The mobile adaptation of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokémon TCG Pocket, has only been out for a short while, but a competitive meta is already forming. Two decks, featuring Charizard ex and Mewtwo ex respectively, are rising to the top, leaving many players wondering if the game is destined for a lack of diversity.
Pokémon TCG Pocket, released in late October, brought the beloved card game to mobile devices with a streamlined, accessible format. While many were excited to jump into online battles, it seems that early competition is becoming a bit predictable. Players are reporting that the majority of their matches are against either Charizard ex or Mewtwo ex decks, both focused on overwhelming opponents with raw power.
This isn’t entirely surprising. Charizard ex boasts a 200 damage attack, capable of knocking out any other Pokémon in the game in a single hit. Mewtwo ex isn’t far behind with a 150 damage attack. While both attacks require a two-turn recharge, these decks often incorporate strong energy generation to accelerate the process.
Why are these decks so dominant?
- Raw Power: In a fast-paced format like Pocket Battles, hitting hard and fast is a viable strategy. Both Charizard and Mewtwo excel at this.
- Accessibility: The cards needed for these decks are relatively easy to obtain, allowing new players to quickly build competitive teams.
- Synergy: Both decks have strong supporting Pokémon and Trainer cards that enhance their strategies. Charizard decks often utilize Moltres ex for energy acceleration, while Mewtwo decks might include Gardevoir for consistent Psychic energy.
Is this a problem for the game?
Some players argue that this early dominance of just two decks could lead to a stale meta, where matches become predictable and less engaging. Others believe it’s simply a natural part of the game’s evolution, and that new strategies and decks will emerge to counter Charizard and Mewtwo.
Personally, I’ve experienced this dominance firsthand. Climbing the ladder in Pocket Battles, I’ve faced countless Charizard and Mewtwo decks. While I’ve found ways to counter them with my own strategies, it does become a bit repetitive. I’m hoping to see more deck diversity as the game matures and players experiment with different approaches.
What can be done?
- Introduce a Ranked Mode: A ranked mode could help match players with similar skill levels and deck strengths, preventing newer players from constantly facing overpowered decks.
- Card Balancing: Future updates could adjust the power levels of certain cards, potentially nerfing Charizard and Mewtwo or buffing other Pokémon to create more competitive options.
- New Card Releases: The introduction of new cards and expansions can shake up the meta, providing players with new tools and strategies to explore.
It’s still early days for Pokémon TCG Pocket, and the meta is likely to evolve over time. Whether these two decks will continue to reign supreme remains to be seen. However, it’s clear that the community is eager for more diversity and a dynamic competitive scene.
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