The latest expansion of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, titled Scarlet & Violet—Journey Together, is now available for gameplay in Pokémon Trading Card Game Live. This exciting expansion marks the return of Trainer’s Pokémon along with the introduction of powerful Pokémon ex. Players can collect these new cards and incorporate them into their decks, enabling them to battle against players from around the world. As part of this expansion, players can engage in battles using both the new Standard format and alternate formats through the introduction of thrilling new Trainer Trials that offer unique battle experiences.
The 2025 Pokémon TCG Standard format is on the horizon, though it has not yet been implemented for live events. Players can begin practicing for this upcoming format, which officially launches on March 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PDT, in Pokémon TCG Live. Notably, this new format will exclude Radiant Pokémon, Pokémon V, and Pokémon VSTAR cards (apologies to Lugia VSTAR fans). This presents a fantastic opportunity for players to brainstorm and develop innovative strategies. Remember, cards marked with the “F” regulation mark will no longer be legal for play in the 2025 Standard format. For more detailed information on which cards are permitted, refer to the 2025 Pokémon TCG Standard format rotation announcement.
The transition to a new legal card pool also introduces exciting new starter decks in Pokémon TCG Live. At the launch of Scarlet & Violet—Journey Together, players can explore a variety of new decks featuring notable characters like Hydreigon ex and Dragapult ex. To enhance your gameplay, check out our comprehensive starter deck strategies article, which provides valuable tips and tricks for effectively piloting these decks in battles.
Get ready for an innovative gameplay experience with the introduction of Trainer Trials! This new game mode is accessible in the Casual section of the Home Screen and showcases a rotating selection of Trials, each featuring unique deck-building rules. The Trials will rotate every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. PDT and typically last for one to two weeks. Each Trial introduces different restrictions on card usage and deck-building strategies. Players can look forward to diverse formats ranging from the brand-new Singleton Showdown, allowing only one copy of each card (excluding Basic Energy), to the beloved Gym Leader Challenge.
Here’s the schedule for the upcoming Trainer Trials associated with Scarlet & Violet—Journey Together:
March 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PDT – April 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PDT: Singleton Showdown (Standard card pool) April 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PDT – April 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PDT: Twin Battle (Standard card pool) April 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PDT – May 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PDT: Gym Leader Challenge (Expanded card pool) May 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PDT – May 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PDT: Silver Series (Scarlet & Violet Series) May 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PDT – May 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PDT: CU Cup—Expanded (Expanded card pool)Join in the fun as you discover new cards, build powerful decks, and experience the exhilarating challenges presented by the new Trainer Trials!
