When you first boot up Pokémon TCG Pocket, the Genetic Apex starter choice can feel bigger than it really is. It decides your first pack contents and the starter deck you'll be handed, so yes, it matters. If you're comparing early options or even looking at Pokemon TCG Pocket Accounts to see what a stronger start looks like, the safest beginner pick is still the Charizard pack. It gives access to Exeggutor ex, a card that's stayed useful far longer than many early pulls. Exeggutor ex decks aren't always the flashiest, but they win games, and they've often sat around the middle to higher end of tier lists.



Why Charizard is the cleanest Genetic Apex start
The Charizard pack has a lot going for it beyond the name on the front. Moltres ex and Charizard ex give you a clear Fire route, while Exeggutor ex and Erika support a strong Grass plan. You also get access to the Greninja line, Blaine's budget deck pieces, and Sabrina, who is one of those Supporter cards that keeps showing up because she's just useful. If you stick with Charizard packs for a while, you can chase a second Exeggutor ex and two copies of Erika, which makes the deck feel much smoother. It's not a perfect plan, but it's an easy one to understand, and that counts for a lot early on.



Don't spend your early packs too quickly
Before locking yourself into one pack forever, play through the opening missions and use Wonder Pick. The game throws quite a few Pack Hourglasses at new players, so you'll open more packs sooner than you might expect. Those openings give experience, levels, and more Hourglasses, which snowballs nicely during the first few hours. A common mistake is chasing one rare card immediately, then feeling stuck. It's better to see what the game gives you, check which lines are forming naturally, and then commit your resources. Sometimes your best deck isn't the one you planned. It's the one your pulls quietly built for you.



How the newer packs compare
Outside Genetic Apex, the best beginner value has shifted. Space-Time Smackdown's Dialga pack is excellent because it includes Darkrai ex, Rampardos, Dialga ex, Gallade ex, Lucario, Giant Cape, Pokémon Communication, and Dawn. The Palkia pack is also solid thanks to Cyrus, Palkia ex, Weavile ex, Manaphy, Infernape ex, and Rocky Helmet. Both packs can provide Magnezone, a very strong one-point Pokémon. Shining Revelry is another standout because Giratina ex is a real powerhouse, especially with Darkrai ex or support pieces like Greninja. Extradimensional Crisis is also easy to recommend, since Buzzwole ex, Guzzlord ex, and Silvally all give players serious competitive paths.



Packs worth opening and packs to delay
If you're starting fresh, the top packs to focus on are Extradimensional Crisis, Shining Revelry, and Dialga from Space-Time Smackdown. Charizard from Genetic Apex, Eevee Grove, Solgaleo, Lunala, and Palkia are good follow-ups. Eevee Grove has Sylveon ex, Eevee Bag, and Flareon ex, while Celestial Guardians gives access to Rare Candy, a must-have for Stage 2 decks. Arceus, Pikachu, Mew, and Mewtwo are harder to suggest for beginners because they've lost impact or don't build a full deck as neatly. Players who want to skip the slow start sometimes browse cheap Pokemon TCG Pocket Accounts for a head start, but if you're playing normally, choose packs that give both staples and a real deck plan.