Unlocking a powerful Pokémon ex deck without spending a dime is now a reality in Pokémon TCG Pocket. Thanks to the Shining Revelry expansion, players can earn a free ex Starter Deck by completing simple in-game missions, permanently adding coveted cards like Giratina ex or Charizard ex to their collection. This limited-time event not only boosts your deck but also opens doors to shiny promos and exclusive packs-here’s how to claim your free ex deck and choose the best one to dominate the battlefield.
The new expansion adds shiny Pokémon and a much-anticipated Ranked mode to the game. But even better, this update also introduces a new time-limited event where you can complete missions for a batch of in-game rewards, including a free ex deck. You have roughly a month to complete the missions and collect the rewards. It started on Thursday, March 27, and will run until Saturday, April 26.
This guide will show you how to get a free ex deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket and help you decide the best deck to pick.
How to get a free ex starter deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket
To get a free ex starter deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket, you need to complete a specific mission during the Shining Revelry event. First, navigate to the Missions page and find the “ex Starter Deck” section. Then, use pack stamina to open five booster packs, which will earn you a Deck Ticket (Event item). After completing this task, return to the mission page to claim your Deck Ticket. Finally, go to the in-game shop under the “Limited / Events” tab and exchange your Deck Ticket for the ex starter deck of your choice. This deck will be permanently added to your collection, allowing you to use its cards freely.
In the past, Pokémon TCG Pocket has used a deck rental system where you can use certain special decks for a limited number of times. Now, Shining Revelry expansion introduced a new kind of reward that allows players to pick and choose an ex starter deck, adding all cards in it to your collection permanently.
Given that, here is how to get a free starter ex deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket.
- Go to the Missions page and select the section labeled “ex Starter Deck.”
- You need to complete the mission that gets you the “Deck Ticket (Event)” item: “Use pack stamina to open 5 booster packs.”
- Open five packs with stamina and return to the ex Starter Deck mission page, then complete the mission to get your Deck Ticket. (See our guide on how to earn more Hourglasses in case you need it).
- Now go to the in-game shop. On the “Limited Time / Events” tab, you’ll be able to use the Deck Ticket to redeem a starter ex deck of your choice.
A free starter ex deck isn’t the only decent reward you can get as part of this event. You can also get a shiny Cyclizar promo card and some bonus Shining Revelry packs. So make sure you check out the other missions after you get your deck.
Best ex starter deck to pick in Pokémon TCG Pocket
The best ex starter deck to pick in Pokémon TCG Pocket largely depends on your play style and the cards you need to complete your collection. Among the nine available decks, the Dark-type Paldean Clodsire ex deck is often considered the strongest overall, thanks to its solid stats and effective attack. However, the Giratina ex deck is also highly recommended for its synergy with other powerful cards like Darkrai ex. Charizard ex is another top contender, especially for players who favor fire-type decks. Ultimately, choosing a deck that complements your existing cards or fills gaps in your collection is key, as each deck adds all its cards permanently to your collection after redemption.
There are nine decks in total that you can choose from and each features a different ex Pokémon as their signature card. Here are all the themes for each deck:
- Beedrill ex Starter Deck (grass)
- Charizard ex Starter Deck (fire)
- Wugtrio ex Starter Deck (water)
- Pikachu ex Starter Deck (lightning)
- Giratina ex Starter Deck (psychic)
- Lucario ex Starter Deck (fighting)
- Paldean Clodsire ex Starter Deck (darkness)
- Tinktaton ex Starter Deck (colorless)
- Bibarel ex Starter Deck (colorless)
There are a few ways you can go about picking a deck. Since you get to keep these cards, you can pick a deck that helps you fill out your collection and gives you cards you have had trouble getting from packs.
If you want to pick the strongest deck, well that’s subjective. So far, it’s looking like Giratina ex could be a strong contender and used in future decks. This card has 150 HP and a retreat cost of two energy. Its ability Broken-Space Bellow, allows you to take a psychic energy from your Energy Zone and attach it to Giratina ex and then end your turn immediately. This makes it a great Pokémon that allows you to take advantage of going first (a rarity in the game so far).
I also want to give a shoutout to Paldean Clodsire ex here. It has 160 HP and a retreat cost of three. Its only attack, Venoshock, requires two energy to use. It has a base attack of 60 and does 60 more damage if your opponent is poisoned. That’s nothing to scoff at and I am planning on picking it to see how I can fit it into decks with Dakrai ex, Weavile ex, and Weezing.
Additionally, other cards you can get like the new versions of Lucario ex and Charizard ex look promising. If you are already playing with fighting-type and fire-type decks, these could be worth checking out. However, these are all “starter” decks. Each deck only comes with one ex each, so these won’t necessarily be the sets that help you win a ton of matches in ranked. Just pick what you think could be fun to play! (Which is why personally I’ll probably end up picking Paldean Clodsire ex).
Want to discover the secret mission to unlock your free ex deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket
To unlock your free ex deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket, you need to complete a special mission introduced with the Shining Revelry expansion. Here’s the secret mission step-by-step:
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Go to the Missions page and find the section labeled “ex Starter Deck.”
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Complete the mission that requires you to open five booster packs using stamina (pack stamina). Opening three packs may also count toward this goal.
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After opening the required booster packs, return to the mission page to claim your “Deck Ticket.”
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Visit the in-game shop under the Limited/Events tab and exchange your Deck Ticket for a free ex starter deck of your choice.
This mission is available for a limited time and rewards you with a permanent ex deck added to your collection, along with other rewards like shiny promo cards and additional packs.
What are the exact steps to unlock the free ex starter deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket
To unlock the free ex Starter Deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket, follow these exact steps:
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Go to the Missions page in the game and locate the mission titled “ex Starter Deck.”
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Complete the mission by using pack stamina to open 5 booster packs. You can open these packs gradually; even opening three packs counts toward progress, but you need to reach five to finish the mission.
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Once you have opened five booster packs with stamina, return to the ex Starter Deck mission page and complete the mission to receive a “Deck Ticket (Event)” item.
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Head to the in-game Shop, then navigate to the Limited / Events tab.
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Exchange your Deck Ticket for one of nine available ex Starter Decks. Each deck includes a powerful ex Pokémon and all the cards in that deck permanently added to your collection.
The event runs from March 27, 2025, to April 26, 2025, with an additional week to redeem your Deck Ticket in the shop. The nine decks include options like Charizard ex, Giratina ex, Paldean Clodsire ex, and others, so choose the one that best fits your play style or collection needs.
