When "Pokémon TCG Pocket" initially hinted at its much-anticipated Ranked Mode, competitive players couldn't wait to ascend the leaderboard. However, for casual players and off-meta deck
players, particularly the devoted Eeveelution followers, the feature added appeared to be a skip feature. That was until the rich Ranked Mode rewards enticed even the most passive players into competition.
According to one "TCG Pocket" player, she immediately noticed that the beloved Ranked Mode is not as challenging as it looks since it's infested by bots.
Easy Victory in Ranked Battles? It's Possibly Too Good to Be True
Most players entering Ranked Mode anticipated stiff competition. What they got, however, were suspiciously effortless wins. Mismatched energy-type decks, bad strategy, and questionable moves ruled the early ranks. It wasn't long before perceptive players realized something was amiss—most of these odd opponents had simple, one-word usernames, according to ComicBook writer Amanda Kay Oaks.
Oaks later realized the painful truth of why she kept winning without breaking a sweat: the opponents that she was facing weren't actual players, and they were just bots.
Bots Exist—And They're Integrated into Ranked Mode
At first glance, these AI competitors are indistinguishable from human players. Their avatars are very simple, and users can even friend them or flash their emotes after matches. But these invisible opponents never react—and for a good reason.
As per fine print within the official Pokémon TCG Pocket Ranked Mode announcement, the game itself adds AI players "at certain ranks" to pair with users.
This quiet revelation was hidden under the polished rank reward graphics and just above a glaring red "Attention!" banner, allowing it to escape many players' notice.
Why 'Pokémon TCG Pocket' Utilizes Bots in Competitive Play
The "hidden card flip feature" was something that amazed fans. It was kept secret for quite some time, but Redditors noticed it just two months ago. However, the bot-filled Rank Mode isn't receiving the warm reception that the hidden card flip has received.
Unlike the illicit bots invading "Pokémon TCG" listings on the internet, those in "Pokémon TCG Pocket" are deliberate. The game developers probably deploy them to attract new players to the Ranked play or boost confidence following a painful losing streak. It's a discreet mechanic designed to mimic actual matches without overwhelming new players.
Community reports, particularly from Reddit's r/PTCGP, verify that these AI opponents vanish as you progress up the ranks. So, if you're steamrolling through "Steve" and "Lisa" with your non-meta Grass deck, enjoy it while it lasts—the actual opponents are waiting higher up.
How to Identify an AI Opponent in 'Pokémon TCG Pocket'
Though not tagged outright, there are clear signs if you're facing a bot in Ranked Mode. The first sign is that bots will play inconsistent decks with merged energy types. The second one is that bots won't send reactions in-game. It's like talking to a wall without any "Thanks" or "GG" in the chatbox.
The most glaring sign of a bot is having a generic name. If you meet John, Mike, or any four-letter word multiple times today, it's most likely that they are bots.
If you're still seeing these patterns, odds are you're matched with an AI and not an unskilled player. But don't worry—those shop tickets and rewards are still very real.
While some may frown at the idea of competing against bots, others appreciate the softer learning curve. Whether you're in it for the prizes, the competition, or just to see your favorite Bibarel shine, Pokémon TCG Pocket's Ranked Mode is more accessible than ever—even if your first few wins come at the hands of cleverly disguised AI.
And if you're wondering whether those bots ever say "thank you" back? They don't. But the free loot? Totally worth it.
