Guide to Pokémon Pocket TCG: Mass Outbreak Bonuses and Rare Picks

Following the recent excitement around the Meowth and Chansey Wonder Pick events, Pokémon TCG Pocket has rolled out another exciting opportunity to get you hooked on collecting those digital cards. Introducing the Fire Pokémon Mass Outbreak Event, your newest reason to keep checking your phone. Rather than presenting new single-player challenges, this event is all about enticing those who love to dive into their Wonder Pick options multiple times a day.

Here’s what you can expect: until November 28th, you’ll find a “Bonus Pick” in the Wonder Pick menu. This allows you to choose from five fire-type cards without any charge. These Bonus Picks can pop up several times a day, so make sure you’re checking your Wonder Picks regularly. Also, keep an eye out for the “Rare Picks” in the Wonder Pick menu, which will have a more exclusive selection of cards, although they do cost Wonder Stamina. And remember, that stamina takes 36 hours to naturally replenish.

Let’s break down what rewards you’re looking at:

The collection of cards available from the Bonus Picks include: Charmander, Charmeleon, Vulpix, Ninetales, Ponyta, Rapidash, Growlithe, Magmar, Heatmor, and Blaine. While Bonus Picks come at no cost, making them worth your while even if the selection isn’t top tier, some of these cards can significantly enhance your Fire decks. Particularly, Charmander, Vulpix, and Ponyta evolution lines pair excellently with a Blaine trainer card. For instance, boosting Ninetales with Blaine’s extra 30 damage can take down a Pikachu EX in a single blow!

On the other hand, the Rare Pick pool offers cards such as Arcanine EX, Charizard, Moltres, Ninetales, Rapidash, Charmeleon, and Blaine.

Now, are these Rare Picks worth spending your Wonder Stamina on? It’s a bit of a gamble. While Charizard EX, one of the best cards, isn’t available here, Arcanine EX is a rare find, though not necessarily a game-changer. It dishes out 120 damage for three energy, making it effective against Pikachu EX, which frequently appears in online matches. However, considering the randomness of Wonder Picks, there’s no certainty you’ll draw it, so weigh your options carefully. Should you manage to pull Arcanine EX during the event, you’ll snag a Wonder Hourglass and a Shop Ticket too—nice bonuses, but perhaps not reason enough to chase them hard.

Thankfully, even if you don’t land your primary targets, the consolation prizes are notable. As mentioned, Ninetales and Rapidash can inflict serious damage when combined with Blaine. Charmeleon is essential for anyone aiming to build a Charizard deck. And this event presents a prime chance to add Charizard or Moltres to your collection if they’re missing.

Should you empty your stash of Wonder Hourglasses on Rare Picks every time they appear? If you’re missing any of these cards, it might be worthwhile. However, if your collection is already solid, you might not need to be too aggressive. It’s certainly a great use of your stored Wonder Stamina, just keep your cool if the cards you’ve been eyeing don’t flip over.