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 What to Play - Standard Meta Decks

This page was last updated 16 March 2025

Next Planned Update: 23 March 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

$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: Natalie Millar - 2nd Place, European International Championships

Pokémon - 22

  • 4 Drakloak TWM 129
  • 4 Dreepy TWM 128
  • 3 Dragapult ex TWM 130
  • 3 Duskull BRS 60
  • 2 Dusclops PRE 36
  • 1 Budew PRE 4
  • 1 Dusknoir PRE 37
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Lumineon V BRS 40
  • 1 Radiant Alakazam SIT 59
  • 1 Rotom V LOR 58

Trainer Cards - 32

  • 4 Arven OBF 186
  • 3 Iono PAF 80
  • 3 Lance SIT 159
  • 1 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 1 Professor Turo's Scenario PRE 121
  • 4 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
  • 3 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 2 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 2 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 2 Rare Candy PAF 89
  • 1 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 1 Forest Seal Stone SIT 156
  • 1 Rescue Board PRE 126
  • 1 Sparkling Crystal PRE 129
  • 1 Temple of Sinnoh ASR 155

Energy - 6

  • 3 Basic Fire Energy SVE 2
  • 3 Basic Psychic Energy SVE 5

$45

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, Cresselia, Scream Tail, and even Gardevoir ex itself to take knockouts as needed.

KEY CARDS

Watch the Archetype in Action

Source: Sebastian Lashmet - 18th Place, European International Championships

Pokémon - 18

  • 4 Kirlia SIT 68
  • 4 Ralts ASR 60
  • 2 Gardevoir ex SVI 86
  • 2 Munkidori TWM 95
  • 1 Cresselia LOR 74
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Klefki SVI 96
  • 1 Mawile LOR 71
  • 1 Scream Tail PAR 86
  • 1 Spiritomb PAL 89

Trainer Cards - 32

  • 4 Arven OBF 186
  • 4 Iono PAF 80
  • 2 Professor Turo's Scenario PRE 121
  • 1 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 4 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
  • 2 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 2 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 2 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 1 Hisuian Heavy Ball ASR 146
  • 1 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 1 Super Rod PAL 188
  • 1 Unfair Stamp TWM 165
  • 3 Technical Machine: Evolution PAR 178
  • 2 Artazon PAF 76

Energy - 10

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

$65

Gholdengo ex

Illus. aky CG Works

Basic Strategy

Evolve Gimmighoul up into Gholdengo and Ralts into Kirlia. Draw cards with Coin Bonus and Refinement, 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: Xander Pero - 3rd Place, European International Championships

Pokémon - 12

  • 4 Gholdengo ex PAR 139
  • 4 Gimmighoul SSP 97
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Iron Bundle PAR 56
  • 1 Munkidori TWM 95
  • 1 Radiant Greninja ASR 46

Trainer Cards - 36

  • 3 Arven OBF 186
  • 3 Ciphermaniac's Codebreaking PRE 104
  • 2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 2 Professor Turo's Scenario PRE 121
  • 4 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
  • 4 Superior Energy Retrieval PAL 189
  • 3 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 2 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
  • 2 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 1 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 1 Energy Search Pro SSP 176
  • 1 Hisuian Heavy Ball ASR 146
  • 1 Lost Vacuum CRZ 135
  • 1 Pal Pad SVI 182
  • 1 Switch SVI 194
  • 1 Technical Machine: Evolution PAR 178
  • 2 PokéStop PGO 68

Energy - 12

  • 3 Basic Metal Energy SVE 8
  • 2 Basic Darkness Energy SVE 7
  • 2 Basic Water Energy SVE 3
  • 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

$75

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 either Archaludon ex or to Origin Forme Dialga VSTAR and attack with Archaludon’s Metal Defender attack, which does 220 damage and removes Archaludon ex’s Weakness during your opponent’s next turn, with Duraludon’s Raging Hammer attack, copied by Archaludon ex via Relicanth’s Memory Dive Ability, with Origin Forme Dialga VSTAR’s Metal Blast attack which does 40 damage plus 40 more damage for each Metal Energy attached to it, or, as the situation arises, with Origin Forme Dialga VSTAR’s Star Chronos attack which reads, “Take another turn after this one. (Skip Pokémon Checkup.),” in essence giving you a free extra turn before your opponent gets to take their next.

KEY CARDS

WATCH THE ARCHETYPE IN ACTION

Source: Simone Fiorito - 4th Place, European International Championships

Pokémon - 18

  • 4 Archaludon ex SSP 130
  • 4 Duraludon SCR 106
  • 2 Origin Forme Dialga V ASR 113
  • 2 Origin Forme Dialga VSTAR ASR 114
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Iron Bundle PAR 56
  • 1 Lumineon V BRS 40
  • 1 Radiant Greninja ASR 46
  • 1 Relicanth TEF 84
  • 1 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169

Trainer Cards - 33

  • 3 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 3 Iono PAF 80
  • 3 Professor's Research PRE 125
  • 2 Professor Turo's Scenario PRE 121
  • 1 Thorton LOR 167
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 4 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 4 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 3 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 2 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
  • 1 Pal Pad SVI 182
  • 1 Scoop Up Cyclone PRE 128
  • 1 Artazon PAF 76
  • 1 Jamming Tower TWM 153

Energy - 9

  • 9 Basic Metal Energy SVE 8

$65

Roaring Moon ex

Illus. takuyoa

BASIC STRATEGY

Using a combination of Earthen Vessel, Dark Patch, 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 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: Emmet Hurley - 3rd Place, Baltimore Regional Championships

Pokémon - 11

  • 3 Roaring Moon ex PAR 124
  • 2 Pecharunt ex SFA 39
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Iron Bundle PAR 56
  • 1 Mew ex MEW 151
  • 1 Radiant Greninja ASR 46
  • 1 Roaring Moon TEF 109
  • 1 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169

Trainer Cards - 40

  • 4 Professor Sada's Vitality PAR 170
  • 2 Judge SVI 176
  • 1 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 4 Dark Patch ASR 139
  • 4 Earthen Vessel PAR 163
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 4 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 3 Pokémon Catcher SVI 187
  • 3 Trekking Shoes CRZ 145
  • 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 2 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
  • 1 Enhanced Hammer TWM 148
  • 1 Pal Pad SVI 182
  • 1 Prime Catcher TEF 157
  • 4 PokéStop PGO 68

Energy - 9

  • 9 Basic Darkness Energy SVE 7

$60

Lugia VSTAR

Illus. PLANETA Mochizuki

BASIC STRATEGY

Get two Archeops into the discard pile while benching and eventually evolving Lugia V into Lugia VSTAR. Prioritize getting two Archeops into play using Lugia’s Summoning Star VSTAR Power, which puts two Colorless Pokémon from your discard pile directly onto your bench. Use Archeops’ Primal Turbo Ability and manual attachments to power up the decks toolbox of attackers, including Iron Hands ex, Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex, and Wyrdeer V. For variants of the deck that run it, also make use of Cinccino’s Special Roll attack. As needed, attack with Lugia VSTAR’s Tempest Dive attack, which does 220 damage and grants you the option to discard a Stadium card in play.

KEY CARDS

WATCH THE ARCHETYPE IN ACTION

Source: Sergio Rodriguez - 41st Place, European International Championships

Pokémon - 20

  • 4 Archeops SIT 147
  • 3 Lugia V SIT 138
  • 3 Lugia VSTAR SIT 139
  • 2 Lumineon V BRS 40
  • 1 Minccino TEF 136
  • 1 Cinccino TEF 137
  • 1 Wyrdeer V ASR 134
  • 1 Iron Hands ex PAR 70
  • 1 Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex TWM 141
  • 1 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169
  • 1 Wellspring Mask Ogerpon ex TWM 64
  • 1 Regigigas PRE 86

Trainer Cards - 24

  • 4 Professor's Research PRE 125
  • 4 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 2 Iono PAF 80
  • 1 Jacq SVI 175
  • 1 Thorton LOR 167
  • 4 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 4 Capturing Aroma SIT 153
  • 2 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 2 Mesagoza SVI 178

Energy - 16

  • 4 Double Turbo Energy BRS 151
  • 4 Gift Energy LOR 171
  • 4 Jet Energy PAL 190
  • 3 Mist Energy TEF 161
  • 1 Legacy Energy TWM 167

$80

Miraidon ex

Illus. 5ban Graphics

BASIC STRATEGY

Set up with the assistance of Miraidon ex’s Tandem Unit Ability. Accelerate energy into play via Electric Generator and Energy Sticker. Attack using Miraidon ex’s Photon Blaster attack, which does 220 damage and prevents Miraidon ex from attacking next turn. For larger knock outs, power up Raichu V and with additional Lightning Energy in play, use its Dynamic Spark attack, which does 60 damage for each Lightning Energy you discard from any of your Pokémon. Go after more vulnerable Pokémon with Iron Hands ex and its Amp You Very Much attack, which does 120 damage and lets you take an additional Prize Card when taking a knockout.

KEY CARDS

Watch the Archetype in Action

Source: Alejandro Luciano Eijo - 26th Place, European International Championships

Pokémon - 17

  • 2 Iron Hands ex PAR 70
  • 2 Miraidon ex SVI 81
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Iron Bundle PAR 56
  • 1 Latias ex SSP 76
  • 1 Lumineon V BRS 40
  • 1 Magnemite SSP 58
  • 1 Magneton SSP 59
  • 1 Mew ex MEW 151
  • 1 Pikachu ex SSP 57
  • 1 Raichu V BRS 45
  • 1 Raikou V BRS 48
  • 1 Rotom V LOR 58
  • 1 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169
  • 1 Zapdos PGO 29

Trainer Cards - 27

  • 4 Arven OBF 186
  • 3 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 4 Electric Generator PAF 79
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 3 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 1 Lost Vacuum CRZ 135
  • 1 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 1 Secret Box TWM 163
  • 1 Switch Cart ASR 154
  • 1 Bravery Charm PAL 173
  • 1 Forest Seal Stone SIT 156
  • 1 Rescue Board PRE 126
  • 2 Area Zero Underdepths PRE 94

Energy - 16

  • 15 Basic Lightning Energy SVE 4
  • 1 Double Turbo Energy BRS 151

$55

Pidgeot ex Control

Illus. takuya

BASIC STRATEGY

Run your opponent out of resources by using the deck’s combination of resource-burning cards like Eri and Counter Catcher in combination with the deck’s variety of walling options, like 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: Joseph Mousaed - 16th Place, Sacramento Regional Championships

Pokémon - 14

  • 2 Cornerstone Mask Ogerpon ex TWM 112
  • 2 Mimikyu PAL 97
  • 2 Pidgeot ex OBF 164
  • 2 Pidgey OBF 162
  • 2 Rotom V LOR 58
  • 2 Snorlax PGO 55
  • 1 Chi-Yu ex PAL 40
  • 1 Luxray V ASR 50

Trainer Cards - 42

  • 4 Arven OBF 186
  • 2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 2 Cyllene ASR 138
  • 2 Iono PAF 80
  • 2 Miss Fortune Sisters LOR 164
  • 2 Penny SVI 183
  • 1 Eri TEF 146
  • 1 Erika's Invitation MEW 160
  • 1 Thorton LOR 167
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 3 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 3 Pal Pad SVI 182
  • 3 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 2 Accompanying Flute TWM 142
  • 2 Rare Candy PAF 89
  • 1 Hisuian Heavy Ball ASR 146
  • 1 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 2 Bravery Charm PAL 173
  • 1 Forest Seal Stone SIT 156
  • 1 Hero's Cape TEF 152
  • 2 Beach Court SVI 167

Energy - 4

  • 2 Double Turbo Energy BRS 151
  • 1 Basic Fighting Energy SVE 6
  • 1 Basic Fire Energy SVE 2

 Recently Competitive Archetypes

The decks that appear below have recently appeared in the top 8 but have since fallen out of it. 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 back swinging after a little rest.

$60

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 Radiant Greninja, Carmine, Professor’s Research, Ultra Ball, Earthen Vessel, and PokéStop 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: Stephen Lowe - 7th Place, Puerto Rico Special Event

Pokémon - 12

  • 3 Charcadet SSP 32
  • 2 Ceruledge ex SSP 36
  • 1 Fan Rotom SCR 118
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Lumineon V BRS 40
  • 1 Origin Forme Palkia V ASR 39
  • 1 Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR ASR 40
  • 1 Radiant Greninja ASR 46
  • 1 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169

Trainer Cards - 30

  • 2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 2 Carmine PRE 103
  • 2 Professor Turo's Scenario PRE 121
  • 2 Professor's Research PRE 125
  • 1 Briar PRE 100
  • 1 Iono PAF 80
  • 1 Irida ASR 147
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 4 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 4 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 3 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 1 Brilliant Blender SSP 164
  • 1 Pal Pad SVI 182
  • 2 Jamming Tower TWM 153

Energy - 18

  • 9 Basic Fire Energy SVE 2
  • 5 Basic Water Energy SVE 3
  • 4 Jet Energy PAL 190

$50

Lost Box

Illus. Ryota Murayama & Toshinao Aoki & Aya Kusube

BASIC STRATEGY

Using the components of the Comfey engine, get first to four and then ten cards in the Lost Zone—use Comfey’s Flower Selecting Ability, with which you look at the top two cards of your deck and put one in your hand and the other into the Lost Zone. Attack using Cramorant and its Spit Innocently attack, which does 110 damage (without the benefit of Weakness) for 0 Energy if you have four cards in the Lost Zone. Use Mirage Gate and manual attachments to power up Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex or Iron Hands ex as needed to take advantage of their Blood Moon and Amp You Very Much attacks.

KEY CARDS

WATCH THE ARCHETYPE IN ACTION

Source: Grant Manley - 11th Place, European International Championships

Pokémon - 13

  • 4 Comfey LOR 79
  • 1 Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex TWM 141
  • 1 Cramorant LOR 50
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Iron Bundle PAR 56
  • 1 Iron Hands ex PAR 70
  • 1 Pikachu ex SSP 57
  • 1 Radiant Greninja ASR 46
  • 1 Regigigas PRE 86
  • 1 Sableye LOR 70

Trainer Cards - 36

  • 4 Colress's Experiment LOR 155
  • 2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 1 Crispin PRE 105
  • 1 Roxanne ASR 150
  • 4 Mirage Gate LOR 163
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 4 Super Rod PAL 188
  • 4 Switch Cart ASR 154
  • 2 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
  • 2 Switch SVI 194
  • 1 Hisuian Heavy Ball ASR 146
  • 1 Lost Vacuum CRZ 135
  • 1 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 1 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
  • 1 Prime Catcher PRE 119
  • 1 Rescue Board PRE 126
  • 2 Artazon PAF 76

Energy - 11

  • 3 Basic Water Energy SVE 3
  • 2 Basic Lightning Energy SVE 4
  • 2 Basic Metal Energy SVE 8
  • 2 Jet Energy PAL 190
  • 1 Basic Grass Energy SVE 1
  • 1 Basic Psychic Energy SVE 5

$65

Terapagos ex w/ Klawf and Friends

Illus. Yuya Oka

BASIC STRATEGY

Build your board by preparing Klawf and its Unhinged Scissors attack, which does 30 damage plus 160 more damage if Klawf is affected by a Special Condition. To get a Special Condition on Klawf, use Brute Bonnet’s Toxic Powder Ability, which makes both Active Pokémon Poisoned if Brute Bonnet has an Ancient Booster Energy Capsule attached. Alternatively, attack with Hisuian Electrode V’s Tantrum Blast, which does 100 damage for each Special Condition affecting it. Boost the Poisoned damage done to your opponent’s Active Pokémon during Pokémon during Pokémon Checkup using Radiant Hisuian Sneasler’s Poison Peak Ability, which increases Poisoned damage by 2 damage counters, and, when Klawf or Hisuian Electrode V are not in the Active Spot, with Pecharunt’s Toxic Subjugation Ability, which increases Poisoned damage by 5 damage counters when it is in the Active Spot.

KEY CARDS

WATCH THE ARCHETYPE IN ACTION

Source: Ryuki Okada - 1st Place, European International Championships

Pokémon - 16

  • 2 Brute Bonnet PAR 123
  • 2 Budew PRE 4
  • 2 Lumineon V BRS 40
  • 2 Terapagos ex SCR 128
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Klawf PAR 105
  • 1 Latias ex SSP 76
  • 1 Munkidori TWM 95
  • 1 Oranguru V ASR 133
  • 1 Pecharunt SVP 129
  • 1 Radiant Hisuian Sneasler LOR 123
  • 1 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169

Trainer Cards - 39

  • 3 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 2 Arven OBF 186
  • 2 Iono PAF 80
  • 2 Professor's Research PRE 125
  • 1 Carmine PRE 103
  • 1 Colress's Tenacity SFA 57
  • 1 Kieran PRE 113
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 4 Switch Cart ASR 154
  • 3 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 2 Hisuian Heavy Ball ASR 146
  • 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 1 Precious Trolley SSP 185
  • 3 Ancient Booster Energy Capsule TEF 140
  • 3 Binding Mochi PRE 95
  • 2 Forest Seal Stone SIT 156
  • 3 Area Zero Underdepths PRE 94

Energy - 5

  • 4 Double Turbo Energy BRS 151
  • 1 Basic Darkness Energy SVE 7

$75

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. After your opponent has taken two Prize cards, accelerate additional energy into play with Sandy Shocks ex’s Magnetic Absorbtion Ability, which reads, “Once during your turn, if your opponent has 4 or fewer Prize cards remaining, you may attach a Basic [F] Energy card from your discard pile to this Pokémon.”

KEY CARDS

WATCH THE ARCHETYPE IN ACTION

Source: Antonio Jardim - 72nd Place, European International Championships

Pokémon - 12

  • 4 Raging Bolt ex TEF 123
  • 4 Teal Mask Ogerpon ex TWM 25
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Radiant Greninja ASR 46
  • 1 Slither Wing PAR 107
  • 1 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169

Trainer Cards - 36

  • 4 Professor Sada's Vitality PRE 120
  • 1 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 1 Briar PRE 100
  • 1 Crispin PRE 105
  • 4 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 4 Trekking Shoes CRZ 145
  • 3 Energy Retrieval SVI 171
  • 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 2 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
  • 2 Pokémon Catcher SVI 187
  • 2 Switch Cart ASR 154
  • 1 Pal Pad SVI 182
  • 1 Prime Catcher PRE 119
  • 2 Ancient Booster Energy Capsule TEF 140
  • 2 PokéStop PGO 68

Energy - 12

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

$45

Snorlax Stall

Illus. N-DESIGN Inc.

BASIC STRATEGY

Run your opponent out of resources by using the deck’s combination of resource-burning cards: Miss Fortune Sisters, Giacomo, and Counter Catcher in combination with Snorlax’s Block Ability and Mimikyu’s 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. Further frustrate your opponent by using Erika’s Invitation to force a Basic Pokémon from your opponent’s hand into play. 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: Daniel Magda - 6th Place, European International Championships

Pokémon - 6

  • 4 Snorlax PGO 55
  • 1 Cornerstone Mask Ogerpon ex TWM 112
  • 1 Rotom V LOR 58

Trainer Cards - 54

  • 4 Arven OBF 186
  • 4 Penny SVI 183
  • 2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 2 Cyllene ASR 138
  • 2 Miss Fortune Sisters LOR 164
  • 1 Eri TEF 146
  • 1 Erika's Invitation MEW 160
  • 1 Giacomo PAL 182
  • 1 Iono PAF 80
  • 1 Team Yell's Cheer BRS 149
  • 1 Xerosic's Machinations SFA 64
  • 4 Accompanying Flute TWM 142
  • 4 Boxed Order TEF 143
  • 4 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 4 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
  • 3 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 2 Pal Pad SVI 182
  • 1 Hisuian Heavy Ball ASR 146
  • 1 Secret Box TWM 163
  • 2 Handheld Fan TWM 150
  • 1 Bravery Charm PAL 173
  • 1 Forest Seal Stone SIT 156
  • 3 Temple of Sinnoh ASR 155
  • 2 Artazon PAF 76

Energy - 0

$70

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: Gauthier Vesseron - 25th Place, European International Championships

Pokémon - 20

  • 2 Charizard ex OBF 125
  • 2 Charmander MEW 4
  • 2 Charmeleon PAF 8
  • 2 Duskull PRE 35
  • 2 Pidgeot ex OBF 164
  • 2 Pidgey MEW 16
  • 1 Charmander OBF 26
  • 1 Dusclops PRE 36
  • 1 Dusknoir PRE 37
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Lumineon V BRS 40
  • 1 Pidgeotto MEW 17
  • 1 Radiant Charizard CRZ 20
  • 1 Rotom V LOR 58

Trainer Cards - 35

  • 4 Arven OBF 186
  • 3 Iono PAF 80
  • 2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 1 Briar PRE 100
  • 1 Jacq SVI 175
  • 1 Professor Turo's Scenario PRE 121
  • 1 Thorton LOR 167
  • 4 Rare Candy PAF 89
  • 4 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 3 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 2 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 2 Super Rod PAL 188
  • 1 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
  • 1 Lost Vacuum CRZ 135
  • 1 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 1 Precious Trolley SSP 185
  • 1 Defiance Band SVI 169
  • 1 Forest Seal Stone SIT 156
  • 1 Temple of Sinnoh ASR 155

Energy - 5

  • 5 Basic Fire Energy SVE 2

$75

Regidrago VSTAR

Illus. PLANETA Yamashita

BASIC STRATEGY

Discard your non-Regidrago Dragon-typed Pokémon. Bench and evolve Regidrago V into Regidrago VSTAR, then use its Apex Dragon attack, which lets you copy the attack of any Dragon-type Pokémon in your discard pile for the cost of two Grass Energy and one Fire Energy. Use Teal Mask Ogerpon ex’s Teal Dance Ability to get Grass Energy into play and use Energy Switch as necessary to move Energy onto Regidrago VSTAR to power up its attack. Use the deck’s toolbox of Dragon-type attackers that Regidrago VSTAR’s Apex Dragon can copy as needed: Dragapult ex’s Phantom Dive, which does 200 damage to your opponent’s Active Pokémon and lets you place 6 damage counters on your opponent’s Benched Pokémon, Hisuian Goodra VSTAR’s Rolling Iron attack, which does 200 damage and makes your Pokémon that used the attack take 80 less during your opponent’s next turn, or Raging Bolt ex’s Bellowing Thunder attack, which does 70 damage for each Energy card you discard from your Pokémon in play. (Note that different variations of the deck will run a different set of Dragon Pokémon to copy with Apex Dragon.)

KEY CARDS

Watch the Archetype in Action

Source: Brent Tonisson - 3rd Place, Birmingham Regional Championships

Pokémon - 18

  • 3 Regidrago V SIT 135
  • 3 Regidrago VSTAR SIT 136
  • 3 Teal Mask Ogerpon ex TWM 25
  • 1 Dragapult ex TWM 130
  • 1 Giratina VSTAR LOR 131
  • 1 Hisuian Goodra VSTAR LOR 136
  • 1 Kyurem SFA 47
  • 1 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Mew ex MEW 151
  • 1 Cleffa OBF 80
  • 1 Radiant Charizard CRZ 20

Trainer Cards - 32

  • 3 Professor's Research PRE 125
  • 3 Iono PAF 80
  • 2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 4 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 4 Energy Switch SVI 173
  • 4 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 2 Super Rod PAL 188
  • 1 Prime Catcher PRE 119
  • 1 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 1 Switch SVI 194
  • 1 Canceling Cologne ASR 136
  • 1 Jamming Tower TWM 153
  • 1 Temple of Sinnoh ASR 155

Energy - 10

  • 7 Basic Grass Energy SVE 1
  • 3 Basic Fire Energy SVE 2

$35

Ancient Box

Illus. Teeziro & hncl

BASIC STRATEGY

Attack with Roaring Moon and its Vengeance Fletching attack, which does 70 damage plus 10 more damage for each Ancient card in your discard pile.

KEY CARDS

Watch the Archetype in Action

Source: Timothy Tsang - 170th Place, European International Championships

Pokémon - 15

  • 4 Flutter Mane TEF 78
  • 4 Roaring Moon TEF 109
  • 2 Great Tusk TEF 97
  • 2 Koraidon SSP 116
  • 1 Munkidori TWM 95
  • 1 Pecharunt ex SFA 39
  • 1 Radiant Greninja ASR 46

Trainer Cards - 38

  • 4 Explorer's Guidance PRE 107
  • 4 Professor Sada's Vitality PRE 120
  • 1 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 4 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 3 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
  • 2 Counter Catcher PAR 160
  • 2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 1 Dark Patch ASR 139
  • 1 Hisuian Heavy Ball ASR 146
  • 1 Pal Pad SVI 182
  • 1 Secret Box TWM 163
  • 1 Super Rod PAL 188
  • 1 Superior Energy Retrieval PAL 189
  • 1 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 4 Ancient Booster Energy Capsule TEF 140
  • 3 PokéStop PGO 68

Energy - 7

  • 7 Basic Darkness Energy SVE 7

$55

Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR

Illus. aky CG Works

Basic Strategy

Using the deck’s various search cards and draw options, seek out and bench as many Pokémon as possible to boost the damage of Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR’s Subspace Swell attack which does 60 damage plus 20 more damage for each Benched Pokémon (both yours and your opponent’s). Throughout the game, discard Water Energy via Ultra Ball and Radiant Greninja’s Concealed Cards ability. When needed, use Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR’s Star Portal ability to power up either another Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR or Radiant Greninja.

Key Cards

Watch The Archetype in Action

Source: Alex Schemanske - 2nd Place, San Antonio Regional Championships

Pokémon - 19

  • 3 Noctowl SCR 115
  • 2 Fan Rotom SCR 118
  • 2 Hoothoot SCR 114
  • 2 Origin Forme Palkia V ASR 39
  • 2 Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR ASR 40
  • 2 Terapagos ex SCR 128
  • 1 Bidoof CRZ 111
  • 1 Bidoof BRS 120
  • 1 Ditto MEW 132
  • 1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
  • 1 Hoothoot TEF 126
  • 1 Radiant Greninja ASR 46

Trainer Cards - 34

  • 2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
  • 2 Iono PAF 80
  • 1 Cyllene ASR 138
  • 1 Irida ASR 147
  • 1 Kieran PRE 113
  • 1 Professor's Research PRE 125
  • 1 Thorton LOR 167
  • 4 Nest Ball PAF 84
  • 3 Night Stretcher SFA 61
  • 3 Ultra Ball PAF 91
  • 2 Earthen Vessel PRE 106
  • 2 Glass Trumpet PRE 110
  • 1 Buddy-Buddy Poffin PRE 101
  • 1 Canceling Cologne ASR 136
  • 1 Energy Switch SVI 173
  • 1 Hisuian Heavy Ball ASR 146
  • 1 Lost Vacuum CRZ 135
  • 1 Prime Catcher PRE 119
  • 1 Switch SVI 194
  • 1 Technical Machine: Devolution PAR 177
  • 3 Area Zero Underdepths PRE 94

Energy - 7

  • 7 Basic Water Energy SVE 3