One Major Change Could Make Dragon Types Viable in Pokemon TCG Pocket

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Summary

  • Pokemon TCG Pocket differs from the physical game with distinct deckbuilding rules limited to 20 cards.
  • Dragon-type Pokemon in Pocket struggle due to Energy requirements and random Energy generation.
  • To improve gameplay, Pocket could implement Energy manipulation to support Dragon decks and enhance diversity.

The digital version of Pokemon Trading Card Game (Pokemon TCG Pocket) shares many characteristics with its physical counterpart, Pokemon TCG, particularly in terms of card conventions and the types of creatures found within. While Fairy cards were introduced to the real-world game previously, they were eliminated as a type upon the release of Generation 8. Interestingly, Dragon cards continue to exist despite having a similar status. However, it’s important to note that the gameplay mechanics in Pokemon TCG Pocket differ significantly from the physical game, primarily due to changes in deckbuilding rules.

For instance, in Pokemon TCG Pocket, each deck is restricted to having 20 cards and no more or less than that number. Notably, Energy cards are absent in this version; instead, the game produces Energy cards of various types randomly based on the Energy types utilized by the deck or chosen by players during creation. This works fine for decks using a single type of Energy, but could pose issues for those employing multiple types. Consequently, while Dragon Pokemon can be found in the mobile game, they require an extra consideration for their Energy demands.

Pokemon TCG Pocket’s Energy Zone Makes Dragon Types Nearly Unplayable

At present, there are seven distinct Dragon-type Pokemon cards in the game, excluding the two alternative illustration versions of Dragonite and Garchomp. The others share a common trait, except for Gible, which is that their attacks necessitate at least two different Energy types. For instance, the Dragonite series in the Pokemon TCG Pocket edition requires at least one Water and one Electric Energy to attack, while Druddigon needs Water and Fire, and both Gabite and Garchomp require Water and Fighting.

Gible can attack with any Energy type for 20 damage with Gnaw.

1. Implement a system where players can choose a specific type of Energy card during their turn or draw.
2. Introduce a mechanic that allows Energy cards to be traded between players during the game.
3. Provide more opportunities for players to search their deck for Energy cards of a specific type, like through additional cards or abilities.
4. Offer bonus Energy cards as rewards for completing certain objectives in the game.
5. Allow players to set aside a certain number of Energy cards at the beginning of the game, ensuring they have a consistent supply of each type throughout the match.

  • Rather than generating Energy randomly, the game could have a system where the Energy Zone generates Energy types based on the number of Pokemon of each type present in the deck. For example, three Water Pokemon and one Dragon Pokemon with Water and Fighting requirements could result in one guaranteed Fighting Energy for every three Water Energy
  • Another option could be adding a Trainer card to Pokemon TCG Pocket, possibly one based on the legendary Dragon Pokemon trainer Lance, that allows Dragon-type critters to attack regardless of the Energy types attached to them (provided they have enough Energy to attack). An alternative could be a similar card that instead changes the Energy type available in the Energy Zone to one chosen by the player

Why Pokemon TCG Pocket Needs Energy Manipulation

In the world of Pokemon TCG Pocket, Dragon-type decks have been playing second fiddle due to the prevalence of single Energy type decks in the current meta. However, decks featuring Dragonai Ex and Magnazone utilize various Energy types during gameplay. Unfortunately, the fickle nature of Random Number Generation (RNG) tends to favor single Energy type decks in the Energy Zone. If changes are made to address this imbalance, it could provide a brighter spotlight for Dragon-type decks, as well as encourage more diverse deck building for players who prefer using multiple Pokemon types within a single deck.

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2025-02-20 21:14