Pokémon TCG Pocket’s Emblem Event Is Creating A Toxic PvP Atmosphere

In Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, the new Genetic Apex SP Emblem Event has begun. This has encouraged players to take part in versus battles to win various prizes. However, this event has brought an intense level of toxicity to the game mode. With the prizes difficult to acquire, players are starting to take out their frustrations on their opponents, leading to bad sportsmanship becoming more commonplace. This has been getting increasingly worse since TCGP‘s successful release in October, with the toxicity reaching its highest with this event, which should be a test of skill rather than childishness.

As the event goes on, players have been expressing their attitudes towards this behavior on social media. Many of these players are reporting that opponents are running down the clock from losing positions and are avoiding the “Thank You” feature at the end of a battle. Moving forward, various features need to be implemented into the game to improve battles for players who don’t exhibit this behavior.

Genetic Apex SP Emblem Event 1 Explained

The New Event is Challenging Players, Testing Their Consistency And Skill

The Genetic Apex SP Emblem Event runs from December 9, 2024, until December 16, 2024, and requires players to take part in PvP battles. This event only lasts a week and tests the skills and consistency of the player, with the top prize requiring five consecutive wins. Primarily, players will aim to achieve different special emblems. These are small images that can be placed on a player’s profile to showcase their achievements in the game. There are four of these emblems that are up for grabs, with the requirements increasing in difficulty as the emblem becomes more coveted.

Mission	Reward
Win 2 Consecutive Event Matches	Participation Emblem
Win 3 Consecutive Event Matches	Bronze Emblem
Win 4 Consecutive Event Matches	Silver Emblem
Win 5 Consecutive Event Matches	Gold Emblem

Along with this, there are several participation missions that give other rewards, separate from the emblems. This is to encourage players to take part in the event, regardless of their skill and seriousness. This includes Pack Hourglasses and Shinedust. These are both sought after, with Pack Hourglasses allowing you to open packs and Shinedust giving you cosmetic customization.

Mission	Reward
Participate in 1 Event Match	3 Pack Hourglasses
Participate in 3 Event Match	3 Pack Hourglasses
Participate in 5 Event Match	6 Pack Hourglasses
Participate in 10 Event Match	12 Pack Hourglasses
Win 1 Event Match	50 Shinedust
Win 3 Event Match	100 Shinedust
Win 5 Event Match	200 Shinedust
Win 10 Event Match	500 Shinedust
Win 25 Event Match	1,000 Shinedust
Win 50 Event Match	2,000 Shinedust

Notably, this second set of missions is much easier compared to the ones requiring consecutive wins. For many players, though, the rewards aren’t as enticing, as a Gold Emblem from this event could be a fairly impressive addition to a player’s profile.

Why The Emblem Event Is Frustrating Players

Bitter Players Are Using Frustrating Tactics to Annoy The Winning Opposition

With players needing to win consistent and consecutive battles, one loss will send them back to square one. This is the sole reason why this event is so difficult. Players may get four wins and fall at the last hurdle, triggering an intense amount of frustration. Though there is something that is far worse: other players and their bitter tactics. The main and worst thing these players are doing is running down the timer rather than conceding. Conceding is a mechanic for players that are in losing positions, admitting that they are defeated and cutting the battle short.

In this event, some losing players have resorted to forcing their winning opponents to wait out the timer, leaving them with two choices: stay patient or concede. This childish behavior is born from both the difficulty of the event and the bitterness of the player. It must be noted that this is not all Pokémon TCG Pocket players, but there are enough of them for this to become a significant problem. It could be argued that it would be easier for these players to concede and jump back into a TCG Pocket battle for another attempt, but bitterness has taken precedence.

Pokémon TCG Pocket: Tips To Complete The Genetic Apex Deck

Players should look to complete the Genetic Apex Deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket and it can be done through packs, pack points and wonder picks.

As well as this, there is another, albeit less significant, toxic trait emerging from this event. Players after a battle have the chance to thank the opponent, giving them a shop ticket in the process. This feature was regarded as a positive by the community, spreading a level of sportsmanship in the mobile game. Yet, now losing players are far less likely to hit the “Thanks!” button after their battle.

How To Restore A Positive Atmosphere In Pokémon TCG Pocket Battles

The Game Developers Need To Make Changes To Reduce Toxicity

For Pokémon TCG Pocket, a fix to this toxicity issue is necessary. Without a solution, this will start to drive players away from the game, regarding the environment as not worthy of time or effort. In order to do this, the game developers can put one major change in place. A change that will reduce the nasty atmosphere birthed by the event.

The event should not be changed. Despite being incredibly difficult for many players, this so-called impossible TCGP event is enjoyable. The rewards are worth the challenge and the aim is generally fun. With that being said, the one battle mechanic should and needs to be changed as soon as possible. The turn timer needs to be reduced, perhaps even by half. This would reduce the number of players using the frustrating tactic of waiting out the timer. The concede button would be better worth their time when losing a Pokémon TCG Pocket battle.