The very first PvE event is coming to Pokemon Pocket on November 5th-18th. While we do not have much official information, we have gathered information about the event via datamines. So, let's talk about what we know and how we can best prepare for this event.
What We Know
This event will include a promo version of Lapras EX. It will be centered around battling four different decks with different difficulty ratings, just like the game's current selection of solo-play decks. We also know that each deck has its own rewards and challenges with different drop chances for the Promo Pack A Series Vol. 1. This promo pack includes Lapras EX and several other promo cards. For the most part, this event feels straightforward. Battle the different decks, complete challenges, and win promos and items.
What We Don’t Know
We still dont know how many cards you get in each pack. Originally we had thought 5, as there are 5 cards in the pack pool, but there is only 1 "pick" defined in the odds, so it may mean there is only 1 pick or they all have the same odds, well update as the event launches
Lapras EX and Promos
Lapras EX is the flagship promo card for this event and is contained in the promo backs that have a chance to drop after clearing one of the battles. The promo pack's drop rate changes depending on the stage, which we will discuss later. Lapras Ex is a basic Pokemon card with 1 attack costing 3 energy and dealing 80 damage. Lapras EX also has 140 Hp. Those who have played the game a decent bit before or even since release will notice that Lapras EX looks slightly underpowered at face value. It is an easy comparison with one of the main water-type decks running 2x Articuno EX, and both attacks using 3 energy. Lapras does 80 to the active, while Articuno does 80 to the active plus 10 to each benched Pokemon. So, while Lapras looks cool and has great power output, being a basic EX, especially when using Misty, Lapras feels like a weaker Articuno. However, for those who don’t have Articuno EX, Lapras EX will be a great option.
The other promo cards are alternative artwork for three other cards in the game - Pikachu, Butterfree, Clafairy, and a brand-new Mankey. All cards have a promo stamp, as seen in the Meowth and Chansey promos.
Battle Stages
There are four different battle stages ranging from beginner to expert. Each battle stage has its unique deck, challenges, and specific drop rates. All four decks are exclusively water-type, with advanced and expert decks, including the promo Lapras EX. Because all the decks are water-type, being prepared with various lightning-type decks will help during this event. For full information check out our schedule page.
Beginner
The beginner deck is a simple water deck with no trainer cards and only Pokemon cards. The highest HP Pokemon in the list is Lapras, which also is the hardest hitter. We know of two challenges associated with this stage, including putting basic Pokemon into play and knocking out opposing Pokemon with lightning-type Pokemon. Each challenge that is completed grants 3 event hourglasses. The rewards gained for the first clear of this stage are 2 packs of hourglasses, 50 Shinedust, 1 shop ticket, and 25 XP. After each stage is clear, there is a random drop that follows as well.
The drop rates for this stage are as follows.
- Promo Pack (51%)
- 25 Shinedust (100%)
- 1 shop ticket (38.7%).
Lapras EX Drop Event - Beginner
Intermediate
The intermediate deck is another water deck with only regular Pokemon and no EX Pokemon. However, this deck incorporates some trainer cards instead of just including Pokemon. Most notably, this deck has potion, so you'll need to start accounting for doing slightly more damage throughout a match, but all this does is add some slightly better consistency to the deck. Otherwise, the deck has fewer hard hitters and maximizes their damage with Seaking and Lapras like the previous stage. The challenges for this stage have changed slightly. There still is the challenge of knocking out your opponent's Pokemon with lightning-type Pokemon, putting 1 stage 1 Pokemon into play, and winning the battle by turn 14. All three challenges grant 3 hourglasses with a first clear reward of 4 pack hourglasses, 100 Shinedust, 1 shop ticket, and 50 XP.
The drop rates for this stage are as follows.
- Promo Pack (64%)
- 25 Shinedust (100%)
- 1 shop ticket (48.3%).
Lapras ex Drop Event - Intermediate
Advanced
The advanced deck is the first stage, including the promo Pokemon Lapras EX. While the deck is relatively similar to the previous stage, having a 140 HP Lapras EX could be more challenging than the last stage. However, the deck does not include Misty, so ramping energy out is impossible. This stage has 4 different challenges, each granting 4 wonder hourglasses. The challenges are all similar to challenges we have seen in the game before, however notably for this stage we have the challenge that states Win this battle without your opponent getting any points as well as win this battle 5 or more times. These challenges might not be the easiest to complete, unlike previous stages. The first-time clear rewards are 6 pack hourglasses, 150 Shinedust, 1 shop ticket, and 75 XP.
The drop rates for this stage are as follows.
- Promo Pack (80%)
- 25 Shinedust (100%)
- 1 shop ticket (60.4%).
Lapras EX Drop Event - Advanced
Expert
The last and final stage of the event includes the most complete and competitive deck and the most challenging. This deck is close to the Articuno EX and Starmie EX decks, which are currently popular in the meta game. The deck includes Sabrina and Misty, so losing by the first or second turn is possible if Misty high rolls. However, this deck has the same issues as the other stages: all Pokemon are weak to lightning. This stage has 5 different challenges, and each of the challenges, when complete, grants 5 wonder hourglasses. The first-time clear rewards for this stage include 8 Pack hourglasses, 200 shine dust, 1 shop ticket, and 100 XP.
The drop rates for this stage are as follows.
- Promo Pack (100%)
- 25 Shinedust (100%)
- 1 shop ticket (75%).
Lapras EX Drop Event - Expert
Decks to bring
Pikachu EX
This Pikachu EX meta deck is straightforward and packs a lot of punch. Especially against a water-type deck, this will get the job done most of the time.
Basic Lightning
Because the deck runs mainly water-type Pokemon, for those who might not have both Pikachu EX and Zapdos EX, this simple version can help beat a water-type deck quickly and efficiently. Most Pokemon only take 1 or 2 energy to power up their attacks, and with the extra damage granted because of the water weakness, most of their Pokemon will fall easily. Also, having Riachu in the deck for the Pokemon with more health, like Lapras EX and Starmie EX for the later challenges, is a nice boost.
Tiny but Mighty
This is another simple version of a lightning deck that can pack a powerful punch and win against the later stages. Also, this deck helps complete the win this battle with certain rarity Pokemon.
Greninja Jolteon
While this deck is not full of lightning Pokemon, it is fast and efficient and can take care of both benched and active Pokemon simultaneously. If you want something different than just full lightning, I would use this as a fun, simple deck to play.
Overall, bringing any combination of lightning Pokemon to this event will be met with success just because of the way weakness works for water Pokemon.
Conclusion
The Lapras EX drop event is slated to run from November 5th through the 18th, giving you plenty of time to gain all of the promos and rewards you want. While we don’t have all of the specifics yet and will get a clear picture tomorrow when it drops, we should have a pretty good idea of what to expect from all the information above. So get your Lightning Pokemon trained up and ready to go!