Pokémon Pocket: the physical TCG card missing in the digital to balance the meta

In the competitive universe of the digital TCG Pokémon Pocket, the balance of the metagame is going through a critical stage.

Decks centered around Giratina overwhelmingly dominate high-level matches, but the real core of the problem lies in the influence of accessories within the most popular decks. Elements like Giant Cape and Rocky Helmet have become a constant, which restricts strategic diversity and limits free play options.

The dominance of accessories in the metagame

Both accessories are present in the majority of current competitive decks. They provide key defensive and offensive advantages, which means that without them, many strategies become obsolete. Currently, the game only offers one card capable of removing them: Starly, a basic Pokémon whose attack deals minimal damage and allows the removal of an enemy tool.

"Building a deck around Starly is not viable in the current environment, leaving players without an effective way to respond to the supremacy of these items," analyze members of the competitive community.

This situation creates a stagnation effect in the meta,  with few variations among the most successful lists.

Tool Scrapper as a solution to stagnation

In the physical Pokémon card game Pokémon, there is an efficient option: the "Tool Scrapper" card, which allows discarding up to two enemy accessories on the battlefield. Although it is not yet available in Pokémon Pocket, many players consider its incorporation would be essential to restore balance to the game.

Given that the title currently only has three main accessories, a logical adaptation would involve limiting its effect to the removal of just one.  Even so, its presence would mark a strategic turning point that could energize the competitive ecosystem.

The importance of a quick response

The lack of tools to counter accessories generates frustration among those seeking to build alternative or innovative decks.  The predictability of the meta undermines diversity and could affect player retention in the long term.

"The early inclusion of a tool removal card would allow for expanded tactical creativity and strengthen competitiveness," note leaders of the digital circuit.

While content developments in Pokémon Pocket are usually planned months in advance, many believe that the game's developers should accelerate the incorporation of  key cards that address current issues.

In this context, tool recycling would not only solve a specific weakness of the system but also open the door to a healthier, more varied, and challenging metagame.