So yesterday I decided to tackle the impossible dream: completing every set in Pokemon TCG Pocket. Saw some folks online bragging about full collections, thought “how hard could it be?” Spoiler: real damn hard. Started my morning scrolling through card lists feeling dizzy – hundreds of cards per set! My master plan? Focus on Base Set first since I had about 60% already. Dumped all my saved coins into card packs like a maniac.
The Grind Begins
Opened packs nonstop while eating breakfast. Three eggs and fifteen packs later, got nothing but duplicates. Checked my binder – same common Pidgeys and Rattatas staring back. Thought trading would save me, but turns out nobody wants your junk cards either. Offered three Pidgeys for one Charmander and got laughed out of chat. Lesson learned: starters are worth gold.
Trading Nightmares
Changed strategy – started hunting specific rares. Became that annoying guy spamming “LF Charizard, FT anything!” in global chat. Two hours of scrolling made my thumbs numb. Finally found someone willing to trade, but their demands were ridiculous:
- Wanted 10 holos for one Charizard
- Demanded Machamp + Alakazam
- Insisted on throwing in three energy cards “for fun”
Told him to get lost. My hands were actually shaking from frustration at this point.
The Energy Card Swindle
Discovered people trade good cards for energy cards when desperate. Farmed energy missions like a robot:
- Played same water deck 25 times
- Beat opponents using only Magikarp splashes
- Stayed up till 3AM watching HP bars inch down
Stockpiled 200 energy cards like a dragon hoarding gold. Felt dirty trading 30 water energies for Venusaur, but you do what you gotta do.
Final Stretch Madness
Last week only needed Blastoise and Mewtwo. Must’ve opened fifty packs with zero luck. Got so desperate I started checking:
- Daily free packs (trash)
- Mission rewards (more trash)
- Random trade offers (scams)
Then bam! Woke up to trade notification – some kid wanted my duplicate Zapdos for Blastoise! Grabbed it before he changed his mind. For Mewtwo? Found someone who needed fighting energies bad. Dumped all 85 fighting cards I had into trade. Sweated bullets watching that 10-second countdown. Felt like winning lottery when “trade complete” popped up.
The Reality Check
Took screenshots of my complete binder like a proud parent. But honestly?
- Spent like three weeks straight
- Ate microwave dinners over booster packs
- Got carpal tunnel from tapping trades
Worth it? Yeah kinda. Would I do it again? Hell no. Next guy who asks “how to complete all sets?” – I’m telling them to touch grass instead. This ain’t a hobby, it’s a second job with worse pay.