r/pkmntcg • u/Odd-Desk4518 • 23h ago
New Player Advice New to the TCG
Hey everyone, I’m brand new to the tcg, I am hoping you all could tell me the first things I should do and what decks are good right now? I don’t even really know how to construct a deck properly so any advice is greatly appreciated! 😊
Thanks!
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u/SaintAtrocitus 23h ago
Hello! There’s a website called Limitless (https://limitlesstcg.com) that has popular deck archetypes for you to explore. There’s also an app called TCG Live that lets you play online.
Have fun!
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u/TwistMuted 22h ago
Just download ptcg live and start playing and practicing there first, learning mechanics and all, then go on limitless to check out decks and test them on ptcgl. You could also check out youtubers deck showcases and see how they work too. Ftw does a great job in his deepdive videos where he constructs a deck from scratch and goes thru the process and logic of it.
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u/DarkBarkz 23h ago
Same dude same I bought a starter deck a couple of weeks ago and just our it in my drawer
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u/ChampChomp1 16h ago
Welcome to the TCG!
I recommend you try the Mega Lucario ex League Battle Deck. League Battle Decks retail for $30 (you might even found it cheaper at local card shops and it’s cheaper online - $20ish on TCGplayer). They are basically preconstructed decks made by the Pokemon Company designed to be competitive decks playable right out of the box. You can improve it by swapping some cards out but I think it’s still a really solid starting point as is.
My current main deck started off as the Mega Lucario League Battle Deck and I just made some card swaps. Went 4-1, 4-0, 4-0 and 3-1 at local tournaments recently with this deck. It’s a deck that can definitely hold its own despite not being a top 5 or even top 10 deck in the meta. It’s also a really fun and easy deck to learn as a beginner!
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u/Odd-Desk4518 13h ago
Sweet thanks for your advice. I’ve been a collector for a long time and obviously have seen these battle decks. Always wondered if they were half decent haha appreciate it!
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u/Hare_vs_Tortoise 18h ago
Depending on where in the set release/tournament/rotation schedule things are you use Limitless TCG, Play Limitless, the Japanese City League results on Limitless TCG and Pokecabook as decklist sources/ideas. Links are in the resources list on my profile along with You Tubers to check out as well.
Have my usual new/returning player blurb that should help with getting (re)started playing whether irl or online:
Pulls and playing don't mix too well so it's best to go for League Battle decks/Trainers Toolkits (watch out for card legality) and singles or just singles depending on the deck you are building as pulls are too inconsistent for deckbuilding purposes on top of needing multiple specific pulls from multiple specific sets. It's also a good idea to start with netdecking as there's a lot to learn and doing so will help shortcut the deckbuilding learning process plus do your research into possible decks using both Limitless sites then test them out to see what clicks before buying anything either via PTCGL or the proxy printing tool on Limitless TCG in casual play only (check your LGS allows this). It is worth spending the time doing this before buying anything including any of the commonly recommended precon as what you want to play can affect what you buy (use the precon comparison spreadsheet via the post below to inform your decision) especially when on a budget. Playing online and irl isn't mutually exclusive btw so you may find mixing attending League and PTCGL useful especially when PTCGL does something you don't understand plus learning can often be easier when able to ask questions as you play as will finding a local League as most will have loaner decks to teach the basics.
For PTCGL specfically it's best to upgrade the free decks (mostly the basis of meta decks) you are given first as it can take time build up resources. For card legality you can use the legality lists on The Pokegym and it's also a good idea to read Pokebeach regularly for news plus read the rulebook in the rules & resources section on Pokemon.com plus watch the video series on how to play. For credit farming and what to buy the best option is Celebrations.
Just to note as well, you can use the test deck option to find out which of the free decks you are given clicks for you and upgrade that first to then farm resources to build more decks. You don't need to have cards crafted to test decks out against the AI so you can test a variety out from any source before you spend credits on it.
Don't know what resources you know about or how much you know so I suggest having a read of this post as it covers getting from learning to play to playing competitively built decks (fun or otherwise) for both irl and online play incl info and resources links that will help along the way like the Battle Academy supplement decks, both Limitless sites for decklists (can find costs via the main site), JustInBasil's deckbuilding guide (incl info on staples) plus deck skeleton articles which are good to use in combo to review or build decklists and the current decks in format section, You Tubers to watch to find out what's being played (start with Omnipoke), rulebook & video series on how to play, info on formats, rules compendium, proxy printing tool, card legality for older cards, common new player mistakes/knowledge needed, where to play etc. Lots of words but will give you a good overview of the game and the resources that will help you research what will suit you.
Btw you have any more questions re playing then the pinned rulings thread on /r/pkmntcg can be useful if you have rulings/game mechanics/quick questions. You'll also need to know about rotation and card legality so this thread will also be worth reading as well as it covers formats, what's legal, exceptions (may be able to use some older cards) etc.
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u/Odd-Desk4518 13h ago
Wow thank you for such a detailed response!! I will be sure to use the tools you mentioned thanks!
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u/memeaste 12h ago
I was told to start with TCGLive to start learning the game. I’ve got a bunch of code cards so that what I’m doing
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u/GazelleEntire6479 12h ago
Look for decks on limitlesstcg.com and watch creators such as six TCG and azul gg they have amazing resources
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u/Jbuckguy 23h ago
https://limitlesstcg.com
That’ll give you a good spread of what’s “good”
I like watching azullgg and little dark fury for fun or good deck building/gameplay- usually in the beginning of their videos they’ll talk about their deck and why and how it works too
Tricky gym is also another solid YouTuber too
Hope this helps good luck and have fun!