5 reasons to be excited about Pokemon TCG Pocket's release

Anticipation is building as we near the release of Pokemon TCG Pocket on October 30, 2024. Pokemon trading cards have long been a popular way for fans to engage with the franchise, and with the upcoming release, enjoying this experience will become even more accessible. Whether you are a dedicated fan of TCG or new to the digital format, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about this fresh entry into the Pokemon universe.

Below, we have narrowed it down to five reasons you should be looking forward to Pokemon TCG Pocket’s release.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinions.

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Five features players can look forward to in Pokemon TCG Pocket

1) A simplified yet strategic battle system

The upcoming title will have a unique blend of collecting cards and battling with them (Image via The Pokemon Company)

The core gameplay of Pokemon TCG Pocket keeps the essence of the original trading card game while streamlining it for a quicker, more accessible experience. Decks are reduced from 60 to 20 cards, and instead of managing energy cards in your deck, energy is handled separately and distributed each turn. This makes for easier deck-building and a much faster overall game flow.

Battles are also shorter, perfect for players who want to enjoy quick games without sacrificing strategy. You can mix Pokemon types and experiment with different decks without worrying about balancing too many elements, making this title an ideal entry point for both casual and seasoned gamers.

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2) Free daily booster packs

Each player will receive two packs to open every day (Image via The Pokemon Company)

One of the most appealing aspects of Pokemon TCG Pocket is its free-to-play model, which gives players two booster packs every day without having to spend money. While the game does offer the option to purchase additional packs, the fact that you can steadily build your collection for free is a big plus.

Each pack contains five cards, similar to the Japanese physical card format. The free packs will ensure that even players who do not want to spend money can still participate fully in the game, making it accessible to a wider audience.

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3) No Energy Cards in decks

Energy consumption takes a unique twist in the mobile version (Image via The Pokemon Company)

In the traditional Pokemon Trading Card Game, managing Energy Cards can be tricky. Pokemon TCG Pocket removes this complexity by keeping Energy Cards separate from your main deck, which means you can focus entirely on your Pokemon and Trainer cards.

This change not only makes deck-building more flexible but also speeds up gameplay, as you no longer need to rely on drawing Energy Cards from your deck. With energy provided each turn automatically, players can focus on their strategy without the fear of being "energy-starved".

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4) Auto-battle mode for casual play

The larger your roster is the smoother Auto-battling will occur (Image via The Pokemon Company)

For players who may not be as familiar with the Pokemon Trading Card Game or those who simply want to focus more on collecting rather than battling, the inclusion of an auto-battle feature is a game-changer. An auto-battle mode allows the game to take over for you during battles, making logical moves based on the situation.

Whether you want to complete your daily tasks or just see how a deck performs without active input, this feature ensures you can still enjoy the game at your own pace. It's particularly useful for new players or those who prefer the collection aspect of the game but want to dabble in battles as well.

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5) Future-proofed with trading and ranked modes

Trailers have given a glimpse about trading cards with anyone around the world (Image via The Pokemon Company)

While Pokemon TCG Pocket will not have trading or ranked modes at launch, the developers have hinted that these features could come in future updates. The potential for trading with friends around the world - without having to be physically nearby - adds an exciting layer of anticipation.

A ranked mode, while also absent at launch, is something the developers are considering for later releases. These features add replayability and ensure the game has a promising future with additional competitive and community-driven aspects.

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Pokemon TCG Pocket is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the Pokemon franchise. With its streamlined mechanics, free daily rewards, and innovative features like an auto-battle mode, there is a lot to look forward to.

Whether you are a veteran player of the TCG or someone entirely new to the world of Pokemon cards, Pokemon TCG Pocket promises to offer a fun and engaging experience for everyone. Keep an eye out for its release on October 30, 2024.