Building Competitive Pokémon TCG Pocket Decks: Tips for Acquiring Strong Cards

With the Genetic Apex expansion of the Pokémon TCG Pocket now available for several weeks, many players still find the process of building a competitive deck daunting. However, employing some effective strategies can help you create a formidable deck, ready for both competitive matches and ongoing events.

Assembling a competitive deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket doesn’t have to be financially burdensome. When players utilize their resources wisely, the cost can boil down to just time invested. Various currencies, events, and battle challenges provide a wealth of opportunities for players to open packs and collect a diverse array of cards in a matter of weeks.

Maximizing Free Card Acquisition in Pokémon TCG Pocket

The Pokémon Company/dexerto

When starting your journey in competitive Pokémon TCG Pocket, one of the most critical steps is examining the card lists. The Genetic Apex expansion features three distinct card libraries, each offering unique selections for enthusiasts. Strong decks typically leverage evolutionary lines and Trainer cards from multiple sets. To enhance your chances of obtaining the cards you desire, focus on repeatedly opening the same type of card pack. For instance, if your goal is to build a Charizard ex/Moltres ex deck, consistently opening Charizard packs will help gather the necessary variants.

Although diversifying your pulls might seem appealing, particularly with theories like the so-called bent corner “hack,” these approaches are unfounded. The most effective method for maximizing your card collection is to pull from the same pool repeatedly, ensuring that you maximize your chances of getting the needed cards.

Strategies for Opening Additional Packs

Opening more packs in Pokémon TCG Pocket can be easily achieved by capitalizing on daily opportunities. Always start by claiming the two free packs available to you each day. If you invest in a Premium Pass, you’ll benefit from an additional free pack, totaling three daily.

To maximize your pack opening potential, consider these strategies:

Complete daily log-in bonuses – You can earn four hourglasses for cooldown reductions after completing three log-in bonuses.
Engage with solo battle challenges – These challenges offer substantial rewards in hourglasses and typically don’t require advanced decks; even a rental deck can suffice.
Fight against other players regularly – Don’t hesitate to duel fellow trainers, as you’ll likely earn a Shop Ticket for every match, win or lose. These tickets can be exchanged for hourglasses.
Take part in all events – Events offer hourglasses as rewards, and the entry requirements are usually reasonable.
Level Up – Completing daily tasks and battles can lead to rapid level advancements, with each level rewarding you with various prizes, such as 12 hourglasses or a full pack cooldown.

Acquiring Strong Cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket

Pokemon TCG Pocket Rental Deck Tier List S — The Pokémon Company

To acquire the most potent cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket, frequent pack openings are essential. While there is no guaranteed method for securing exceptional pulls, some strategies can tilt the odds in your favor:

Continuously open packs that feature the rare cards you seek.
Focus on strong, yet less rare cards like alt arts or immersive rares.
Utilize the Wonder Pick for necessary cards whenever available.

When constructing your deck, it’s crucial to move away from the idea of “chasing” rare cards. Obsessing over securing rare cards may prevent you from recognizing viable deck-building opportunities with more accessible cards.

For instance, Greninja from the Genetic Apex expansion excels in water decks, while Zebstrika is an excellent choice for early eclectic builds. By leveraging these commonly available cards to assemble a solid B-tier deck, you can integrate rarer elements, such as ex cards, once they are acquired.

Players often focus on collecting holo cards, but many of these so-called “rare”cards may not enhance a deck’s performance as much as more common options. By analyzing strategies using the cards currently in your possession, you may be pleasantly surprised by your ability to create effective combinations.

Purchasing Essential Cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket

In Pokémon TCG Pocket, there are two primary methods for purchasing cards: utilizing the main shop and collecting Pack Points.

Within the shop, you can trade tickets for Trainer and Supporter cards. For new players, it’s advisable to purchase two of each card available. As decks often reuse cards, having a pair will lay a strong foundation for your deck-building endeavors.

Pack Points operate differently. For every pack you open, you earn 5 Pack Points. The costs for various rarity levels of cards can significantly vary, with diamond rares priced at 35–400 Pack Points, while illustration rares start at 1,250 Pack Points and immersive cards at 1,500. Gold rares command a hefty 2,500 Pack Points.

Consequently, snatching up a Venusaur ex for 500 Pack Points means you’ll need to open around 100 Genetic Apex packs. If your daily pack opening rate is just two, that’s a 50-day grind for a card that’s not particularly difficult to pull. Thus, using Pack Points to acquire one to three diamond rares necessary for solid deck construction is generally the best approach.

This includes essential basics like Charmander and Bulbasaur, as well as critical energy accelerators like Gardevoir. Because obtaining multiples of these cards can sometimes be challenging, they are pivotal in constructing an effective deck. For example, you may find yourself lucky enough to pull an illustration rare Charizard ex early in the expansion but may lack the supporting Charmanders to use it effectively.

Similarly, possessing a Zapdos ex without the suitable supporting Pokémon limits deck potential. This is when acquiring a few Blitzle and Zebstrika can truly transform your deck’s effectiveness.

Leverage Existing Cards in Your Collection

Pokemon Trading Card Game Gardevoir — The Pokémon Company

If you have cards like Zapdos ex and lack Charizard ex, avoid forcing a Charizard ex-centered deck. Similarly, if you possess Gardevoir and Gengar ex, don’t wait indefinitely for a Mewtwo ex to arrive.

For example, my initial deck featured a combination of Zapdos ex and Zebstrika, forming a solid A-tier deck that had a winning record. In time, through hourglasses and packs, I compiled enough cards to construct my first Charizard ex deck. Although I initially didn’t possess Moltres ex for energy acceleration, I adapted by employing a standard Moltres card and Arcanine ex during matches.

Once I eventually drew my first Moltres ex, I seamlessly integrated it into my deck, transforming it into a strong contender. Thus, improvisation and utilizing your current cards effectively are key. Waiting for the ideal deck can result in missed events and an endless pursuit of the ever-shifting idea of a “perfect” meta deck.

Trial Your Deck Against Friends

If you’re apprehensive about testing your new strategies online against formidable opponents like a Mewtwo ex deck, consider practicing against friends first. This approach allows you to gather feedback, make quick adjustments, and hone your strategies effectively.

While you can experiment in solo mode, battling fellow trainers will provide you with more substantial feedback as compared to facing a computer opponent.

The key takeaway for building a robust deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket is to maintain flexibility. The current dominant strategies are bound to shift with future expansions, and resilient strategies can quickly change as players discover innovative tactics. Combine what already works with cards you enjoy experimenting with and explore exciting combinations.

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