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While the primary objective of Pokemon TCG Pocket is collecting cards, it also features a combat system involving both player-versus-player (PvP) and player-versus-environment (PvE) modes. However, this version is simplified in size and complexity, making it feel more like a completely different game.
Players familiar with the physical card game or Pokémon TCG Live will recognize many elements but will also encounter key changes that influence gameplay and deck-building strategies. This guide will highlight how combats in Pokemon TCG Pocket differ from those in other Pokémon trading card games.
Deck Building Differences
In Pokemon TCG Pocket, each deck is limited to just 20 cards, a significant drop from the usual 60-card limit. However, every deck must still include at least one Basic Pokémon.
Along with a smaller deck size, players are limited to only two copies of cards with the same name. This means you can’t have multiple copies of Charmander to ensure you have enough basics to evolve into Charizard down the line.
On the upside, you won’t need to reserve any space in your deck for Energy cards because Energy is not included in Pokemon TCG Pocket. Instead, players receive Energy from an Energy Zone during gameplay. This Energy is randomly assigned based on the types of Energy required for attacks in your deck, making it tricky to mix different types effectively.
The Energy Zone seems to balance all Energy types found in your deck, meaning that including a single Dratini in a Water-type deck results in equal chances of drawing Water or Electric Energy. This can complicate powering up moves that require specific types, encouraging a more unified color scheme in deck building.
Rules Differences
The rules in Pokemon TCG Pocket closely mirror those in the standard version but with a few notable differences.
Firstly, there are no Prize Cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket. Instead, victory is determined by points. The first player to accumulate three points wins the game, with most Pokémon being worth one point each for a Knock Out.
Standard Pokémon are typically worth one point, while ex Pokémon yield two points.
Additionally, there are no Energy cards, but there is an Energy Zone that provides one Energy per turn. This Energy is always a Basic type that your deck uses, so you will never run out of Energy.
Another similarity to the My First Battle game packs is that the Bench is limited to three Pokémon. This helps to keep gameplay streamlined but also restricts your options and limits the number of Abilities available from your Bench, making each slot valuable.
With a smaller deck comes a smaller hand size. Players draw five cards at the start instead of seven, with a maximum hand size of ten cards, unlike the unlimited hand size in the traditional game. Critically, players can no longer lose by running out of cards. If your deck runs dry, you continue playing, simply skipping any drawing until the game concludes with a winner.
Player Action Differences
The actions players can take during their turn are mostly identical to standard rules, with some exceptions. Evolving Pokémon, drawing cards, playing Item and Stadium cards, Retreating, and utilizing a Pokémon’s Ability all work the same way in Pokemon TCG Pocket as in the classic game.
Even if you’re a seasoned player, take a moment to read the cards carefully. While many cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket share the same name and artwork as those in the standard game, their functions can differ significantly.
Playing A Basic Pokémon
You can play as many Basic Pokémon as you’d like on your Bench, just like in the traditional version, provided there are open spots. The maximum number of Bench positions has been cut down from five to three, but other mechanics remain unchanged.
Attaching Energy
Attaching Energy in Pokemon TCG Pocket operates similarly to the standard game: you can attach one Energy per turn to any Pokémon on your Bench or to the Active Pokémon. The big difference is that your deck contains no Energy cards; instead, you receive Energy from the Energy Zone next to your Bench.
This Energy Zone automatically gives you one Energy each turn, dictated by the attacks listed in your deck instead of the types of Pokémon you have. For instance, if Dragonite’s Draco Meteor requires one Electric and one Water Energy, the Energy Zone can produce either if Dragonite is included in your deck, but it will not generate Dragon Energy.
Playing Supporters
As in the standard Pokemon TCG, players are allowed to play one Supporter card per turn. However, you can also play a Supporter during your first turn, even if you’re going first.
Card Differences
It’s common for Pokémon to be printed in different sets with varying HP, attacks, retreat costs, and even types. Still, the cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket also feature some layout changes.
Requisite information like HP, attacks, and retreat cost remains in familiar locations between both formats. However, Weakness has been revised to a flat +20 damage, and Resistance has been completely removed.
These changes aim to reduce the advantages that can arise from battling against a deck with the opposing type, fostering a gameplay style that incentivizes building single-type decks.
