Fans of Pokemon TCG Pocket have expressed their frustration regarding the game’s exclusive Pack Points system. Unlike many gacha games, DeNA’s trading card game lacks a pity system, either soft or hard, meaning there are no guaranteed drops from booster packs regardless of how many a player opens. Instead, the game awards players Pack Points every time they open a booster pack, which can then be utilized to craft specific cards, although the cost varies based on the rarity of the card. While this system is intended to provide players with more options, it has significant shortcomings that leave many feeling disgruntled.
A primary concern is the current structure of Pack Points across different sets. Each expansion has its own pool of points, preventing players from using points accumulated in older sets to craft cards from newer expansions. Additionally, rare cards require a substantial amount of Pack Points, making it especially challenging for free-to-play users to acquire them. Many players have voiced their concerns about accumulating points for outdated sets, which become virtually useless as they cannot be redeemed for new and relevant cards.
In contrast, other games like Marvel SNAP have successfully implemented improved pity systems, such as guaranteeing that players only receive cards they do not already own, thus enhancing the chance of completing collections. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Pokemon TCG Pocket. Even players who have invested significant amounts of money on booster packs find themselves short of the Pack Points needed for rare cards. Fans have urged the developers to consider unifying Pack Points across multiple expansions.
They argue that while it is logical for new sets to maintain separate pools, older sets’ points should be integrated. This approach could enhance player experience by ensuring that points do not go to waste. However, it appears unlikely that the developers will adjust the Pack Points system, as their monetization strategy relies on maintaining the exclusivity of rare variants, which makes them less inclined to enhance accessibility.