Michael R.

I've been playing video games for over 20 years, spanning everything from early PC titles to modern open-world games. I started Switchblade Gaming to publish the kind of accurate, well-researched guides I always wanted to find — built on primary sources, tested in-game, and kept up to date after patches. I currently focus on Minecraft and Pokémon GO.

Can You Change Teams in Pokémon GO? A Complete Guide to Switching

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Team Mystic, Valor, and Instinct emblems side by side in Pokémon GO

Yes, you can change teams in Pokémon GO — but there’s a 365-day lockout, a 1,000 PokéCoin cost, and a few things to know before you commit. This complete guide covers the Team Medallion method, the free Niantic support route for new trainers, what happens to your Gym defenders, and how to scout your local area before switching.