Pokemon TCG Live adds new Build and Battle mode

Pokemon TCG Live has announced that it will add a new game mode called Build and Battle. The mode is inspired by the physical Trading Card Game (TCG) pre-release events. Build and Battle will debut alongside the game’s next expansion, Chaos Rising, which launches on 21 May 2026.

What is Build and Battle?

In Build and Battle mode, players face off with prebuilt decks and a small selection of packs. Each participant receives a 40-card deck built around a specific Pokemon or playstyle, along with four packs from the current set. This gives players the chance to swap cards from the packs into their deck and upgrade it before taking on other participants.

Formats and events

Pokemon TCG Live offers several ways to experience the game, including the Standard format and the Expanded format. Standard includes both ranked and unranked queues, while Expanded includes cards released from the Black and White expansion onward. The game also regularly runs new Trainer Trials events, which challenge players with different deck-building restrictions.

Details on the Chaos Rising expansion

The upcoming Chaos Rising expansion not only introduces the Build and Battle mode, but also brings in several new Mega Pokemon, including Mega Greninja ex and Mega Floette ex. In addition, new Trainer cards are being added, based on characters from Pokemon Legends: Z-A.

Build and Battle will be the first limited-style game mode in Pokemon TCG Live. Players can use their Event Tokens to join a Build and Battle event, which runs until 4 June 2026. After the Chaos Rising run, more events will follow for earlier expansions such as Destined Rivals, Twilight Masquerade, and Perfect Order, each also offering a free play round for fans.

With this new mode and the Chaos Rising expansion, players can look forward to a refreshed experience in Pokemon TCG Live.