How to play the early game

Last Updated
May 18, 2025

For players who have just started 'Pokémon TCG Pocket', this guide explains what you should do, step-by-step. From rerolling to your first battle, these steps will help you progress without confusion.

Table of Contents

  1. 1: Secure Key Cards via Rerolling
  2. 2: Complete the Tutorial
  3. 3: Make Essential Shop Exchanges
  4. 4: Earn Rewards in Solo Battles
  5. 5: Establish a Daily Collection Routine
  6. 6: Challenge Other Players in Battles
What You'll Learn in This Article
  • Which cards to aim for first
  • What to do after the tutorial
  • Priority items to buy in the shop
  • Your daily collection routine
  • When to start battling others

1. Secure Key Cards via Rerolling

When you start the game, you'll receive many Hourglasses, but if you use them all at once, your opportunities to open packs will decrease significantly. To progress and win in random battles, try to obtain a strong Pokémon ex early on.

What is Rerolling?

Short for "Reset Marathon," this is the process of using the items given at the very start of the game to open packs. If you don't get the card you want, you delete the app data and start over.
Since this is a one-time opportunity at the beginning, rerolling allows you to secure powerful cards for a competitive start.

  • Target Pokémon ex from the latest packs
  • Not for Collectors If your goal is simply to collect cards, rerolling isn't necessary.

2. Complete the Tutorial Thoroughly

Once your player level reaches 4, a "How to Play" section appears in the battle menu. The tutorial is complete after finishing stage 13. Clearing it rewards you with the following items:

  • Pack Hourglasses
  • 5 types of Goods cards
  • A Rental Wigglytuff ex Deck

3. Exchange Essential Cards in the Shop

Use the Shop Tickets obtained from battles to prioritize exchanging for these cards. Potion and X Speed are essential, two-of cards found in most decks.

  • Highest Priority: Potion, Red Card, X Speed (one copy each; the rest are tutorial rewards).
  • If you have extra tickets: Hand Scope, Pokédex.
  • No need to exchange: Professor's Research, Poké Ball (you start with two copies).

4. Earn Experience in Solo Battles

Once you've built a deck with your cards, challenge the "Solo Battles" mode. The first-time completion rewards for each stage are very generous. You'll earn Player EXP along with Pack Hourglasses, and each time you level up, you'll receive another 12 Hourglasses.

If your deck feels insufficient, feel free to use the Rental Decks obtained from the tutorial.

5. Establish a Daily Collection Routine

  • Open 2 free packs daily: One pack refills every 12 hours. Use Hourglasses to shorten the wait time.
  • Regularly check Wonder Picks: Get one random card from other players' pack openings. With luck, you might even get an ex.
  • Complete Daily Missions (4 Hourglasses/day): These small gains add up over time.
  • Utilize Trading Boards: Specify the cards you want and find players to trade with.
Subscribing to the Premium Pass ($9.99/month) gives you +1 pack to open daily, making it even more rewarding.

6. Challenge Other Players in Battles

Once your deck is fairly ready, select "Battle with Someone" → set your Battle Stance to "Beginner" and join a random match. Winning gives you 15 Player EXP, letting you level up repeatedly.

Furthermore, in Ranked Matches, your initial opponents are weak AI (bots), making it easy to climb up to Ultra Ball Rank 1. Reaching this rank rewards you with 50 Pack Hourglasses, so be sure to take on the challenge.

Summary: Getting Started Recap
1: Reroll for key cards
2: Complete the tutorial
3: Exchange essential shop cards
4: Grind experience in Solo Battles
5: Establish a daily collection routine
6: Make your battle debut

※This article was created by the PKPK Nexus editorial team. Content may differ due to game updates.