Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) Online
Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) Online

 

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Pokemon TCG Online
Pokemon TCG Online
General information
 Platform  PC, Mac, Tablets, Mobile
 Developed by  Electrified Games
 Plexipixel & Inversoft
 Published by  The Pokémon Company
 Players
 1-2
 Generation  IV/V and VI
 Release dates
  Australia  March 24th, 2011
  Europe  March 24th, 2011
  Japan  March 24th, 2011
  United States  March 24th, 2011
Quick menu: Basic Game Mechanics / Deck Formats / Game Modes / Challenges / Player Level and Rank / Bonuses & Rewards / Shop Items / Review Scores

Pokemon TCG Online PlayersThe Pokemon TCG Online is a free to play downloadable MMOTCG version of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, where players can test their skills in solo modes or in multiplayer modes against each other. They can form powerful decks by collecting cards through various methods and reward systems.

The game offers a great experience for both experienced players and rookies. It starts out with a tutorial where all the game basic mechanics are demonstrated, in a simple and effective way, while also giving the more experienced players the ability to bypass the tutorial by disabling the "New User Experience" option. Pokémon Trading Card Game Online (Pokémon TCGO) features many fun mechanics and event systems, while featuring cards from the most recent Pokémon generations. The game receives several updates on a yearly basis, introducing new features and cards.  

Gameplay & Features

Basic Game Mechanics


Battle Mechanics

At the start of the battle, a coin will be flipped and the player that guesses the right side of the coin decides who plays first. Both player's Decks are then shuffled and both of them draw 7 cards. If a player has a Basic Pokémon in their Hand, they'll put it facedown as their Active Pokémon, with the ability to put the other Basic Pokémon they have facedown too, on the Bench Area. Each player then puts the top 6 cards of their decks as Prize Cards, that an enemy can acquire after defeating their Pokémon. Players then flip their Active Pokémon face up and the battle starts. Each turn has 3 basic phases they are, the Draw Phase, the Action Phase and the Attack Phase.

  • Draw Phase: During the draw phase, the players draw a card from their deck. If a player is out of cards during this phase and have no cards to draw, they automatically lose.
  • Action Phase: During this phase the player can perform a wide range of actions, in any order they want, including :
- Evolving Pokémon.
- Replacing the Active Pokémon (Only one Pokémon can retreat during a turn).
- Put an Energy on a Pokémon (Only one per turn).
- Placing Pokémon Cards on the Bench.
- Use Abilities.
- Play Trainer Cards (Item Cards can be used several times per turn, while Stadium and Supporter Cards can only be used once).

  • Attack Phase: During this phase the player picks what attack their Pokémon will use, to inflict damage to the enemy Pokémon. After the attack, they end their Turn and the enemy Players gets theirs.

Card Types

There are 3 Card Types in game, Pokémon Cards, Energy Cards and Trainer Cards.

Pokemon Cards
  • Pokémon Cards: They mainly contain Basic Pokémon, Stage 1 Pokémon and Stage 2 Pokémon Cards. The Cards from Stage 1 and 2 are Evolution Cards, featuring Pokémon with the ability to evolve into stronger and more powerful ones.

Energy Cards
  • Energy Cards: In order that a Pokémon attacks, the player needs first to put Energy Cards on them, matching the energy types displayed on the Pokémon's attack move. For example, to use the Flamethrower attack, available on some Fire Pokémon and requiring 2 Fire Energies and 1 Colorless Energy, the player may use 3 Fire Energies, 2 Fire Energy and 1 Colorless Energy or 2 Fire Energy and 1 Energy from any other element as Water or Grass, since the Colorless Energies can be replaced by any element. There are 11 Energy Types, each having attacks with unique features.

Energy Types and their attack descriptions
Energy Type Attack Description
Grass Grass-Type attacks might poison the enemy Pokémon or Heal the Pokémon using them
Fire Fire-Type attacks inflict a lot of damage and may cause the enemy Pokémon to be Burned. These attacks have a cooldown
Psychic Psychic-Type attacks may inflict harmful status effects on opponents including Poison, Sleep and Confusion.
Water Water-Type attacks offer the possibility to switch the opponent Pokémon around
Lightning Lightning-Type attacks can bring back discarded Energy Cards and apply Paralysis to enemy Pokémon
Dragon Dragon-Type attacks are devastating but they require two Energy Types to be used
Darkness Darkness-Type attacks may cause the enemy to discard random cards from their hand
Fighting Fighting-Type attacks use the coin feature, which is a risky process, allowing the player's Pokémon to do extra hits or receive damage
Fairy Fairy-Type attacks have a chance to make enemy attacks less effective
Metal Metal-Type attacks make the player's Pokémon more resisting to enemy attacks
Colorless Colorless-Type attacks have a wide range of effects

Trainer Cards
  • Trainer Cards: These fall under three subcategories, Supporter Cards, Stadium Cards and Items Cards. Supporter Cards allow the player to trigger an action such as card draw. Stadium Cards, are cards that affect the Pokémon on the battlefield, with different effects, such as healing a specific type of Pokémon. As for Item Cards, they also trigger several effects, like healing a Pokémon or removing a harmful status from them.

Winning a battle or a match

In order to win a battle, the player has to fulfill one of the following conditions :
  • Defeat all the Pokémon the enemy Player has.
  • Make the enemy player run out of cards.
  • Earn all the Prize Cards of the enemy player. There are 6 Prize Cards in total, on each side. One to Two Prize Cards can be earned after defeating an Enemy Pokémon.

Deck Formats


Theme Decks

This play type allows only the use of pre-constructed Theme Decks. At the start of the game, the player will be given around six free Theme decks at the start of the game, and will have to unlock more through the Shop using Trainer Tokens or Gems. Furthermore, if the player uses the same Theme Deck to beat 12 Trainers in the Trainer Challenge Mode they'll earn a free 10-Card Booster Pack once for each Theme Deck. If they beat all the 36 Trainers of the Trainer Challenge Mode with the same deck they'll earn 1 Trainer Token, once for each Theme Deck. There are three sub types of Theme decks and they are as follow:

  • Non-Exclusive Theme Decks: They are decks from the Black & White expansion and can only unlocked through redeeming special codes in game and the player may only have one copy of them, per account, while it is possible to have several copies of other Theme Decks.
  • Online-Exclusive Theme Decks: These decks include the XY Basic Blue, Green and Red decks, which are unlocked by defeating 7 Trainers in the Trainer Challenge Mode. The XY Basic Yellow Theme deck is unlocked once the final Tutorials are complete. Few Decks, which belong to this category, cannot be used in Trainer Challenge Mode like the Mental Might Deck and the Rallying Cry one.
  • Rotated Online-Exclusive Theme Decks: These Decks include the old classic Basic Blue, Green, Red, Yellow and Orange, the BW Basic Blue, Green and Red, and the Power Relay Deck. Most of these are no longer obtainable but they can still be used by the players who already have them.

Decks TCGO Shop
Additional preset / theme decks can be purchased using ingame currency from the in-game shop.

Standard Decks

These Decks can contain only the authorized cards used in the official plays and events of Standard Format. As many expansions are released each year, many new cards get rotated in and out of the allowed cards list, and consequently the Standard Decks.

Expanded Decks

The Expanded Decks sub-type is similar to the Standard Decks, with a wider range of authorized cards that can be used in the Expanded Format. Several new cards get added to the Expanded Decks' usable cards list, as many others get banned.

Unlimited Decks

As its name suggests this sub-type, that was removed in March 2016, would allow the use of all the cards in game, creating devastating and over powered Decks.

Legacy Decks

Only Decks from Black and White, along with HeartGold and SoulSilver, can be used in this play type. Since HeartGold and SoulSilver cards may create very powerful and unbalanced Decks, if combined with the right cards from the other expansions, this play type was introduced to counter that, while allowing players to still enjoy using the cards from the HG and SS expansion.

Game Modes


Trainer Challenge Mode

It's a solo mode where players can only use Theme Decks, to battle different AI controlled Trainers. The Theme Decks that can be used include the basic free ones, those bought by the player from the Shop and the Theme Decks unlocked through Tutorials. There are mainly three Leagues, within the Trainer Challenge mode : The Gold League, the Platinum League and the City Championship. The Player will start out in the Gold League, where they have to defeat all the 12 Trainers, in order to advance to the Platinum League.

Trainer Challenge

Moving up to the City Championship, will require repeating the same process with the Platinum League. Since the Leagues function within a ladder system, the player will unlock a new Trainer to battle once at a time, as they can only be accessed after the player defeats the available one preceding them. Unlike other games, no penalties are applied when the player loses against one of the AI and they even get, while scoring a win on the other hand, is very rewarding. Each time the player defeats an opponent, they will earn Trainer Challenge Points with that specific one. Earning enough points by battling the same Trainer many times, will unlock a star under the Trainer's picture. Up to 4 stars can be gained for each trainer, with every star unlocking rewards  that increase in value, as the number of stars increases. The rewards can be earned only once per Trainer.

 Star Number of points needed Rewards
First Star 1,000 1 Trainer Token
Second Star 5,000 3 Trainer Token
Third Star 14,000 10 Trainer Token
Fourth Star 30,000 10 Card Booster Pack and 1 non-tradable

One must note that losing against one of the AI does also grant a very small amount of points, but it's irrelevant compared to the amount gained through winning. This amount whether be it a win or a loss, is affected by the difficulty set for the league, which the player can alter from "Easy" to "Medium" or to "Hard". The harder the difficulty is set, the more points the player can earn. The Easy setting will keep the points earned as they are. The Medium setting will multiply all the points earned by two, while the Hard setting will multiply them by three.

Versus Mode

It is a multiplayer mode, where the player will face another random online player, after selecting a play type from the four Deck Formats. Whether they win or lose, both players will earn 1 Trainer Token and a free Bonus Wheel Spin. If the player wins against another, who had more advantages over them(the advantage is determined by the game, as being a more experienced player with a lot of matches played), they'll earn 2 extra Trainer Tokens. Moreover, scoring a win will earn the player 10 Versus Points, and an extra 5 points if they win against a player who had the advantage.

Versus Mode

Winning several consecutive games will trigger the streak rewards. If the player loses, they'll earn 1 Versus Point for each prize card they earned during the duel. The Versus Pont will be added to the player's points in the Versus Ladder. Within the course of 21 days, the players have to earn as much Versus Points as they can, since these points unlock many valuable prices and advance them further on the Versus Ladder, which will reset after the 21 have passed, resetting the rewards all along.

 Versus Mode Win Streak Rewards
Win 2 consecutive games Earn 5 extra Versus Points
Win 3 consecutive games Earn 10 extra Versus Points
Win 4 consecutive games Earn 15 extra Versus Points
Win 5 or more consecutive games Earn 20 extra Versus Points each time

 Versus Ladder Rewards and their requirements
Reward number on the Ladder Versus Points needed to unlock the reward The reward
1 10 25 Trainer Tokens
2 30 1 Uncommon Chest
3 50 2 Pokémon Cards
4 70 50 Trainer Tokens
5 100 1 Event Ticket
6 130 2 to 3 Pokémon Cards
7 170 1 10-Card Booster Pack of the latest expansion
8 210 1 Pokémon-Ex Card
9 270 4 Uncommon Chests
10 330 100 Trainer Token
11 410 2 to 3 Pokémon Cards
12 490 5 Event Tickets
13 590 225 Trainer Tokens
14 690 1 Pokémon-Ex Card
15 820 1 Holo Treasure Chest
16 980 3 10-Card Booster Pack of the latest expansion
17 1170 10 Event Tickets
18 1400 600 Trainer Tokens
19 1670 5 10-Card Booster Pack of the latest expansion
20 2000 1 Holofoil Trainer Card

The Cards earner on the Versus Ladder change each time it resets, and these are the cards that were available so far:

Cards earned in the Versus Ladder and the time they were available
Cards related to First Evolution Rank Pokémon Cards of the Second Evolution Rank Pokémon Cards of the Third Evolution Rank Pokémon-Ex Card Holofoil Trainer Card Card Type Time the Card was / is available
Accelgor / Shelmet Caterpie / Metapod / Butterfree Seedot / Nuzleaf / Shiftry Venusaur Pokémon Fan Club Grass July 14 - August 7 in 2015
Barboach / Whiscash Poliwag / Poliwhirl / Politoed Froakie / Frogadier / Greninja Blastoise Archie's Ace in the Hole Water August 7 - August 28 in 2015
Ponyta / Rapidash Fletchlin / Fletchinder / Talonflame Fennekin / Braixen / Delphox Charizard Pokémon Center Lady Fire August 28 - September 18 in 2015
Pancham / Pangoro Sandile / Krokorok / Krookodile Zorus / Zoroark Yveltal Lysandre Darkness September 18 - October 9 in 2015
Clefairy / Clefable Spritzee / Aromatisse(non-holo) Flabébé / Floette / Florges Xerneas Battle Reporter Fairy October 9 - October 30 in 2015
Diglett / Dugtrio Timburr / Gurdurr / Conkledurr Machop / Machoke /Machamp(non-holo) Lucario Korrina Fighting October 30 - November 20 in 2015
Amaura / Aurorus Tyrunt / Tyrantrum Slakoth / Vigoroth / Slaking Kangaskhan Fossil Researcher Colorless November 20 - December 11 in 2015
Voltorb / Electrode Shinix / Luxio / Luxray Helioptile / Heliolisk(non-holo) Manectric Xerosic Lightning December 11 - January 1 in 2015/2016
Shelmet / Accelgor Trapinch / Vibrava / Flygon Deino / Zweilous / Hydreigon Dragonite AZ Dragon January 1 - 22 January in 2016
Pineco / Forretress Bronzor / Bronzong Honedge / Doublade / Aegislash(reverse holo) Dialga Professor Birch's Observations Metal January 22 - February 12 in 2016
Munna / Musharna Trubbish / Garbodor Duskull / Dusclope / Dusknoir Mew Ghetsis Psychic February 12 - March 4 in 2016
Nincada / Ninjask Hoppip / Skiploom / Jumpluff Snivy / Servine / Serperior Celebi N Grass March 4 - March 25 in 2016
Bronzor / Bronzong Aron / Lairon / Aggron Klink / Klang / Klinklag Jirachi Bianca Metal March 25 - April 15 in 2016
Swirlix / Slurpuff Flabébé / Floette / Florges Togepi / Togetic / Togekiss Florges Teammates Fairy April 15 - May 6 in 2016
Minccino / Cinccino Eevee / Umbreon Deino / Zweilous / Hydreigon Darkrai Cheren Darkness May 6 - May 27 in 2016
Manaphy Vanillite / Vanillish / Vanlilluxe Oshawott / Dewott / Samurott Kyurem Professor Juniper Water May 27 - June 17 in 2016
Mienfoo / Mienshao Meditite / Medicham Rhyhorn / Rhydon / Rhyperior Groudon Maxie's Hidden Ball Trick Fighting June 17 - July 7 in 2016
Foonguss / Amoonguss Sewaddle / Swadloon / Leavanny Oddish / Gloom / Vileplume(reverse holo) Shaymin Skyla Grass July 7 - July 28 in 2016
Electrike / Manectric Electabuzz / Electivire Tynamo / Eelektrik / Eelktross Emolga Wally Lightning July 28 - August 18 in 2016
Eevee / Flareon Growlithe / Arcanine Tepig / Pignite / Embroar Victini Iris Fire August 18 - September 8 in 2016
Bidoof / Bibarel Swablu / Altaria Porygon / Porygon2 / Porygon-Z Rayquaza Winona Colorless September 8 - September 29 in 2016
Slowpoke / Slowbro Magikarp / Gyarados Squirtle / Wartortle / Blastoise Keldeo N Water September 29 - October 20 in 2016
2 Teammates Gothita / Gothorita / Gothitelle Duskull / Dusclops / Dusknoir Toxicroak Pokémon Fan Club Psychic October 20 -  November 10 in 2016
Petilil - Lilligant Foongus / Amoonguss Bulbasaur / Ivysaur / Venusaur Genesect Ghetsis Grass November 10 - December 1 in 2016
2 Rare Candy Litwick / Lampent / Chandelure Ralts / Kirlia / Gardevoir Meloetta Lysandre Psychic December 1 - December 22 in 2016
Eevee / Flareon Vulpix / Ninetales Torchic / Combusken / Blaziken Camerupt Pokémon Center Lady Fire December 22 - January  12 in 2016/2017
Phanpy / Donphan Plume Fossil / Archen / Archeops Machop / Machoke / Machamp Landorus Battle Reporter Fighting January 12 - February 3 in 2017
2 Max Elixir Pancham / Pangoro Zorua / Zoroark Darkrai Brigette Darkness February 3 - February 24 in 2017
Eevee / Jolteon Voltorb / Electrode Pikachu / Raichu Thundurus Colress Lightning February 24 - March 17 in 2017
2 Puzzle of Time Dratini / Dragonair / Dragonite Trapinch / Vibrava / Flygon(reverse holo) Latios Giovanni's Scheme Dragon March 17 - April 7 in 2017
2 Ultra Ball Zubat / Golbat / Crobat Duskull / Dusclops / Dusknoir Hoopa N Psychic April 7 - May 1 in 2017
2 VS Seeker Goomy / Sliggoo / Goodra Deino / Zweilous / Hydreigon Giratina Professor Juniper Dragon May 1 - May 22 in 2017
2 Trainer's Mail Poliwag / Poliwhirl / Politoed Mudkip / Marshtomp / Swampert Seismitoad Lysandre Water May 22 - June 12 in 2017
2 Float Stone Rhyhorn / Rhydon / Rhyperior Swinub / Piloswine / Mamoswine Zygarde Steven Fighting June 12 - July 3 in 2017
2 Battle Compressor Nidoran(female) / Nidorina / Nidoqueen Litwick / Lampent / Chandelure Alakazam Team Rocket's Handiwork Psychic July 3 - July 24 in 2017
2 Acro Bike Fletchling / Fletchinder / Talonflame Piplup / Prinplup / Empoleon Volcanion Teammates Fire / Water July 24 - August 14 in 2017
2 Enhanced Hammer Doduo / Dodrio Fletchling / Fletchinder / Talonflame Lugia Pokémon Ranger Colorless August 14 - September 4 in 2017
2 Exp Share Roselia / Roserade Sewaddle / Swadloon / Leavanny Virizion Bianca Grass September 4 - September 25 in 2017


Tournament Mode

Also referred to as "Event Mode", it is a player versus player mode, where players face each other in an 8 man elimination Tournaments using Theme, Standard, Expanded or Legacy Decks. To join a Tournament queue, the player has to pay either 89 Trainer Tokens, or 4, 6, 8 or 24 Event Ticket, depending on the Tournament. Once the player joins a queue, they have to wait till 8 players have joined, then, the Tournament battles will start. If the player wins the first battle, they can advance to the semi-finals and then to the finals. Afterwards, and once the Tournament is over, they'll receive certain rewards, depending on their progress within the Tournament and the currency they used to participate (Trainer Tokens or Event Tickets).

Tournaments

Usually, one of the Tournaments will be using a specific Deck Formats and will need the players to pay in Trainer Tokens, while there will be three other Tournaments for each of the other Deck Types, which require an Event Ticket entrance fee. Which Deck Format requires which currency is changed every week. During the week, the Event Ticket fee for the Tournaments will be either 4 or 8. But during the week-end, the possibility to pay 6 and 24 tickets gets unlocked, along with the special Tournaments.

Event (Tournament) Mode Rewards
Currency Paid 1st Place Reward 2nd Place Reward 3rd - 4th Place Reward 5th - 8th Place Reward
89 Trainer Token 3 Event Tickets 2 Event Tickets 1 Event Ticket 12 Trainer Tokens
4 Event Tickets 2 Booster Packs from the current expansion and 1 random Booster Pack 1 Booster Pack from the current expansion and 1 random Booster Pack 1 random Booster Pack 1 Uncommon Chest
8 Event Tickets 4 Booster Packs from the current expansion and 2 random Booster Pack 2 Booster Packs from the current expansion and 2 random Booster Pack 2 random Booster Packs 1 Uncommon Chest
6 Event Tickets (Weekend) 2 Booster Packs from the current expansion, 2 random Booster Pack and 3 Uncommon Chests 2 Booster Packs from the current expansion, 1 random Booster Pack and 1 Uncommon Chest 1 random Booster Pack and 1 Uncommon Chest 1 Uncommon Chest and 25 Trainer Tokens
8 Event Tickets (Weekend) 6 Boosters Packs from the current expansion 4 Booster Packs from the current expansion 2 Booster Packs from the current expansion 1 Uncommon Chest
24 Event Tickets (Weekend) Will vary each week


Quick Match

Within the Quick Match Mode, players will be using random Theme Decks to face random online players. This mode doesn't affect the player's progress in other modes or any gameplay features.

Tutorial Mode

Many Tutorials are presented here, offering the player all the guidance needed and teaching them the game mechanics and features. As the game starts, the player is automatically put through a tutorial within the Trainer Challenge Mode, (which can be bypassed through the option menu, as previously stated) where they will be welcomed by Professor Holly in a Game Store, decorated with bookshelves and various items. Professor Holly will teach the player the game mechanics, by making them face several opponents consequently.

Tutorial Mode

The opponents are as follow : Zach, Ella, Calvin, Ali and Otis. Defeating Otis, will grant the player a special card along with a booster pack. Additionally, if the player logs in using their Pokémon Trainer Club account, they'll be presented with five new additional tutorials after defeating, Zach and Ella. These tutorials will teach the player about Special Conditions like Paralysis or Poison, instead of the beginner game mechanics.  They will also reward the player with 25 Trainer Token per tutorial complete, and a final reward of 1 non tradable card and 1 10-Card Booster Pack, once all the tutorials are complete.

Friend Battle

This mode allows players to battle players from their friend list, by tapping the head icon next to their friend's name in the list, which will issue a challenge request. This mode has no effect on other gameplay features.

Play Testing

It allows the player to pick any Deck they want and test it out against one of the AI trainers from Trainer Challenge. This of course, will have no effect on the player's progress in the Trainer Challenge Mode, nor any other mode.

Challenges

These challenges are like quests that require the player to complete a certain task, and they come under the form of Daily Challenges and Special Challenges. Each Challenge is related to a Pokémon-Type and completing Challenges will earn the player Experience Points in their respective Pokémon-Type. The acquired experience helps the player advance in the Pokémon-Type Level, with each level unlocking a specific feature. To reach level 1 which unlocks Pokémon-Type themed Coins, the player needs 5 exp points. Level 2 requires 10 exp points and unlocks Card Sleeves. As for the level 3, which is the final level for the Pokémon-Types, it requires 20 exp points and unlocks Deck Boxes. Each time the player levels up in a Pokémon-Type they gain 1 level in their own Player's Level. As the Player's Level increases, they'll be able to choose between up to 3 three Challenges daily, but they can only select one.

They'll also be able to store up to 3 Challenges, at high levels, as the opposite of a low level player who can only have one challenge a day and will acquire a new one, only if they complete or abandon that one challenge. One should note that the four first Challenges the player gets, as they start playing, cannot be abandoned, and must be completed. Furthermore, some Challenges are rarer than others, with lower chances of popping out when the player logs in, and the rare the Challenge, the better the reward.

The First Four Challenges (cannot be abandoned)
Name of the Challenge Game Mode it is completed in Task required Experience Points awarded Rewards
Diving In No specification Use a Theme Deck containing Water Pokémon to win a match 2 Water exp points 25 Trainer Tokens
Burning Attack No specification Use a Theme Deck containing Fire Pokémon to win a match 2 Fire exp points 25 Trainer Tokens
... No specification Use a Theme Deck containing Grass Pokémon to win a match 2 Grass exp points 25 Trainer Tokens
Mighty Mind Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Psychic Pokémon  to defeat 2 enemy Pokémon 2 Psychic exp points 5-Card Booster Pack

Daily Challenge Example
When you log in you'll be presented with a dialog like this one letting you know what daily challenge you've been assigned + the rewards and XP.

Daily Challenges that appear to players from the levels 0 to 5
Name of the Challenge Challenge Rarity Game Mode it is completed in Task required Experience Points awarded Rewards
Seeds of Destruction Common No specification Use Grass Pokémon to inflict 500 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Grass exp point 25 Trainer Tokens
Combustion Common No specification Use Fire Pokémon to inflict 500 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Fire exp point 25 Trainer Tokens
Mind Games Common Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Psychic Pokémon to inflict 500 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Psychic exp point 25 Trainer Tokens
Little Splash Common No specification Use Water Pokémon to inflict 500 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Water exp point 25 Trainer Tokens
Planting Seeds Uncommon No specification Use 5 Grass Evolution Cards 2 Grass exp Points 50 Trainer Tokens
Smoldering Uncommon No specification Use 5 Fire Evolution Cards 2 Fire exp points 50 Trainer Tokens
Psy Awakening Uncommon Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use 5 Psychic Evolution Cards 2 Psychic exp points 50 Trainers Tokens
Narrow Stream Uncommon No specification Use 5 Water Evolution Cards 2 Water exp points 50 Trainer Tokens
Splinter Rare No specification Use Grass Pokémon to defeat 5 enemy Pokémon 3 Grass exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack
Embers Rare No specification Use Fire Pokémon to defeat 5 enemy Pokémon 3 Fire exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack
Brain Drain Rare Tournament Battle or Random Battle Use Psychic Pokémon to defeat 5 enemy Pokémon 3 Psychic exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack
Undertow Rare No specification Use Water Pokémon to defeat 5 enemy Pokémon 3 Water exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack

Daily Challenges that appear to players from the levels 6 to 15
Name of the Challenge Challenge Rarity Game Mode it is completed in Task required Experience Points awarded Rewards
Dangerous Spores Common Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Grass Pokémon to inflict 750 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Grass exp point 30 Trainer Tokens
Incineration Common Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Fire Pokémon to inflict 750 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Fire exp point 30 Trainer Tokens
Bad Dreams Common Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Psychic Pokémon to inflict 750 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Psychic exp point 30 Trainer Tokens
Tidal Wave Common Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Water Pokémon to inflict 750 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Water exp point 30 Trainer Tokens
Powerful Jolt Common Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Lightning Pokémon to inflict 750 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Lightning exp point 30 Trainer Tokens
Sharp Claws Common Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Dragon Pokémon to inflict 750 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Dragon exp point 30 Trainer Tokens
Shadow Strike Common Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Darkness Pokémon to inflict 750 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Darkness exp point 30 Trainer Tokens
Roundhouse Kick Common Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Fighting Pokémon to inflict 750 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Fighting exp point 30 Trainer Tokens
Pixie Punch Common Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Fairy Pokémon to inflict 750 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Fairy exp point 30 Trainer Tokens
Iron Crash Common Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Metal Pokémon to inflict 750 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Metal exp point 30 Trainer Tokens
Taking Root Uncommon Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Grass 7 Evolution Cards 2 Grass exp points 55 Trainer Tokens
Burning Bright Uncommon Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Fire 7 Evolution Cards 2 Fire exp points 55 Trainer Tokens
Phantom Power Uncommon Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Psychic 7 Evolution Cards 2 Psychic exp points 55 Trainer Tokens
Rising Tides Uncommon Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Water 7 Evolution Cards 2 Water exp points 55 Trainer Tokens
High Voltage Uncommon Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Lightning 7 Evolution Cards 2 Lightning exp points 55 Trainer Tokens
Learning to Fly Uncommon Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Dragon 7 Evolution Cards 2 Dragon exp points 55 Trainer Tokens
Total Eclipse Uncommon Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Darkness 7 Evolution Cards 2 Darkness exp points 55 Trainer Tokens
Training Hard Uncommon Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Fighting 7 Evolution Cards 2 Fighting exp points 55 Trainer Tokens
Dazzling Sparkle Uncommon Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Fairy 7 Evolution Cards 2 Fairy exp points 55 Trainer Tokens
Reinforcing Uncommon Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Metal 7 Evolution Cards 2 Metal exp points 55 Trainer Tokens
Forest Flurry Rare Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Grass Pokémon to defeat 12 enemy Pokémon 3 Grass exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack
Wildfire Rare Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Fire Pokémon to defeat 12 enemy Pokémon 3 Fire exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack
Terror Strike Rare Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Psychic Pokémon to defeat 12 enemy Pokémon 3 Psychic exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack
Whirlpool Rare Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Water Pokémon to defeat 12 enemy Pokémon 3 Water exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack
Turbo Laser Rare Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Lightning Pokémon to defeat 12 enemy Pokémon 3 Lightning exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack
Dragon Blast Rare Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Dragon Pokémon to defeat 12 enemy Pokémon 3 Dragon exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack
Shroud of Pain Rare Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Darkness Pokémon to defeat 12 enemy Pokémon 3 Darkness exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack
Rock Slide Rare Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Fighting Pokémon to defeat 12 enemy Pokémon 3 Fighting exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack
Dazzling Power Rare Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Fairy Pokémon to defeat 12 enemy Pokémon 3 Fairy exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack
Sharp Strike Rare Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Metal Pokémon to defeat 12 enemy Pokémon 3 Metal exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack

Daily Challenges that appear to players from the levels 16 to 30
Name of the Challenge Challenge Rarity Game Mode it is completed in Task required Experience Points awarded Rewards
Nature's Wrath Common Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Grass Pokémon to inflict 1000 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Grass exp point 35 Trainer Tokens
Fire Storm Common Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Fire Pokémon to inflict 1000 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Fire exp point 35 Trainer Tokens
Nightmare Common Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Psychic Pokémon to inflict 1000 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Psychic exp point 35 Trainer Tokens
Hurricane Common Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Water Pokémon to inflict 1000 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Water exp point 35 Trainer Tokens
Lightning Storm Common Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Lightning Pokémon to inflict 1000 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Lightning exp point 35 Trainer Tokens
Sonic Power Common Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Dragon Pokémon to inflict 1000 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Dragon exp point 35 Trainer Tokens
Total Darkness Common Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Darkness Pokémon to inflict 1000 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Darkness exp point 35 Trainer Tokens
Flying Fists Common Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Fighting Pokémon to inflict 1000 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Fighting exp point 35 Trainer Tokens
Sweet Disaster Common Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Fairy Pokémon to inflict 1000 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Fairy exp point 35 Trainer Tokens
Cut Down Common Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Metal Pokémon to inflict 1000 damage to enemy Pokémon 1 Metal exp point 35 Trainer Tokens
Growing Strong Uncommon Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Grass 10 Evolution Cards 2 Grass exp points 60 Trainer Tokens
Blazing Hot Uncommon Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Fire 10 Evolution Cards 2 Fire exp points 60 Trainer Tokens
Superior Mind Uncommon Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Psychic 10 Evolution Cards 2 Psychic exp points 60 Trainer Tokens
Raging River Uncommon Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Water 10 Evolution Cards 2 Water exp points 60 Trainer Tokens
Turbocharged Uncommon Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Lightning 10 Evolution Cards 2 Lightning exp points 60 Trainer Tokens
Dragon's Roar Uncommon Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Dragon 10 Evolution Cards 2 Dragon exp points 60 Trainer Tokens
Eternal Night Uncommon Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Darkness 10 Evolution Cards 2 Darkness exp points 60 Trainer Tokens
Powered Up Uncommon Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Fighting 10 Evolution Cards 2 Fighting exp points 60 Trainer Tokens
Brilliant Light Uncommon Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Fairy 10 Evolution Cards 2 Fairy exp points 60 Trainer Tokens
Gleaming Steel Uncommon Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Metal 10 Evolution Cards 2 Metal exp points 60 Trainer Tokens
Chocking Vines Rare Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Grass Pokémon to defeat 16 enemy Pokémon 3 Grass exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack
Inferno Rare Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Fire Pokémon to defeat 16 enemy Pokémon 3 Fire exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack
Psychic Assault Rare Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Psychic Pokémon to defeat 16 enemy Pokémon 3 Psychic exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack
Powerful Flood Rare Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Water Pokémon to defeat 16 enemy Pokémon 3 Water exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack
Lightning Blast Rare Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Lightning Pokémon to defeat 16 enemy Pokémon 3 Lightning exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack
Dragon Rage Rare Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Dragon Pokémon to defeat 16 enemy Pokémon 3 Dragon exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack
Fade to Black Rare Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Darkness Pokémon to defeat 16 enemy Pokémon 3 Darkness exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack
Earthquake Rare Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Fighting Pokémon to defeat 16 enemy Pokémon 3 Fighting exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack
Rainbow Power Rare Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Fairy Pokémon to defeat 16 enemy Pokémon 3 Fairy exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack
Slice and Dice Rare Tournament Mode or Random Battle Use Metal Pokémon to defeat 16 enemy Pokémon 3 Metal exp points 10-Card or 5-Card Booster Pack

Special Challenges that appear to players after certain updates
Time given before the Challenge ends Challenge Rarity Game Mode it is completed in / Play Type required Task required Experience Points awarded Rewards
3 Days Common No specification Earn 60 Prize Cards during battles No specification 300 Trainer Tokens
3 Days Common No specification Use Colorless Pokémon to inflict 3000 damage to enemy Pokémon No specification 300 Trainer Tokens
3 Days Common Trainer Challenge Mode Win 9 Matches in Trainer Challenge Mode No specification 300 Trainer Tokens
3 Days Common No specification Earn 100 Prize Cards during battles No specification 300 Trainer Tokens
3 Days Common Random Battle Use Fighting Pokémon to inflict 5000 damage to enemy Pokémon 3 Fighting exp points 2 Fates Collide Booster Packs
3 Days Common Random Battle Use Non-Basic Pokémon to defeat 30 enemy Pokémon No specification 2 Call of Legends Booster Packs
3 Days Common No specification Get 100 Heads coin flips No specification 3 Event Tickets
3 Days and a half Common Tournament Mode Win 6 Matches in Tournament Mode No specification 1000 Trainer Tokens
4 Days Common No specification Use Non-Basic Pokémon to defeat 20 enemy Pokémon No specification 200 Trainer Tokens
4 Days Common Tournament Mode Use Fire Pokémon to defeat 12 enemy Pokémon 3 Fire exp points 750 Trainer Tokens
4 Days Common Expanded Play Type Win 10 matches with the Expanded Play Type No specification 2 Plasma Blast Booster Packs
4 Days Common No specification Use Fighting Pokémon to inflict 4000 damage to enemy Pokémon 3 Fighting exp points 2 Sun & Moon Booster Packs
5 Days Common Trainer Challenge Mode Win 9 matches in Trainer Challenge Mode No specification 300 Trainer Tokens
5 Days Common Random Battle Win 20 matches in Versus Mode No specification 2 10-Card Booster Packs from the current expansion and 1 Non-Tradable card
5 Days Common Random Battle Use 135 Basic Pokémon Card No specification 2 10-Card Booster Packs from the current expansion and 1 Non-Tradable card
5 Days Common Random Battle Defeat 60 enemy Pokémon No specification 2 10-Card Booster Packs from the current expansion and 1 Non-Tradable card
5 Days Common Random Battle Use 90 Evolution Cards 3 Dragon exp points 2 10-Card Booster Packs from the current expansion and 1 Non-Tradable card
7 Days Common Random Battle Defeat 40 enemy Pokémon No specification 2 Black & White Booster Packs
7 Days Common Random Battle Defeat  40 enemy Pokémon which are weak to the Water-Type 3 Water exp points 2 Noble Victories Booster Packs
7 Days Common Random Battle Use Water Pokémon to defeat 40 enemy Pokémon 3 Water exp points 2 Emerging Powers Booster Packs
9 Days Common Expanded Play Type Win 7 Matches with the Expanded Play Type No specification 2 Legendary Treasures Booster Packs
9 Days Common Expanded Play Type Inflict 5000 damage to enemy Pokémon No specification 2 Legendary Treasures Booster Packs
9 Days Common Expanded Play Type Inflict 3000 damage to enemy Pokémon using the Expanded Play Type No specification 2 Boundaries Crossed Booster Packs
9 Days Common Expanded Play Type Earn 42 Prize Cards during battles using the Expanded Play Type No specification 2 Phantom Forces Booster Packs
9 Days Common Legacy Play Type Win 10 Matches with the Legacy Play Type No specification 2 HeartGold & SoulSilver Booster Packs
9 Days Common Legacy Play Type Inflict 5000 damage to enemy Pokémon No specification 2 Undaunted Booster Packs
9 Days Common Random Battle Use Fairy Pokémon to defeat 40 enemy Pokémon 3 Fairy exp points 2 Flashfire Booster Packs
9 Days Common Random Battle Use Fairy Pokémon to inflict 4000 damage to enemy Pokémon 3 Fairy exp points 2 XY Booster Packs
9 Days Common Random Battle Use Dragon Pokémon to defeat 40 enemy Pokémon 3 Dragon exp points 2 Furious Fists Booster Packs


Player Level and Rank

The Player Level, as mentioned earlier, progresses each time the player completes Challenges and levels up a certain Element Type. As the Player's Level increases, they unlock more perks, as demonstrated in the following table :

Levels and their Perks
Player Level  Perks
Number of Challenges a Player can have at a time Number of Challenges a Player gets to choose from (only 1 can be selected)
0 - 2 1 1
3 - 4 1 2
5 - 7 2 2
8 - 9 2 3
= / + 10 3 3

As for the Player's Rank, it is mainly used to calculate how much experience the player has, based on their Decks and their Win Ratio. This feature is mainly used, to match up players with similar stats against each others. Sometimes players with more experience get matched against less experienced players, granting them the "Advantage" status, which we mentioned before. If the less experienced players score a win against the "Advantaged" players, they'll receive bonus rewards.

Extra Bonuses and Rewards


Daily First Match Bonus

Each day, the player receives 10 extra Trainer Tokens after completing their first Random Battle match of the day, with no consideration to whether they win or lose.

Daily Login Bonus

Similarly to other online games, players will earn rewards for logging daily into Pokémon Trading Card Game Online. This features doesn't require the player to login consequently each day. Players may skip a day or two, without logging in, without losing their progress on the login Track Reward System. New players will be put into a 3 days Login Reward System, and will be moved to a 5 days one, once they earn the reward of the third day. The Five Days Reward Track System recycles back to its start, once the player earns the reward of the fifth day.

3 Days Login Reward System
Day Rewards
1st Day 1  Mental Might Theme Deck
2nd Day 25 Trainer Tokens
3rd Day 1 10-Card Booster Pack from a random Standard play type expansion and 5 Non-Tradable Cards

5 Days Login Reward System
Day Rewards
1st Day 5 Trainer Tokens
2nd Day 10 Trainer Tokens
3rd Day 15 Trainer Tokens
4th Day 1 Event Ticket
5th Day 1 10-Card Booster Pack from a random Standard play type expansion and 5 Non-Tradable Cards


Bonus Wheels

Spinning the Bonus Wheel  feature allows the player to test their luck and receive a random reward. There are two types of Bonus Wheels; the Basic Bonus Wheel and the Victor's Bonus Wheel, which gives more rewards than the first type. These Bonus Wheels can be earned through playing Tournament Mode matches or Random Battles within the Versus Mode.

Bonus Wheels and their respective possible rewards
Bonus Wheel Rewards
Basic Bonus Wheel 4 Trainer Tokens, 9 Trainer Tokens, 10 Trainer Tokens or 1 Mystery Box
Victor's Bonus Wheel 10 Trainer Tokens, 15 Trainer Tokens, 20 Trainer Tokens, 25 Trainer Tokens, 1 Mystery Box or 2 Event Tickets


Mystery Box Rewards

The Mystery Boxes are earned through the Bonus Wheels Spin, and they offer different rewards, depending on the Bonus Wheel type they were received from. Some of the rewards are static, while some others change weekly.

Mystery Box Rewards
Mystery Box Type Possible Rewards
Mystery Box from Basic Bonus Wheel 25 Trainer Tokens, 1 5-Card random Booster Pack from the Standard play type, Card Sleeves, Coin Decoration, Promo Cards or 4 Event Tickets
Mystery Box from Victor's Bonus Wheel 50 Trainer Tokens, 1 Tradable 10-Card random Booster Pack, Tradable Cards, Card Sleeves, Coin Decoration, Promo Cards or Event Tickets


In-Game Shop

The Shop features mainly 2 options, one is the Shop itself, and the Redeem Code feature.

Shop

Here the player can buy avatar items to customize their avatar, Booster Packs, Deck Boxes, Card Sleeves and plenty of other in-game items. Some of the items in the Shop will change on a weekly basis. Players may use Trainer Tokens to buy the wanted items, or they can also use Gems, which is another currency type that can be acquired through real life money, with each Gem equating for 2 Trainer Tokens. Only Adult players are allowed to buy Gems and Event Tickets.

The Shop

Shop Items and their costs
Items Price
Deck Box (available for a limited time) 150 Trainer Tokens
10-Card Booster Pack 200 Trainer Tokens
Card Sleeve (available for a limited time) 275 Trainer Tokens
Non-Exclusive Theme Decks 500 Trainer Tokens
Weekly Random Blister Packs 200 to 1265 Trainer Tokens
Avatar Customization Items Various Costs


Redeem Codes Feature

This feature allows the input of certain codes distributed during certain events, to unlock many in game rewards like Theme Decks, Avatar Items or even Tradable Cards.These are some Redeem Codes that may still be used and their respective unlocked rewards:

  • Redeem Codes unlocking the Rallying Cry Theme Deck :
  • AncientOrigins
  • BoundariesCrossed
  • FlashFire
  • FuriousFists
  • LegendaryTreasures
  • PhantomForces
  • PlasmaBlast
  • PlasmaFreeze
  • PlasmaStorm
  • PrimalClash
  • RoaringSkies
  • Redeem Codes used to unlock the Avatar Item Pokémon-Ex Hat :
  • DarkExplorers
  • DragonsExalted
  • NextDestinies

Redeem Codes used to unlock Tradable Cards
Code Cards Unlocked
Charizard-EX Box Charizard-EX
Gallade-EX Box Gallade-EX
Hoenn Power Tins: Blaziken Blaziken-EX  and 6 Fire Energy Cards (and a Theme Deck)
Hoenn Power Tins: Sceptile Sceptile-EX  and 6 Grass Energy Cards (and a Theme Deck)
Hoenn Power Tins: Swampert Swampert-EX  and 6 Water Energy Cards (and a Theme Deck)
Krookodile-EX Box Krookodile-EX
Legends of Hoenn Tins: Groudon Groudon-EX and 6 Fighting Energy Cards (and a Theme Deck)
Legends of Hoenn Tins: Kyogre Kyogre-EX and 6 Water Energy Cards (and a Theme Deck)
Legends of Kalos Tins: Xerneas Xerneas-Ex
Legends of Kalos Tins: Yveltal Yveltal-Ex
Mega Latios Collection Latios and Latios Holofoil Card
Powers Beyond Tins: Hoopa Hoopa-EX and 6 Psychic Energy Cards (and a Theme Deck)
Powers Beyond Tins: Latios Latios-EX, 3 Water Energy Cards and 3 Psychic Energy Cards (and a Theme Deck)
Powers Beyond Tins: Rayquaza Rayquaza-EX, 3 Fire Energy Cards and 3 Lightning Energy Cards (and a Theme Deck)
Pyroar Box Blacksmith, Fiery Torch, Pyroar and their Holofoil versions
Rayquaza-EX Box Rayquaza-EX
Shiny Rayquaza-EX Box Alternate Rayquaza-EX

Buy Online Code's to unlock Boosters, Decks, Boxes for the PTCGO

Cheap PTCGO Codes

Trade Feature

The Trade Feature allows players to trade Cards, Booster Packs and other in game items. This is done through the creation of Private or Public Trade Offers, which can be seen by other players, who will contact the offer poster, if they are interested. Many items, though, are Trade Locked which means they cannot be traded, including many free items acquired easily. The Trade Lock is used to prevent players from having infinite trade options and ruining the in game trade balance.


Avatar Customization

Through the use of the Avatar Creator in the Main Menu, the player can edit their Avatar's Appearance, using many Avatar Items acquired in game or through special events. The Avatar changes include Skin and Hair Colors, Hair and Facial Hair Styles, and a wide range of Apparel and clothing ranging from T-Shirts, Pants, Glasses and much more.

Review scores

iTunes TCG OnlineiTunes TCG Online IconPokémon Trading Card Game Online was well received and managed to get average scores on major review websites. Let's take a look at these reviews:
  • Kallie Plagge from IGN liked the game mechanics but was disappointed with the "Unreliable network connections, poor UI, ugly art, and repetitive music", rating the game 6/10, which equates to "Okay" on the IGN Scale.
  • Zac Phoenix from TradingCardGames enjoyed the fresh mechanics of the game and how it didn't turn into a pay to win game, like most of online games, rating it 7.9/10, the equivalent of "Good" on their scale.
  • On GameRankings, Pokémon Trading Card Game Online earned a  great score of 75%, over 6 reviews, while it scored 78% on Metacritic, over 7 Critics

 

 

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