The Pokémon TCG Online is a free-to-play version of the Pokémon TCG that enables players from around the world to face against each other at all times. But like many online card games that claim to be free-to-play, that does not necessarily mean players can have viable decks without coughing up some money. Even if Pokémon TCG Online provides beginners with starting decks, that does not mean the cards they receive will realistically or efficiently yield them enough in-game currency to get reliable decks without grinding.
Indeed, that Pokémon TCG Online has a Pokémon GO adjacent currency that players have the option to avoid relying upon by buying physical Pokémon decks is concerning. After all, the Pokémon franchise is largely marketed toward children, who are often more vulnerable to microtransactions than adults. Regardless of whether these decks are bought or earned, though, getting more powerful cards becomes a necessity as players face off against stronger and stronger foes online.
Despite this, Pokémon TCG Online is certainly not a pay-to-win game. While earning the first 500 coins necessary to purchase a new deck can take hours, there are many other ways to obtain one's favorite Pokémon TCG cards and coins that do not require using actual money. Moreover, as players get better at the game and in return get better cards, they are only further enabled to make more tokens quicker. Still, the presence of a form of microtransaction still exists within the game, thus making it worthwhile to see if spending money truly benefits players to an extreme degree or not.
Pokémon TCG Online Is Free, But It Does Have Microtransactions
The way microtransactions work in Pokémon TCG Online is that code cards from physically purchased packs can be used to obtain booster packs in the game. This bypasses the usual 200 tokens required to purchase a booster pack. While this may sound like it could lead to pay-to-win schemes, in truth, this method of microtransaction has little effect on player performance. The reason for this is two-fold. First, Pokémon TCG Online is a skill-based, competitive game; second, Pokémon TCG Online provides many other methods of getting booster packs that are less time and money-consuming. Players can just complete challenges and keep up to date with the game rather than drive to their local store to purchase packs. Simply put, buying physical packs grants no substantial advantage in Pokémon TCG Online.
Though Pokémon TCG Online has its problems, being pay-to-win is not one of them. Regardless, the game is soon to be replaced with Pokémon TCG Live, which has confirmed it will have no microtransactions. However, until that releases, those entertaining the idea of playing Pokémon TCG Online should do so to hone their skills, as that can be done completely for free.