Pokémon TCG Pocket is back with another fast-turn set, and this one taps straight into Johto nostalgia. “Secluded Springs” lands August 28, headlined by EX versions of Suicune, Entei, and Raikou, plus an immersive-art Suicune that’s clearly designed to be the card everyone chases. As someone who’s been cracking the daily freebies since launch, this caught my attention because it’s the most collector-bait set Pocket has done yet-while also dangling September events with exclusives (yes, including a Zoroark) to keep you logging in. The question is the same as always with Pocket: is this fun collection fuel or just more FOMO?
On paper, Secluded Springs is exactly what Pocket does best: strong nostalgia anchors, a clean theme, and a few splashy art cards to set social feeds on fire. The three Johto beasts each get EX treatment, with Suicune positioned as the collectible showpiece via an Immersive Art variant. If you’ve collected Pocket’s panoramas before, you know these are the shots you’ll keep flipping back to in the binder-they’re the closest thing the app has to “grails.”
The supporting cast is smartly chosen. Latias and Latios bring a light Hoenn detour that keeps the set from feeling too one-note, while Milotic and the Poli line tie back into the “secluded springs” vibe. The set continues Pocket’s A4 series (this one labeled A4a), with A4b following in September. Developer DeNA and The Pokémon Company have been ruthless about cadence this year, and this fits the monthly pattern: headline legendaries now, second wave to mop up wishlists in a few weeks.
Beyond collection, there’s gameplay potential—Pocket’s quick battles have quietly become a decent snack between other games. Suicune typically leans defensive/support, while Entei and Raikou give you straight-line aggression. Whether they shake up the meta depends on energy costs and ability synergies, but tri-type tentpoles usually nudge people into building around one headliner and a couple of efficient role-players.
Pocket is a collector-first app, not a full TCG client, and Secluded Springs doubles down on that. Two free packs a day will get you a taste, but sets like this are tuned to make you feel “one card short” of a perfect page—especially when an Immersive Art Suicune stares back at you from the promo screen. There’s no player-to-player trading to smooth out bad luck, so if you want a specific EX, you’re opening packs and hoping the RNG gods are kind.
The September events will sweeten the pot. Time-limited challenges with exclusive picks (Zoroark being the standout tease) are great for engagement, but remember the playbook: pull you in for the headline, keep you there with FOMO timers and bonus track rewards. I’m not against it—live-service games live or die on cadence—but Pocket could stand to be more transparent about drop rates and offer stronger pity paths for marquee art cards. If they want us to treat Immersive Art as endgame collectibles, give the whales a ceiling and the rest of us a roadmap.
One thing I do like: the themed binder. It’s cosmetic gamification, sure, but flipping a fully themed Suicune spread is satisfying in a way raw card lists aren’t. If DeNA really wants to win goodwill, a wishlist feature that nudges event rewards or daily picks toward your missing binder slots would be a simple, player-first move.
If you’re primarily a collector, pick a lane. Choose one legendary beast to focus on and resist the urge to chase all three EXs day one. Use your daily free packs first, then wait for early community impressions on pull rates and which Immersive Arts are realistically attainable without going deep.
If you dabble in quick battles, start with the basics: Entei EX for straightforward knockouts, Raikou EX if tempo and pressure are your style, Suicune EX if you like control and sustain. Fill out with the Hoenn newcomers for synergy once we see their exact kit. And definitely plan around the September event windows—exclusive Zoroark implies at least one meta-relevant prize track.
Secluded Springs feels like the appetizer before a bigger fall push. A4b in September will likely tidy up the theme, and Pocket has been hinting at Mega Evolution arriving later this year—if that lands, expect a shakeup that makes today’s EX chase look quaint. Until then, this is a strong nostalgia play with some sharp hooks. Just keep your expectations in check, your gems on a budget, and your binder goals realistic.
Secluded Springs drops Aug 28 with Suicune, Entei, and Raikou EX plus an Immersive Art Suicune, Hoenn cameos, and September events (including Zoroark). It’s stylish and tempting—but play it smart, focus your chase, and don’t let the FOMO empty your stash.
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