The main objective in Pokémon TCG Pocket is to collect every available card, but players can also engage in battles to earn various rewards. Similar to the physical card game, in Pokémon TCG Pocket, once you’ve amassed a selection of cards, you can create your own decks to compete against both other gamers and AI teams. However, unlike the physical version, your deck size is limited to just 20 cards.
Currently, there are only a few battle options, but more will be added after the game’s launch. You can challenge AI opponents with set decks, play against random players online, or duel with friends. Fortunately, for newcomers to Pokémon TCG, there’s a comprehensive tutorial that guides you through the basics, which I found essential for understanding the game’s rules. Once you grasp how battles work in Pokémon TCG Pocket, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to earn various rewards throughout the game.
How To Battle In Pokémon TCG Pocket
Where To Battle
To engage in battles within Pokémon TCG Pocket, navigate to the battle tab located at the bottom of the screen. This mode offers two options, with Solo being the primary challenge for players right after the game’s launch. Solo battles pit you against AI opponents in increasingly difficult matches across four levels of challenge. While they may seem daunting initially, as you familiarize yourself with the mechanics of Pokémon TCG Pocket, you’ll find them more manageable. You can use powerful apex cards to help you triumph over tougher foes in solo mode. You also have the option to utilize rental decks containing some of the game’s top cards in solo battles to gain an edge.
In addition to battling strong AI decks, you can hit the online arena to face real opponents, including friends. From the main battle screen, selecting Versus takes you to the online section, where you can opt for a random match that pairs you with another player based on your chosen skill level. There is also a Private Match option available.
How To Battle Friends In Pokémon TCG Pocket
Competing with Friends and Rivals Online
By selecting “private match,” you can challenge your friends for bragging rights and earn XP that contributes to your overall level in Pokémon TCG Pocket. When setting up a match, you must enter a password that your friends can use to join you on the same screen, thus arranging a match between you. The battling options available to friends are currently the same as those for random matches, with each player choosing their own deck before they compete.
If you found the regular Pokémon Trading Card Game app, Pokémon TCG Live, a bit too competitive or fast-paced, you might appreciate Pocket as a more accessible challenge when battling others. Thanks to the 20-card deck limit—along with fewer cards to collect—it’s generally easier to compete and win in Pocket compared to TCG Live, though this balance may shift as the new release develops. Battling is a central aspect of Pokémon TCG Pocket, allowing you to compete against AI, random players online, or even friends to showcase your skills.
