In the realm of Pokemon TCG Pocket, familiar elements from the physical game blend with fresh twists that set it apart. Like its traditional counterpart, it features a rich variety of Pokemon species, but it shakes things up with a unique set of rules. Fairies might have been axed from the physical game’s line-up in the Gen 8 series, but Dragons have persisted. However, it’s not just the Pokemon selection that differs—it’s how you build your deck.
In Pokemon TCG Pocket, each deck is a strict compilation of 20 cards, neither more nor less. Notably, traditional Energy cards are absent. Instead, Energy is generated randomly based on deck composition or choices made during deck creation. This approach works smoothly for mono-Energy decks but spells trouble for multi-Energy setups. Although Dragons appear in the game, they require additional Energy resources to reach their full potential.
Dragon-type Pokemon face a notable challenge in the game’s Energy Zone. Out of seven Dragon cards available (not accounting for rare variants like Dragonite and Garchomp), most require a mix of at least two Energy types. For instance, Dragonite necessitates Water and Electric Energy, while Druddigon craves Water and Fire. The absence of fixed Energy cards means players risk never securing the exact Energy mix needed for these Dragons to unleash their power. For instance, a Garchomp-focused deck could be flooded with Water Energy while desperately seeking that elusive Fighting Energy.
The randomness of Energy generation presents a few gameplay opportunities that could help diversify deck strategies and support Dragon types. One option is tailoring Energy generation based on the deck’s Pokemon types. So, having multiple Water Pokemon alongside a Dragon requiring Water and Fighting Energy could guarantee occasional Fighting Energy. Alternatively, introducing a Trainer card, perhaps inspired by the renowned Dragon master Lance, could permit Dragons to attack regardless of attached Energy types or allow players to change the Energy type in play.
Implementing Energy manipulation could give Dragon decks a much-needed boost, putting them on par with current meta decks that favor single-type Energy zones. Current strategies often involve decks like Darkrai Ex and Magnezone, which thrive using multiple Energy types, yet the RNG-driven system inherently advantages single-type setups. Addressing this imbalance with more flexible Energy mechanics would not only empower Dragon decks but also encourage players to create more varied and dynamic decks combining different Pokemon types. Such changes could usher in a new era of strategic depth and enjoyment in Pokemon TCG Pocket.
