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With the much-anticipated arrival ofPokemon Trading Card Game Pocket’s first mini-set,Mythical Island, the popular virtual card game will see an influx of new and returning players, eager to get their hands on a whole host of shiny goodies. Of course, not everyone has the money to spend on Poke Gold in the cash shop to acquire those tantalising EX cards.
Pokemon TCG Pocket: Genetic Apex SP Emblem Event 1 Guide
If you’re struggling with the Pokemon TCG Pocket: Genetic Apex SP Emblem Event, this guide will help.
While those cards may be pretty to look at, looks aren’t everything. After all, Pokemon TCG Pocket is a card battler as well as a card collector.
Tempting as it may be to shell out for a “competitive” deck - I’m looking at you Pikachu and Mewtwo -it’s perfectly possible to build a fully functional deck without spending a single penny.
This guide will outline some of the easiest (and most powerful) decks and how to pilot them. Those Articuno EX players will be shaking in their boots!
Genetic Apex & Battling Rewards
For those new to the game, it makes more sense tocommit to one of the Genetic Apex packsand focus on the tools required for one specific deck, before trying out the new mini-set.
It has more key tools, and due to its larger size,allows for more build variety.As such, this guide will focus on theGenetic Apex collectionand how it impacts F2P players.
While the rewards gained from battling aren’t exactly much to look at, simply gaining the victor a mere 15xp, the battles in Pokemon TCG Pocket go by very fast,allowing for quick level-farming for lower-level players.
In my experience, many players may just concede when faced with a certain deck and a strong first field, which makes the levelling experience even smoother. More levels mean more Pack Hourglasses, which means more cards. What’s not to love?
Consider re-rolling your account for more chances to receive better cards. It doesn’t take long, and it is certainly worth it in the long term.
NOEX - For Those Who Battle With Honour
For those who want to face others who share a similar disdain for the overused EX cards,they can join a Private Lobby by inputting the password “NOEX.”
While this is based on an honor system and isn’t an officially implemented game mode, it can display the impressive amount of decks available in Pokemon TCG Pocket. Not to mention, it is also a breath of fresh air.
Of course, the decks shown here are built specifically with F2P players in mind and contain no EX cards. Despite this,they can go up against the most powerful Meta decks with the right strategy and a bit of luck.
Normal-type Pokemon are your friends. Cards like Meowth and Kangaskhan can be used in any deck that needs a little more draw power, or a wall to buy you a little more time.
The Scorching King of Aggro
This deck is one of thecheapest and most powerful decksto exist in Pokemon TCG Pocket. It is made with a collection of very common cards - made even more attainable with therecent fire event- and due to its fast-paced gameplay style, wins games quickly and decisively, with little decision-making required.
The main damage dealer in this deck is Ninetales. It boasts a 2-energy cost Flamethrower, which dealsa whopping 90 damage with a comparably tiny drawback.
Being a stage 1 Pokemon, Ninetales is easy to get out onto the field and can be devastating by turn 2.
Pokemon Radical Red Guide
Classic Pokemon, but way, WAY tougher!
This power is only amplified further by the use of Blaine, this deck’s secret weapon, which boosts the power of Flamethrower by 30, turning it into a 120-damage move.Notably, this is enough damage to get rid of pesky Pikachu EXs, which also enjoy a strong turn two on the board.
While this deck does suffer against water decks, with Celebi and Serperior looming on the horizon in the new Mythical Island set, this deck may prove handy long into the future.
Professor Oak
Don’t be afraid to use Vulpix to stall for a bit. I’ve found that Tail Whip can be handy while you fish for Blaine in your deck. A strong Ninetales can often win games by itself.
The Slippery Shinobi Sniper
This water-type deck revolves around getting Greninja out onto the field and using its ability to snipe Pokemon that are setting up on the bench. With its ability and attack combined,Greninja can output a respectable 80 damage per turn with only two energy.
In addition, Articuno, (the non-EX version) is a particularly brutal basic Pokemoncapable of being used as a wall while you set up Greninja. But this isn’t its only use.
I have been completely stopped in my tracks and, frozen in place, if you will, by Articuno’s Ice Beam attack, causing paralysis.With a lucky Misty and a few good coin flips, this Pokemon can stop the opponent from playing the game completely, which is an indescribably infuriating experience.
Naturally, as a water-type deck, this struggles against the prevalent Pikachu EX deck that continues to run rampant. But whatever happens, water types always have Misty in their favor. With a strong turn one or two, Misty can defeat even the most unfortunate matchups.
Draco Meteor Destruction
Draco Meteor is one of the most interesting (and fun) moves in the game:A 4-energy move that deals a guaranteed 200 damage,split over all your opponents' Pokemon.
While it may seem like a bit of a dice roll, when the stars align, Draco Meteor is, without a doubt,the most fun move in the entirety of Pokemon TCG Pocket.
The feeling of getting the 25% 200 impact damage on an opponent’s Charizard EX, then seeing them concede, is second to none.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: Dragonite Build Guide
Dragonite is one of the best Pokemon in Scarlet and Violet. If you want to find the best build for this Dragon-type, this guide can help.
This particular strategy employs Kangaskhan to help you stall and draw all the puzzle pieces. Additionally, Dizzy Punch, a single energy attack,can often get you a free KO when you roll two heads, fainting most of the common basic Pokemon.
Also, Jigglypuff’s Sing can be used tobuy you a couple of extra turnswhile you set up your powerhouse behind the lines. This deck may be a slow burn, but the payout is almost certainly worth it.
One of the drawbacks this deck has is the rather awkward energy system of Pokemon TCG Pocket. This mobile game ditches its older brothers' usage of physical energy cards, instead relying on an inbuilt energy system that lies on the field.
Dragon types, not having their own energy, utilize energy from multiple types, which have a 50% chance of appearing each turn.Unfortunately, from time to time, this can brick the deck, when you end up getting four lightning energies and no water energy. While it doesn’t happen too often, the uncontrollable aspect of this deck is worth noting.
