If you’re deep into Pokémon TCG Pocket, you’ve probably been exploring the latest expansion, Space-Time Smackdown, which launched just over a week ago. Like its predecessor, Genetic Apex, this new set is packed with surprises—some of which players are only now starting to uncover. One of the most intriguing discoveries so far? A secret challenge that rewards you with an exclusive Garchomp emblem. But unlocking it is proving to be anything but easy.

Emblems in Pokémon TCG Pocket function as digital badges of honor, showcasing your accomplishments in the game. Whether it’s opening a certain number of packs, racking up wins in battles, or completing specific challenges, these emblems let you flex your achievements. But this new Garchomp emblem? It’s on another level of rarity.

What’s the Deal with the Garchomp Emblem?

New secret emblem
byu/Dekloz inPTCGP

The existence of this hidden emblem was first shared on Reddit by user u/Dekloz, who posted their findings on the r/PTCGP subreddit. According to them, the Garchomp emblem is tied to a secret achievement called Champion of the Sinnoh Region. Unlike some other unlockable emblems, which require standard actions like opening packs or winning matches, this one demands an incredibly specific set of full-art rare cards.

If you’ve spotted someone with this emblem, consider them extremely lucky—or ridiculously persistent. Because unless the stars align for you, pulling the necessary cards is going to take a serious grind.

How to Unlock the Garchomp Emblem

Want to get your hands on this rare emblem? Here’s what you’ll need:

• Full-art Garchomp
• Full-art Cynthia
• Full-art Spiritomb
• Full-art Lucario
• Full-art Gastrodon

Yes, full-art versions only—no regular cards allowed. Several players have confirmed that owning the standard versions of these Pokémon doesn’t count toward unlocking the emblem. So if you’ve been trying to trigger the challenge with non-full-art cards and getting nowhere, that’s why.

Why This Challenge Is So Brutal

Compared to the Genetic Apex secret challenge, which required collecting all 151 original Pokémon in any form, Champion of the Sinnoh Region is much stricter. Only full-art rares will do, making this challenge significantly harder due to the sheer luck involved in acquiring them. If you’re hoping to unlock this emblem quickly, be prepared to burn through a lot of packs—or trade with someone incredibly generous.

More Hidden Unlockables in the Space-Time Smackdown Expansion

While the Garchomp emblem is the most coveted secret in Space-Time Smackdown right now, it’s not the only hidden reward in the update. If you’re looking for something a little easier to obtain, the developers have also tucked away a set of hourglasses that you can earn by completing a quick tutorial on how to use Tool cards.

It’s not the most thrilling unlockable, but hey—free hourglasses for 30 seconds of your time? Worth it.

Free Booster Packs Coming Soon

For those of you still chasing cards from Genetic Apex, there’s some good news. At the end of the month, Pokémon TCG Pocket will be giving away three booster packs from the original set. Each pack is guaranteed to contain at least one four-diamond-or-rarer card in its fifth slot. So if you’re missing some key pieces from that expansion, this could be your chance to fill the gaps.

Final Thoughts

The Pokémon TCG Pocket community is always uncovering new secrets, and the Garchomp emblem is just the latest example of how deep these challenges can go. If you’re determined to claim it, be prepared for a long road ahead. But with patience, persistence, and maybe a little luck, you might just be able to add this ultra-rare emblem to your collection.

Good luck, trainers—you’re going to need it!