Ten ways to improve Pokémon TCG Pocket: What this addict thinks could take it from good to great

Pokémon TCG Pocket has been out for just two weeks, and like 30 million other people, I’ve been totally hooked.

I haven’t collected Pokémon cards since I was a kid. Back then, I barely knew how to play, let alone win.

Yet, I gave TCG Pocket, developed by Creatures Inc. and DeNA, a shot because it looked simple enough: Collect cards daily, play a streamlined version of the TCG rules, and enjoy exclusive Pokémon art. And, let’s be real, the thrill of gathering cards with just a couple of taps on my phone was way too tempting.

I admit, I’ve gone full gacha with this game, even subscribing to the $9.99 premium pass and buying a few Poké Gold packages. I got addicted to gacha games back when I tried Honkai Star Rail last year, and I haven’t looked back since.

But after two weeks of pretty intense gameplay, I’ve come to a verdict: while Pokémon TCG Pocket is a blast, it’s got some glaring issues that need addressing. So, here are my top 10 improvements for Pokémon TCG Pocket to make it the ultimate trading card game experience.

1. Rework the First-Turn Rules

In the standard Pokémon TCG, you can attach an energy card on your first turn, but trainer cards are off-limits. In Pokémon TCG Pocket, it’s the reverse: you can play trainer Cards but can’t attach energy. For decks not built around trainer-heavy plays like Trainer Misty, going first feels like a drawback.

This should be rebalanced—let the first player attach an energy but continue to restrict attacks on the first turn to bring some life back to that starting position.

2. Nerf Starmie EX

Starmie EX is an absolute nightmare of a card.

A lot of players complain about Pikachu EX or Mewtwo EX, but Starmie EX is on another level. For just two energies, it can hit for 90 damage and has zero retreat cost.

When I first saw it, I thought it had to be a printing error. If your opponent pulls Starmie EX early, it’s practically game over. Even Pikachu EX can’t knock it out in one hit with Circle Circuit. DeNA, please patch this monster ASAP! I’d recommend adding a one energy retreat cost to Starmie EX and making Hydro Splash do 80 damage!

3. Boost the Daily Pack Limit

Currently, it takes about 655 hours to collect every card, or around 437 with the Premium Pass. With rumors of a new set coming in January, that’s… absurd.

To fix this, increase the limit to two packs every 12 hours, allowing for up to four daily openings (six for premium holders). This would help dedicated players keep up as the card pool expands without breaking the bank.

4. Increase XP Rewards for PvP

Right now, PvP rewards 15 experience points for a win and 0 for a loss. Nothing. Nada. Zilch.

The lack of consolation points discourages players from experimenting with different decks.

A better approach? Award 30 XP for a win and 15 for a loss, encouraging players to take risks and test new strategies. Give us more incentive to battle!

5. Add Trading

Here’s my theory: trading isn’t live yet because DeNA wants players to buy packs to complete their collections. Clever? Yes. Frustrating? More so!

I have duplicates my friends need, and they have extras that would help me out.

Trading would make completing collections and getting rare cards like the elusive Secret Rare Mew more accessible.

6. Tone Down Charizard EX

Charizard EX is another card that just feels way too strong.

Unlike Raichu, who dishes out 140 damage but discards 3 energy, or Zapdos EX, who relies on RNG for its big hits, Charizard can take out nearly any opponent by discarding only 2 fire energy without any luck involved.

I get that Charizard is a fan favorite, but it shouldn’t be the game’s end-all be-all powerhouse. Crimson Storm should easily cost 4 energy to use!

7. Introduce a Ladder System and Skill-Based Matchmaking

For competitive players, a ranking system similar to the Master Rank in the mainline Pokémon games would add some serious value.

It would be motivating to see our rank within the game and get perks as we climb the ladder.

Right now, players of all skill levels end up facing each other, leading to frustrating matches.

Skill-based matchmaking based on seasonal win-loss records would make battles fairer for new and veteran players alike.

8. Offer Free Cosmetics for Premium Players

Maybe I’m spoiled by Fortnite, but there’s something incredibly satisfying about unlocking cosmetics through a battle pass.

Pokémon TCG Pocket could do this by giving premium pass holders exclusive cosmetics for completing challenges.

I know, some will argue against paywalled cosmetics, but this would actually help players budget their spending versus buying gold every time new items drop.

9. Introduce a Pity System

One thing Honkai Star Rail and Genshin Impact got right is a system that guarantees a rare pull after a certain number of attempts. Pokémon TCG Pocket should do the same.

It’s disheartening to open pack after pack and get nothing but duplicates or low-rarity cards.

Guaranteeing a rare card every 20 pulls, 100 cards, would make collecting feel more rewarding.

10. Add a Story Mode for Solo Players

Remember the Pokémon trading card game for Game Boy color? It was a video game simulation of the real life trading card game of the same name.

The story mode there was a fantastic introduction to the game, with themed battles and type-based “bosses.”

A similar mode in Pokémon TCG Pocket would be a fantastic way to expand the tutorial and provide a richer single-player experience for those who prefer not to battle real players.

Final Thoughts

These are just some ways I think Pokémon TCG Pocket could go from good to legendary.

It’s a fantastic game, and I’m here for the long haul as long as updates keep rolling out.

With a few tweaks, DeNA could make this the ultimate trading card game experience for all of us Poké-fanatics.

Now, what would you change?