Pokémon TCG Pocket players were greeted with an unexpected surprise this morning—an all-new "Fire Pokémon Mass Outbreak Event." While the event certainly adds some new features, the response from the community has been less than enthusiastic. Let's take a closer look at what the event offers and why it may not have sparked the excitement many were hoping for.
The Fire Pokémon Mass Outbreak Event introduces a variety of elements aimed at adding a bit of fire-themed excitement to the game. Players can tackle new missions that reward them with fire-type Pokémon, such as the much-sought-after Arcanine ex card. There are also Wonder Picks that give players a chance to select from a pool of five fire-type cards or earn either a card or currency. Additionally, a new limited-time flair has been added to enhance certain cards with a fiery effect. On paper, these features seem like they could bring something fresh and fun to the game.
However, the reality of the event seems to have left many players underwhelmed. The missions, while offering rewards, have a catch: players must obtain fire-type cards during the event itself to complete them. For example, if you already own an Arcanine ex card, it won’t count toward the mission because it was obtained before the event. This adds an element of grind, as players are required to collect duplicates of specific cards, which can be tedious.
The Wonder Pick mechanic, which is supposed to make obtaining these event cards easier, is also underwhelming. The hourly free Wonder Pick offers a low chance of acquiring cards instead of currency, and the premium Wonder Pick, which guarantees one of five fire-type cards, costs a hefty three stamina per use. Players are left with two choices: wait long periods to roll the dice or spend real money to make more frequent picks. Neither option feels particularly satisfying for those looking for a more rewarding experience.
Then there’s the event flair, which adds a fiery effect to cards like Arcanine ex. However, the process to obtain these flairs requires not only spending a special currency called Shinedust but also having duplicate cards. For example, obtaining an event flair for an Arcanine ex requires three spare Arcanine ex cards—meaning you’ll need to already own several before you can even unlock the flair. While the chances of obtaining additional cards may be higher thanks to the Wonder Pick, the limited five-day duration of the event makes this feel like a time-sensitive challenge that doesn’t quite justify the effort.
Though the Fire Pokémon Mass Outbreak Event offers a few new opportunities for players to snag fire-type cards, it hasn’t provided the same level of excitement as previous events. Unlike the recent water-type event, which included PvE battles and the chance to earn cards through engaging gameplay, this fire-themed event feels more like a grind with limited rewards. The Pokémon TCG Pocket community has been vocal about the lack of new content and the need for more engaging activities, and this event doesn’t seem to fully address those concerns.
For those looking to maximize their participation in the Fire Pokémon Mass Outbreak Event, it may be worth considering a buy Pokemon TCG pocket top-up to get additional stamina or Shinedust. U4GM offers top-ups that can help players gain the resources they need to make the most of this event, ensuring they don’t miss out on any fiery rewards.