How Two Pokemon TCG Pocket Sets Created Unnecessary Barriers for Future Updates to Overcome

Triumphant Light is making waves in the Pokemon TCG Pocket community, altering the game’s meta with its collection of rare cards designed to enhance synergy with Arceus and bolster strategic deckbuilding. Introducing the fourth set just four months since the game’s launch, this expansion complements the Space-Time Smackdown set, focusing on the Gen 4 roster. Despite being smaller in size, it offers significant value for both new and seasoned players. However, Pokemon TCG Pocket could benefit from revisiting a particular aspect affecting gameplay and features, which is rooted in decisions tied to its recent expansions.

While changes are always possible as the game evolves, some elements cement themselves over time if not addressed early. Solo battle events, reliant on stamina and singular promo card packs, are unlikely to witness drastic alterations soon. Yet, one aspect that demands attention is how each set manages pack points, a system that could be particularly cumbersome for smaller expansions like Triumphant Light and Mythical Island.

Generally, Pokemon TCG Pocket provides five pack points per booster purchased, a mechanism that excludes event-specific packs like the Genetic Apex boosters, which are rich with guaranteed rare cards. While this method works well for larger sets, smaller packs can unfairly inflate the cost of cards, with a single Ex card demanding 500 pack points, equating to the purchase of 100 booster packs. This disparity grows conspicuous when the set size doesn’t justify the cost.

An obstacle for players is the inability to transfer leftover pack points, as these are bound to the set they originate from. Two solutions arise from this issue:

1. Adjust pack point earnings or costs in line with set sizes, giving more points per pack in smaller sets or reducing the cost of obtaining a card.
2. Allow pack points to accumulate in a player’s account for use across different sets, potentially with purchase restrictions when a new expansion drops.

Both options have their merits. The first makes the game dynamic, adequately rewarding players regardless of set size and aiding in deck completion. The second option could provide prolonged satisfaction, even if it entails a short waiting period for spending points on newly released sets, akin to the current new card trading restrictions.

For sets like Mythical Island and Triumphant Light, which encapsulate under 100 cards including secret rares, their tie-ins with set-specific points pose a progression roadblock. Collecting mechanically pivotal cards becomes taxing, if not unfeasible, when faced with the high cost of Ex cards. While higher prices for Crowned or Immersive rares might be justified for their aesthetic appeal, making Ex cards more accessible is essential to balance and enhance the overall player experience.