Two years ago, a little app overtook the world. This app was Pokémon Go, a mobile game based on the popular video game franchise that used GPS and augmented reality technology to bring the cartoon creatures to the real world.
People everywhere grabbed their smartphones and left to explore their towns and neighborhoods. Even today, the game still brings people together regularly. I’ve made some great friends at my school through the game, and there were dozens of people at a local park for the most recent Community Day.
In Pokémon Go there are three teams: Team Valor, Team Mystic, and Team Instinct. Once players reach a certain level, they join one of these teams and then compete against the others.
The choice of team is arbitrary, but each one embodies a certain set of characteristics. Knowing this, it got me thinking – if fictional characters played Pokémon Go, what teams would they be on? I’ve decided to “sort” a handful of them and give a few reasons why. Plus, if you’ve always wanted to know what team you should be on, I have just the quiz for you!
Team Valor
Team Valor values determination and strength, and it tends to be very passionate and fiery (much like the legendary Pokémon they use in their logo).
Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games)
When push comes to shove, Katniss’s determination is what defines her. After all, her choice to take her sister’s place in the Hunger Games is purely fueled by her love for Prim – not a calculated decision at all.
Link (The Legend of Zelda)
Being the holder of the Triforce of Courage, Link is a clear choice for Team Valor. His bravery and strength is unparalleled by any other character in The Legend of Zelda series.
Steve Rogers/Captain America (Marvel Cinematic Universe)
Steve Rogers embodies bravery (often to the point of putting his own life at risk). He also sticks to his convictions no matter what, making him a solid candidate for Team Valor.
Han Solo (Star Wars)
Though he can be cowardly sometimes, Han relies heavily on his own skill and abilities over anything else, even logic (“Never tell me the odds!”).
Zuko (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
No, this is NOT just because of the firebending! Zuko, whether he admits it or not, is a very determined character, to the point of negatively impacting those around him. He’s Team Valor to the extreme.
Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles)
Like the color she’s named for, Scarlet has a very in-your-face personality. She fights for what she believes in and doesn’t give up.
Eleven (Stranger Things)
Though shy, Eleven is a fighter. Having gone through many traumatic experiences as a child, she keeps pushing forward in spite of them, determined to come out on the other side of the Upside Down.
Katara (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
Katara is the “mom friend” of the group, but look out if you make her upset. When used rightly, her determination helps her accomplish her goals, but when used wrongly, it causes her to hold a grudge.
The Ninth Doctor (Doctor Who)
The Ninth Doctor (portrayed by Christopher Eccleston) may seem low-key, but if something threatens the people he cares about, he fights for them, even to death (er, regeneration).
John Watson (BBC’s Sherlock)
When Sherlock goes overboard with logic, John’s usually the one to set him straight. Like many of the others on Team Valor, John will do whatever it takes to keep his friends and family safe (he can also hold a grudge like no one else)
Team Mystic
Team Mystic places emphasis on wisdom and strategy, and they’re always prepared for anything.
June Iparis (Legend)
June has big dreams, and she knows how to achieve them – with her above-average intellect. Whether she’s the prodigy of the Republic or a fugitive from it, she always relies on her knowledge to get the job done.
Zelda (The Legend of Zelda)
Even though Zelda has varied personalities throughout the series, she’s always been one to plan ahead. In some iterations, she also gets frustrated when she can’t accomplish something she’s set her mind to.
Sokka (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
Though he’s the “class clown” of the group, Sokka is always the one leading the others when it comes to planning. He aspires to be like his father, the leader of their tribe, who’s a strong strategist.
Annabeth Chase (Percy Jackson and the Olympians)
Being the daughter of the Greek goddess Athena, Annabeth excels in battle strategy. Any time the characters are sent on a mission, they always look to her for a plan.
Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles)
Cinder is a problem solver at heart. Whether it’s a broken android or a corrupt government, she’ll always find a way to fix it.
The Tenth Doctor (Doctor Who)
The Tenth Doctor (David Tennant) sometimes sees himself as being smarter or better than others (which, granted, might be justified). This attitude of pride can be a flaw for those who value knowledge and wisdom.
Sherlock Holmes (BBC’s Sherlock)
Sherlock prefers the world to be “in order,” much like Team Mystic’s emphasis on logic. When something catches Sherlock off guard – however rare that may be – it can take him a while to adjust.
Mike Wheeler (Stranger Things)
Mike’s often the one who comes up with a solution when he and his friends encounter a problem. Plus, he’s the Dungeon Master when they play Dungeons & Dragons.
Burton “Gus” Guster (Psych)
As opposed to Shawn’s impulsiveness, Gus hates making rash decisions. He often prefers the safer and more reasonable option rather than the more exciting one.
Leia (Star Wars)
Don’t let the title of “Princess” fool you; Leia is a strategist through and through. Her position as General in the Resistance later on makes it clear she’s a wise and careful planner.
Team Instinct
Team Instinct, as the name suggests, relies on intuition and looks for enjoyment rather than intense competition.
Percy Jackson (Percy Jackson & The Olympians)
Percy’s his laid-back personality makes him a clear fit for Instinct. Plus, his battle strategy is to usually jump into things and figure it out along the way.
Day (Legend)
Day is arguably just as smart as June, but he trusts his heart more than his brain. His choices might not always make logical sense, but they’re what feel right to him.
Stargirl (Stargirl)
Stargirl doesn’t seem to care what anyone thinks about her; she’s perfectly content doing her own thing. She does what her instinct tells her is right, regardless of what others are doing.
Peter Parker/Spiderman (Marvel Cinematic Universe – yes, the Tom Holland portrayal)
Peter Parker is a smart kid, but when it comes down to it, he trusts his intuition above all else. This doesn’t always work out for him, though…
Luke Skywalker (Star Wars)
Look, he didn’t ask for this. Though a capable Jedi (later on, at least), Luke relies more on instinct/the force when it comes to solving a problem. His defining moment towards the end of A New Hope demonstrates this well.
Aang (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
Despite being the chosen one, destined to bring peace to the world, Aang is not a planner. He’d much rather go with the flow and solve problems on the fly.
Shawn Spencer (Psych)
Although he’s gifted with an ability to notice tiny details, Shawn often jumps to conclusions without all the evidence.
Dustin Henderson (Stranger Things)
Dustin has a likable personality, but more than that, when a newcomer joins their group (Eleven in S1, Max in S2), Dustin tends to trust them instinctually, while his other friends might take a while to come around.
Cress (The Lunar Chronicles)
Cress might seem unassuming, but she’s more powerful than most expect. Team Instinct is often perceived the same way, since they make gut decisions rather than relying on strength or knowledge.
The Eleventh Doctor (Doctor Who)
The Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith) has a more eccentric personality, which is often associated with Team instinct. Furthermore, he doesn’t always think things through, but instead makes snap decisions.
Of course, I didn’t get to cover every single book, movie, TV show, and video game out there, but I tried to give a small sample!
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