Deciding Between Dialga and Palkia Packs in Pokemon TCG Pocket
Pokemon TCG Pocket: Palkia vs Dialga – Which Pack Should You Open?
Making decisions in video games is often an exciting challenge, and Pokemon TCG Pocket is no exception. With the release of the Space-Time Smackdown expansion, players are faced with a choice between two distinct booster packs: Palkia and Dialga. Each pack contains unique cards that can greatly influence your strategy. But how do you decide which one to prioritize?
Let’s delve into the contents of each pack, their utility in battles, and the standout cards that might sway your decision.
Palkia vs Dialga: A Closer Look at the Packs
The two packs in the Space-Time Smackdown expansion offer different card varieties and strategic opportunities. While collectors will need to open both to complete their set, competitive players might find it more beneficial to focus on one over the other based on their preferred playstyle.
Palkia Pack Highlights
The Palkia pack boasts some exceptionally versatile cards. One of its most valuable items is the Rocky Helmet, a Pokemon Tool that deals 20 damage to opponents each time they attack the equipped Pokemon. Unlike the Giant Cape, which provides a one-time 20 HP boost, the Rocky Helmet continuously punishes attackers, making it a stellar choice for high-HP Pokemon.
The pack also includes Cyrus, a Supporter card that forces opponents to switch their damaged bench Pokemon into the active position. This card pairs well with other offensive strategies, allowing players to capitalize on weakened enemies. Additionally, Mars, another Supporter card from the Palkia pack, doubles as an enhanced version of Red Card, becoming more effective when your opponent is in the lead.
Dialga Pack Highlights
On the other hand, the Dialga pack contains some noteworthy tools and Pokemon that cater to different strategies. For example, Darkrai ex is a powerful card that can deal damage while being built on the bench. Lucario, with its Fighting Coach ability, boosts the damage of all Fighting-type Pokemon by 20, making it a key addition to teams focused on this type. Additionally, Shaymin, while less potent than Butterfree, offers healing capabilities as a Basic Pokemon, which can be a significant advantage early in the game.
Dialga packs also contain Dawn, a Supporter card that can be situationally effective, though it may not match the versatility of Cyrus or Mars from the Palkia pack.
Top Pokemon Cards to Consider
When it comes to Pokemon in these packs, the choice largely depends on the type of deck you want to build. Here are some standout options:
- Darkrai ex (Dialga): Capable of dealing damage while being built from the bench, making it a strategic asset.
- Weavile ex (Palkia): Deals 70 damage to a damaged Pokemon for just one energy, making it a perfect match with Cyrus.
- Infernape ex (Palkia): Offers high damage for minimal energy and has no retreat cost, though it discards all energy after attacking.
- Garchomp (Palkia): Can deal 150 damage for two energy when paired with Cynthia and has a useful card-drawing ability.
- Lucario (Dialga): Boosts Fighting-type damage by 20, complementing cards like Rhyperior and Gallade ex.
Should You Open Dialga or Palkia Packs First?
Deciding which pack to prioritize depends on your goals. If you’re looking to build a specific deck or acquire certain cards, analyze the complete list of cards available in the Space-Time Smackdown expansion. Focus on the pack that contains more of your desired cards, and open it exclusively until the balance shifts in favor of the other pack. Then, switch accordingly until you’ve collected what you need.
Suggested Chase Cards in Space-Time Smackdown
The following table summarizes some of the most sought-after cards in each pack:
| Dialga Packs | Palkia Packs |
|---|---|
| Darkrai ex | Weavile ex |
| Lucario | Infernape ex |
| Dialga ex | Garchomp |
| Shaymin | Rocky Helmet |
| Giant Cape | Cyrus |
| Dawn | Mars |
| Lum Berry | Cynthia |
Final Verdict
Both Palkia and Dialga packs offer unique advantages, and the choice ultimately comes down to your playstyle and goals. Whether you’re a collector looking to complete your set or a competitive player aiming for battle-ready decks, knowing what each pack offers is key to making the best decision.
Take your time to evaluate your priorities and start building your dream deck today!
