Pokemon TCG Pocket instantly became one of the most popular mobile game the second it was released. With tons of players streaming on platforms like TikTok and Twitch there is no shortage of exposure, content, tips & tricks, and deck building help.
For the most part, DeNA has done a great job with pumping out continuous events. Sure the Outbreaks may be underwhelming with meager rewards, but the fairly consistent promo challenges and emblem events have been engaging, keeping people logged in at least twice a day to rip packs and earn tickets. But one event has earned both ire and subsequent relief and jubilation. Let's talk about the SP Emblem Event.
Pokemon TCG Pocket SP Emblem Event
Yes, the events in Pokemon TCG Pocket have been fun. Getting to 50 wins and earning that gold crown took a while but I didn't feel rushed and finished with far more than enough time. Auto-smashing solo challenges to rip packs chasing promos like Venusaur and Blastoise keep me tuning decks to ensure a swift victory. But then came the first SP Emblem event and all of a sudden anxiety slowly started to creep in.
I am a completionist. If there is a reward or achievement you bet I will try ceaselessly to earn it. Most challenges take time, but when you thrown a countdown into it with no option of a do over the nerves start to sink in. This is where the Pokemon TCG Pocket SP Emblem Event comes in and the timer starts to tick down.
Who doesn't love a good win streak? That is the stated goal. Win 5 matches in a row before the event ends, a 7 day challenge. With the first set, Genetic Apex, this was difficult. For players who joined right before the event launch it was nearly impossible to beat Day 1 trainers without spending real money to open packs. Day 1 players had already amassed large collections and forged several expertly crafted decks. But even those players faced their own set of challenges with a fairly consistent meta that depended a lot on the flip of a coin (or several). One lucky Misty threatened to end your streak in an instant.
Mythical Island Madness
I did it, and 2 days before the deadline. I hit that 5th win and instantly threw that emblem up on my profile. A badge of honor. Then the news came through that on January 20th, 2025 the event would return, and with it the creeping anxiety.
With the release of Mythical Island and it's 68 new cards, there is even greater possibility and a heightened risk of losing out. Celebi ran the meta early and it was fairly easy to get a run going. But with the emergence of Gyrados EX and Golem, the ever steady Mewtwo or Charizard, and the quirky discard decks the challenge this time is even greater. One bad hand and you're toast.
To me this is the draw. The fear of a flip, the feeling when you draw the card you know ends the match, the counter ticking up after each victory. As the deadline approaches and you get knocked back to 0 there is an entirely different set of emotions. FOMO sinks in and you spend more time than you probably should editing decks and entering matches. This is all part of the experience that keeps players coming back. The promise of a shiny new reward and the challenge of obtaining it. A tale as old as time.
If this event continues it will only get harder. More cards means more decks and an expanding metagame. If the 7-day timer sticks the challenge increases and with it the satisfaction of earning the elusive gold-crowned diamond, the true symbol of victory.
What do you think of the event? Leave a comment below!
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