Pokemon TCG Pocket fans want 10-pack pulls to guarantee a Pokemon ex card, as DeNA's digital trading card game is known for using gacha mechanics without any form of pity system. In other words, no matter how many packs a player opens, the odds stay the same. Now, a group of Pokemon TCG Pocket fans are pushing for change, and they have some valid reasons behind their request.
Most F2P-friendly gacha games include soft or hard pity mechanics. These behind-the-scenes adjustments boost the odds of pulling rare items or guarantee them after a set number of attempts. Genshin Impact is a well-known example, offering a rare drop by the 10th pull and a super rare by the 90th. Pokemon TCG Pocket, however, does away with any such pity system.
One Inevitable Aspect of Pokemon TCG Pocket Divides Fans
Fans discuss a core aspect of Pokemon TCG Pocket's gameplay that has existed since the game's launch and likely won't go away.
Fans now argue that a drop-rate adjustment to mimic a hard-pity system for Pokemon ex cards is essential. They're calling for a change to booster packs so that every 10-pack pull, or every 10th pack, guarantees an ex. Right now, each regular pack has a relatively low chance of containing a four-diamond Pokemon ex. These cards are crucial, though, as most meta decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket rely on them. Given that, many players believe a hard-pity for four-diamond Pokemon would improve the gameplay experience without undermining the card-collecting appeal.
Pokemon TCG Pocket's Pack Points Aren't 'Helpful'
Instead of using a pity system, Pokemon TCG Pocket reimburses unlucky pulls with Pack Points. Players earn a few points with each booster pack they open, which can later be used in the card-crafting menu to exchange for any card from the current expansions. On paper, this might seem like a better alternative to a hard-pity system. However, many fans argue that the exchange rates are so steep that free-to-play users rarely accumulate enough points to craft Pokemon ex cards.
To put things in perspective, a standard four-diamond Pokemon ex card costs 500 Pack Points to craft, while each booster pack only grants 5 points. That means players need to open at least 100 packs to craft a single ex card. It gets even more restrictive as Pack Points are tied to specific expansions, so players must earn all 500 points by opening packs from the expansion that includes the card they want.
|
Card |
Drop Rate |
Crafting Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
Four-diamond Pokemon ex |
~ 0.333% |
500 Pack Points |
Luckily, Pokemon TCG Pocket recently announced major updates to ranked matches and trading mechanics, giving fans a reason to be hopeful. With these changes on the horizon, there's a chance the developers might also revisit drop rates. They might even consider adding a soft- or hard-pity system in the future, though that seems more like pie in the sky than a likely update.
- Released
- October 30, 2024
- Developer(s)
- DeNA, Creatures Inc.
- Publisher(s)
- The Pokemon Company
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- Yes
WHERE TO PLAY
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket lets you easily collect Pokémon cards. Creatures Inc. Has created exciting new visual effects for cards that are only possible digitally.
Pokémon cards, played with by people in 89 countries, are now closer to you than ever!
Enjoy Pokémon cards anytime, anywhere, on your mobile device!
■ You can open packs every day to get cards!
Collect cards every day! You can open two booster packs every day at no cost to collect Pokémon cards featuring heartwarming illustrations from the past as well as all-new cards exclusive to this game.
■ New Pokémon cards!
Immersive cards, a brand-new kind of card, make their debut here! With new illustrations that have a 3D feel, immersive cards will make you feel like you’ve leapt into the world of the card’s illustration!
■ Trade cards with friends!
You can trade certain cards with friends. Use the trade feature to collect even more cards!
■ Show off your collection!
You can use binders or display boards to showcase your cards and share them with the world!
■ Casual battles—alone or with friends!
You can enjoy casual battles during quick breaks in your day! Ranked matches are now available for players who'd like to battle even more.
