Pokémon
You can now play Pokémon TCG Pocket: which pack is best, best decks and tips for getting started
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is coming to iOS and Android on 30 October as a free-to-play game.
The day has come. While half of the community returns from their virtual trip to New Zealand, those who have been waiting patiently can start playing with their regular account, with no additional requirements. Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is now free to play on iOS and Android mobile devices. Here’s a look at some of the things you need to consider to get your adventure off to a good start.
Which Genetic Apex booster pack is the best in Pokémon TCG Pocket, and which is the best deck?
Pokémon TCG Pocket only has one set of cards at launch. Genetic Apex offers three booster packs based around some of the most special first-generation Pokémon: Charizard, Mewtwo and Pikachu. Depending on which one you choose, you’ll have the chance to get some exclusive cards from each of them. The ones you choose are usually marked ‘ex’, the most powerful.
At the moment, it’s clear that Charizard has the upper hand. Most of its specials are Fire cards, and as you know, it’s usually one of the best starters for any release. Charizard Ex is a beast. Its basic attack, Slash, only requires two Energy for a 60-Power Fire Orb. Its special, Crimson Storm, increases the damage to 200 by discarding two Fire Orbs from this Pokémon. Its use is obviously intended for the late game of each match.
The Pikachu pack isn’t too bad either, especially as you get two of the best Electric and Water cards with Pikachu Ex and Blastoise Ex respectively. It’s best to concentrate on one until you find the one you like best. You can find out which cards are unique to each pack by dragging the globe above the pre-opening menu.
The best deck right now revolves around Charizard and Fire-type Pokémon. You’ll find that their attacks are devastating for very little Energy. Cards like Flareon or Rapidash should be in your starting deck.
10 tips for getting started and building your first deck
- First of all, transparency: in the menu to open the game, on the bottom left, you will find the percentage chance of getting each card. Always check it.
- Don’t go crazy at first: take the collecting side of the game. You will build up your deck over time.
- Keep copies of the cards you use. They can be used to spruce up the base card, but you lose the opportunity to build multiple decks with them.
- Your first envelope marks your choice of insured Ex: Marowak EX (on Mewtwo), Exeggutor EX (on Charizard), and Arcanine EX (on Pikachu).
- Keep an eye out for incoming messages. Other users may send you shop vouchers if they use one of your packs with a wonderful opening. These will expire 24 hours after they are sent to you.
- Don’t hesitate to sign up for the Premium Pass. The first 14 days are free and all rewards within this period will remain in your profile forever. To cancel the first payment, you must do so 24 hours before the end of the period at no additional cost.
- Build your first deck using the EX you received at the start of the game, unless you get lucky and get a new one along the way. Look for Pokémon of the same type.
- Keep the Pack Hourglasses, except for the tutorial section. You’ll be able to use them to bring forward the opening of the daily envelopes. When the expansions arrive, it’s best to get a head start on the first few days.
- Wonder Picks are an important source of new cards at very low cost. The presence of rare or EX cards increases the price of exclusive currency, but recharges over time.
- Trial and error. Games fly by so quickly that the best way to play is to test which Pokémon type you fight best.
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