Introduction:
With Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket making waves since its release on October 30, 2024, both veteran TCG players and newcomers are diving into this digital card battler. However, the game introduces a revamped rarity system that can be confusing even to seasoned trainers. At Game-Wiz, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide to understanding card rarities, how they compare to the physical TCG, and tips on snagging those elusive Crown cards.
Understanding Card Rarities in Pokémon TCG Pocket
In Pokémon TCG Pocket, rarities are simplified to make the game more accessible while maintaining the thrill of chasing rare cards. The game features eight rarity tiers, each represented by unique symbols found under the illustrator’s name in the bottom-left corner of the card:
- One-Diamond: Basic Pokémon
- Two-Diamond: Basic or Stage One Pokémon
- Three-Diamond: Stage One or Stage Two Pokémon
- Four-Diamond: ex Pokémon
- One-Star: Full art of Basic, Stage One, or Stage Two Pokémon
- Two-Star: Full art of ex Pokémon
- Three-Star: Special immersive card of an ex Pokémon
- Crown: Gold edition of rare ex Pokémon
Visual cues, such as full art, immersive designs, and rainbow borders, also help distinguish rarities.
How Pocket Rarities Compare to the Physical Pokémon TCG
Since the Scarlet & Violet series revamp in 2023, the physical TCG uses symbols like Circle (Common), Diamond (Uncommon), and Star (Rare). Higher rarities, like Hyper Rare, are marked with modified symbols. Pokémon TCG Pocket simplifies this system further, omitting the Circle symbol and rarities like Shiny Rare or Shiny Ultra Rare.
Here’s how Pocket rarities align with their physical counterparts:
Pack Types and Drop Rates
Pokémon TCG Pocket offers three types of booster packs in each expansion: Charizard, Pikachu, and Mewtwo. Packs can be either Regular or Rare:
- Regular Packs: Contain five cards of any type, with a slim chance of pulling Three-Star or Crown cards.
- Rare Packs (God Packs): Guaranteed to contain at least a One-Star or higher card, though they have a 0.05% drop rate.
Drop Rates by Card Slot:
Best Strategies to Collect Rare Cards
- Focus on Pack Points:
Every booster pack opened earns 5 Pack Points. Accumulating these allows you to purchase rare cards directly from the shop. - Know the Costs:
Here’s how much effort or money you’ll need to secure the rarest cards: - Participate in Events:
Limited-time events like the Cresselia ex Drop Event offer exclusive cards and boosts in drop rates. - Trade Smart (Coming Soon!):
Trading isn’t available yet, but The Pokémon Company has hinted at its future release. This will open new ways to collect and strategize.
FAQs About Rarities in Pokémon TCG Pocket
1. What’s the Rarest Card in Pokémon Pocket?
The rarest cards are the Golden Pikachu ex, Golden Charizard ex, and Golden Mewtwo ex—all Crown rarity.
2. Are Promo Cards a Rarity Tier?
No, Promo Cards are separate and are typically earned during special events. The Genetic Apex expansion currently features 24 promo cards.
3. Do Rarities Affect Card Power?
While higher rarity cards (like ex Pokémon) may have stronger stats, illustration-based rarities (One-Star, Two-Star, Three-Star, Crown) are purely cosmetic and don’t impact gameplay.
Final Thoughts
Pokémon TCG Pocket breathes new life into the classic trading card experience with its simplified rarity system and immersive gameplay. Whether you’re hunting for that elusive Crown card or just looking to build a solid deck, understanding rarities will help you get the most out of your journey. Keep checking Game-Wiz for more tips, deck builds, and updates on upcoming events!
What’s the rarest card you’ve pulled in Pokémon TCG Pocket? Share your stories in the comments below!