Pokemon TCG Pocket: How Do Retreat Costs Work?

In Pokemon TCG Pocket, mastering the mechanics of retreat costs is crucial to maintaining a competitive edge during battles. Retreating is an essential gameplay mechanic that allows players to switch their Active Pokemon with one from their Bench, often saving them from precarious situations. Here’s everything you need to know about how retreat costs work and when to use this strategy effectively.

Discard Energy From Your Active Pokemon to Return it to the Bench

Every Pokemon card in Pokemon TCG Pocket has a Retreat Cost indicated at the bottom of the card, along with information about its Weakness. The Retreat Cost represents the number of Energy cards you must discard from your Active Pokemon to move it to the Bench.

• Basic Pokemon often have lower Retreat Costs, making them easier to switch out.

• Evolved Pokemon generally require more Energy to retreat due to their stronger stats and abilities.

Understanding these costs is vital when planning your moves during the game.

Pokemon Can Retreat Only Once per Turn

In Pokemon TCG Pocket, a Pokemon can only retreat once per turn. This limitation means strategic planning is necessary to avoid being stuck with a vulnerable Pokemon in the Active Spot.

Additionally, if a Pokemon has no Energy attached, it cannot retreat. Ensure your Pokemon have the necessary Energy if you anticipate needing to switch them out during battle.

Use the X Speed to Reduce the Retreat Cost

An essential item in your deck is the X Speed, which reduces the Retreat Cost of your Active Pokemon by 1 Energy for the turn. For instance:

• A Pokemon with a Retreat Cost of 3 Energy will only require 2 Energy to retreat if you use X Speed.

Having X Speed in your deck can be a game-changer during crucial moments, especially when you need to save Energy for attacking or building your Bench.

When to Use Retreat

1. Retreat When a Pokemon Has Low HP

When your Active Pokemon’s HP is critically low, it’s time to retreat. This tactic prevents your opponent from scoring knock-out points while allowing you to continue the battle with a healthier Pokemon.

2. Switch Out with Pokemon You Trained on the Bench

Building a strong Bench is a key strategy in Pokemon TCG Pocket. When your Active Pokemon takes significant damage, retreating allows you to replace it with a fully powered-up Pokemon from your Bench, maintaining your momentum and offensive pressure.

3. Recover from Status Conditions

Retreating is also a useful way to recover from status effects. For instance, if your Pokemon is Poisoned, retreating is the only way to cure this condition in the current version of the game. Keep an eye on future updates, as more status effects may become curable through retreating.

Where to Get the Best Pokemon TCG Pocket Cards

If you’re looking to improve your deck and optimize your retreat strategies, consider purchasing premium cards. Many online platforms offer Pokemon TCG Pocket cards for sale. For players seeking reliability and affordability, you can buy Pokemon TCG Pocket cards from trusted sites like U4GM. Enhance your collection and make retreating an even more strategic option with the right cards in your deck.