Pokemon TCG Pocket kicks off with an exciting choice: selecting your starter booster pack. Each pack offers a unique mix of cards that can set you up with a specific deck type and playstyle. Picking the right one from the Genetic Apex set—Charizard, Mewtwo, or Pikachu—will affect your early deck options and shape your experience with this card game.

In this guide, we’ll explore each of these packs in detail. We’ll cover what makes each starter pack unique, how they influence your card collection, and which one may best suit your style. Whether you’re aiming for a balanced deck or a powerhouse lineup, we’ll help you pick the best starter pack for a strong start in Pokemon TCG Pocket.

Why Your Starter Pack Choice Matters

When you open Pokemon TCG Pocket for the first time, you’re prompted to choose from three starter booster packs. This initial decision doesn’t just offer you a few flashy cards—it impacts key aspects of your early game. The deck you receive, along with exclusive EX Pokemon and a full-art card, depends on this choice, creating unique paths for progression.

Each starter pack has a specific deck type: Charizard focuses on Grass types, Mewtwo centers around Fighting types, and Pikachu is all about Fire types. Since early resources can be limited, it’s wise to pick a starter pack that matches your preferred playstyle. This way, you’ll have a powerful foundation, especially if you plan to compete in PvP battles or take on tougher missions quickly.

With that said, let’s give a rundown of the three basic starter packs currently available in Pokemon TCG Pocket:

Charizard Pack: The Meta Choice

For players looking to make a strategic start, the Charizard pack stands out as the top choice. This pack gives you a Grass-type deck that’s incredibly well-rounded and works well in the current meta. The deck includes powerful support cards and a sturdy EX Pokemon, EX Exeggcute, which offers strong synergy with the deck’s Grass-type focus. This combination makes the Charizard pack ideal for players aiming to win consistently right from the start.

Additionally, Charizard’s full-art Charmander card is a fan favorite with a stunning design that many players love to showcase. But it’s not just about looks; the Grass deck offers balanced gameplay, helping you survive tough battles and chip away at opponents’ HP steadily. If you’re looking for a solid, META-friendly deck that offers reliability, Charizard’s pack is the way to go.

Mewtwo Pack: A Setup for Competitive Play

If you’re thinking long-term and want a competitive edge, the Mewtwo pack could be a smart pick. While its Fighting-type deck might not seem as powerful as Charizard’s at first, it offers a path to advanced strategies that become more impactful as you unlock additional cards. The EX Pokemon included, EX Marowak, can be a strong foundation as you progress, especially when paired with key Fighting-type moves.

The Mewtwo pack also gives you a full-art Bulbasaur card, perfect for collectors and Fighting-type enthusiasts. However, the real draw for competitive players is the possibility of building toward a powerful endgame lineup. With Mewtwo’s pack, you’ll have access to cards like Gengar and Giovanni, which can create unique combos. If you’re willing to invest time to build a high-tier, battle-ready deck, the Mewtwo pack offers potential for impressive strategies down the line.

Pikachu Pack: Aesthetic Appeal and Quick Strikes

The Pikachu pack appeals to players who value aesthetics and enjoy fast, high-damage gameplay. This Fire-type deck includes EX Arcanine, a card known for quick knockouts, making it ideal for players who like to deal heavy damage quickly. Pikachu’s pack is visually stunning, too, with a full-art Squirtle card that many collectors find charming.

However, it’s worth noting that Pikachu’s pack is not as meta-adjusted as Charizard’s or Mewtwo’s. While it can be effective, it doesn’t have the same consistency in PvP battles, especially as opponents’ decks become more complex. But if you’re here for the visuals or prefer an aggressive, straightforward playstyle, the Pikachu pack is still a viable choice, especially for casual gameplay.

Understanding Booster Pack Rates and Rarity

While your starter pack provides a solid base, you’ll soon be looking to expand your collection through regular booster packs. The Genetic Apex packs in Pokemon TCG Pocket offer a mix of card rarities, from common Diamond cards to elusive Crown Rares. Booster packs typically contain five cards, with the first three guaranteed to be Diamond rares. Higher rarities are possible in the fourth and fifth slots, creating chances for powerful pulls like EX or even Crown Rare cards.

To keep things moving, Pokemon TCG Pocket has a Pack Stamina system, where one Pack Stamina recovers every 12 hours. You can speed up this timer using Pack Hourglasses or Poke Gold, but for most players, patience and careful timing are key. If you’re aiming for rare cards, consider saving your stamina and resources for the best chances.

Please refer to our Pokemon TCG Pocket tips and tricks to learn more strategies and concepts for newcomers to this game. And if you’re a veteran, make sure to check it out if you need a refresher—you might even learn something new in the process!

Boost Your Collection with Wonder Picks

Once you’ve chosen your starter pack, a helpful tool for filling in gaps in your collection is the Wonder Pick feature. Wonder Pick allows you to select a single card from other players’ recently opened packs, letting you snag cards you need to round out your deck without waiting for pack openings.

While Wonder Picks require Wonder Points, which recharge over time, they’re a valuable resource for targeting specific cards. If you’re building a Grass, Fighting, or Fire deck to match your starter pack, using Wonder Picks strategically can help you access rare cards or valuable duplicates to strengthen your deck faster.

Tips for Using Pack Points Effectively

Every time you open a pack, you’ll earn Pack Points, which are a great way to collect specific cards without relying on luck. These points can be spent to craft individual cards, making it easier to complete your desired deck over time. However, it’s best to save Pack Points for high-rarity cards like EX or Crown Rare versions, as these are harder to pull from packs directly.

For example, if you chose the Charizard starter pack and need additional Grass-type support cards, save up Pack Points to get those hard-to-find EX cards that align with your deck. Spending your points wisely will let you focus on key cards that strengthen your strategies and keep you competitive.

Play on PC with BlueStacks for a Better Experience

Pokemon TCG Pocket is fun on mobile, but for the ultimate experience, playing on PC with BlueStacks can make a noticeable difference. With a larger screen and smoother controls, you’ll have an easier time managing your deck, keeping track of moves, and analyzing your cards in detail. BlueStacks also lets you customize controls, making card interactions and deck adjustments faster and more precise than on a touch screen.

Additionally, playing on BlueStacks provides a more immersive experience, especially for multiplayer matches where every action counts. It’s perfect for serious players who want a seamless experience and an edge in competitive gameplay.

Choosing the right starter pack in Pokemon TCG Pocket can set the stage for a rewarding gameplay experience. Whether you go for the meta-friendly Charizard pack, the advanced Mewtwo pack, or the flashy Pikachu pack, each offers unique benefits. Keep building your collection with strategic pack openings and Wonder Picks, and for an even better experience, play Pokémon TCG Pocket on PC with BlueStacks. Get ready to dive into the world of Pokemon TCG Pocket and enjoy the thrill of collecting and battling!