“Average Beginner PvP experience”: Pokemon TCG Pocket Reddit meme sums up current meta
The Pokemon TCG Pocket has been keeping players excited with rare cards and creative deck possibilities. Recently, the community sparked a humorous yet insightful discussion on the challenges being faced by beginner players in PvP (Player vs. Player) mode. Reddit user u/Yeebees encapsulated this struggle with a post titled,
"Average Beginner PVP Experience"
The post included a meme showing a traumatized player overwhelmed by the constant barrage of Mewtwo, Mewtwo EX, and Gardevoir cards, highlighting how challenging it is for newcomers to contend with such powerhouse decks.
Mewtwo cards currently dominate the PvP scene in Pokemon TCG Pocket. Their high damage potential, substantial HP, and synergy with Gardevoir's Psy Shadow ability help make Mewtwo a slightly less costly option for players. These factors make this Pokemon one of the most formidable forces in the game, leaving many beginners feeling frustrated with their limited options against it.
Several players pointed out that the Mewtwo matchup feels almost predetermined based on energy levels. One Redditor, u/CallMeTravesty, argued that at certain energy levels, Mewtwo dominates most cards.
This inconsistency, combined with Mewtwo's dominance, creates a frustrating scenario where newer players are often left relying on luck instead of strategy.
Another community member, u/Aurd04, weighed in on why, despite Articuno’s potential, Mewtwo remains a top choice in PvP.
u/Aurd04 notes that the game incentivizes players to aim for fast wins, which often results in immediate forfeits if initial moves don’t favor them.
This early concession behavior is seen by many as a flaw in the game's design. Since the only way to gain XP is through victory, players often restart matches until they get favorable conditions, disregarding strategic play and emphasizing efficient XP farming instead.
Reddit user u/thedudedylan shared another particularly relatable grievance — the unreliable luck factor in the game.
This further highlights the game's reliance on RNG (random number generation) mechanics, which can feel punishing and demotivating for players trying to break into the PvP scene.
The structure of XP rewards in Pokemon TCG Pocket has also fueled frustration. According to u/IbanPrau, both beginner and advanced PvP modes award the same amount of XP, and only if the player wins.
This lack of incentive to engage with more challenging decks leads many experienced players to stick to beginner PvP. This contributes to a lopsided experience where newcomers encounter high-tier decks like Mewtwo EX far more often than they would in a more balanced system.
Also read: Pokemon TCG Pocket - Best decks for every EX card
Regular Cards vs. EX Cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket
In Pokemon TCG Pocket, EX cards can be distinguished from regular cards primarily through their elevated power levels and special abilities. EX cards typically feature higher HP and stronger moves, giving them a significant advantage in battles.
Moreover, unlike standard Pokemon cards, which often require careful resource management to maximize effectiveness, EX cards can deliver high damage and sustain more hits, making them especially dominant in PvP battles.
However, their inclusion in beginner-level matches has led to a skewed experience, with newcomers often struggling to compete against these potent decks.
Also read: Pokemon TCG Pocket deck building guide - Things to keep in mind
Unsurprisingly, the current meta in Pokemon TCG Pocket has sparked some valid criticism among the player community. Mewtwo and Gardevoir decks, especially when using Mewtwo EX, have established a significant presence in beginner PvP, often outclassing other strategies due to high HP, powerful attacks, and efficient synergy.
Reliance on RNG and the game's unbalanced XP system further contribute to keeping high-powered decks in beginner PvP modes. So, for now, beginner players face an uphill battle in Pokemon TCG Pocket PvP, where a lucky roll might be their best bet against the overwhelming force of Mewtwo EX and friends.