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 What to Play - Standard Meta Decks

This page was last updated 22 June 2025

Next Planned Update: 29 June 2025

The decks below have proven to be noteworthy contenders in the competitive scene. Although the metagame is always shifting, it’s important to keep these top-performing decks in mind when constructing a new deck to bring to your next tournament.

Top Decks

$70

Gardevoir ex

Illus. 5ban Graphics

BASIC STRATEGY

Play down and evolve Ralts into Kirlia, or with Rare Candy, into Gardevoir ex. Use Gardevoir ex Psychic Embrace Ability to attach Psychic Energy from your discard pile to your Pokémon to prepare them to attack. Use Drifloon, Lillie’s Clefairy ex, Scream Tail, and even Gardevoir ex itself to take knockouts as needed.

KEY CARDS

Watch the Archetype in Action

Source: Isaiah Bradner - 1st Place, North America International Championships

Pokémon - 15

  • 4 Munkidori TWM 95
  • 3 Ralts SVI 84
  • 2 Gardevoir ex SVI 86
  • 2 Kirlia SVI 85
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Lillie's Clefairy ex JTG 56
  • 1 Mew ex MEW 151
  • 1 Scream Tail PAR 86

Trainer Cards - 34

  • 4 Iono PAF 80
  • 4 Professor's Research JTG 155
  • 2 Arven OBF 186
  • 1 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 4 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 3 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 2 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 2 Rare Candy PAF 89
  • 1 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 1 Energy Switch SVI 173
  • 1 Secret Box TWM 163
  • 1 Super Rod PAL 188
  • 2 Technical Machine: Evolution PAR 178
  • 1 Bravery Charm PAL 173
  • 1 Technical Machine: Turbo Energize PAR 179
  • 2 Artazon PAF 76

Energy - 11

  • 7 Basic Psychic Energy SVE 5
  • 4 Basic Darkness Energy SVE 7

$65

Dragapult ex

Illus. 5ban Graphics

BASIC STRATEGY

Evolve Dreepy up into Drakloak to take advantage of its Recon Directive Ability which lets you look at the top two cards of your deck, put one of those cards into your hand, and put the other on the bottom of your deck—or, use Rare Candy to evolve a Dreepy into a Dragapult ex and use its Phantom Dive attack, which does 200 damage and lets you put six damage counters on your opponent’s Benched Pokémon in any way you like. Take turns via spreading the damage counters around or, if your version of the deck runs Technical Machine: Devolution, by spreading the right number of damage counters in the right places, and then using Devolution to rapidly devolve and, by extension, knockout, a number of your opponent’s Evolved Pokémon.

KEY CARDS

WATCH THE ARCHETYPE IN ACTION

Source: Tord Reklev - 3rd Place, North America International Championships

Pokémon - 20

  • 4 Drakloak TWM 129
  • 4 Dreepy TWM 128
  • 3 Dragapult ex TWM 130
  • 2 Budew PRE 4
  • 2 Munkidori TWM 95
  • 1 Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex TWM 141
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Hawlucha SVI 118
  • 1 Latias ex SSP 76
  • 1 Maractus JTG 8

Trainer Cards - 31

  • 4 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 4 Iono PAF 80
  • 4 Professor's Research JTG 155
  • 3 Brock's Scouting JTG 146
  • 2 Professor Turo's Scenario PRE 121
  • 4 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
  • 4 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 3 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 1 Jamming Tower TWM 153

Energy - 9

  • 4 Luminous Energy PAL 191
  • 2 Basic Fire Energy SVE 2
  • 2 Basic Psychic Energy SVE 5
  • 1 Neo Upper Energy TEF 162

$65

Marnie's Grimmsnarl ex / Froslass

Illus. PLANETA Mochizuki & Makura Tami

BASIC STRATEGY

Evolve Marnie’s Impidimp up into Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex and use its Punk Up Ability to accelerate Energy onto it to power up its Shadow Bullet attack, which does 180 damage to your opponent’s Active Pokémon and 30 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon. Meanwhile, terrorize your opponent with a flood of damage counters via Froslass’s Freezing Shroud Ability, which reads, “During Pokémon Checkup, put 1 damage counter on each Pokémon that has an Ability (both yours and your opponent's), except any Froslass.” Move damage counters from your own damaged Pokémon with Munkidori’s Adrena-Brain Ability, which reads, “Once during your turn, if this Pokémon has any [D] Energy attached, you may move up to 3 damage counters from 1 of your Pokémon to 1 of your opponent's Pokémon.”

KEY CARDS

WATCH THE ARCHETYPE IN ACTION

Source: Piper Lepine - 6th Place, North America International Championships

Pokémon - 16

  • 3 Marnie's Impidimp DRI 134
  • 3 Munkidori TWM 95
  • 2 Froslass TWM 53
  • 2 Marnie's Grimmsnarl ex DRI 136
  • 2 Marnie's Morgrem DRI 135
  • 2 Snorunt TWM 51
  • 1 Budew PRE 4
  • 1 Shaymin DRI 10

Trainer Cards - 36

  • 4 Arven OBF 186
  • 4 Iono PAF 80
  • 3 Professor's Research JTG 155
  • 2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 2 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
  • 2 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 2 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 2 Rare Candy PAF 89
  • 1 Energy Search SVI 172
  • 1 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
  • 1 Secret Box TWM 163
  • 1 Super Rod PAL 188
  • 1 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 2 Technical Machine: Evolution PAR 178
  • 1 Rescue Board PRE 126
  • 1 Technical Machine: Devolution PAR 177
  • 3 Spikemuth Gym DRI 169
  • 1 Artazon PAF 76

Energy - 8

  • 8 Basic Darkness Energy SVE 7

$60

Toedscruel ex

Illus. 5ban Graphics

BASIC STRATEGY

Coming soon.

KEY CARDS

WATCH THE ARCHETYPE IN ACTION

Source: Ray Chen - 5th Place, North America International Championships

Pokémon - 18

  • 4 Teal Mask Ogerpon ex TWM 25
  • 3 Toedscool PAR 16
  • 3 Toedscruel ex OBF 22
  • 1 Budew PRE 4
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Iron Leaves ex TEF 25
  • 1 Latias ex SSP 76
  • 1 Mew ex MEW 151
  • 1 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169
  • 1 Toedscool SCR 17
  • 1 Toedscruel PAR 17

Trainer Cards - 30

  • 4 Professor's Research JTG 155
  • 3 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 3 Iono PAF 80
  • 4 Bug Catching Set PRE 102
  • 4 Energy Switch SVI 173
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 2 Super Rod PAL 188
  • 2 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 1 Prime Catcher PRE 119
  • 3 Area Zero Underdepths PRE 94

Energy - 12

  • 12 Basic Grass Energy SVE 1

$65

Raging Bolt ex

Illus. aky CG Works

BASIC STRATEGY

Using a combination of Professor Sada’s Vitality and manual attachments, power up Raging Bolt ex’s Bellowing Thunder attack, which does 70 damage for each Energy card you discard from your Pokémon in play. Use Teal Mask Ogerpon ex’s Teal Dance Ability to attach a Basic Grass Energy from your hand to that Ogerpon ex each turn to help power up Raging Bolt’s attack.

KEY CARDS

WATCH THE ARCHETYPE IN ACTION

Source: Christian LaBella - 1st Place - Milkaukee Regional Championships

Pokémon - 21

  • 3 Hoothoot SCR 114
  • 3 Noctowl SCR 115
  • 3 Raging Bolt ex TEF 123
  • 3 Teal Mask Ogerpon ex TWM 25
  • 2 Fan Rotom SCR 118
  • 1 Ditto MEW 132
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Latias ex SSP 76
  • 1 Mew ex MEW 151
  • 1 Raging Bolt SCR 111
  • 1 Slither Wing PAR 107
  • 1 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169

Trainer Cards - 28

  • 4 Professor Sada's Vitality PRE 120
  • 2 Crispin PRE 105
  • 1 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 1 Judge DRI 167
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 4 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 3 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 1 Energy Retrieval SVI 171
  • 1 Pal Pad SVI 182
  • 1 Prime Catcher PRE 119
  • 1 Bravery Charm PAL 173
  • 2 Area Zero Underdepths PRE 94
  • 1 Jamming Tower TWM 153

Energy - 11

  • 5 Basic Grass Energy SVE 1
  • 3 Basic Fighting Energy SVE 6
  • 3 Basic Lightning Energy SVE 4

$70

N's Zoroark ex

Illus. takuyoa

BASIC STRATEGY

Evolve N’s Zorua into N’s Zoroark ex to take advantage of its Trade Ability, which lets you discard a card into order to draw 2 cards. Accelerate Energy as needed to your Pokémon. Attack with N’s Zoroark ex’s Night Joker attack which lets it copy the attacks of other N’s Pokémon you have in play, like N’s Darmanitan’s Flamebody Cannon, which does 90 damage and says, “Discard all Energy from this Pokémon, and this attack also does 90 damage to 1 of your opponent's Benched Pokémon. (Don't apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)” or N’s Reshiram’s Powerful Rage attack, which does 20 damage for each damage counter on the attacking Pokémon—or even just Virtuous Flame attack, which simply does 170 damage.

KEY CARDS

WATCH THE ARCHETYPE IN ACTION

Source: Cameron Shenoy - 7th Place, North America International Championships

Pokémon - 17

  • 4 N's Zoroark ex JTG 98
  • 4 N's Zorua JTG 97
  • 2 Munkidori TWM 95
  • 2 N's Reshiram JTG 116
  • 1 Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex TWM 141
  • 1 Cleffa OBF 80
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 N's Darmanitan JTG 27
  • 1 N's Darumaka JTG 26

Trainer Cards - 36

  • 4 Cyrano SSP 170
  • 3 Iono PAF 80
  • 2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 2 Ciphermaniac's Codebreaking PRE 104
  • 2 Professor Turo's Scenario PRE 121
  • 1 Black Belt's Training JTG 145
  • 4 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
  • 3 N's PP Up JTG 153
  • 2 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 1 Energy Switch SVI 173
  • 1 Pal Pad SVI 182
  • 1 Secret Box TWM 163
  • 2 Rigid Band MEW 165
  • 1 Defiance Band SVI 169
  • 1 Technical Machine: Devolution PAR 177
  • 2 Artazon PAF 76
  • 2 N's Castle JTG 152

Energy - 7

  • 6 Basic Darkness Energy SVE 7
  • 1 Reversal Energy PAL 192

$60

Charizard ex w/ Dragapult ex

Illus. 5ban Graphics

BASIC STRATEGY

Build your board up by getting a Dreepy and a Pidgey or two into play alongside a couple Charmander, then evolve your Charmander into Charizard ex as quickly as possible with the help of Arven, Forest Seal Stone, and Pidgeot ex’s Quick Search. Accelerate Fire Energy via Charizard ex’s Infernal Reign Ability, including to Dragapult ex. Attack with Charizard ex’s Burning Darkness attack, which doe 180 damage plus 50 more damage for each Prize card your opponent has taken, with Dragapult ex’s Phantom Dive attack, which does 200 damage and lets you put six damage counters on your opponent’s Benched Pokémon in any way you like, or with Radiant Charizard’s Combustion Blast attack, which does 250 damage.

KEY CARDS

WATCH THE ARCHETYPE IN ACTION

Source: Ryan Antonucci - 10th Place, North America International Championships

Pokémon - 19

  • 4 Drakloak TWM 129
  • 4 Dreepy TWM 128
  • 2 Charizard ex OBF 125
  • 2 Charmander PAF 7
  • 2 Dragapult ex TWM 130
  • 1 Budew PRE 4
  • 1 Charmeleon MEW 5
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Hawlucha SVI 118
  • 1 Munkidori TWM 95

Trainer Cards - 32

  • 4 Arven OBF 186
  • 4 Iono PAF 80
  • 3 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 2 Professor's Research JTG 155
  • 4 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
  • 4 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 2 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 2 Rare Candy PAF 89
  • 1 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 1 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 1 Super Rod PAL 188
  • 1 Unfair Stamp TWM 165
  • 1 Rescue Board PRE 126
  • 1 Technical Machine: Evolution PAR 178
  • 1 Jamming Tower TWM 153

Energy - 9

  • 5 Basic Fire Energy SVE 2
  • 4 Luminous Energy PAL 191

$70

Gholdengo ex w/ Dragapult ex

Illus. Shigenori Negishi & Jerky

BASIC STRATEGY

Evolve Gimmighoul up into Gholdengo ex and Dreepy into Drakloak. Draw cards with Coin Bonus and Recon Directive, building your hand so that you have a stockpile of Basic Energy cards. Attack with Gholdengo ex’s Make it Rain, which does 50 damage for each Energy card your discard from your hand. As needed, attack with Dragapult ex and its Phantom Dive attack, which does 200 damage and puts 6 damage counters on your opponent's Benched Pokémon in any way you like.

KEY CARDS

WATCH THE ARCHETYPE IN ACTION

Source: Caleb Rogerson - 4th Place, Monterrey Regional Championships

Pokémon - 16

  • 4 Gholdengo ex PAR 139
  • 4 Gimmighoul SSP 97
  • 2 Drakloak TWM 129
  • 2 Dreepy TWM 128
  • 1 Dragapult ex TWM 130
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Genesect SFA 40
  • 1 Munkidori TWM 95

Trainer Cards - 33

  • 4 Arven OBF 186
  • 3 Ciphermaniac's Codebreaking PRE 104
  • 2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 1 Iono PAF 80
  • 1 Professor Turo's Scenario PRE 121
  • 4 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
  • 4 Superior Energy Retrieval PAL 189
  • 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 2 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 1 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 1 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 1 Energy Search Pro SSP 176
  • 1 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 1 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
  • 1 Switch SVI 194
  • 2 Technical Machine: Evolution PAR 178
  • 1 Vengeful Punch OBF 197
  • 1 Artazon PAF 76

Energy - 11

  • 3 Basic Metal Energy SVE 8
  • 2 Basic Darkness Energy SVE 7
  • 1 Basic Fighting Energy SVE 6
  • 1 Basic Fire Energy SVE 2
  • 1 Basic Grass Energy SVE 1
  • 1 Basic Lightning Energy SVE 4
  • 1 Basic Psychic Energy SVE 5
  • 1 Basic Water Energy SVE 3

 Recently Competitive / Up and Coming Archetypes

The decks that appear below may have recently appeared in the top 8 but have since fallen out of it. Alternatively, these may be up and coming decks that have neared the top 8 recently, but have failed to actually make it in. Either way, these decks may lack the competitive edge necessary to fight off the current meta—or they may just be taking a quick nap and will come out swinging after a short rest.

$50

Ethan's Typhlosion

Illus. danciao

Source: Generic List

Pokémon - 22

  • 4 Ethan's Cyndaquil DRI 32
  • 4 Ethan's Quilava DRI 33
  • 4 Ethan's Typhlosion DRI 34
  • 2 Dudunsparce TEF 129
  • 2 Dunsparce PAL 156
  • 2 Victini SSP 21
  • 1 Budew PRE 4
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Iron Bundle PAR 56
  • 1 Shaymin DRI 10

Trainer Cards - 33

  • 4 Ethan's Adventure DRI 165
  • 3 Arven OBF 186
  • 2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 2 Iono PAF 80
  • 1 Lana's Aid TWM 155
  • 1 Professor's Research JTG 155
  • 4 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
  • 4 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 1 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 1 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 1 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 1 Rare Candy PAF 89
  • 1 Super Rod PAL 188
  • 1 Maximum Belt PRE 117
  • 1 Rescue Board PRE 126
  • 1 Technical Machine: Evolution PAR 178
  • 2 Artazon PAF 76

Energy - 5

  • 5 Basic Fire Energy SVE 2

$65

Cynthia's Garchomp ex

Illus. 5ban Graphics

Source: Fabien Pujol - 60th Place, North America International Championships

Pokémon - 19

  • 4 Cynthia's Gabite DRI 103
  • 4 Cynthia's Gible DRI 102
  • 3 Cynthia's Garchomp ex DRI 104
  • 2 Cynthia's Roselia DRI 7
  • 2 Cynthia's Roserade DRI 8
  • 2 Munkidori TWM 95
  • 1 Budew PRE 4
  • 1 Cynthia's Spiritomb DRI 129

Trainer Cards - 32

  • 4 Arven OBF 186
  • 3 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 3 Iono PAF 80
  • 2 Crispin PRE 105
  • 2 Team Rocket's Petrel DRI 176
  • 3 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
  • 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 1 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 1 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 1 Secret Box TWM 163
  • 1 Super Rod PAL 188
  • 4 Cynthia's Power Weight DRI 162
  • 2 Technical Machine: Evolution PAR 178
  • 2 Team Rocket's Watchtower DRI 180
  • 1 Artazon PAF 76

Energy - 9

  • 4 Basic Fighting Energy SVE 6
  • 3 Basic Darkness Energy SVE 7
  • 2 Luminous Energy PAL 191

$80

Joltik Box

Illus. Nisota Niso

BASIC STRATEGY

Use Miraidon ex’s Tandem Unit Ability (Once during your turn, you may search your deck for up to 2 Basic [L] Pokémon and put them onto your Bench. Then, shuffle your deck.) to find many of your deck’s attackers and your key setup Pokémon, Joltik. Use Joltik’s Jolting Charge attack to power up your toolbox of attackers (Search your deck for up to 2 Basic [G] Energy cards and up to 2 Basic [L] Energy cards and attach them to your Pokémon in any way you like. Then, shuffle your deck.) Attack with Iron Hands ex, Miraidon ex, Pikachu ex, Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex, Iron Leaves ex, Lillie’s Clefairy ex, and other toolbox attackers as advantageous.

KEY CARDS

WATCH THE ARCHETYPE IN ACTION

Source: Tyler Mathews - 7th Place - Monterrey Regional Championships

Pokémon - 16

  • 2 Iron Hands ex PAR 70
  • 2 Joltik SCR 50
  • 2 Miraidon ex SVI 81
  • 2 Pikachu ex SSP 57
  • 1 Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex TWM 141
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Galvantula SFA 2
  • 1 Iron Leaves ex TEF 25
  • 1 Latias ex SSP 76
  • 1 Lillie's Clefairy ex JTG 56
  • 1 Maractus JTG 8
  • 1 Mew ex MEW 151

Trainer Cards - 30

  • 4 Arven OBF 186
  • 4 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 4 Crispin PRE 105
  • 1 Iono PAF 80
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 4 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 3 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
  • 1 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 1 Prime Catcher PRE 119
  • 2 Bravery Charm PAL 173
  • 1 Future Booster Energy Capsule TEF 149
  • 1 Rescue Board PRE 126

Energy - 14

  • 5 Basic Grass Energy SVE 1
  • 5 Basic Lightning Energy SVE 4
  • 2 Basic Metal Energy SVE 8
  • 2 Basic Psychic Energy SVE 5

$90

Flareon ex

Illus. 5ban Graphics

Basic Strategy

Evolve Eevee and Eevee ex up into Flareon ex or Sylveon ex as needed. Attack with Flareon ex’s Burning Charge attack, which does 130 damage and accelerates 2 Basic Energy cards from your deck to 1 of your Pokémon, or with its Carnelian attack, which does 280 damage. Alternatively, attack with Sylveon ex’s Magical Charm attack, which does 160 damage and, says “During your opponent's next turn, attacks used by the Defending Pokémon do 100 less damage (before applying Weakness and Resistance).” Attack with the decks other attackers, like Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex, Mew ex, and Wellspring Ogerpon ex as needed. Play down and evolve Hoothoot into Noctowl as necessary to take advantage of its Jewel Seeker Ability, which reads, “Once during your turn, when you play this Pokémon from your hand to evolve 1 of your Pokémon, if you have any Tera Pokémon in play, you may search your deck for up to 2 Trainer cards, reveal them, and put them into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.” Accelerate with Crispin as necessary.

KEY CARDS

Watch The Archetype in Action

Source: Michael Bio - 11th Place, Melbourne Regional Championships

Pokémon - 23

  • 4 Hoothoot SCR 114
  • 4 Noctowl SCR 115
  • 2 Fan Rotom SCR 118
  • 2 Flareon ex PRE 14
  • 2 Sylveon ex SSP 86
  • 1 Eevee ex PRE 75
  • 1 Eevee MEW 133
  • 1 Eevee SSP 143
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Latias ex SSP 76
  • 1 Lillie's Clefairy ex JTG 56
  • 1 Mew ex MEW 151
  • 1 Terapagos ex SCR 128
  • 1 Umbreon ex PRE 60

Trainer Cards - 28

  • 3 Crispin PRE 105
  • 2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 2 Iono PAF 80
  • 1 Briar PRE 100
  • 1 Brock's Scouting JTG 146
  • 1 Professor Turo's Scenario PRE 121
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 3 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 2 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
  • 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 1 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 1 Super Rod PAL 188
  • 1 Switch SVI 194
  • 1 Tera Orb SSP 189
  • 1 Sparkling Crystal PRE 129
  • 2 Area Zero Underdepths PRE 94

Energy - 9

  • 3 Basic Lightning Energy SVE 4
  • 2 Basic Fire Energy SVE 2
  • 2 Basic Psychic Energy SVE 5
  • 2 Basic Water Energy SVE 3

$65

Ethan's Ho-Oh ex / Armarouge

Illus. aky CG Works & AKIRA EGAWA

Basic Strategy

Coming soon.

Key Cards

Watch The Archetype in Action

Source: Generic List

Pokémon - 20

  • 3 Armarouge SVI 41
  • 3 Charcadet SSP 32
  • 3 Ethan's Ho-Oh ex DRI 39
  • 1 Black Kyurem ex SSP 48
  • 1 Cleffa OBF 80
  • 1 Durant ex SSP 4
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Hearthflame Mask Ogerpon ex TWM 40
  • 1 Iron Hands ex PAR 70
  • 1 Latias ex SSP 76
  • 1 Lillie's Clefairy ex JTG 56
  • 1 Mew ex MEW 151

  • 1 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169

  • 1 Wellspring Mask Ogerpon ex TWM 64

Trainer Cards - 30

  • 4 Iono PAF 80
  • 4 Professor's Research JTG 155
  • 2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 1 Brock's Scouting JTG 146
  • 1 Kieran PRE 113
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 3 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 3 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 2 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 1 Super Rod PAL 188
  • 1 Superior Energy Retrieval PAL 189
  • 1 Bravery Charm PAL 173
  • 2 Area Zero Underdepths PRE 94
  • 1 Jamming Tower TWM 153

Energy - 10

  • 7 Basic Fire Energy SVE 2
  • 2 Luminous Energy PAL 191
  • 1 Legacy Energy TWM 167

$70

Gholdengo ex

Illus. aky CG Works

Basic Strategy

Evolve Gimmighoul up into Gholdengo ex and Dunsparce into Dudunsparce. Draw cards with Coin Bonus and Run Away Draw, building your hand so that you have a stockpile of Basic Energy cards. Attack with Gholdengo ex’s Make it Rain, which does 50 damage for each Energy card your discard from your hand.

KEY CARDS

Watch The Archetype in Action

Source: Bodhi Robinson - 9th Place, Atlanta Regional Championships

Pokémon - 12

  • 4 Gholdengo ex PAR 139
  • 4 Gimmighoul SSP 97
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Gholdengo SSP 131
  • 1 Iron Bundle PAR 56
  • 1 Munkidori TWM 95

Trainer Cards - 36

  • 4 Arven OBF 186
  • 4 Ciphermaniac's Codebreaking PRE 104
  • 2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 1 Iono PAF 80
  • 1 Professor Turo's Scenario PRE 121
  • 4 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
  • 4 Superior Energy Retrieval PAL 189
  • 2 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 2 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
  • 2 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 1 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 1 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 1 Energy Search Pro SSP 176
  • 1 Super Rod PAL 188
  • 1 Switch SVI 194
  • 2 Technical Machine: Evolution PAR 178
  • 1 Jamming Tower TWM 153

Energy - 12

  • 3 Basic Metal Energy SVE 8
  • 2 Basic Darkness Energy SVE 7
  • 2 Basic Lightning Energy SVE 4
  • 1 Basic Fighting Energy SVE 6
  • 1 Basic Fire Energy SVE 2
  • 1 Basic Grass Energy SVE 1
  • 1 Basic Psychic Energy SVE 5
  • 1 Basic Water Energy SVE 3

$45

Charizard ex

Illus. 5ban Graphics

BASIC STRATEGY

Build your board up by getting a Pidgey or two into play alongside as many Charmander as you can, evolving your Charmander into Charizard ex from Obsidian Flames as quickly as possible with the help of Forest Seal Stone and Pidgeot ex’s Quick Search. Accelerate Fire Energy via Charizard ex’s Infernal Reign Ability.

KEY CARDS

WATCH THE ARCHETYPE IN ACTION

Source: Yoshihisa Fukui - 4th Place, Champions League Aichi

Pokémon - 25

  • 4 Hoothoot SCR 114
  • 4 Noctowl SCR 115
  • 3 Charmander MEW 4
  • 2 Charizard ex OBF 125
  • 2 Fan Rotom SCR 118
  • 2 Pidgeot ex OBF 164
  • 2 Pidgey OBF 162
  • 2 Terapagos ex SCR 128
  • 1 Charmeleon MEW 5
  • 1 Dusknoir PRE 37
  • 1 Duskull PRE 35
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38

Trainer Cards - 29

  • 2 Iono PAF 80
  • 1 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 1 Briar PRE 100
  • 1 Jacq SVI 175
  • 1 Professor's Research JTG 155
  • 4 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
  • 4 Rare Candy PAF 89
  • 4 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 3 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 2 Super Rod PAL 188
  • 1 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 1 Prime Catcher PRE 119
  • 1 Tera Orb SSP 189
  • 2 Area Zero Underdepths PRE 94
  • 1 Jamming Tower TWM 153

Energy - 6

  • 5 Basic Fire Energy SVE 2
  • 1 Jet Energy PAL 190

$55

Archaludon ex

Illus. 5ban Graphics & PLANETA Mochizuki

BASIC STRATEGY

Use Archaludon ex’s Assemble Alloy Ability which lets you attach 2 Metal Energy from your discard pile to your Metal Pokémon in any way you like to attach Energy cards to Archaludon ex and attack with Archaludon’s Metal Defender attack, which does 220 damage and removes Archaludon ex’s Weakness during your opponent’s next turn or with Duraludon’s Raging Hammer attack, copied by Archaludon ex via Relicanth’s Memory Dive Ability.

KEY CARDS

WATCH THE ARCHETYPE IN ACTION

Source: Joshyl - 5th Place, Tournament of Doom “Regional” Championships V

Pokémon - 16

  • 4 Duraludon SCR 106
  • 3 Archaludon ex SSP 130
  • 3 Dunsparce PAL 156
  • 2 Dudunsparce TEF 129
  • 1 Dudunsparce ex JTG 121
  • 1 Relicanth TEF 84
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Iron Bundle PAR 56

Trainer Cards - 35

  • 4 Professor's Research JTG 155
  • 3 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 2 Iono PAF 80
  • 2 Professor Turo's Scenario PRE 121
  • 2 Black Belt's Training JTG 145
  • 4 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 4 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 3 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 2 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
  • 1 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 1 Pal Pad SVI 182
  • 1 Vengeful Punch OBF 197
  • 1 Maximum Belt PRE 117
  • 1 Artazon PAF 76

Energy - 9

  • 9 Basic Metal Energy SVE 8

$35

Yanmega ex

Illus. takuyoa

BASIC STRATEGY

Coming soon.

KEY CARDS

WATCH THE ARCHETYPE IN ACTION

Source: Generic List

Pokémon - 18

  • 4 Dunsparce TEF 128
  • 4 Yanma DRI 2
  • 4 Yanmega ex DRI 3
  • 3 Dudunsparce TEF 129
  • 1 Dudunsparce ex JTG 121
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Iron Hands ex PAR 70

Trainer Cards - 30

  • 4 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 4 Morty's Conviction TEF 155
  • 3 Iono PAF 80
  • 1 Professor Turo's Scenario PRE 121
  • 4 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
  • 4 Dusk Ball SSP 175
  • 4 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 2 Super Rod PAL 188
  • 1 Pokémon Catcher SVI 187
  • 1 Prime Catcher PRE 119
  • 2 Jamming Tower TWM 153

Energy - 12

  • 9 Basic Grass Energy SVE 1
  • 2 Basic Lightning Energy SVE 4
  • 1 Jet Energy PAL 190

$55

Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex

Illus. aky CG Works

Source: Juan - 2nd Place, Tournament of Doom! Wait, Where Did Last Week Go?

Pokémon - 13

  • 4 Team Rocket's Spidops DRI 20
  • 4 Team Rocket's Tarountula DRI 19
  • 2 Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex DRI 81
  • 1 Team Rocket's Articuno DRI 51
  • 1 Team Rocket's Mimikyu DRI 87
  • 1 Team Rocket's Zapdos DRI 70

Trainer Cards - 36

  • 4 Team Rocket's Giovanni DRI 174
  • 4 Team Rocket's Proton DRI 177
  • 3 Team Rocket's Ariana DRI 171
  • 2 Team Rocket's Archer DRI 170
  • 1 Iono PAF 80
  • 4 Team Rocket's Transceiver DRI 178
  • 4 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 2 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 2 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 1 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 1 Secret Box TWM 163
  • 2 Bravery Charm PAL 173
  • 4 Team Rocket's Factory DRI 173

Energy - 11

  • 7 Basic Grass Energy SVE 1
  • 4 Team Rocket's Energy DRI 182

$60

Hydreigon ex

Illus. 5ban Graphics

BASIC STRATEGY

Set up your Deino to evolve up into Hydreigon ex via Rare Candy. Attack with Hydreigon’s Crashing Headbutt attack which does 200 damage and discards the top 3 cards of your opponent’s deck. As advantageous, use either the Basic Psychic Energy and the Basic Metal Energy or your copy of Neo Upper Energy in addition to the base attack cost of Crashing Headbutt in order to pay the attack cost of Obsidian, [P][D][M][C], which does 130 damage to your opponent’s Active Pokémon and does 130 damage to 2 of their Benched Pokémon.

KEY CARDS

WATCH THE ARCHETYPE IN ACTION

Source: yakumaru72 - 1st Place, TOURNAMENT OF DOOM! Star....

Pokémon - 21

  • 3 Deino SSP 117
  • 2 Budew PRE 4
  • 2 Hydreigon ex SSP 119
  • 2 Pidgeot ex OBF 164
  • 2 Pidgey OBF 162
  • 2 Zweilous PAL 139
  • 1 Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex TWM 141
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Klefki SVI 96
  • 1 Lillie's Clefairy ex JTG 56
  • 1 Maractus JTG 8
  • 1 Munkidori TWM 95

  • 1 Pecharunt ex SFA 39

  • 1 Pidgeotto MEW 17

Trainer Cards - 31

  • 4 Iono PAF 80
  • 3 Arven OBF 186
  • 2 Jacq SVI 175
  • 1 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 1 Brock's Scouting JTG 146
  • 1 Crispin PRE 105
  • 4 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
  • 3 Rare Candy PAF 89
  • 3 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 2 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 1 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 2 Counter Gain SSP 169
  • 1 Rescue Board PRE 126
  • 1 Artazon PAF 76

Energy - 8

  • 3 Basic Darkness Energy SVE 7
  • 2 Basic Metal Energy SVE 8
  • 2 Basic Psychic Energy SVE 5
  • 1 Neo Upper Energy TEF 162

$50

Froslass / Munkidori

Illus. Makura Tami

BASIC STRATEGY

Item lock your opponent’s with Budew’s Itchy Pollen while simultaneously terrorizing them with a flood of damage counters via Froslass’s Freezing Shroud Ability, which reads, “During Pokémon Checkup, put 1 damage counter on each Pokémon that has an Ability (both yours and your opponent's), except any Froslass.” Move damage counters from your own damaged Pokémon with Munkidori’s Adrena-Brain Ability, which reads, “Once during your turn, if this Pokémon has any [D] Energy attached, you may move up to 3 damage counters from 1 of your Pokémon to 1 of your opponent's Pokémon.”

KEY CARDS

WATCH THE ARCHETYPE IN ACTION

Source: Andrew Hier - 2nd Place, Tournament of Doom “Regional” Championships V

Pokémon - 14

  • 3 Budew PRE 4
  • 3 Froslass TWM 53
  • 3 Munkidori TWM 95
  • 3 Snorunt TWM 51
  • 1 Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex TWM 141
  • 1 Iron Bundle PAR 56

Trainer Cards - 39

  • 4 Arven OBF 186
  • 4 Iono PAF 80
  • 2 Drayton SSP 174
  • 2 Professor's Research JTG 155
  • 1 Morty's Conviction TEF 155
  • 4 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 3 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
  • 3 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 2 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 2 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 2 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 1 Super Rod PAL 188
  • 1 Switch SVI 194
  • 1 Unfair Stamp TWM 165
  • 1 Bravery Charm PAL 173
  • 1 Counter Gain SSP 169
  • 1 Rescue Board PRE 126
  • 1 Technical Machine: Devolution PAR 177
  • 1 Technical Machine: Evolution PAR 178
  • 1 Artazon PAF 76
  • 1 Calamitous Snowy Mountain PAL 174

Energy - 7

  • 5 Basic Darkness Energy SVE 7
  • 2 Basic Psychic Energy SVE 5

$55

Roaring Moon ex

Illus. takuyoa

BASIC STRATEGY

Using a combination of Earthen Vessel and Professor Sada’s Vitality, power up a benched Roaring Moon ex. Take Knock Outs, as appropriate, by using Roaring Moon ex’s Frenzied Gouging attack, which instantly Knocks Out your opponent’s Pokémon in exchange for Roaring Moon ex doing 200 damage to itself, Roaring Moon ex’s Calamity Storm, which does 100 damage plus 120 more if you discard a Stadium card in play, or, if included, Roaring Moon TEF’s Vengeance Fletching, which does 70 damage, plus 10 more damage for each Ancient card in your discard pile.

KEY CARDS

Watch the Archetype in Action

Source: LamitoRP - 3rd Place, Sunny's Weekly #198

Pokémon - 12

  • 3 Roaring Moon ex PAR 124
  • 2 Brute Bonnet PAR 123
  • 2 Pecharunt ex SFA 39
  • 2 Pecharunt SVP 129
  • 2 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38

Trainer Cards - 41

  • 4 Carmine PRE 103
  • 4 Professor Sada's Vitality PRE 120
  • 3 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 4 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 4 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
  • 3 Energy Switch SVI 173
  • 3 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 1 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 1 Pal Pad SVI 182
  • 1 Secret Box TWM 163
  • 4 Ancient Booster Energy Capsule TEF 140
  • 2 Binding Mochi PRE 95
  • 3 Perilous Jungle TEF 156

Energy - 7

  • 7 Basic Darkness Energy SVE 7

$40

Ceruledge ex

Illus. 5ban Graphics

BASIC STRATEGY

While building up your board by setting up your Charcadet to be ready to evolve into Ceruledge ex, use your deck’s resources like Squawkabilly ex, Carmine, Professor’s Research, Ultra Ball, and Earthen Vessel to quickly get Energy cards into the discard pile in order to power up Ceruledge ex’s Abyssal Flames attack, which does 30 damage plus 20 more damage for each Energy card in your discard pile.

KEY CARDS

WATCH THE ARCHETYPE IN ACTION

Source: nelcq - 8th Place, Pumpka Weekly (31 March 2025)

Pokémon - 13

  • 4 Charcadet SSP 32
  • 3 Ceruledge ex SSP 36
  • 1 Budew PRE 4
  • 1 Cornerstone Mask Ogerpon ex TWM 112
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Klefki SVI 96
  • 1 Munkidori TWM 95
  • 1 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169

Trainer Cards - 29

  • 4 Carmine PRE 103
  • 3 Professor's Research JTG 155
  • 2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 2 Explorer's Guidance PRE 107
  • 2 Iono PAF 80
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 4 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 2 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 1 Brilliant Blender SSP 164
  • 1 Pal Pad SVI 182
  • 1 Super Rod PAL 188
  • 1 Gravity Mountain SSP 177

Energy - 18

  • 9 Basic Fire Energy SVE 2
  • 4 Luminous Energy PAL 191
  • 3 Jet Energy PAL 190
  • 1 Basic Darkness Energy SVE 7
  • 1 Basic Fighting Energy SVE 6

$55

Lousy Three

Illus. takuyoa

Source: Generic List

Pokémon - 11

  • 3 Okidogi ex SFA 36
  • 2 Munkidori TWM 95
  • 2 Pecharunt SVP 129
  • 2 Pecharunt ex SFA 39
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Genesect SFA 40

Trainer Cards - 39

  • 4 Arven OBF 186
  • 4 Janine's Secret Art PRE 112
  • 3 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 2 Iono PAF 80
  • 2 Professor's Research JTG 155
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 4 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
  • 3 Energy Switch SVI 173
  • 2 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 1 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 1 Precious Trolley SSP 185
  • 1 Super Rod PAL 188
  • 2 Binding Mochi PRE 95
  • 2 Bravery Charm PAL 173
  • 1 Rescue Board PRE 126
  • 2 Lively Stadium SSP 180
  • 1 Team Rocket's Watchtower DRI 180

Energy - 10

  • 10 Basic Darkness Energy SVE 7

$60

Hop's Zacian ex

Illus. DOM

BASIC STRATEGY

Attack with Hop’s Zacian ex’s Insta-Strike attack which does 30 damage to your opponent’s Active Pokémon and 30 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon. Boost the damage done to your opponent’s Active Pokémon by 30 and reduce the attack cost to nothing with Hop’s Choice Band. Further boost the attack’s damage with Hop’s Snorlax’s “Extra Helpings” Ability and Postwick. Alternatively, attack with Hop’s Cramorant’s Fickle Spitting, which does 120 damage before any damage modifiers, provided your opponent has exactly 3 or 4 Prize cards remaining.

KEY CARDS

Watch the Archetype in Action

Source: Gerard Torres - 1st Place, Sunny's Weekly #198

Pokémon - 14

  • 3 Archaludon ex SSP 130
  • 3 Duraludon SCR 106
  • 2 Hop's Snorlax JTG 117
  • 2 Hop's Zacian ex JTG 111
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Hop's Cramorant JTG 138
  • 1 Iron Bundle PAR 56
  • 1 Latias ex SSP 76

Trainer Cards - 37

  • 4 Arven OBF 186
  • 3 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 3 Professor's Research JTG 155
  • 2 Iono PAF 80
  • 1 Black Belt's Training JTG 145
  • 1 Professor Turo's Scenario PRE 121
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 3 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 3 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 2 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 1 Hop's Bag JTG 147
  • 1 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
  • 1 Prime Catcher PRE 119
  • 4 Hop's Choice Band JTG 148
  • 4 Postwick JTG 154

Energy - 9

  • 9 Basic Metal Energy SVE 8

$60

Tera Box

Illus. Yano Keiji

BASIC STRATEGY

Draw cards and accelerate energy with Teal Mask Ogerpon ex and Energy Switch. Use the decks toolbox of attackers to take advantage of various weaknesses—both by type and by deck construction. For example, hit Dragon type Pokémon for Weakness with Lillie’s Clefairy ex.

KEY CARDS

WATCH THE ARCHETYPE IN ACTION

Source: Daichi Shimada - 3rd Place, Melbourne Regional Championships

Pokémon - 21

  • 3 Hoothoot SCR 114
  • 1 Hoothoot PRE 77
  • 4 Noctowl SCR 115
  • 2 Fan Rotom SCR 118
  • 2 Wellspring Mask Ogerpon ex TWM 64
  • 1 Teal Mask Ogerpon ex TWM 25
  • 1 Pikachu ex SSP 57
  • 1 Terapagos ex SCR 128
  • 1 Lillie's Clefairy ex JTG 56
  • 1 Latias ex SSP 76
  • 1 Mew ex MEW 151
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Ditto MEW 132
  • 1 Budew PRE 4

Trainer Cards - 30

  • 4 Crispin PRE 105
  • 2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 1 Professor's Research JTG 155
  • 1 Iono PAF 80
  • 1 Professor Turo's Scenario PRE 121
  • 1 Briar PRE 100
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 4 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 2 Energy Switch SVI 173
  • 1 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 1 Super Rod PAL 188
  • 1 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
  • 1 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 1 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 1 Sparkling Crystal PRE 129
  • 1 Rescue Board PRE 126
  • 2 Area Zero Underdepths PRE 94
  • 1 Jamming Tower TWM 153

Energy - 9

  • 4 Basic Grass Energy SVE 1
  • 2 Basic Psychic Energy SVE 5
  • 1 Basic Water Energy SVE 3
  • 1 Basic Lightning Energy SVE 4
  • 1 Basic Metal Energy SVE 8

$50

Blissey ex

Illus. Iwamoto05

BASIC STRATEGY

Play down and evolve Chansey into Blissey ex. Accelerate Energy with Teal Mask Ogerpon ex’s Teal Dance Ability, which reads, “Once during your turn, you may attach a Basic [G] Energy card from your hand to this Pokémon. If you attached Energy to a Pokémon in this way, draw a card.” and with Glass Trumpet. Move Energy to where it is needed with Blissey ex’s Happy Switch Ability, which reads, “Once during your turn, you may move a Basic Energy from 1 of your Pokémon to another of your Pokémon.” Attack with Blissey ex’s Return, which does 180 damage and gives you the option to draw until you have 6 cards in your hand.

KEY CARDS

Watch the Archetype in Action

Source: umou - 5th Place, Pumpka Weekly (31 March 2025)

Pokémon - 14

  • 3 Blissey ex TWM 134
  • 3 Chansey MEW 113
  • 2 Teal Mask Ogerpon ex TWM 25
  • 1 Chansey TWM 133
  • 1 Lillie's Clefairy ex JTG 56
  • 1 Mew ex MEW 151
  • 1 Munkidori TWM 95
  • 1 Pikachu ex SSP 57
  • 1 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169

Trainer Cards - 34

  • 3 Carmine PRE 103
  • 3 Iono PAF 80
  • 2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 1 Professor Turo's Scenario PRE 121
  • 1 Professor's Research JTG 155
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 4 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 3 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 3 Glass Trumpet PRE 110
  • 3 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 2 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
  • 1 Pal Pad SVI 182
  • 1 Prime Catcher PRE 119
  • 1 Switch SVI 194
  • 2 Jamming Tower TWM 153

Energy - 12

  • 6 Basic Grass Energy SVE 1
  • 2 Basic Lightning Energy SVE 4
  • 2 Basic Metal Energy SVE 8
  • 1 Basic Darkness Energy SVE 7
  • 1 Basic Psychic Energy SVE 5

$25

Great Tusk Mill

Illus. GIDORA

BASIC STRATEGY

Using Professor Sada’s Vitality and a manual attachment, use Great Tusk’s Land Collapse attack, which discards the top card of your opponent’s deck and, if you’ve played an Ancient Supporter card from your hand during your turn, discards 4 cards from their deck instead. Win by decking your opponent out of cards such that they are unable to draw a card at the start of their turn.

KEY CARDS

Watch the Archetype in Action

Source: Generic List

Pokémon - 13

  • 4 Great Tusk TEF 97
  • 3 Dudunsparce TEF 129
  • 3 Dunsparce PAL 156
  • 2 Fan Rotom SCR 118
  • 1 Mimikyu PAL 97

Trainer Cards - 38

  • 4 Explorer's Guidance PRE 107
  • 4 Professor Sada's Vitality PRE 120
  • 1 Xerosic's Machinations SFA 64
  • 3 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 3 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 3 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 3 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
  • 2 Crushing Hammer SVI 168
  • 2 Pal Pad SVI 182
  • 2 Super Rod PAL 188
  • 2 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 1 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 1 Redeemable Ticket JTG 156
  • 3 Handheld Fan TWM 150
  • 3 Artazon PAF 76
  • 1 Neutralization Zone SFA 60

Energy - 9

  • 7 Basic Fighting Energy SVE 6
  • 2 Jet Energy PAL 190

$70

Pidgeot ex Control

Illus. takuya

BASIC STRATEGY

Run your opponent out of resources by using the deck’s combination of resource-burning cards like Xerosic’s Machinations and Counter Catcher in combination with the deck’s variety of walling options, like (for versions of the deck that run it) Mimikyu with its Safeguard Ability—forcing your opponent to find answers to either retreat their Pokémon or otherwise get a different Pokémon in the Active Spot with the challenge you present them. Win by either your opponent’s concession or by running your opponent out of cards in their deck.

KEY CARDS

Watch the Archetype in Action

Source: Alloutblitzle - 6th Place, Tournament of Doom “Regional” Championships V

Pokémon - 14

  • 3 Pidgeot ex OBF 164
  • 2 Pidgey OBF 162
  • 1 Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex TWM 141
  • 1 Budew PRE 4
  • 1 Chi-Yu ex PAL 40
  • 1 Cleffa OBF 80
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Lillie's Clefairy ex JTG 56
  • 1 Munkidori TWM 95
  • 1 Nacli PAR 102
  • 1 Pidgeotto MEW 17

Trainer Cards - 41

  • 4 Arven OBF 186
  • 2 Penny SVI 183
  • 1 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 1 Iono PAF 80
  • 1 Xerosic's Machinations SFA 64
  • 3 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
  • 3 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 3 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 2 Accompanying Flute TWM 142
  • 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 2 Pal Pad SVI 182
  • 2 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
  • 2 Rare Candy PAF 89
  • 1 Energy Search SVI 172
  • 1 Redeemable Ticket JTG 156
  • 1 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 2 Defiance Vest PAR 162
  • 2 Technical Machine: Evolution PAR 178
  • 1 Counter Gain SSP 169
  • 1 Hero's Cape TEF 152
  • 1 Rescue Board PRE 126
  • 2 Calamitous Wasteland PAL 175
  • 1 Lively Stadium SSP 180

Energy - 5

  • 3 Luminous Energy PAL 191
  • 1 Basic Fighting Energy SVE 6
  • 1 Mist Energy TEF 161