The Pokemon TCG Pocket Grind For Master Ball Rank Isn’t Worth It

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After a couple of weeks into the new Ranked Matches feature in Pokemon TCG Pocket, I’ve noticed that dedicated players are gradually climbing their way to the highest ranks. Initially, the list of rewards for ranked matches was met with widespread approval, but lately, the sentiment seems to be shifting. The peak rank, Master Ball, offers a season-end reward of 100 Pack Hourglasses, which can open approximately 9 booster packs. However, the challenge of reaching such heights in Ranked Matches has left many Pokemon TCG Pocket players expressing doubts about continuing next season due to its difficulty.

In Pokemon TCG Pocket Ranked Battles, points are awarded for winning matches, with higher ranks corresponding to more points accumulated. But there’s a twist: if you lose a match after advancing past the Poke Ball beginner stage, you actually lose points instead of gaining them. This makes progressing to the Master Ball rank more challenging than it may appear at first glance because each loss results in a setback. For players who excel against early-stage training bots over real opponents using strategies (meta), this could be a significant hurdle. Even skilled players who have reached the Master Ball rank often find the climb to be less rewarding.

How many games does it take to hit Master Ball in Pokémon TCG Pocket for an average player? Here’s my real data + top decks I used
byu/dams96 inPTCGP

Difficulty Curve & Luck Need Work in Pokemon TCG Pocket Ranked

On the PTCGP subreddit, there are now numerous posts from dedicated players who have finally obtained a Master Ball after spending weeks of hard work. However, one post warns others by saying “it’s not recommended.” The reason is that the challenge of winning matches significantly increases once you reach the Ultra Ball level. Many players find themselves struggling at this point, trying to determine the optimal mix of cards to progress towards the Master Ball rank.

For experienced players who have mastered their strategic skills, the Ultra Ball level can inflict enough defeats to push them down a rank. What’s more, it seems that the extra points earned from winning streaks are eliminated during this level, prolonging the journey to reach the next stage. However, time spent and sheer challenge aren’t the only factors affecting Ranked Matches in Pokemon TCG Pocket.

Guys, I’m losing hope. Seeking advice on ranked.
byu/Vesperion_Ouranos inPTCGP

Ever since the launch of Pokemon TCG Pocket, players have voiced concerns about the significant impact of chance on battles. Many top-tier cards in the current meta, such as Misty for water-type decks and several attacks, rely on random coin flips. Regardless of how tactically sound a player’s deck is, luck will always be a factor. This can make it disheartening to strive for higher rankings in the PvP arena.

Many gamers find that the extensive time commitment needed to develop a winning strategy, the heightened challenges in the Ultra Ball tiers, and the significant role of chance make the quest for the Master Ball feel more like labor than entertainment. As one player aptly expressed, “the balance between effort and payoff is optimal at Ultra Ball 1.” Since the rewards for acquiring a Master Ball don’t justify the excitement of opening ten booster packs simultaneously, numerous players have stated that they won’t repeat this task.

As a dedicated gamer of Pokemon TCG Pocket, I’ve been enjoying the thrill of Ranked Matches during this inaugural season. With the way things are going, it seems reasonable to expect some tweaks for Season 2. Although there’s no official word yet about the upcoming update for Pokemon TCG Pocket, we’ve been seeing fresh boosters and content almost monthly. Add to that the fact that the current ranked season concludes on April 27th, it’s safe to say we should be hearing about what’s coming next fairly soon.

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2025-04-12 16:39