Creating a deck in the Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is incredibly straightforward, thanks to the automatic deck builder feature. This handy tool streamlines the deck creation process, allowing players to dive straight into gameplay.
So, just how effective is the auto-builder? Can it truly replace the human element? The answer largely depends on how you utilize it. Players have the option to leverage the auto deck builder as a supportive tool while retaining oversight of the deck construction process. By using the builder this way, players can maximize their card potential without the need to make every individual choice.
What Defines a Quality Pokémon TCG Deck?
Finding the Right Balance is Key
Constructing a deck for the mobile game differs from doing so for the physical TCG due to two significant factors. First, the TCG Pocket cards are specifically modified and simplified for a more seamless mobile experience. Secondly, Energy cards are generated automatically each turn, which means they don’t need to be included in the deck.
At its core, a solid deck typically includes one or two primary attackers, several supporting attackers, and a few trainer cards. For newcomers, it’s advisable to limit themselves to one or two Types, with a Colorless Type being a flexible choice since it can utilize various Energy types. Building a starting TCGP deck from scratch can seem daunting, which is where the auto-builder comes into play.
Understanding the Deck Auto-Builder in Pokémon TCG Pocket
The Auto-Builder Creates Optimal Decks for Players
The auto-builder, as its name suggests, automatically assembles a deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket. Players can pick one or two Types to center their strategy around, and the auto-builder handles the rest. It does an impressive job of selecting strong cards for the deck, along with an assortment of around five trainer and supporter cards.
Decks generated by the auto-builder are generally ready to play right away. For example, it ensures that a deck will not contain a Pokémon evolution without having the basic form first. Once a deck is created, players can modify it to fit their style by removing certain cards or adding others.
Optimizing Your Use of the TCG Pocket Auto-Builder
You Can Guide the Auto-Builder to Some Extent
You can provide some direction to the auto-builder, using it as a supportive aid rather than a complete substitute. A useful approach is to start with the cards you definitely want included in the final deck. For instance, I try selecting a few final evolutions that I wish to incorporate, such as Charizard and Arcanine. Then, I have the auto-builder populate the rest of the deck by adding Fire-type Pokémon.
This same strategy can be applied to adjust the deck once it’s built. For example, if I decide to add a Flareon, I might remove a few trainers and some supporting Fire-types before integrating Flareon into the mix. After that, I can use the auto-builder with Fire and Colorless as my focus, and it will add some Eevees and other Colorless Pokémon.
However, it’s important to note that this approach doesn’t always yield the desired results. The deck builder may replace any Pokémon it considers less optimal (for example, it wouldn’t keep my Skiddo in a Grass deck if it didn’t recognize its evolution). It will also eliminate higher evolutions of a Pokémon if the necessary earlier forms aren’t in the deck. Moreover, selecting a Type that differs significantly from the existing cards may result in an entire deck replacement.
In Pokémon TCG Pocket, evolutions are categorized by Stages. A Stage 2 Pokémon requires a Stage 1 to be in play first, while a Stage 1 needs a Basic Pokémon to be played.
Despite its occasional quirks, the automatic deck builder serves as a valuable resource for beginners who may not yet feel confident in constructing their own decks. The auto-builder in Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket can provide much-needed guidance until players are ready to create decks independently.