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 split across three booster pack designs — Charizard, Mewtwo and Pikachu. Packs are not divided by energy type: each design has its own mix of Pokémon and Trainers, so choose the pack that contains the specific cards you are chasing. The pack selection screen in the game shows the offering rates for every card in each pack.
Charizard Pack
The headline chase is Charizard ex (A1 036). The other ex cards in this pack are Exeggutor ex, Moltres ex, Starmie ex and Machamp ex.
If Charizard ex is your target, this is the pack to open for its regular and full-art versions. See our Charizard EX guide for trade value details.
Mewtwo Pack
The centrepiece is Mewtwo ex (A1 129). The other ex cards in this pack are Venusaur ex, Articuno ex, Gengar ex and Marowak ex.
Mewtwo ex was one of the defining cards of the launch format, which keeps demand for this pack high. See our Mewtwo EX guide.
Pikachu Pack
Pikachu ex (A1 096) leads this pack. The other ex cards here are Arcanine ex, Blastoise ex, Zapdos ex and Wigglytuff ex. See our Pikachu ex deck guide.
This pack is popular with collectors targeting the mascot card and players building Lightning decks around Pikachu ex and Zapdos ex.
Crown rares
Genetic Apex has exactly three crown rares: Charizard ex (A1 284), Pikachu ex (A1 285) and Mewtwo ex (A1 286). Unlike the other rarities, these three crown rares can appear in any of the three Genetic Apex pack designs.
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.
- Gengar ex — A-tier. Fan-favourite art and competitive use.
Note: Gyarados ex is a Mythical Island (A1a) card, not a Genetic Apex card — see the Mythical Island set guide.
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 three of the most sought-after crown rares in the game — Charizard ex, Pikachu ex and Mewtwo ex. 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.