You can change a Pokémon's Tera type, but only through one method

Yes, you can change a Pokémon's Tera type in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. The only way to do it is to visit an NPC called Medali the Tera Stylist, who works in the Medali Gym in the Galar region. Medali is located in the Medali Gym building, and she will change your Pokémon's Tera type for a cost of 20,000 Pokédollars per change.

The Tera type you choose becomes permanent until you pay to change it again. You are not locked into one type forever, but changing it repeatedly gets expensive quickly. The process takes only a few seconds once you talk to Medali and select the new type you want.

Key Takeaways

  • Medali the Tera Stylist in the Medali Gym is the only NPC who changes Tera types, and she charges 20,000 Pokédollars per change.
  • You can change a Pokémon's Tera type to any of the 18 types available in the game, regardless of the Pokémon's original type.
  • The new Tera type stays on your Pokémon until you pay to change it again — there is no time limit or expiration.
  • Tera types are useful in competitive battles and for covering type weaknesses, so changing them strategically can improve your team's matchups.

Where to find Medali the Tera Stylist

Medali the Tera Stylist is inside the Medali Gym in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. The gym is located in the Medali city area. Once you enter the gym building, look for Medali — she is standing in a specific room within the gym and is marked as an NPC you can interact with.

If you have not yet reached Medali or unlocked access to the gym, you will need to progress through the game's story first. The gym becomes available as you advance through the main campaign. Once you can enter, Medali is always there during normal gameplay.

What Tera types you can choose

You can change your Pokémon's Tera type to any of the 18 types in the game: Normal, Fire, Water, Electric, Grass, Ice, Fighting, Poison, Ground, Flying, Psychic, Bug, Rock, Ghost, Dragon, Dark, Steel, and Fairy. The Pokémon's original type does not matter — a Water-type Pokémon can become Fire-type, Psychic-type, or any other type you select.

This flexibility means you can adjust your team to counter specific opponents or cover weaknesses. For example, if your Pokémon is weak to Electric attacks, you could change its Tera type to a type that resists Electric damage. The choice is yours each time you visit Medali.

The cost of changing Tera types

Each Tera type change costs 20,000 Pokédollars. This is a flat rate regardless of which type you are changing to or from. If you want to change a Pokémon's Tera type multiple times, the cost adds up — changing three times costs 60,000 Pokédollars total.

You earn Pokédollars by battling trainers, selling items, and completing tasks throughout the game. Early in the game, 20,000 may feel like a lot, but as you progress and your income increases, the cost becomes more manageable. Plan your changes strategically to avoid spending more than necessary.

Why you might want to change a Tera type

Changing a Tera type is most useful in competitive battles and when facing tough opponents with specific type advantages. If you know an opponent's team is heavy on Electric-type moves, you could change your Pokémon's Tera type to something that resists or is immune to Electric damage. This gives you a tactical edge without changing your Pokémon's actual type or moveset.

Tera types also let you surprise opponents in competitive play. A Pokémon that appears to be one type might Terastallize into a completely different type mid-battle, changing the matchup when ready. This unpredictability can turn a losing battle into a winning one if used correctly.

Tera type versus actual type

A Pokémon's Tera type is separate from its actual type. Changing the Tera type does not change what type the Pokémon is for moves, abilities, or type matchups outside of battle. The Tera type only matters when the Pokémon uses Terastallization during a battle.

When a Pokémon Terastallizes, it becomes the Tera type for that battle only. Once the battle ends or the Pokémon switches out, it returns to its original type. The Tera type you set with Medali determines what type it becomes when it Terastallizes, but does not affect anything outside of that moment.

Can you reset a Tera type to its original

There is no "reset" button that returns a Pokémon to its original Tera type for free. If you change a Pokémon's Tera type and later want it back to the original, you have to pay Medali 20,000 Pokédollars again to change it. This means changing back and forth is expensive.

Plan your Tera type choices carefully to avoid unnecessary spending. If you are unsure whether you want to change a Pokémon's Tera type, test it in a few battles first before committing the Pokédollars to the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change a Pokémon's Tera type in the middle of a battle?

No. You can only change a Tera type by visiting Medali the Tera Stylist outside of battle. Once you are in a battle, the Tera type is locked in for that battle. You must finish the battle, then return to Medali if you want to change it.

Do all Pokémon have a Tera type?

Yes. Every Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet has a Tera type. Some Pokémon you catch in the wild have a Tera type already assigned, but you can change it to whatever you want by visiting Medali.

Is there a limit to how many times I can change a Tera type?

No limit exists. You can change a Pokémon's Tera type as many times as you want, as long as you have the Pokédollars to pay for each change. There is no cooldown or restriction on how often you can visit Medali.

What happens to a Pokémon's Tera type if I trade it to another player?

The Tera type goes with the Pokémon when you trade it. The player who receives it will see the Tera type you set and can change it themselves by visiting their own Medali if they want something different.