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The primary focus of Pokemon TCG Pocket is on collecting cards, but there’s also an engaging battle system that still keeps players interested. Although the mechanics differ from the traditional and Live versions of the game, it remains enjoyable and serves as a solid introduction for new players.
How to Unlock Battles
Battling isn’t available immediately after creating your Pokemon TCG Pocket account, but it can be unlocked quickly after you install the game.
To access the Battle menu, you need to reach level three. You can achieve this by opening several packs and completing some missions. In the beginning, players receive numerous Pack Hourglasses, allowing you to quickly open packs and level up.
Next, you’ll need a deck. Once you unlock the Battle feature, you’ll receive a beginner deck during the tutorial. The deck you get depends on which pack you chose at the start. If you choose the Pikachu pack, for example, you’ll be given a Rapidash deck. The Mewtwo pack leads to a Sandslash deck, while the Charizard pack provides a Pinsir deck.
These initial decks may not be the strongest, but they will be sufficient for the Beginner Solo Battles. Each deck includes two copies of Professor’s Research and Poke Ball, which are essential for building almost any deck.
If you’re lucky enough to pull a standout card like Pikachu ex from your first several packs, you’ll also gain access to that Rental Deck for ten games.
Understanding the Battle System
The battle system in Pokemon TCG Pocket has been simplified compared to the traditional version, making it faster and more accessible. Although veteran players will find it easy to dive in, the Pocket rules resemble the "My First Battle" version more than the standard rules.
As in other versions, a coin flip determines which player goes first. Each player starts by drawing five cards. A Basic Pokemon is automatically included in your opening hand, meaning there are no mulligans. You must place a Basic Pokemon in the Active position and can set up to three Basic Pokemon on your Bench.
The player who goes first can only play Basic Pokemon and use Item cards, plus one Supporter. They cannot attach Energy (which is provided from the Energy Zone rather than from the deck), attack, or evolve a Pokemon on that turn.
The second player can play a single Supporter as well as any number of Items and Basic Pokemon on their Bench. This player can also attach an Energy and attack on their first turn.
How to Play
When a Pokemon attacks, it inflicts damage on the opposing Pokemon (or a Pokemon on the Bench in certain circumstances). If the damage surpasses the Pokemon’s HP, it gets knocked out. When you knock out an opponent’s Pokemon, you earn one Prize Point, and the first player to achieve three Prize Points wins.
Notably, unlike in physical and Live versions of the game, in Pokemon TCG Pocket, you do not lose if you start your turn with no cards in your deck. Instead, you continue playing until either player earns three Prize Points or has no Pokemon left in play.
Playing, retreating, and using Abilities is straightforward—just tap the Pokemon card and then the corresponding button. To play Item and Supporter cards, simply drag them into the center of the playmat.
If you’re using a smaller screen, it’s wise to double-check that the card you’re about to play is correct. It’s easy to select the wrong card, which may disrupt your strategy or cause you to use the wrong Supporter.
Evolving Pokemon is just as easy: drag the next Stage Pokemon over the one you want to evolve and release when the Pokemon you’re evolving turns green. Keep in mind that a Pokemon must be in play for an entire turn before it can evolve.
How to Battle with Friends
Once you’ve constructed a deck and played a few solo matches to get the hang of the system, you might want to challenge friends.
To face a specific player, you must communicate and share a password with them because there’s no option to directly challenge someone from your friends list.
From the Battle menu, select the Versus option to play either a private match or a random match. Random matches pair you with a randomly selected player globally, while private matches require a password for you and your opponent to enter.
In the Private Match settings, you’ll find a box to enter your password. Once you and your friend have agreed on a password, type it in, and you’ll be matched with each other.
Choose a password that isn’t commonly used. Generic passwords like "Password" or "Pikachu" could lead to playing against random opponents using the same password instead of your intended friend.
