Any Format for Deck Building

With several ways to play, we're proud to offer more than just Standard as a format for deck building on pkmn.gg

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Deck Building by Format

When you create a deck, you'll be asked which Format the deck is. The format determines which rules are applied and which cards are allowed for legal play. Based on the format you choose, we'll only show cards allowed in that format to make your deck building life easier.

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Standard Format

The Standard Format is the most widely played and officially supported format in Pokémon TCG tournaments. It includes only the most recent card sets, typically covering the last two to three years of expansions. The rotation happens annually, ensuring the metagame stays fresh and balanced. Standard is ideal for competitive play, as it encourages strategic deck-building with newer mechanics while preventing older, potentially overpowered cards from dominating. If you're looking to stay up-to-date with the latest Pokémon TCG trends, Standard is the way to go.

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Expanded Format

The Expanded Format offers a much larger card pool, including sets from Black & White onward. This format allows for more creative and powerful deck combinations but still enforces a ban list to maintain balance. Expanded is a great choice for players who enjoy deeper deck-building options and experimenting with older strategies while still having structured competitive play. While not as widely used as Standard in official tournaments, it remains a favorite among veteran players who want to revisit past mechanics.

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Gym Leader Challenge

The Gym Leader Challenge (GLC) Format is a fan-created format that focuses on singleton deck-building, meaning you can only have one copy of each card (except Basic Energy), and your deck must consist of only a single Pokémon type. This format is designed to encourage creativity, slower-paced gameplay, and a more nostalgic experience. With no rule box Pokémon allowed (like Pokémon V, GX, or EX), it emphasizes traditional evolution-based strategies. GLC is a fantastic option for casual play and local events, offering a unique and balanced way to enjoy the game.

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Unlimited Format

The Unlimited Format allows cards from every Pokémon TCG set ever released, making it the most unrestricted way to play. While this format enables wild and nostalgic deck-building, it is mostly used for casual or fun games since many older cards create highly unbalanced interactions. Certain broken combos and first-turn wins are possible due to the sheer size of the card pool, so house rules or restrictions are often applied. If you want to experience the full history of Pokémon TCG in a single game, Unlimited is the ultimate way to do it.