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How to Build Decks in Pokémon TCG Pocket

Deck building is a major focus of any card game. Building a deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket is easier and more straightforward than the physical card game.

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In Pokemon TCG Pocket, decks are built with only 20 cards rather than the typical 60 of the physical game. Part of this is due to energy cards no longer being separate cards. Therefore, players can focus on choosing the best mix of Pokémon and Trainer cards. Each card can appear twice at most, which keeps gameplay balanced but also encourages creative deck-building.

Let’s go over some things to think about when deckbuilding in Pokémon TCG Pocket.

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Tips on how to build decks in Pokémon TCG Pocket

When building your deck, aim for a strong lineup of Pokémon while saving a few slots for Trainer cards that boost their potential in battles. It’s best to keep your types consistent to make sure your strategy flows. Unlike the physical game, type weaknesses only add a +20 damage modifier rather than doubling it. So, trying to play for type matchups isn’t as crucial.

Pokémon evolutions are central here—Stage 1 and Stage 2 Pokémon generally have stronger attacks and abilities than their base forms, so carefully choosing evolution lines is essential to increasing your deck’s impact. You’ll also want to make sure you have plenty of the lower level cards to help get your Type 1 and 2 cards out.

Trainer cards provide helpful effects that might boost your Pokémon’s attack power, help you recover cards, or switch out active Pokémon. These cards help you to further the game or set up against enemies. For example, the Professor Oak card allows you to draw two cards. Card draw is very powerful in games like this.

For newcomers, you can try out Rental Decks. These pre-built decks offer solid examples of deck synergy and strategies without needing specific cards from your own collection. They can give you ideas on how to build effective combos or help you understand what types of Pokémon and Trainers work well together.

Pokemon TCG Pocket offers a range of ways to build unique decks. Testing combinations can help you find your ideal play style. With some time and experimentation, you’ll have a deck that is equal parts competitive and personal.

Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket is available on mobile devices.


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Author
Image of Cory Dinkel
Cory Dinkel
Cory Dinkel is a freelance writer for Siliconera since 2023. An award-winning digital journalist, he has worked for local and national news outlets for nearly a decade. His favorite genre is the JRPG and he will not be taking questions during his "There is Not a Love Triangle in Final Fantasy VII" speech.