Unleash Your Inner Trainer: A Deep Dive into the Pokémon TCG Build and Battle Set

Ready to jump into the world of Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG)? The Build and Battle sets offer a fantastic entry point, especially with the new Destined Rivals set themed around the iconic Team Rocket. But is it worth your time and money? Let's explore what makes these sets a potential game-changer for new and experienced players alike.

Rhys Davis, a seasoned TCG veteran with experience in Cardfight!! Vanguard, Magic: The Gathering, and more, recently shared his perspective on the Build and Battle experience. Coming from a diverse background of card games, Davis's insights provide a valuable perspective on the Pokémon TCG's accessibility and entertainment value. Davis writes:

"For a simple out of the box experience, it was an awful lot of fun. If you’re a new player looking to get into the game, or have a young child expressing interest in getting involved, I think that the build and battle format is one of the best places to start."

The Build and Battle boxes contain a preconstructed 40-card deck, instructions, and four booster packs. This streamlined approach allows players to quickly learn the basics and customize their decks with cards from the booster packs. A key difference from the standard TCG format is the unlimited inclusion of cards in the deck, eliminating the typical four-card limit.

Davis’ friend, a player of the simplified mobile version “Pokémon Pocket,” found the TCG rules easy to grasp, highlighting the accessibility of the Build and Battle format. The energy system, however, presents a significant difference, requiring players to draw energy cards from their deck instead of having a readily available energy pool as in Pocket.

One particularly effective strategy involved utilizing Team Rocket’s Weezing. Its ability to deal extra damage based on the number of Koffing and Weezing cards in play made it a formidable force on the battlefield, capable of one-hit KOs.

Available from May 30th, the Destined Rivals Build and Battle decks are designed for new players or anyone looking for a quick and fun Pokémon TCG experience. Are these sets the perfect way to introduce new players to the game? Or do the limitations of the preconstructed decks hold them back?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Are you planning to pick up a Build and Battle set?

• Destined Rivals
• Pokemon TCG
• Team Rocket