimately, the "best" team is the one your friends are on or the one that is most active in your local area, as this will directly enhance your gameplay.

Part 2. Can You Change Teams in Pokémon Go

So here's the big question - can you change teams in Pokémon GO once you've made your initial choice? The good news is: yes, you can! But there are a few things you need to know before making the switch.

• To change teams in Pokémon GO, you'll need an item called the Team Medallion.
• You can only use a Team Medallion once every 365 days.
• You'll lose any PokéCoins earned by Pokémon currently defending gyms when you switch teams.
• Medallions are non-refundable, so choose wisely.

Part 3. How to Change Teams in Pokémon Go

If you are certain you want to make the switch, just read this part and easily switch teams in Pokémon Go within a few minutes.

Here is your step-by-step guide on how to swap teams in Pokémon GO.

Step 1 Purchase the Team Medallion from PokéShop

Open the app, tap the PokéBall ➝ go to the Shop, and scroll until you see the Team Medallion. It costs 1,000 PokéCoins.

Step 2 Activate the Team Medallion from Your Bag

Once purchased, go to your Item Bag. Find the Team Medallion and tap on it to use it. This will initiate the team selection process.

Step 3 Pick Your New Team

Choose your new team - Mystic, Valor, or Instinct - and confirm. Your switch takes effect immediately. Just keep in mind: you can only change teams once every 365 days.

Part 4. How to Enhance Gameplay without Changing Teams in Pokémon Go

Not sure if switching teams is worth the 1,000 PokéCoins - or worried you'll move to a new area with different team dynamics? You're not alone. Luckily, you can still enjoy a strong team experience without changing teams in Pokémon GO. Here's how:

• Connect with Your Local Team: Join local Discord or Facebook groups to find active players from your team. Coordinating for raids and gym battles with nearby trainers can totally transform your experience - even if your team isn't the most dominant.
• Focus on Solo Gameplay: Many features like the GO Battle League, shiny hunting, and completing your Pokédex are completely team-independent. So if you're flying solo, there's still plenty to do.
• Utilize Remote Raiding: With Remote Raid Passes, you can raid with friends worldwide - no matter what team they're on. This is perfect for trainers who want to stay connected and catch powerful Pokémon from afar.

If you're stuck in a region where your team has little presence, but don't want to give up on gym battles and free PokéCoins, here's a clever workaround: use TunesKit Location Changer to explore more rival gyms - without changing teams in Pokémon GO.

This GPS spoofing tool lets you virtually move to different cities or countries where your team has better control - or where rival gyms are easier to take down.

Here's how to enhance gameplay without changing teams in Pokémon Go via TunesKit Location Changer:

Step 1 Click "Try It Free" above to download TunesKit on your computer. Connect your phone.

Step 2 Follow the setup steps, select Pokémon GO, and wait for the map to load.

Step 3 Enter the coordinates of a location with more rival or active gyms, then click "Start Modifying". Your GPS location in the game will update instantly. Place your Pokémon in gyms to defend and start earning free PokéCoins - no team switch needed!

Part 5. FAQs on Switching Pokémon Go Teams

Part 6. Conclusion

And that's everything you need to know about how to change teams in Pokémon GO! The process is simple: buy the Team Medallion for 1,000 PokéCoins and pick your new allegiance. But with a one-year cooldown, it's a decision worth thinking through carefully.

Whether you decide to switch teams or stick with your current one and rise as an underdog, the journey is yours. And remember - if you want more gym opportunities without switching teams, TunesKit Location Changer is always here to help you explore more and play smarter.