Pokémon TCG: Space Time Smackdown Expansion Launches Today

Pokémon TCG Pocket’s latest major update delivers the highly anticipated Space Time Smackdown expansion, featuring the Pokémon Diamond and Pearl theme. This expansion, split into Dialga and Palkia booster packs, boasts 207 cards—a smaller set than Genetic Apex, but with a higher percentage of rare cards (52 alternate art Star and Crown rarity cards, compared to Genetic Apex’s 60). The base card count, excluding alternate arts, is 155, including 10 powerful ex Pokémon: Yanmega, Infernape, Palkia, Pacharisu, Mismagius, Gallade, Weavile, Darkrai, Dialga, and Lickilicky. Every Pokémon type except Dragon gets a new ex Pokémon, with Darkness receiving two.

Every Alternate Art 'Secret' Card in Pokémon TCG Pocket: Space Time Smackdown

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A significant addition is the introduction of Pokémon Tool cards. Three new tools—Giant Cape (+20 HP), Rocky Helmet (deals 20 HP damage when the active Pokémon takes damage), and Lum Berry (removes status conditions)—add strategic depth to gameplay.

Battles

Space Time Smackdown introduces new Solo Battles across Intermediate (8), Advanced (9), and Expert (8) tiers, focusing on new Pokémon like Dialga ex and Palkia ex, alongside Togekiss, Bastiodon, Glacion, Magmortar, Magnezone, Rampardos, and Torterra. The meta is poised for a shake-up, with powerful cards like Infernape ex (140 damage for two Fire Energy) and Palkia ex (150 damage plus 20 damage to benched Pokémon) presenting significant threats. Weavile ex offers versatile damage options, and Steel-type decks receive a considerable boost with Dialga ex and other new additions.

Missions and Rewards

New missions offer familiar rewards like Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, and Emblem Tickets. Collecting signature cards unlocks rental decks, while completing the set unlocks Dialga and Palkia icons. Museum missions return, rewarding players for collecting 1-Star and 2-Star cards, culminating in the "Champion of the Sinnoh Region" mission for collecting the Cynthia full art card and 1-Star cards of her key Pokémon (Gastrodon, Lucario, Spiritomb, and Garchomp). Notably, Trading Tokens are absent from rewards, though players received a 500-token bonus. New shop items include Dialga and Palkia album covers, the Lovely Hearts backdrop, and a Cynthia-themed Poké Gold bundle.

Trading

Despite the recent trading update, Creatures Inc. remains silent on player concerns. The "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" (500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses) was provided, but the high cost of trading high-rarity cards (requiring significant numbers of Trade Tokens obtained by selling cards) has drawn criticism. Fans have expressed frustration over the perceived difficulty and inefficiency of the trading system.