The Pocket Anniversary update brings a fresh wave of systems, collectibles, and progression boosts that make the game feel more lively than ever. This update adds share features, expanded trading, mission changes, and a massive list of events rolling out across the month. With new megas, special sets, and login rewards, there is plenty to prepare for.
New features in the Pocket Anniversary update
The first part of the Pocket Anniversary update focuses on major in-game systems. The new share feature lets players share cards up to diamond rarity with friends. Trading expands to include the newest set right away, along with two-star, shiny one, and shiny two cards. Wonder Pick has been adjusted so missing cards show up more often, making collection smoother.
Flare now unlocks with Shine Dust on B-set cards, removing grind requirements. Deck slots jump from 20 to 25, while the max player level climbs from 50 to 60. It is not a massive leap, yet it opens space for more creativity and long-term progression. A favorite button for packs also lands in this update, making it quicker to revisit key products.
Tips before opening packs and jumping into megas
A new mega set launches alongside the Pocket Anniversary update. Saving daily packs ahead of the release helps stack opening power. Monthly hourglass bundles provide extra pack fuel, and grabbing every three-cost and eighteen-cost hourglass helps maximize launch day pulls. Deluxe Pack EX can still be useful if chasing final cards, but many players will shift to the latest content.
With hourglasses dropping from solo missions and special events during the update, stockpiling remains important. The new set introduces Mega Gyarados, Mega Blaziken, and Mega Altaria as chase highlights. Gyarados and Blaziken stand out as top early targets for many players thanks to their strong themes and popular fan appeal.
Special sets, promo tickets, and returning cards
The update also introduces a brand new special set with fresh themes, sleeves, coins, playmats, and backdrops. The styling offers a clean, bold look that many will likely prefer over special set one. Promo tickets arrive too, allowing selection of older promos such as Greninja, Mankey, Dragonair with Shed Skin, and Jigglypuff with Sing. It is a strong catch-up system for anyone who missed early releases.
New emblems for Gyarados, Blaziken, and Altaria join Pokémon-themed icons like Froakie and Yamper. Bonus emblem rewards unlock by collecting sets, finishing battles, and clearing mega-related objectives. Promo reissues run alongside wonder picks, while regional Poke Gold bundles return with tiered pricing for sleeves, coins, and exclusive cards like the Blaziken premium card set.
Celebration missions, battles, and shiny changes
Daily login streaks deliver hourglasses that turn into full packs by the end of the week. Winning battles, trading three times, and clearing missions all convert into packs across multiple sets. New step-up battles roll out, featuring opponents like Absol, Pinsir, Luxio, Frogadier, and Hitmonchan. Expert solo fights test higher-level collections as mega events unfold.
Black Friday-style Poke Gold deals return later in the cycle. Premium missions, thank-you-based bonus weeks, and anniversary celebrations distribute packs from sets like Shining Revalry, Eevee Grove, and Mythical Island. Mega Absol and Eevee promos hit in December.
Data miners also suggest shiny cards show up as a sixth slot in packs, similar to baby cards. That means shiny pulls no longer displace core cards, a subtle yet very positive shift.
