Space Time Showdown Expansion Lands 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, features 207 cards, a smaller count 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 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 receiving two.

Alternate Art 'Secret' Cards

52 Images

A significant addition is the introduction of Pokémon Tool cards: Giant Cape (+20 HP), Rocky Helmet (deals 20 HP to opponent on damage), and Lum Berry (removes status conditions).

New Battles and Multiplayer Implications

Space Time Smackdown introduces new Solo Battles across Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert tiers, featuring Pokémon from the set (Dialga ex, Palkia ex, Togekiss, and others). The expansion's cards are expected to significantly impact the multiplayer meta. Infernape ex's high-damage, quick attack, and Palkia ex's area-of-effect damage are particularly noteworthy. Dialga ex boosts Steel-type decks.

Missions and Rewards

New missions offer 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 focus on 1-Star and 2-Star cards, and a final mission rewards players for collecting the Cynthia full art card and 1-Star cards of her key Pokémon. Notably, Trading Tokens are not awarded through missions, although a celebratory gift provided 500 tokens. New shop items include Dialga and Palkia album covers and a Cynthia-themed Poké Gold bundle.

The Trading Controversy

The recent trading update remains controversial due to the high cost of trading higher-rarity cards in Trade Tokens, obtained only by selling cards. The required number of tokens is significantly high, leading to player frustration. The developer, Creatures Inc., has not yet addressed these concerns publicly.