Pokémon TCG: Space Time Smackdown Expansion Arrives Today

Pokémon TCG Pocket's Space Time Smackdown Expansion: A Detailed Look

Pokémon TCG Pocket has launched its latest major update, introducing the Space Time Smackdown expansion, themed around Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. This expansion, available in Dialga and Palkia-themed booster packs, boasts 207 cards—a smaller collection than Genetic Apex but with a higher percentage of rare cards. Specifically, 52 of the cards are alternate art, Star, and Crown rarity cards, compared to Genetic Apex's 60. The official card count, excluding alternate arts, is 155, including 10 new ex Pokémon (Yanmega, Infernape, Palkia, Pacharisu, Mismagius, Gallade, Weavile, Darkrai, Dialga, and Lickilicky). Every Pokémon type except Dragon has a new ex Pokémon, with Darkness gaining two.

A Key New Feature: Pokémon Tool Cards

A significant addition is the introduction of Pokémon Tool cards. These attachable items provide battle advantages. The expansion includes Giant Cape (+20 HP), Rocky Helmet (deals 20 HP to the opponent when the active Pokémon takes damage), and Lum Berry (removes status conditions).

Updated Battles and Multiplayer

Space Time Smackdown introduces new Solo Battles across Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert tiers, featuring Pokémon from the set (Dialga ex, Palkia ex, Togekiss, and more). The multiplayer meta is expected to shift significantly due to powerful cards like Infernape ex (140 damage for two Fire Energy) and Palkia ex (150 damage plus 20 damage to benched Pokémon). Weavile ex and Dialga ex also promise to impact the meta, particularly Steel-type decks.

Missions, Rewards, and the Trading Controversy

New missions offer rewards like Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, and Emblem Tickets. Collecting specific cards unlocks rental decks and icons. Museum missions focus on Star cards, and a final mission rewards players for collecting the Cynthia full art card and 1-Star cards of her key Pokémon. Notably, the controversial Trading Tokens are absent from mission rewards, though players received a celebratory gift of 500 Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses.

The trading system remains a point of contention. Trading high-rarity cards (3 Diamonds and above) requires Trade Tokens obtained by selling cards. The cost of trading is high, requiring the sale of multiple high-rarity cards to trade a single equivalent card. This system has drawn significant criticism from players. The developer, Creatures Inc., has yet to address these concerns publicly.