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You might not realize it, but the starter pack you choose at the beginning ofPokemon TCG Pockethas significant effects on your early gameplay. It might be wise not to let your heart guide you in this decision, as these shiny, attractive packs offer more than just aesthetic appeal. Each pack sets you up for a different start, which may not align with your expectations.
This guide will help you decide which starter booster pack to open inPokemon TCG Pocket. It explains the differences between the packs and how each one caters to the specific needs of Pokemon fans.
What the Initial Booster Pack Determines
WhatPokemon TCG Pocket’s training doesn’t mention is that choosing your first free card will impact three important aspects of gameplay:your starter deck, EX Pokemon, and full art card. Each of the three packs—Pikachu, Charizard, and Mewtwo—is linked to a specific progression line that can influence your collection early in the game.
The Starter Deck
Pokemon TCG Pocketgreets you with a free starter deck, offering three options: Grass, Fighting, and Fire. The type you receive is determined by the first card pack you select. If you want to focus on a specific type from the start, choose your starter pack accordingly: Charizard for Grass, Mewtwo for Fighting, and Pikachu for Fire.
The EX Pokemon
At the start of the game, you’ll receive oneEX Pokemon, but, like the starter deck, the EX card you get depends on the pack you select during the tutorials. Choosing the Charizard pack gives you Exeggcute, the Mewtwo pack gives you Marowak, and the Pikachu pack yields Arcanine.
The Full Art Card
Full Art cards are unique variants with rare artwork. At the start, you can have one of these based on the pack selection. If you pick the Charizard pack, you get Charmander’s Full Art, and if you open the Mewtwo’s or Pikachu’s packs, you get Bulbasaur’s and Squirtle’s variants, respectively.
Here’s how todecide which booster pack to open.
Best META Starter Pack: Charizard
The best booster pack at the start of the game is Charizard’s. The reason is that you get a solid,META-adjusted deck from the beginning, and you also obtain one of the best early-game EX cards, EX Exeggcute. Also, the Full Art Charmander you receive with this bundle is among the most adorable artwork inPokemon TCG Pocket.
Best Advanced Pack: Mewtwo
If you plan toplayPokemon TCG Pocketcompetitively, you should choose the Mewtwo pack. While the cards and combos you receive may not align with the early-game META, unlocking key players like Venusaur, Gengar, Giovanni, and Mewtwo will allow you to build a nearly unbeatable lineup later.
Best Aesthetic Pack: Pikachu
So far inthe Genetic Apex series, Pikachu’s starter booster pack has been the weakest. While you can still create effective synergies from this roster, Pikachu’s lineup appears less competitive compared to those of Charizard and Mewtwo—at least for now.
Starter Booster Pack Tier List
The following table visualizes the value of each starter pack inPokemon TCG Pocket.
