Switching Teams in Pokémon GO: What Happens to Your Gym Defenders?
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So, you’re thinking of switching teams in Pokémon GO? Maybe the lure of Team Mystic is too strong, or perhaps you’re answering the call of Team Valor. Whatever your reason, a critical question arises: What happens to your Pokémon currently defending gyms when you make the switch? Here’s the straight answer:
**Any Pokémon you have stationed in gyms when you change teams are immediately returned to you. They will return defeated and, unfortunately, you will *not* receive any *PokéCoins* for their time defending.** It’s a clean break, a fresh start, but not a financially rewarding one.
Essentially, switching teams is like hitting a reset button on your gym presence. This is a crucial consideration before you spend those hard-earned PokéCoins on a Team Medallion. Let’s delve into the specifics and answer some common questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Team Switching and Gyms
We’ve gathered the most pressing questions trainers have about changing teams and how it affects their gym activity.
1. How Often Can I Change Teams?
You can only change teams once every 365 days. The Team Medallion, the item required for the switch, has a long cooldown. Choose wisely! This restriction is in place to prevent mass migrations between teams, which could disrupt gym dynamics and create imbalances within the game.
2. Where Do I Get the Team Medallion?
The Team Medallion is available for purchase in the in-game Shop using PokéCoins. Keep an eye out for special offers that might include a discounted Team Medallion during specific events.
3. Can I Battle My Own Pokémon After Switching Teams?
No, you cannot. Once you’ve switched teams, your previously owned Pokémon in gyms will return to you, and you’ll be battling against that gym for control. You’ll be battling against the Pokemon you left there.
4. What Happens if My Pokémon is Defeated in a Gym After I Switch Teams?
If your Pokémon is defeated after you switch teams, it simply returns to you, just as it normally would. The key point is that you receive no PokéCoins for its defense if it was in the gym at the time you switched.
5. Is There a “Best” Time to Switch Teams?
Strategically, the best time to switch teams is when you don’t have any Pokémon actively defending gyms. This ensures you don’t lose out on potential PokéCoins. Check your gym status beforehand!
6. Does Team Choice Impact Gameplay Beyond Gyms?
While team choice primarily affects gym control and participation in team-based events, it can also influence your social experience. Some communities are heavily dominated by one team, which can affect local raids and community day meetups.
7. What Happens to Raids and Team Challenges After Switching Teams?
Switching teams doesn’t typically impact your progress in ongoing raids. However, team-based challenges might reset depending on the specific event. Always check the event details.
8. What are the benefits of leaving a Pokémon in a gym?
The main benefit is the Defender Bonus. You earn free PokéCoins by leaving your Pokémon at a Gym to defend against challengers from other Teams. For every hour you defend a gym, you can earn 6 PokéCoins. The maximum you can earn in a day is 50.
9. Can I swap Pokémon in a Gym?
Under certain conditions, you can swap your Pokémon with one at a friendly Gym. This is only possible when:
- The Gym is at the maximum level of 10.
- All places in the Gym are occupied (10 Pokémon)
This is a legacy feature that’s rarely encountered now due to changes in the gym system.
10. Can my Pokémon stay in a gym forever?
A Pokémon will stay in a gym until its “motivation” hits “0” – or until it is knocked out by a trainer of a different team. Regular feeding of berries can prolong their stay.
11. Why put low CP Pokémon in gym?
While it might seem counterintuitive, placing a lower CP Pokémon can be beneficial if you’re not actively monitoring the gym. A powerful Pokémon‘s CP decays more quickly, making it easier to defeat. A weaker Pokémon might require more battles to kick out, giving you more time to react and heal with berries.
12. Can you put two of the same Pokémon in a gym?
No. The game prevents you from placing two of the same Pokémon in the gym. The error message, “There is already a similar type of Pokémon in the gym!” will be displayed.
13. How long do Gold PokeStops last?
Gold PokeStops are only active for 15-30 minutes. They are important for collecting Gimmighoul Coins.
14. What Team Should I Join in Pokémon GO?
Choosing a team is a personal decision! Consider:
- Friend Affiliation: Join the team your friends are on for collaborative gameplay and shared gym control.
- Team Philosophy: Each team has a different philosophy: Mystic (wisdom), Valor (courage), and Instinct (instinct). Choose the one that resonates with you.
- Team Dominance in Your Area: Consider the local team distribution. Joining the underdog team might offer more opportunities for gym control and a bigger impact.
15. Is Pokémon GO losing popularity?
While Pokémon GO‘s peak player base has declined since its initial launch, it remains a popular mobile game with a dedicated community. New features, events, and Pokémon releases continue to draw players back in and keep the game fresh.
Making an Informed Decision: Is Switching Teams Worth It?
Switching teams is a significant decision in Pokémon GO. The potential loss of PokéCoins is a key factor to consider. However, the benefits of joining friends, aligning with a specific team philosophy, or evening out the playing field in your local area might outweigh the financial cost.
Before you purchase that Team Medallion, take a moment to assess your current gym situation, consider your long-term goals in the game, and weigh the pros and cons carefully. This game can be a fun experience. Remember the Games Learning Society is a great way to learn about the impact of games on education and society. Visit their website at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more. Good luck, trainer, and may your gym battles be ever in your favor!