2026, 06 02 · 6 min read
Space-Time Smackdown (A2) Complete Guide
Space-Time Smackdown brings Sinnoh legends to TCG Pocket. Dialga, Palkia, and a fresh meta. Here is your complete A2 guide.
What is Space-Time Smackdown?
Space-Time Smackdown (set code A2) is the second main expansion for Pokemon TCG Pocket. It draws from the Sinnoh region and features Dialga EX and Palkia EX as its headline crown rares. The set introduced new mechanics, new archetypes, and shook up the competitive meta that Genetic Apex had established.
A2 is a full-size expansion with over 200 cards split across two pack types. It offers both competitive staples and high-value trade cards.
Pack distribution
Space-Time Smackdown splits its cards across two packs, each themed around one of the legendary duo.
Dialga Pack
Contains Steel, Psychic, Fighting, and Dark-type cards. The headline chase is Dialga EX — a meta-warping Steel-type that can manipulate turn order. Also features Garchomp EX, Toxicroak EX, and strong Steel support cards.
If you play Steel or Fighting decks, this is your pack. Dialga EX alone makes it worth opening for trade value.
Palkia Pack
Contains Water, Fire, Grass, and Electric-type cards. Palkia EX leads this pack as a Water-type powerhouse with spatial manipulation abilities. Also includes Infernape EX, Roserade EX, and Luxray EX.
Water and Fire archetypes both get significant upgrades from this pack. Palkia EX trades at near-Dialga value.
Chase cards and values
A2 introduced several high-value cards that compete with the Genetic Apex originals. Check our Value Checker for current trade ratios.
- Dialga EX — S-tier trade value. Steel-type meta centrepiece with a game-warping ability.
- Palkia EX — S/A-tier. Water-type boss. Trades just below Dialga.
- Arceus EX — A-tier. Colourless type means it fits in any deck. Strong trade value.
- Garchomp EX — A-tier. Dragon/Ground hybrid with devastating attack power.
- Infernape EX — B-tier. Fast Fire attacker that slots into aggressive decks.
- Luxray EX — B-tier. Electric staple with a useful sniping ability.
New mechanics in A2
Space-Time Smackdown introduced several gameplay innovations that changed how decks are built. Temporal effects allow certain cards to take additional actions or skip opponent turns under specific conditions. Spatial effects let cards manipulate bench positioning and retreat costs.
These mechanics made A2 cards essential even in decks that are not Sinnoh-themed. Dialga EX in particular is splashed into Steel-hybrid decks across the meta because its temporal ability is so powerful.
Pull rates
A2 uses the same rarity system as previous sets. Pull rates per pack opening:
- Common and uncommon: same as Genetic Apex, you will complete these within 50-80 packs per pack type.
- Rare cards: expect most within 100-150 packs.
- EX cards: approximately 5% per pack.
- Crown rares (Dialga EX, Palkia EX): approximately 0.067% each, or ~1 in 1,500 packs.
- God pack: ~1 in 2,500 packs. See our God Pack guide.
Completing the set
A2 is a large set with two pack types, making full completion a significant investment. Here is how to approach it efficiently.
- Focus on one pack type at a time. Complete the commons and uncommons before switching.
- Trade aggressively — A2 duplicates are in high demand while the set is current.
- Crown rares will almost certainly require trading. Start accumulating trade assets from your extra EX pulls.
- Use the Trade Finder to find the best deals, and the Collection Checklist to track progress.
Is Space-Time Smackdown the best set to open?
For competitive players, A2 is arguably the most important set right now. Dialga EX and Palkia EX define the current meta, and supporting cards from A2 fill critical roles in multiple archetypes. For trade value, A2 crown rares are right behind the original Genetic Apex trio.
New players should split their attention between Genetic Apex and A2. Veterans should prioritise A2 for meta relevance. Check our beginner's guide for recommended pack opening order.