Pokemon Trading Card Game, Walkthrough, Guide, Gameplay

Explore the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) universe through our extensive wiki guide, offering insights into gameplay, strategies, and card evolution in this renowned collectible card game, suitable for newcomers and experienced players alike.

by Harini | Updated Aug 10, 2023

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The Pokémon Trading Card Game

The Pokémon Trading Card Game, often referred to as PTCG or Pokémon TCG is a popular collectible card game created by Creatures Inc. and inspired by the Pokémon franchise. Originating in Japan, it was initially released by Media Factory in October 1996. In the United States, its debut was under the banner of Wizards of the Coast. However, in June 2003, the publishing responsibilities were transitioned from Wizards of the Coast to The Pokémon Company, with Nintendo overseeing the transfer.

Up to March 2023, the game has achieved remarkable success, boasting a global sales figure of over 52.9 billion cards.

Pokemon Trading Card Game Walkthrough 

Section 1: Introduction

This is a walkthrough for the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Introduction

  • Turn on your Game Boy. After a brief intro, press any button on the title screen to reach the main menu.
  • Click on "New Game." Note that starting a new game will delete the existing save file if one exists.
  • Enter your name within the 6-character limit. If your name is longer, come up with a nickname. Press the END button when done.
  • You'll be introduced as a Pokémon card collector, interested in rare Legendary Pokémon Cards. You learn about the Grand Masters seeking an heir and visit Card Researcher Dr. Mason.
  • You're taken to Mason Laboratory to learn how to play the Trading Card Game. Receive a practice deck and face Sam, Dr. Mason's assistant, to learn the game mechanics.
  • Your First Duel

Players get 7 cards. Choose Goldeen as your first Pokémon and put Staryu on the Bench. Press B after this.

  • Place two prizes and do a coin toss to decide who goes first (you will).
  • Draw a Water Energy card, attach it to Goldeen, and use Horn Attack on Sam's Machop.
  • Sam uses Low Kick, dealing 20 damage to your Goldeen.
  • Attach Seaking Evolution to Goldeen, add Psychic Energy, and use Waterfall for 30 damage.
  • Sam adds Rattata, attaches energy, and uses Low Kick.
  • Attach Water Energy to Staryu, use Horn Attack/Waterfall to knock out Machop.
  • Sam adds Raticate, evolves it, and uses Bite on Seaking.
  • Attach Water Energy to Starmie, evolve Staryu to Starmie, and use Star Freeze.
  • Attack with Star Freeze, Paralyze Raticate, and win!

Section 2: Jump into Collection

Dr. Mason's Decks

  • Choose from Charmander & Friends, Squirtle & Friends, or Bulbasaur & Friends Decks.
  • Charmander Deck focuses on Fire, Lightning, and Fighting types, with energy manipulation.
  • Squirtle Deck uses Water, Fighting, and Psychic types, allowing multiple Water Energy attachments.
  • Bulbasaur Deck uses Grass, Water, and Fire types, transferring Grass energies for strong attacks.

Menu Overview

  • Access the Start menu with "Start" and exit with "B."
  • Start menu options: "Status," "Diary" (saves game), "Deck" (modify decks), "Card" (view cards), "Config" (settings), "Exit."
  • Running Errands
  • Challenge Hall - Sightseeing; future Challenge Cup.
  • Mason Laboratory - Use the Grass Medal to create Auto Decks.
  • Pokémon Dome - Optional, Ronald's visit.
  • Science Club - Mention of Ishihara's house.

Section 3: Grass Club and More

Grass Club

  • Enter the Grass Club by navigating through the laboratory.
  • Ronald, your rival, talks about Legendary Pokémon Cards and leaves.
  • Interact with characters in the Grass Club. Lass wants an Oddish for a Vileplume.
  • Duel Brittany and Heather, Club Members, to earn booster packs.
  • Learn that Club Master Nikki is out; go to Ishihara's house.
  • Talk to Nikki, challenge her, and win.

Section 4: Exploration and Science Club

Challenge Hall and Science Club

  • Challenge Hall - Future Challenge Cup. Head to the Mason Laboratory.
  • Mason Laboratory - Use the Grass Medal for Auto Decks.
  • Pokémon Dome - Optional, Ronald's visit.
  • Science Club - Mention Ishihara's house.
  • Ishihara's House

Ishihara offers to trade cards and provides helpful books.
Science Club (again)

  • Go to the Science Club north of the Grass Club.
  • Duel Erik, Club Member, who uses a Poison Deck.
  • Duel David for booster packs.
  • Challenge Joseph to access Club Master Rick.
  • Duel Rick to earn the Science Medal.

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) is a popular collectible card game based on the Pokémon series. Whether you're new to the game or a returning player, this guide will help you understand the basics of how to play, including card types and evolution mechanics.

Pokemon  Trading Card Guide

The Pokémon TCG captures the essence of the video games and animated TV show, incorporating evolutions, shinies, trainers, battles, and status effects. This familiarity is one of the reasons for the game's enduring popularity.

  • Each player uses a deck of exactly 60 cards.
  • Decks consist of Pokémon cards, energy cards, item cards, and trainer cards.
  • You can have up to four cards with the same name in your deck, except energy cards.

Starting the Game

  1. Coin Flip: Players determine who goes first by flipping a coin.
  2. Setup: Decks are shuffled, players draw seven cards, and six cards are set aside as prize cards.
  3. Basics on Bench: Players can place one basic Pokémon as their active Pokémon and up to five on their bench.
  4. No Basics in Hand: If you don't have basic Pokémon in your initial hand, reshuffle and redraw.

Game Phases

  1. Draw: Active player draws a card.
  2. Play Phase: Perform various actions, such as playing basic Pokémon, attaching energy, evolving, using item and trainer cards, and retreating.
  3. Attack Phase: Active Pokémon can attack if energy requirements are met.
  4. End Turn: Turn ends, and the opponent's turn begins.

Attacking

  • Attach the correct energy to your Pokémon to use attacks.
  • Damage is assigned as damage counters.
  • Knock out the opponent's Pokémon to claim a prize card.
  • Win by collecting all six prize cards.

Evolutions

  • Evolve basic Pokémon into Stage 1 and Stage 2 Pokémon.
  • Follow the sequence: basic → Stage 1 → Stage 2.
  • GX and EX Pokémon don't require evolution.

Status Conditions

  • Pokémon can be affected by special conditions: Asleep, Burned, Confused, Paralyzed, Poisoned.
  • Conditions impact the Pokémon's ability to attack, retreat, or function.
  • Conditions can be cured by evolving or retreating.

Winning the Game

  • Knock out six of your opponent's Pokémon and claim all six prize cards.
  • The opponent's active Pokémon is knocked out, and no available bench Pokémon remain.
  • The opponent runs out of cards in their deck (deck out).

Pokémon TCG Online

  • Play the Pokémon TCG digitally using the Pokémon TCG Online app.
  • Available for PC and mobile devices (iOS, Android).
  • Play against AI or friends, scan codes, trade cards, and unlock packs.
  • Cross-play functionality between mobile and PC is being developed.

Pokemon Trading Card Game Gameplay

The Pokémon Trading Card Game is a strategic card game where players, taking on the role of Pokémon Trainers, engage in battles using their Pokémon on a designated playmat. Each player places an Active Pokémon into play and attacks their opponent's Active Pokémon. A Pokémon that accumulates enough damage to equal or exceed its HP is considered "Knocked Out." Defeating an opponent's "Knocked Out" Pokémon earns the victor a Prize card, typically one, though certain card mechanics can grant 2 or 3 Prize cards based on their hierarchy. Accumulating six Prize cards instantly results in a win. Alternately, players can win by eliminating all of their opponent's Bench Pokémon, leaving them with no active Pokémon, or if the opponent can't draw cards at the start of their turn.

To determine who goes first, players typically use a coin flip, with the winner choosing their turn order. Alternatively, dice may be used, with even numbers representing heads and odd numbers representing tails. The first-turn player can't attack or use a Supporter card, unless specified by a card effect. Players begin by shuffling their decks, drawing seven cards, and placing a Basic Pokémon as their Active Pokémon. This Active Pokémon engages in attacking and receiving damage. If a player lacks a Basic Pokémon, they must reshuffle and draw again until obtaining one; the opponent draws an extra card per reshuffle. After both players have at least one Basic Pokémon, they can place up to five more Basic Pokémon onto their Bench and set aside the top six cards as Prize cards.

Gameplay proceeds with players taking turns, during which they can perform various actions like playing Basic Pokémon, evolving their Pokémon, using Trainer cards (Items, Supporters, Stadiums, Pokémon Tools), attaching Energy cards, and utilizing Pokémon Abilities and attacks. Players can also retreat their Active Pokémon by paying an Energy cost, switching it with a Benched Pokémon. At the turn's end, a player can use their Active Pokémon's attack if the necessary Energy is attached. Attack effects are activated, and damage is dealt to the Defending Pokémon. Some attacks have effects but no damage, and outcomes can change based on type weaknesses and resistances. The player concludes their turn by attaching Energy to their Pokémon for attacking. If the opponent's Pokémon is "Knocked Out," the player earns a Prize card before ending their turn.

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Pokemon Trading Card Game Walkthrough FAQ

1. What is the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG)?

The Pokémon TCG, developed by Creatures Inc., is a widely played collectible card game inspired by the Pokémon franchise, originating in Japan in 1996 and known for its strategic battles using Pokémon cards.

2. How do I start playing the Pokémon TCG?

Begin by turning on your Game Boy, creating a new game, entering your name or a nickname, and embarking on a journey as a Pokémon card collector learning from Dr. Mason.

3. What are the key phases of a Pokémon TCG game?

Games involve drawing cards, playing Pokémon and Trainer cards, attaching energy, and attacking, with phases like the Draw Phase, Play Phase, Attack Phase, and End Turn.

4. How does evolution work in the Pokémon TCG?    

Players can evolve basic Pokémon into Stage 1 and Stage 2 forms, following a sequence of basic → Stage 1 → Stage 2, while GX and EX Pokémon don't require evolution.

5. What are the ways to win a Pokémon TCG game?  

Victory can be achieved by knocking out six of the opponent's Pokémon, collecting all six Prize cards, eliminating the opponent's Bench Pokémon, or causing the opponent to be unable to draw cards at the start of their turn.