Pokemon TCG Pocket brings a mobile version of the iconic card game to life, and the title has already proven to be a huge hit. Despite its success, there has also been criticism of Pokemon TCG Pocket not having a Ranked Mode. Those looking for a more hardcore experience seemingly haven’t been able to get as much satisfaction from the mobile game, which raises questions of whether Pokemon TCG Pocket will potentially consider a Ranked Mode in the future or not.
Since its launch at the end of October, Pokemon TCG Pocket has seen an impressive influx of players. However, there is a corner of the player base who are expressing their desire for a Ranked Mode. According to a sect of players on the game’s subreddit, many are tasked with facing the same strategies over and over again in PvP battles, since one specific deck is considered more powerful than others. While this frustration with repetitive matches is understandable, there are also issues with offering a Ranked Mode in Pokemon TCG Pocket.
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There is One Big Con to Adding Ranked Mode in Pokemon TCG Pocket
Pokemon TCG’s Mobile Version is Meant to Offer a More Relaxed Experience
For those who grew up with Pokemon and got to experience the trading card game from the start, it can get surprisingly intense. Years later, card collecting and tournaments are taken quite seriously by die-hard fans, and it makes sense that they would be underwhelmed by Pokemon TCG Pocket‘s gameplay loop. However, one of the biggest selling points of Pokemon TCG Pocket is that it aims to be a more relaxed experience overall. This version of the game takes a more casual approach, which could make the addition of a Ranked Mode potentially intimidating to players who are more laid back in their play-style. Also, a Ranked Mode may not actually fix the deck-building issues. If a deck is more powerful than the rest, it’s likely that plenty of Ranked Mode players would continue to gravitate toward such a build, reigniting the issue all over again.
Pokemon TCG Pocket
has received over 30 million downloads in a span of just nine days and has made over $12.1 million in sales.
The Pros of Adding a Ranked Mode to Pokemon TCG Pocket
The biggest argument for the inclusion of a Ranked Mode is that if it’s a separate mode, it wouldn’t cause any significant issues. If hardcore players want to rise up in the game’s ranks and compete in a more serious fashion, there isn’t really a downside to allowing such an option to exist. Pokemon TCG Pocket doesn’t have to only focus on a casual experience. If Pokemon TCG Pocket wants to reach its full potential and grow even stronger, balancing between both the laid back players and the more competitive types could make it a more successful game in the long run.
Decks in
Pokemon TCG Pocket
are smaller than the original card game. Instead of 60 cards, decks are limited to only 20 cards.
A variety of modes that cater to different player preferences would likely only help the game. Since the mobile title is only a little over a week old, Pokemon TCG Pocket has time to address concerns about cards and decks. Over time, there will hopefully be a solution to the issue of players facing repetitive strategies. Only time will tell, but as the game continues to evolve, changes will have to follow in order to make gameplay as balanced as possible.
As of now, there aren’t any confirmed plans for Pokemon TCG Pocket to add a Ranked Mode. While there are planned events for Pokemon TCG Pocket that aim to make PvP more exciting, expanding that into a Ranked option would make sense, but it is ultimately up to developers.
- Released
- October 30, 2024
- Developer(s)
- DeNA , Creatures Inc.
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer