Pokémon TCG Pocket has made a significant impact on the trading card game community, but the era of Genetic Apex Decks may soon come to an end. It’s been announced that a new set of cards is set to debut in January, complicating the endeavor to complete the Genetic Apex Deck. The base set contains 226 cards, alongside an additional 60 rare variants. This assortment features all Genetic Apex Items, which are essential for securing victories in battles.
For many players, the primary aim in Pokémon TCG Pocket is to assemble the entire card collection, with the initial target being the core 226 cards. Although there are Pokémon from later generations, the focus largely remains on the original 150, many of whom still boast the classic artwork from the first trading card series released over 25 years ago. Completing the 226-card collection without spending actual money can be quite a challenge, but there are several strategies that can help maximize your chances.
Which Packs To Open
Choosing The Right Pack
Opening packs is a fundamental aspect of Pokémon TCG Pocket, and players should aim to make the most of their daily opportunities. By default, you can open two packs each day, but you can also add an extra pack by using Pack Hourglasses to lessen the waiting time. Each time you open a pack, you’ll choose from Charizard, Mewtwo, or Pikachu. Although it may seem random, there’s more structure in which cards you’re likely to pull from each pack.
Some cards can appear in more than one of the three pack options; however, most cards are limited to one specific pack.
When you’re on the hunt for the final cards to complete your original 226, it’s essential to determine which of the three packs holds the cards you need. If the majority of the missing cards are in the Charizard pack, it’s a good strategy to focus on that pack until your collection shrinks. You can find out which cards are available in each pack by filtering your Pokédex to show information by booster pack.
Maximizing Your Wonder Picks
Making The Most Of Your Wonder Picks
The second primary method for acquiring new cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket is through Wonder Picks. This system allows you to select one card at random from five cards opened by another player in a pack. You can preview the five cards so you can opt for packs that include cards you still need for your collection. Each day, you gain a minimum of two Wonder Stamina, with the cost of each pack ranging from one to three stamina points based on the cards’ rarity.
Your odds of getting any of the previewed cards are one in five, regardless of their rarity.
As you zero in on the rarest cards, it’s wise to hold onto your Wonder Picks to target the cards that are difficult to obtain. If any of the prospective cards include an EX card, it will cost three Wonder Stamina, while those featuring a three-star rarity card will cost two. I’ve been saving up my stamina to focus on acquiring the final few EX cards I need, as these are the least likely to show up in regular pack openings.
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Additionally, it’s wise to save Wonder Picks that feature multiple cards you still need. If two cards in one selection would contribute to your collection, you’ll have a two out of five chance of acquiring a new card. My top tip for Wonder Picks is to avoid wasting them and seize any chance to grab new EX cards, as they are the hardest to find in standard packs.
Choosing Cards For Pack Points Redemption
Conserving Points For The Rarest Cards
The final method for adding to your collection is through pack points, which is a crucial resource that players often overlook. For every pack you open, you earn five pack points, which can be spent on cards with prices that increase based on their rarity. Cards with three-star rarity cost 150 points, while EX cards require a hefty 500 points. Additionally, special edition cards come at an even higher price.
When I first started playing Pokémon TCG Pocket, I made the mistake of spending my points on any card I lacked, including the common ones. Instead, you should conserve your points for the rarest cards, as the common cards are likely to show up in standard packs over time.
Using pack points is the only reliable way to ensure you get the specific card you want.
For those still seeking to acquire all the EX cards to complete the 226-card collection, I’d recommend accumulating points specifically for them. Although you’ll need to open 100 packs to afford just one EX card, they are rare enough that it’s best to ensure you can secure them with your pack points. As new cards are on the way, players should focus on completing their Genetic Apex Deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket, a goal that can be achieved through strategic use of packs, pack points, and Wonder Picks.
