Released worldwide on June 6, 2023, after an open beta in France in October 2022, Pokémon TCG Live is the official digital version of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Free on computer, tablet and mobile, it succeeds Pokémon TCG Online. More modern and better-looking than its predecessor, it has become the training ground for many players.
The TCG, faithfully
The rules are those of the real card game, with cards from Black & White to today, in the Standard and Expanded formats. Professor Juniper’s tutorial teaches the basics, and matches are easy to read: opposing cards face you and the animations are clear. For the rules in detail, see our TCG Academy.
Ranked and casual
Ranked mode follows monthly seasons, with six leagues, from the Beginner League to the Master Ball League. Casual mode lets you play with nothing at stake, in Standard, Expanded or Trainer Test, where each card exists in only one copy. See the game modes.
A more generous economy
The Battle Pass, free for everyone since Surging Sparks, rewards daily quests; Credits let you buy individual cards. You can build a competitive deck without paying, with a little patience. In return, card trading between friends, possible in TCG Online, is gone. See the Battle Pass.
Our verdict
The best way to play the Pokémon TCG online: faithful, generous and accessible, despite the end of trading.
What we like
- Free and cross-platform
- The real TCG rules, recent cards included
- A generous Battle Pass and Credits
- A good tool to practice before tournaments
What we like less
- No more trading between friends
- Older cards playable only if reprinted
- An interface that is sometimes heavy on mobile
