Both the Pokémon Trading Card Game and KeyForge offer engaging gameplay experiences with their own unique mechanics and communities. Pokémon TCG appeals to those who enjoy deck building and collecting, while KeyForge attracts players with its unique deck concept and simpler initial gameplay. The choice depends on individual preferences for deck customization and the importance of collectibility.
| Attribute | Pokémon Trading Card Game | KeyForge |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Pokémon Trading Card Game | KeyForge |
| Number of cards in starter deck | 60 | KeyForge decks contain 36 cards, comprised of 3 "House pods" with 12 cards each. Starter sets may include two decks. |
| Expansion set availability | Numerous expansions are released regularly. Recent and upcoming sets include "Prismatic Evolutions," "Journey Together," "Destined Rivals," "Black Bolt and White Flare," and "Mega Evolution". | KeyForge has multiple expansion sets. Standard sets include: Call of the Archons, Age of Ascension, Worlds Collide, Mass Mutation, Dark Tidings, Winds of Exchange, Grim Reminders, and "". Special sets (tournament legal) include Vault Masters, More Mutation, Tokens of Change, and Discovery. |
| Rarity distribution | Common: Basic Pok mon and Energy cards, marked with a circle. Uncommon: Trainer cards and Stage 1 Pok mon, marked with a diamond. Rare: Cards with unique abilities, higher HP/damage, often foil, marked with a star. Sub-classes exist within the rare category. Ultra Rare: Showcase amazing abilities and artwork. Examples include Pok mon ex, Pok mon LV. X, Pok mon LEGEND, Pok mon Prime, Pok mon-EX, Pok mon-GX, Pok mon V, Pok mon VMAX. Secret Rare: Cards with a collector number exceeding the set number, often foil. | Card rarities include common, uncommon, rare, and special. An average deck has approximately 24 commons, 9 uncommons, and 3 rares. Special rarities include fixed, maverick, and variant cards. |
| Card art style | Diverse artwork, including standard, full art, alternate art, and more. | Not available |
| Gameplay complexity | The game involves strategic deck building, resource management (Energy cards), and understanding Pok mon abilities and Trainer card effects. While the basic rules are straightforward, mastering the game requires understanding card interactions and developing effective strategies. | KeyForge is designed to be accessible, with simple rules. However, new mechanics are added with each expansion, increasing complexity. |
| Tournament scene | The Pok mon Company International organizes Play! Pok mon, where players can compete in tournaments to earn points and prizes. Tournaments are held at local, national, and international levels. | KeyForge has an organized play scene with various events, including Vault Tours, Prime Championships, and World Championships. Formats include Archon, Sealed, and Alliance. |
| Collectible value | Collectible value depends on rarity, card condition, age, print number, and demand in competitive play. | The game was designed to reduce card trading, but some cards can still be sought after. |
| Trading card accessibility | Cards are available in booster packs, starter decks, and through individual sellers. Buyers should be cautious of fake cards. | KeyForge is a "unique deck game," meaning each deck is unique and not designed for modification. Decks are sold pre-constructed. |
| Deck construction rules | Decks must contain exactly 60 cards. Must have at least one Basic Pok mon. A maximum of four copies of any card with the same name are allowed, except for Basic Energy cards. | In the standard format, there is no deck construction. You play with the deck as it is. The Alliance format allows for limited deck construction using house pods from different decks within the same set. |
| Unique card mechanics | The game has introduced various mechanics throughout its history, including Pok mon ex, GX, V, VMAX, and VSTAR. | KeyForge uses a "house" system where players declare a house each turn and can only play cards from that house. The game also features unique counters and keywords. |
| Game duration | A typical match can last from 2 to 120 minutes. In tournaments, a single game may be limited to 20 or 25 minutes. | Officially, a game has a 35-minute time limit. Experienced players can finish a game in 20-45 minutes. |
| Theme and setting | The game is based on the Pok mon universe, featuring Pok mon characters, locations, and themes from the video games and anime. | KeyForge is set on the Crucible, a planet where beings from across the universe have been brought together. Players take on the role of Archons, leading teams to unlock Vaults. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Ratings | overall: Not available, performance: Not available | Not available |
| Pros | Active local and online communities, Easy-to-follow rules, Pre-built decks available for beginners, Regularly released new expansions introducing new cards and mechanics, Strategic deck building and gameplay | Accessible gameplay with simple rules, Unique deck game, each deck is different, Organized play scene with various events, New expansions introduce new houses, mechanics, and cards |
| Cons | Card effects often rely on luck elements, Cost of a competitive deck can range from $40-$200+, Power creep is a factor | New mechanics with each expansion increase complexity, Designed to reduce card trading |