After finishing the storyline of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, it can be hard to fill the Pokemon-shaped void with a new game, but with the right knowledge, shifting over to the Pokémon Trading Card Game can be a smooth transition for fans. Although they're different mediums, much of a player's Pokémon know-how garnered from Scarlet and Violet and other video game entries does transfer to the IP's card-based form. While the Pokémon Trading Card Game lacks the narrative of Scarlet and Violet, the collecting and turn-based strategy elements will still feel familiar and satisfying.
For players new to the Pokémon TCG, getting started can easily seem daunting or overly complicated when compared to Pokémon video games. However, there are many resources provided both by The Pokémon Company and outside of it that can make things go more smoothly and make players feel comfortable in the new territory quickly. Luckily there are some well recommended ways to get into the Pokémon Trading Card Game after playing Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
Players Can Surround Themselves With Familiar Pokémon Faces
For players fresh from Scarlet and Violet, a good way to make the Pokémon Trading Card Game feel like more familiar territory is to include some Generation 9 Pokémon in their decks. Although the Scarlet and Violet Base Set won't release until March, players can still get started with what's in the Pokémon TCG Paldea Collection. This will let them choose between the three beloved starters introduced in Scarlet and Violet, giving them some familiar faces to add to their deck to make the transition less drastic.
Of course, for many Pokémon fans, Gen 9 is not their first foray into the Pokédex, and getting the Paldea Collection isn't mandatory for every player. However, since players getting into the Pokémon Trading Card Game will have to undoubtedly purchase cards, this is a great option for big Scarlet and Violet fans.
The booster packs included will also come with codes that can be used in Pokémon TCG Online, which is a great option for players to practice against AI opponents while still getting their bearings with the game's mechanics. In general, Pokémon TCG Online is an incredibly useful tool for players first starting out.
Players can make custom decks in Pokémon TCG Online to battle against AI, which is great practice for getting the game's mechanics down and is very useful for players to start figuring out which direction they might want to take a deck in real life. Players will also experience a myriad of tutorials in the digital version of the game that are great for those who prefer to learn by doing, rather than by simply watching or reading tutorials online; and it's entirely free.
Players Can Get Into The Pokémon TCG With Special Tools
While players can choose to learn about the Pokémon TCG after Scarlet and Violet through mostly digital means, there are also physical alternatives available that can be great teaching tools. For one, players can purchase a Battle Deck to streamline the deckbuilding process. More efficient than purchasing a collection like the aforementioned Paldea, these contain everything players need to start battling by providing more balanced sets of cards. Pokémon TCG deckbuilding around a favorite card is also possible through these, at least to a point, as they are highly specified in theme.
Some players may have also heard the subset of cards called Theme Decks, but these have largely been phased out by the Pokémon Company in favor of Battle Decks. There are two main types, V Battle Decks and League Battle Decks, and both are designed around certain Pokémon, like Blastoise or Venasaur. V Battle Decks have one V card, which can be a good way for players to get used to utilizing the more powerful cards without overloading a set with them. League Battle Decks are probably better for more experienced players, as they're more expensive and designed for more competitive play.
While they may not be the strongest Pokémon TCG decks ever, another options for players to purchase is a Trainer Kit. Instead of coming with one deck consisting of 60 cards, a Trainer Kit comes with two decks of 30. This is perfect for two people who are looking to get into the Pokémon TCG together, and it will likely offer a more engaging process for practicing battles than players would get simply playing against an AI opponent or internet stranger. While these aren't as valuable of a tool long-term, guided game booklets and an included playmat marked with rules and tips can still be quite helpful.
Pokémon Battle Academy Can Help Beginners Learn The Rules
For those looking for something a bit more complete than a Trainer Kit, Pokémon Battle Academy set may be the right choice. Although it's been called a board game version of the Pokémon TCG, the actual gameplay doesn't change with Battle Academy, it just comes with additional parts to make learning the mechanics of the game easier. It can be hard to forget about the methodology of Pokémon video games like Scarlet and Violet, so having materials that clearly spell out the changes to gameplay in the Pokémon TCG can be very useful.
Instead of coming with two half decks like a Trainer Kit, Battle Academy comes with three full decks, so fans can still easily play with friends and try out new deck styles. It also provides a two-player board with clearly labeled spaces for things like prize cards and benched Pokémon, and comes printed with rules detailing what players can do each turn. This is arguably an easier Pokémon TCG beginner's guide than having to refer to additional tutorial booklets, and provides players with a huge amount of cards while still being cheaper than some V Battle Decks, making it a great entry point after Scarlet and Violet.
It can definitely seem daunting to go from a game like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet that comes with built-in tutorials and straightforward win conditions to the Pokémon Trading Card Game. However, there are many resources that make this transition much clearer, whether it's filling a deck with familiar Pokémon, trying out deckbuilding online first, or the many materials offered by the Pokémon Company to get players started. Hopefully, this guide can help Pokémon Scarlet and Violet fans find new fun with the Pokémon Trading Card Game while they wait for the next video game installment.