Pokémon TCG Pocket: How To Get Free Packs, Deck Building, and Genetic Apex Tips

Looking to step up your game in Pokemon TCG Pocket: Genetic Apex without breaking the bank? Whether you’re grinding for the rarest cards or building a solid deck from scratch, we’ve got all the tips you need to maximize your pulls, score free packs, and create competitive decks.

Understanding Card Pools and the Genetic Apex Expansion

The Genetic Apex expansion brings a ton of new cards, split across three card lists. Building a strong deck often means mixing Trainer cards and evolution lines from multiple sets. However, the key to success is targeting specific card packs consistently, rather than bouncing between sets hoping for a miracle pull.

For example, if you’re aiming to run a Charizard ex/Moltres ex deck, stick to opening Charizard packs to get the needed basics, Stage 1s, and ex cards. Don’t waste time switching packs; consistency is the name of the game.

 

 

How to Open More Packs for Free

Want to open as many packs as possible without spending money? Here’s how to make the most of Pokemon TCG Pocket’s daily rewards and activities:

Daily Tasks to Unlock Packs

• Daily Log-In Bonuses: Complete three log-ins daily to earn Hourglasses, which reduce pack cooldowns.
• Solo Battle Challenges: These challenges reward dozens of Hourglasses and don’t require a high-tier deck—rental decks work just fine!
• Battle Frequently: Even if you lose, you’ll earn Shop Tickets, which can be exchanged for Hourglasses.
• Participate in Events: Events usually offer Hourglasses as rewards, and the requirements are manageable for most players.
• Level Up: Completing tasks and battles quickly levels up your account, rewarding you with 12 Hourglasses per level—enough to bypass a full pack cooldown!

 

 

Tips for Pulling Strong Cards

Opening packs is the heart of building decks, but it’s easy to get caught up chasing ultra-rare cards. Here’s how to maximize your pulls and build a competitive deck without relying solely on luck:

Focus on Consistency

• Stick to one card pool—don’t jump between sets.
• Open packs containing cards you actually need for your deck.
• Rare cards like ex and Illustration Rares are exciting, but many of the best deck-building cards are common or uncommon.

Use the Wonder Pick Wisely

Whenever you see a card you need during a pack pull, use the Wonder Pick to grab it. This can save you hours of grinding for critical cards.

Using Pack Points Effectively

For every pack you open, you earn Pack Points that can be exchanged for specific cards. Here’s how to make the most of them:

• 1–3 Diamond Rares: Use Pack Points to grab essential cards like Charmander, Bulbasaur, or Gardevoir for deck-building. These cards can be hard to pull but are crucial for running consistent decks.
• Avoid Ultra-Rare Purchases: High-tier cards like Illustration Rares or Gold Rares cost upwards of 1,250–2,500 Pack Points. It’s faster to grind packs than save up for these.

For example, instead of grinding 50 days for a 500-point Venusaur ex, spend your points on lower-tier cards that are critical for evolving your decks.

Deck-Building Tips: Start With What You Have

Building a competitive deck doesn’t mean waiting for the perfect rare pull. Focus on making the best of what you already have.

Work With Your Current Cards

• If you have Zapdos ex, start building an Electric deck instead of chasing a Charizard ex you don’t have.
• Pair strong rares with versatile commons and uncommons. For instance, combine Zapdos ex with Blitzle and Zebstrika for a solid A-tier Electric deck.

Use Flexible Substitutes

If you’re missing certain cards, find alternatives. For example:

• Don’t have Moltres ex for a Fire deck? Use a standard Moltres or Arcanine ex instead.
• Missing key Trainer cards? Visit the shop to grab cheap, reusable options like Professor’s Research or Boss’s Orders.

Examples of Starter Decks

• Zapdos ex/Zebstrika Deck: A fast and consistent Electric deck perfect for climbing early ranks.
• Greninja Deck: Great for Water strategies, leveraging cards from the Genetic Apex expansion.
• Charizard ex Deck: Pair with Arcanine ex or other Fire-types if you’re missing Moltres ex.

Buying Cards: Shop Smart

In Pokemon TCG Pocket, there are two ways to buy cards: the main shop and using Pack Points.

The Main Shop

• Buy Trainer and Supporter cards first. These are reusable and form the backbone of any deck.
• Two copies of each Trainer card are usually enough for competitive play.

Pack Points

• Save these for cards that are tricky to pull but essential for deck-building.
• Avoid spending Pack Points on ultra-rare cards—they’re too expensive and not worth the grind.

Final Thoughts: Play Smarter, Not Harder

Pokemon TCG Pocket is all about strategy—both in battle and in building your collection. Stick to opening packs from the same set, take advantage of daily rewards, and focus on building decks around the cards you already have.

Remember, even a “B-tier” deck can win matches if played well. Start small, build strong foundations, and let your collection grow naturally. Before you know it, you’ll be dominating the competition with a deck that’s truly your own.