Games

Pokemon TCG Pocket: Beginner Tips

Published

3 weeks ago

November 2, 2024

Christoph Rediske

Key Takeaways

Table of Contents

Choose a main Pokemon for your deck and focus on building around it to start strong
The first booster pack choice in Pokemon TCG Pocket determines early gameplay and card options
Completing themed collections, using daily missions, and playing with friends enhance the game experience

The Pokémon Company has launched an innovative mobile adaptation of the classic Trading Card Game with Pokemon TCG Pocket. This new format allows players to enjoy collecting new cards and participating in battles directly from their smartphones, providing a fresh experience for both newcomers and veterans of the franchise.

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For those starting out in Pokemon TCG Pocket, following some beginner tips can make a significant difference, especially to avoid getting lost amid so many options. With a few adjustments, it’s possible to ensure a solid start in the game, whether interested in competitive matches or simply aiming to collect all possible cards.

10 Select A Main Pokemon For The Deck

Construct The Strategy Around It

Squirtle card with water gun attack, blue background in Pokemon TCG Pocket

For players interested in the competitive aspect of the game, a tip for a strong start in Pokemon TCG Pocket is to plan from the beginning which will be the main Pokemon of the deck and focus on it during the initial hours of play. There are many strong options available in the game, such as Pikachu, Charizard, or Mewtwo for those who are unsure.

Therefore, whenever there is an opportunity to open a pack, it’s better for players to focus on those that have good options for the main choice of the deck, maximizing the chances of obtaining the chosen card. This is one of the most efficient ways to build a strong deck from the start of the game.

9 The First Booster Pack Of The Game Is Important

And Defines The First Hours Of Pokemon Tcg Pocket

Genetic Apex booster pack selection with Charizard and Mewtwo designs in Pokemon TCG Pocket

As soon as the journey begins in Pokemon TCG Mobile, players choose which will be the first booster pack to open, Mewtwo, Pikachu, or Charizard, and this choice, although it may not seem so, defines the first hours of gameplay. This is because, depending on the selected pack, certain cards are guaranteed to be obtained.

The Mewtwo pack, for example, ensures obtaining a Marowak EX, while Arcanine EX and Exeggutor EX are the cards obtained by selecting Charizard and Pikachu, respectively. Furthermore, this choice also determines which will be the first card obtained in the Wonder Pick, featuring beautiful art of one of the three Kanto starters.

8 Don’t Forget The Daily Missions

An Excellent Way To Progress

Daily missions screen with tasks like logging in and opening booster packs in Pokemon TCG Pocket

Just as in other mobile games, Pokemon TCG Pocket has a series of daily missions that players can complete to earn in-game rewards, and it’s important not to forget them. Besides the rewards, progression becomes easier and smoother for players.

This is particularly crucial for those who do not wish to invest real money in the game, making these daily missions the best way to progress and obtain new cards and packs without using external resources. Therefore, it’s important to always keep an eye on when they become available and complete them as soon as possible.

7 Save Pack Points To Use Them Later

A Way To Obtain Desired Cards

Pack Point Exchange screen with Bulbasaur line and other Pokemon cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket

Relying solely on luck when opening packs isn’t the only way to get desired cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket Mobile, as the developers have implemented mechanics like Pack Points to improve the odds. These points are obtained whenever players open a new pack and can be exchanged later.

A Tentacruel card by Sachiko Adachi beside a Drowzee by Tomokazu Komiya

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However, it’s important for players to use them sparingly, since the rarer the desired card, the more Pack Points will be needed. It’s ideal to use them only when certain that a specific card is needed to complement the deck or when traditional methods haven’t yielded results.

6 Try To Complete Themed Collections

Grants Rewards And Diversifies The Collection

Snorlax quest screen with tasks and reward progress in Pokemon TCG Pocket.

Completing themed collections in Pokemon TCG Pocket, besides being a fun goal, also grants rewards to assist progress. These objectives are specific and varied, such as obtaining all the Kanto pokemon, which earns players various items for purchasing new packs.

In addition to these immediate rewards, completing collections diversifies options when planning new strategies for competitive play. Some specific sets also offer secret cards upon completion, providing even more incentive for players.

5 It’s Even More Fun With Friends

The Experience Becomes Even More Enjoyable

Wonder Pick feature with various Pokemon cards displayed, player options in Pokemon TCG Pocket

Playing with friends in Pokemon TCG Pocket can transform the experience, making it more enjoyable. Competing with acquaintances to see who has the best deck and sharing strategies enhances the gaming experience.

Beyond this interaction, there are in-game benefits to having friends added, such as utilizing the Wonder Pick mechanic. This system allows players to obtain exclusive cards from packs opened by others, including added friends, increasing the chance of obtaining the rarest cards.

4 The First Decks Can Be Confusing

New Players May Get Overwhelmed

Deck building screen with various Pokemon cards, empty slots for customization in Pokemon TCG Pocket

Building a balanced deck capable of facing other players and adapting to different strategies is essential for competitive play. However, this can be a complicated task for newcomers due to the various construction methods.

Fortunately, the game offers pre-made Themed Decks for those starting their journey in Pokemon TCG Mobile to use as inspiration. While they may not be the top meta options, they provide a good starting point. Researching and understanding effective strategies from other matches is the best way to create top-tier decks.

3 Link The Account For More Security

Don’t Lose Progress

Account linking screen showing Google and Nintendo options in Pokemon TCG Pocket

Players should link their account to one of the available services as soon as they start Pokemon TCG Pocket to enhance security and prevent progress loss in case of device issues. This ensures all account data remains protected.

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Linking the account also allows access to the game on different devices, making it easier to enjoy from other smartphones without problems. To have a smooth journey through everything that Pokemon TCG Pocket offers, this is one of the most important settings to configure promptly.

2 Customize Cards With Shinedust

Utility For Duplicate Deck Options

Growlithe card with gold sparkles flair cosmetic option in Pokemon TCG Pocket

Even though it doesn’t change gameplay, using cosmetics to enhance a card’s appearance is one of the most enjoyable aspects of Pokemon TCG Pocket Mobile, improving their presentation during battles. This can be achieved through Shinedust, obtained after acquiring duplicates.

While it’s difficult to get duplicate cards at the beginning, it becomes more common as the game progresses. It’s advisable to customize only those Pokemon with many duplicates, allowing effects to be added without disrupting battle strategies.

1 Don’t Overlook Trainer Cards

They Are Important In Any Deck

Misty trainer card with energy boost description, supporter role in Pokemon TCG Pocket

New players of Pokemon TCG Mobile should not underestimate the power of Trainer Cards and their ability to influence the outcome of a battle. Although the focus is on Pokemon battles, these cards are essential for consistently applying strategies.

For example, the Sabrina card can help avoid a difficult battle by forcing the opponent to switch their active Pokemon. Trainer Cards are divided into Items, usable freely each turn, and Supporters, limited to one per turn. Utilizing them effectively is fundamental in any deck.