Pokémon TCG Pocket’s new king is Gyarados ex

Tremendous Smash Bros. scientist PracticalTAS got here to this conclusion by accumulating knowledge from three dozen Pokémon TCG Pocket tournaments over a interval of 9 days in December and assigning decks a “meta weight” based mostly on each utilization and win charge. The result’s a helpful graphic exhibiting Gyarados ex with a 0.4% benefit over Pikachu ex, Mewtwo ex rounding out the highest three, and Celebi ex a distant fourth.

Gyarados ex was launched to Pokémon TCG Pocket two weeks in the past by way of the sport’s first enlargement, Legendary Island. It’s a powerful card in its personal proper, boasting 180 HP and a four-energy, 140-damage assault that removes a random power from the sport. The truth that it solely requires just one evolution means it might probably begin wreaking havoc early into the sport with a lucky Misty.

The flexibility of Water-type decks additionally means Gyarados ex may be supported by a bunch of various playing cards based mostly on private desire and availability. Present favorites embody Greninja, an annoying card that snipes the opponent’s lively Pokémon from the bench, and Legendary Island’s new Vaporeon, which permits the switch of Water power between Pokémon.

However that’s to not say Legendary Island hasn’t benefited Pikachu ex decks as properly. A variant on the rise sees gamers pair the lethal electrical mouse with a regular Pikachu who takes benefit of the identical bench-stacking mechanic, an old Raichu that offers a ton of uncooked harm, a Dedenne that may preserve an opponent’s Pokemon locked in paralysis hell, and a new Electabuzz, like Zebstrika earlier than it, can beat up benched Pokémon.

Pokémon TCG Pocket is a a lot less complicated recreation in comparison with its large brother, but it surely’s enjoyable seeing how a lot competitors has developed in such a short while regardless of there being fewer playing cards and completely different guidelines. And truthfully, something that cuts down on the quantity of Pikachu ex and Mewtwo ex decks I see whereas grinding out wins with Golem and Dragonite is a welcome addition.