Battling against AI in Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket (TCGP) is fun, but nothing beats facing off against real players, especially friends. Just like the immensely popular Pokémon Go, TCGP lets you connect and compete with your friends. This guide will walk you through adding friends and initiating private battles in Pokémon TCGP.
Pokemon TCGP Friends menu buttons circled red.Accessing the Friends menu in Pokemon TCGP
Adding Friends in Pokémon TCGP
Before challenging your friends, you’ll need to add them to your in-game friends list. Follow these simple steps:
1. Unlock the Social Hub
Complete the initial tutorial missions to unlock the Social Hub. You can access it via the button located at the bottom center of the screen.
2. Access the Friends Menu
Once in the Social Hub, locate and select the “Friends” button in the bottom-left corner.
Pokemon TCGP add friends button circled red.Adding a friend in Pokémon TCGP
3. Sharing Your Friend ID
To add a friend, you’ll need to share your Friend ID or receive theirs. Tap the button with the person and “+” icon in the top-right corner. Copy your ID and share it with your friend, or enter your friend’s ID in the “Search for a player” bar. Once you’ve found each other, send a friend request.
MaagX Friend ID screen.Finding your Friend ID in Pokémon TCGP
4. Approving the Request
The recipient of the friend request needs to approve it. Navigate to the “Approve” tab in the bottom-right corner of the Friends screen and accept the pending request.
Setting Up a Private Battle in Pokémon TCGP
Currently, Pokémon TCGP only supports 1v1 private battles. Ensure you have a way to communicate with your friend outside of the game to coordinate the following steps:
1. Access the Battle Menu
Select the fourth icon at the bottom of the screen to enter the Battle menu.
Pokemon TCGP Battle menu button circled red.Navigating to the Battle menu in Pokémon TCGP
2. Choose Private Match
In the Battle menu, select “Versus,” then choose “Private Match.”
Pokemon TCGP Versus and Private Match buttons circled red.Selecting the Private Match option
3. Setting the Password
Both you and your friend must enter the same password to join the private match. You can either create a custom password or let the game generate one automatically. Remember, the password is case-sensitive.
Pokemon TCGP Private Match password screen.Setting up a password for your private match
4. Select Your Deck and Battle!
Once the password is set, choose your desired deck by selecting the “Deck” button, and then hit “Battle!” You should connect with your friend shortly. If not, double-check the password for accuracy or verify your internet connections.
Conclusion
While currently limited to friends and requiring a shared password, private battles offer a great way to test your skills and enjoy Pokémon TCGP with friends. As the game evolves, we might see additional features for private matches in the future.
