2026, 06 02 · 6 min read
Genetic Apex Complete Set Guide
Genetic Apex is where it all started. Here is everything you need to know about the A1 set — every card, every pack, and how to complete it.
What is Genetic Apex?
Genetic Apex (set code A1) is the launch set for Pokemon TCG Pocket. It introduced the game's first cards, established the rarity system, and contains some of the most valuable cards still in circulation today. Whether you are a new player or a veteran filling gaps, understanding this set is essential.
Browse the complete Genetic Apex card list in our card database or use the Collection Checklist to track your progress.
Pack distribution
Genetic Apex cards are distributed across three pack types. Each pack draws from a different pool, so choosing the right pack is critical.
Charizard Pack
Contains Fire, Fighting, and Dark-type cards. The headline chase is Charizard EX — the single most valuable card in the game. Also home to Arcanine EX, Machamp EX, and several other strong Fire and Fighting types.
If Charizard EX is your target, this is the only pack to open. See our Charizard EX guide for trade value details.
Mewtwo Pack
Contains Psychic, Water, and Fairy-type cards. The crown jewel is Mewtwo EX — second most valuable card in the game. Also features Gardevoir EX, Starmie EX, and other Psychic staples.
Psychic decks are perennially strong, making this pack excellent for both competitive and trade value. See our Mewtwo EX guide.
Pikachu Pack
Contains Electric, Grass, and Normal-type cards. Pikachu EX leads this pack as the third crown rare in A1. Also includes Venusaur EX, Zapdos EX, and Snorlax EX.
This pack is popular with collectors targeting the mascot card and players building Electric or Grass decks.
Chase cards and their values
Genetic Apex contains some of the highest-value cards in all of TCG Pocket. Here are the cards worth chasing, ranked by trade value. For current prices, use our Value Checker.
- Charizard EX — S-tier trade value. The most sought-after card in the game.
- Mewtwo EX — S-tier. Psychic meta centrepiece.
- Pikachu EX — S-tier. Collector favourite, franchise mascot.
- Gardevoir EX — A-tier. Critical support card.
- Gengar EX — A-tier. Fan-favourite art and competitive use.
- Gyarados EX — B-tier. Strong art and Water deck relevance.
Pull rates by rarity
Genetic Apex uses the standard TCG Pocket rarity system. Each pack opening gives you five cards with the following approximate rates for the fifth (rare) slot:
Common cards fill the first three slots consistently. The fourth slot has a chance to upgrade. The fifth slot is where rares, EX cards, and crown rares appear — but the odds thin dramatically at higher rarities.
- Rare (one diamond): roughly 40% per pack
- Rare (two diamond): roughly 25% per pack
- Rare (three diamond): roughly 15% per pack
- EX card: roughly 5% per pack
- Full art EX: roughly 1.5% per pack
- Immersive art: roughly 0.3% per pack
- Crown rare: roughly 0.067% per pack (~1 in 1,500). See Pull Rates Explained for the math.
Completing the set
Genetic Apex contains 286 total cards across all three packs. Full set completion requires pulling from all three pack types and likely trading for the hardest-to-get cards.
- Open packs in rotation — spend a week on each pack type before switching.
- Trade duplicates aggressively. Any rare you pull twice should go to the Trade Finder immediately.
- Crown rares will almost certainly need to be traded for. Budget your trade assets accordingly.
- Use the Collection Checklist to identify exactly which cards you still need.
- Check the Trade Values Tier List before making any big trades.
Is Genetic Apex still worth opening?
Absolutely. Despite newer sets like Mythical Island and Space-Time Smackdown, Genetic Apex contains the three most valuable crown rares in the game. Its cards remain meta-relevant and highly tradeable.
If you are a new player, Genetic Apex is the best starting point. The cards you pull here form the foundation of both your collection and your competitive decks.