There’s a group of fans who like taking Pokémon’s competitiveness to the next level. However, mainline Pokémon games are usually fairly casual. Pokémon TCG Pocket changes this by letting players compete against each other with real stakes. Climbing the ranked ladder may not be easy, but it comes with a good bit of rewards that you can benefit from.
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How are ranked matches different in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
Similar to unrated matches, ranked matches in Pokémon TCG Pocket involve players competing against each other. The major difference here is that the stakes are high because winning earns you rank points. Of course, the stakes mean that losing makes you drop rank points, which is why you should probably utilize LootBar’s service to ensure your team is at the right strength.
In this game mode, players strive to win because their rank is at stake. This process includes:
Using the right team
Utilizing smart strategies
Keeping a close eye on the ongoing meta
Skipping out on using cards they like if they’re weak
It’s basically the game’s most competitive mode. While you’ll battle CPU enemies in lower ranks, there’s a good chance that you’ll fight actual players as your rank increases. Of course, this also means that the rewards increase as your rank does, as do your bragging rights in front of your friends.
What is the ranked match structure in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
Pokémon TCG Pocket has five ranks that you can climb. You start from the Beginner rank, which is the lowest in the game. Every win gives you 10 points, regardless of which rank you’re in. However, the amount of rank points you lose depends on your current rank.
The table below highlights every rank in the game, including how many points you get for winning and how many points you lose after every defeat.
| Pokémon TCG Pocket ranked structure | ||
Rank | Win Points | Loss Points |
Beginner | 10 | 0 |
Poké Ball | 10 | -5 |
Great Ball | 10 | -5 |
Ultra Ball | 10 | -5 |
Master Ball | 10 | -10 |
This isn’t all, as most ranks also have tiers. Beginner, Poke Ball, Great Ball, and Ultra Ball ranks have four tiers, with one being the lowest and four being the highest. The Master Ball rank technically has two tiers. The first is Master Ball, while the second is Top Master Ball. The Master Ball rank gives different rewards depending on whether you’re in the top 10,000, 5,000, or 1,000.
The Great Ball rank and higher have a decent chance of pitting you against other players instead of NPCs. Players in the Beginner and Poke Ball ranks typically face off against NPC teams, as this is the most effective way to guarantee their training.
Your starting rank for a new season depends on your rank at the end of the previous season. You don’t lose your rank at all in the Beginner and Poke Ball ranks. You also don’t drop in rank if you were in Great Ball Rank 1. However, the other Great Ball Ranks see you drop one tier.
Ultra Ball and above ranks have you drop two tiers when the next season starts. This means that you’ll be placed in Great Ball Rank 3 if you end a season at Ultra Ball Rank 1.
All win streak bonuses in Pokémon TCG Pocket
The best way for you to increase your rank quickly is by going on a winning streak. The Ultra Ball and Master Ball ranks don’t give you win streak bonuses, but the other ranks do. Below is how win streaks work in the Beginner, Poke Ball, and Great Ball ranks:
2 Wins > +3 Points
3 Wins > +6 Points
4 Wins > +9 Points
5 Wins > +12 Points
Since these ranks frequently have players compete against NPC teams, getting these win streak bonuses is easier than you may expect.
How do season rewards work in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
Pokémon TCG Pocket rank seasonal rewards are given based on your rank at the end of the season. These rewards guarantee a rank-specific emblem for that season. While this is nice, most players compete in ranked mode to get Pack Hourglasses. Your rank determines how many Pack Hourglasses you’ll get.
The table below highlights how many Pack Hourglasses you can expect based on your rank.
Pokémon TCG Pocket rank rewards | |
Rank | Rewards |
Beginner Rank 1 | 10 Pack Hourglasses |
Beginner Rank 2 | 15 Pack Hourglasses |
Beginner Rank 3 | 20 Pack Hourglasses |
Beginner Rank 4 | 25 Pack Hourglasses |
Poke Ball Rank 1 | 30 Pack Hourglasses |
Poke Ball Rank 2 | 35 Pack Hourglasses |
Poke Ball Rank 3 | 40 Pack Hourglasses |
Poke Ball Rank 4 | 45 Pack Hourglasses |
Great Ball Rank 1 | 50 Pack Hourglasses |
Great Ball Rank 2 | 55 Pack Hourglasses |
Great Ball Rank 3 | 56 Pack Hourglasses |
Great Ball Rank 4 | 65 Pack Hourglasses |
Ultra Ball Rank 1 | 75 Pack Hourglasses |
Ultra Ball Rank 2 | 80 Pack Hourglasses |
Ultra Ball Rank 3 | 85 Pack Hourglasses |
Ultra Ball Rank 4 | 90 Pack Hourglasses |
Master Ball | 95 Pack Hourglasses |
Master Ball Top 10,000 | 100 Pack Hourglasses |
Master Ball Top 5,000 | 100 Pack Hourglasses |
Master Ball Top 1,000 | 100 Pack Hourglasses |
You have to play at least one match to receive your rank’s final reward.
When do ranked seasons end in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
Pokémon TCG Pocket rank seasons usually last two weeks. This gives players more than enough time to farm rank matches to see where they place on the ranking. Of course, you need a strong team to get far in rank. Because of this, buying a Pokémon TCG Pocket top up could be a good idea.
Conclusion
Pokémon TCG Pocket has a bustling competitive community. The game offers multiple ranks and potential teams for players to climb and use to see how they stack up against other players. While getting to Master Ball rank is tough, it’s the journey that makes it all worth it.
