Tag Archives: competative

Mercurial Heart Season Kicks off With Some Very Cool Prizes!

June 3, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

The Mercurial Heart season has kicked off, and prizing has been announced. If you’re interested in the competitive scene or just want to play some Grand Archive, check with your LGS for a scene. Use the handy store locator on the Omnidex if you need a place to start! Grand Archive has some of the nicest players. Even if you’re not comfortable with your skills, you’re going to have a good time!

Store Championships

Store Championships start on July 1st and will run until September 27th, which gives you plenty of time to start brewing your competitive deck or at least earn a stamped Sabel Remnant! This season’s champion playmat is amazing! Make sure you check with your LGS to see when they’ll be running the next store championship!

Stamped Sable Remnant

You get a Sable Remnant just for showing up (while supplies last) so it might be worth trying worth checking it out. Who knows? You might get addicted to the chase!

Nationals Qualifier Invitation

Winners of the store championship will earn a special Windmill Engineer that not only looks pretty, but acts as their invitation to nationals!

Champion Playmat

The winner also gets an exclusive store champion playmat. The art is beautiful, and if I wasn’t already convinced about going for the Grand Archive, I would be going for a chance at the playmat!

Regionals

Regional season is also upon us! Players who do well at regionals will receive MRC Saphire packs with foils of cards only available in the Re:Collection decks. It might be a great chance at some valuable bling if you’re running either. Everyone attending a regional receives a cool playmat, but those who do well will earn points towards a Nationals invite and an even cooler playmat. I’m convinced to show up, even if I only get a prize for participation.

Lightweaver’s Assault

Players who do well at regionals will receive a special Lightweaver’s Assault card that comes with 3 points towards a nationals invite. This is such a cool card to chase! I like the idea of winning cards as invites. It reminds me of the old Yugioh anime, and that was such a huge part of my childhood.

Participation Playmat

Even if you don’t win, the playmat you get just for showing up is pretty cool. I’m hoping they run a regionals near me so I can get my hands on one.

Finalist Playmat

Champion

When

Some regional dates have been announced and confirmed. The list is not final, so make sure you are checking the official Grand Archive page to stay up to date. Here is what has been confirmed so far:

North America

June 23rd – 401Kollectibles (West Chicago, IL)
June 30th – True Champion Gaming (Ann Arbor, MI)
July 6th – Curio Cavern (Springfield, VA)
July 13th – Webway Games (Marlborough, MA)
July 13th – Game Kastle Greenville (Taylors, SC)
July 14th – Forest City Coins (London, ON)
July 21st – Mox Valley Games (Springfield, OR)
August 17th – The Haven Games (Casselberry, FL)
September 14th – Final Turn Gaming (Clifton, NJ)\
September 21st – The Banish Zone (Wernersville, PA)
Date TBD – Reaper Game Store (Denton, TX)
Date TBD – CoreTCG (Pasadena, CA)
Date TBD – Final Cut TCG (Gold River, CA)
Date TBD – Yeti Gaming (St. Louis, MO)

Europe

July 14th – IanTCG (Den Haag, Netherlands)
September 15th – Brood en Spelen (Sint-Niklaas, Belgium)
September 28th – Aria’s Card Shop (Budapest, Hungary)

Oceania

June 29th – Good Games Box Hill (Melbourne, AU)
July 6th – JoJo’s Hobbyhouse (Brisbane, AU)
Date TBD – Good Games Townhall (Sydney, AU)
Date TBD – Card Merchant Christchurch (Christchurch, NZ)
Date TBD – Card Merchant Nelson (Nelson, NZ)
Date TBD – Card Merchant Westcity (Auckland, NZ)
Date TBD – Card Merchant Hamilton (Hamilton, NZ)
Date TBD – Hobby Lords Lower Hutt (Lower Hutt, NZ)

Southeast Asia

July 14th – The Weatherlight Enterprise (Selangor, MY)
August 24th – Agora Hobby (Singapore)

Online

July 27th – IllusiveTCG (OCE)
July 28th – Yeti Gaming (NA)
August 25th – Yeti Gaming (NA)
September 21st – Aria’s Card Shop (EU)

Conclusion

Good luck to everyone who participates. I hope you all go far. I’ll see you out there!

If you like enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends!

Other TCGs

Akora TCG: More World Beyond Spoilers and 420 Tournament!

April 10, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

I started following Akora TCG after opening a few packs of Spellbound Wings for pack openings I did on my YouTube and TikTok. I fell in love with the cozy feel of the artwork, and the game mechanics have some solid flavor. Well, there’s been a bit of news since my last update, so let me consolidate it all for visibility. This game deserves some attention, and the community is friendly and ready for new members.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. If you want to buy some Akora, get it over at TCG Player with my affiliate links. Don’t forget to follow the socials!

Upcoming Casual Tournament

Those wanting to jump into their first game of Akora won’t have to go far, assuming you have access to Discord and Tabletop Simulator. Jaxonation will be hosting a low-stakes tournament on April 20 in anticipation of the upcoming World Set. If you want to get a feel of the competitive scene, it is worth signing up. Slots are still available so spread the word and sign up today! First place gets you a full art from the Spellbound Wings set.

Don’t be intimidated, the discord seems to be full of chill and welcoming folks trying to enjoy a game that they love. If you need practice beforehand, I’m sure you can find someone who will be willing to walk you through the mechanics if you ask around.

Spoilers

The art for this game is cute, but the promos and full arts are amazing! I’m very excited to see what else will be in the upcoming set, but for now, lets enjoy the teasers!

Product

Other TCGs

March of the Mortals: Top 3 Sorcery Decks & Where to Get Them

March 20, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

The March of the Mortals Sorcery: Contested Realm tournament was this weekend. I went ahead and collected the top three decks from the event, and I’ll leave links to the singles for those who need them. I tried to choose the cheapest singles, so I am sticking with beta. This is a beautiful game, and even if you’re not trying to get into the competitive scene, you should at least admire the art that went into it.

Make sure you check with your LGS for a local scene and product, but you can always pick up Sorcery: Contested Realm off TCG Player using my affiliate links. If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!

1. Enchantress Control

Avatar
1 x Enchantress

Aura
2 x Silence
3 x Thunderstorm
3 x Wildfire
2 x Abundance
1 x Atlantean Fate

Artifact
1 x Amethyst Core
1 x Aquamarine Core
1 x Philosopher’s Stone
1 x Ruby Core
2 x Angel’s Egg

Minion
2 x Wills-o’-the-Wisp
2 x Grandmaster Wizard
1 x Death Dealer

Magic
4 x Blink
2 x Lightning Bolt
2 x Pollimorph
2 x Riptide
2 x Disintegrate
2 x Chaos Twister
2 x Poison Nova
2 x Major Explosion

Site
1 x Dark Tower
3 x Floodplain
1 x Gothic Tower
3 x Lighthouse
1 x Lone Tower
1 x Mirror Realm
3 x Oasis
2 x Remote Desert
1 x River of Flame
3 x Ruins
1 x The Colour Out of Space

Sideboard
1 x Twist of Fate
1 x Wills-o’-the-Wisp
1 x Disenchant
2 x Sirocco Scorpions
3 x Drought
2 x Infiltrate

2. Battlemage

Avatar
1 x Battlemage

Aura
3 x Thunderstorm

Artifact
1 x Amethyst Core
1 x Philosopher’s Stone
1 x Ruby Core
Artifact
1 x Amethyst Core
1 x Philosopher’s Stone
1 x Ruby Core
1 x Torshammar Trinket
1 x Rolling Boulder

Minions
3 x Pit Vipers
1 x Highland Princess
3 x Quarrelsome Kobolds
3 x Gyre Hippogriffs
4 x Petrosian Cavalry
3 x Sand Worm
3 x Daperyll Vampire

Magic
3 x Chain Lightning
3 x Blaze
3 x Grapple Shot
2 x Infiltrate
1 x Poison Nova

Site
2 x Dark Tower
2 x Gothic Tower
2 x Imperial Road
2 x Lone Tower
3 x Remote Desert
1 x River of Flame
3 x Ruins
2 x Sinkhole
1 x The Colour Out of Space
2 x Watchtower

Sideboard
1 x Pillar of Zeiros
4 x Disenchant
1 x Grim Reaper
3 x Vile Imp

3. Earth/Air Sorcerer

Avatar
1 x Sorcerer

Aura
1 x Crusade

Artifact
1 x Amethyst Core
1 x Onyx Core
1 x Philosopher’s Stone

Minion
4 x Bosk Troll
1 x Grim Reaper
3 x Autumn Unicorn
2 x Cave Trolls
3 x Root Spider
3 x Dalcean Phalanx
3 x Pudge Butcher
1 x Atlas Wanderers
2 x Daperyll Vampire

Magic
1 x Divine Healing
2 x Blink
3 x Common Sense
1 x Dispel
1 x Lightning Bolt
2 x Bury
3 x Grapple Shot
1 x Gigantism
1 x Earthquake

Site
3 x Aqueduct
1 x Dark Tower
3 x Gnome Hollows
1 x Gothic Tower
3 x Lighthouse
1 x Lone Tower
1 x Pillar of Zeiros
2 x Quagmire
2 x Rift Valley
3 x Windmill

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive: SEA Regionals Top 3 Decks & Where to Get Them

March 18, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

This weekend was SEA Nationals at Agora Hobby, and we got to see some familiar faces. Zander and Toni seem to have carved their place into the meta, but Diana came out on top! I love to see how different regions of the world interact with the same card pool, so lets get into it! I’ll be leaving links to the singles for anyone who needs them. I try to pick the cheapest most available versions for each card.

I’ve only been tracking the top three because this is a bit of work, but I’ll suck it up if there is interest in a top five. Just let me know!

If you need any Grand Archive product, like the latest Alchemical Revolution set, get it over at TCG Player using my affiliate links. If you need accessories for your cards like decks, dice, or bags, get them over at Gem Tech. Use discount code churapereviews10 at checkout for 10% off your order.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials:

1. Limelight #227: 9 – 1 – 0

Material Deck

Main Deck

Material Deck
1 Spirit of Fire
1 Diana, Keen Huntress
1 Diana, Deadly Duelist
1 Diana, Duskstalker
1 Bauble of Abundance
1 Flash Grenade
1 Grand Crusader’s Ring
1 Plated Bullet
1 Seeker’s Rifle
1 Tasershot
1 Viridian Protective Trinket
1 Shadow’s Twin

Main Deck
3 Backstep
3 Deploy Gunshield
4 Dungeon Guide
2 Evasive Maneuvers
4 Fast Cure
3 Library Witch
3 Reposition
3 Resolute Stand
3 Seeking Shot
4 Stalwart Shieldmate
3 Airship Engineer
3 Automaton Bomber
4 Creative Shock
3 Crimson Tear
3 Incendiary Shot
4 Carter, Synthetic Reaper
2 False Step
3 Mindbreak Bullet
3 Umbral Tithe

Sideboard
1 Spirit of Serene Fire
1 Nullifying Lantern
1 Quicksilver Grail
1 Smoke Bombs
1 Tariff Ring
3 Meltdown

2. ProAnnn #11332: 7 – 1 – 2

Material Deck

Main Deck

Material Deck
1 Spirit of Serene Fire
1 Zander, Prepared Scout
1 Zander, Deft Executor
1 Zander, Blinding Steel
1 Chalice of Blood
1 Grand Crusader’s Ring
1 Nullifying Lantern
1 Orb of Choking Fumes
1 Safeguard Amulet
1 Tariff Ring
1 Insignia of the Corhazi
1 Luxera’s Map

Main Deck
4 Dungeon Guide
4 Exorcise Curses
4 Fast Cure
2 Gawain, Chivalrous Thief
4 Juggle Knives
3 Resolute Stand
4 Scry the Skies
2 Serum of Wisdom
2 Stalwart Shieldmate
4 Thieving Cut
3 Vanish from Sight
4 Creative Shock
4 Excalibur, Cleansing Light
4 Gleaming Cut
4 Lightweaver’s Assault
4 Luxem Sight
4 Uncover the Plot

Sideboard
2 Blanche, Sheltering Saint
1 Fire Resonance Bauble
1 Orb of Regret
1 Quicksilver Grail
1 Resolute Stand
1 Vanish from Sight
1 Water Resonance Bauble

3. Alick #1951: 7 – 2 – 1

Material Deck

Main Deck

Material Deck
1 Spirit of Wind
1 Tonoris, Might of Humanity
1 Tonoris, Lone Mercenary
1 Bulwark Sword
1 Fire Resonance Bauble
1 Grand Crusader’s Ring
1 Nullifying Lantern
1 Ornamental Greatsword
1 Water Resonance Bauble
1 Wind Resonance Bauble
1 Viridian Protective Trinket
1 Tariff Ring

Main Deck

3 Deflecting Edge
4 Gildas, Chronicler of Aesa
4 Imperial Recruit
3 Inspiring Call
4 Lurking Assailant
4 Woodland Squirrels
4 Aesan Protector
3 Attune with the Winds
4 Dream Fairy
4 Shimmercloak Assassin
4 Swift Recruit
2 Trained Hawk
4 Windrider Vanguard
4 Heavy Swing
2 Esteemed Knight
2 Trained Sharpshooter
2 Rallied Advance
3 Seeking Shot

Sideboard

1 Eye of Argus
1 Poisoned Coating Oil
1 Quicksilver Grail
1 Azure Protective Trinket
1 Smoke Bombs
1 Safeguard Amulet
1 Life Essence Amulet
1 Sword of Seeking

Uncategorized

Grand Archive Official Store Championships List is up!

March 16, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

If you’re trying to get into competitive Grand Archive, the Store Championships list has been published on the official site, along with dates and locations for upcoming regional events. I’ll leave the file here for your convenience.

ALC_Season_Store_Championship_List_3_12_SC_List_Updated_3_13_24_1_36a090b5fb Download

Prize Support

Store Championship events are a great way to play Grand Archive, make new friends, and most importantly, earn your regional invitation. Prize support will vary between locations, but Store Champions will receive the season’s playmat and promo card. This season features a very cool-looking Lurking Assailant.

Regionals Prizing

If you do make it to regionals, you’ll get to compete for some cool promos, playmats, and bragging rights. This season’s mats are pretty cool, so get out there and start grinding!

If you’re trying to get into Grand Archive, head over to your LGS and look for that scene. Competitive meta decks aren’t that expensive, and the game seems like a lot of fun. Always support your LGS, but you can always get any Grand Archive product, like the latest Alchemical Revolution set, get it over at TCG Player using my affiliate links. If you need accessories for your cards like decks, dice, or bags, get them over at Gem Tech. Use discount code churapereviews10 at checkout for 10% off your order.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials:

Grand Archive TCG

Top 3 Decks From Michigan Regionals and Where to get Them

March 11, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

The Michigan Regionals were this weekend, and we got to see a few familiar faces do their thing. Tonoris seems to be carving his place in the meta while Zander shows his consistency yet again. It is cool to see the small tweaks and shifts in the meta as we get closer to words. I wonder what we’ll end up with?

I went ahead and collected lists for the top three decks, and I’ve left my affiliate links for the singles. Check with your LGS for a local scene and product, or use the Store Locator to find one. The Grand Archive TCG Discord is a fantastic source of news, information, and friendly faces to share the hobby with.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials:

1. Matt #162

Material Deck

Main Deck

Material Deck

1 Gwendolyn, Spirit of Wind
(You can use Spirit of the Wind)
1 Lorraine, Wandering Warrior
1 Tonoris, Lone Mercenary
1 Bulwark Sword
1 Fire Resonance Bauble
1 Grand Crusader’s Ring
1 Life Essence Amulet
1 Nullifying Lantern
1 Safeguard Amulet
1 Sword of Seeking
1 Water Resonance Bauble
1 Wind Resonance Bauble

Main Deck

4 Deflecting Edge
4 Esteemed Knight
4 Gildas, Chronicler of Aesa
4 Imperial Recruit
4 Inspiring Call
4 Lurking Assailant
4 Woodland Squirrels
4 Aesan Protector
4 Attune with the Winds
4 Dream Fairy
4 Shimmercloak Assassin
4 Swift Recruit
4 Trained Hawk
4 Windrider Vanguard
4 Zephyr

Sideboard

1 Eye of Argus
1 Ornamental Greatsword
1 Poisoned Coating Oil
1 Quicksilver Grail
1 Smoke Bombs
1 Tariff Ring
1 Tithe Proclamation
1 Viridian Protective Trinket

2. Noel #276

Material Deck

Main Deck

Material Deck

1 Spirit of Serene Fire
1 Zander, Prepared Scout
1 Zander, Deft Executor
1 Zander, Blinding Steel
1 Chalice of Blood
1 Fire Resonance Bauble
1 Nullifying Lantern
1 Quicksilver Grail
1 Safeguard Amulet
1 Tariff Ring
1 Insignia of the Corhazi
1 Luxera’s Map

Main Deck

2 Serum of Wisdom
4 Thieving Cut
3 Vanish from Sight
4 Creative Shock
1 Focused Flames
4 Planted Explosive
4 Excalibur, Cleansing Light
4 Gleaming Cut
4 Lightweaver’s Assault
4 Luxem Sight
3 Uncover the Plot

Sideboard

1 Spirit of Serene Water
1 Grand Crusader’s Ring
1 Water Resonance Bauble
1 Caliburn of Silencing
4 Fracturize

3. NumberFour #347

Material Deck

Main Deck

Material Deck

1 Spirit of Wind
1 Tonoris, Lone Mercenary
1 Tonoris, Might of Humanity
1 Bulwark Sword
1 Fire Resonance Bauble
1 Grand Crusader’s Ring
1 Ornamental Greatsword
1 Safeguard Amulet
1 Tariff Ring
1 Tithe Proclamation
1 Viridian Protective Trinket
1 Water Resonance Bauble

Main Deck

4 Deflecting Edge
4 Gildas, Chronicler of Aesa
4 Heavy Swing
3 Imperial Recruit
2 Inspiring Call
4 Lurking Assailant
2 Scavenging Raccoon
2 Song of Nurturing
4 Woodland Squirrels
3 Aesan Protector
3 Attune with the Winds
2 Displace
4 Dream Fairy
2 Favorable Winds
2 Rose, Eternal Paragon
4 Shimmercloak Assassin
3 Swift Recruit
4 Windrider Vanguard
4 Zephyr

Sideboard

1 Eye of Argus
1 Nullifying Lantern
1 Smoke Bombs
1 Wind Resonance Bauble
1 Rose, Eternal Paragon
3 Veiling Breeze

Grand Archive TCG

Top 3 Decks From Houston Regionals and where to get them

March 8, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

The Houston regionals were this weekend. If you missed it, the VODs are up on the Grand Archive official YouTube. It seems the meta is shaping up with some familiar archetypes, but it is nice to see some new cards starting to trickle in. Congratulations to Matt for getting first place.

A detailed list of the tournament’s standings and decklist can be found on Omnidex, but I went ahead and collected the top three for you. I’ll also leave links to the singles for those who need them. If you need any Grand Archive product, like the latest Alchemical Revolution set, get it over at TCG Player using my affiliate links. If you need accessories for your cards like decks, dice, or bags, get them over at Gem Tech. Use discount code churapereviews10 at checkout for 10% off your order.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials:

1. Matt #162

Material Deck – 12 Cards

Main Deck – 60 Cards

Material Deck – 12 Cards

1 Spirit of Fire
1 Lorraine, Wandering Warrior
1 Rai, Spellcrafter
1 Lorraine, Blademaster
1 Arisanna, Lucent Arbiter
1 Channeling Stone
1 Discordia, Harp of Malice
1 Grand Crusader's Ring
1 Safeguard Amulet
1 Sword of Adversity
1 Tariff Ring
1 Viridian Protective Trinket

Main Deck – 60 Cards

1 Dusklight Communion
4 Library Witch
4 Stalwart Shieldmate
3 Cemetery Sentry
4 Clumsy Apprentice
4 Creative Shock
4 Cremation Ritual
4 Embersong
4 Erupting Rhapsody
4 Fiery Momentum
3 Fireball
2 Flame Sweep
4 Hasty Messenger
4 Increasing Danger
3 Innervate Fury
4 Spurn to Ash
4 Tempered Steel

Sideboard

1 Azure Protective Trinket
1 Water Resonance Bauble
2 Dusklight Communion
1 Cemetery Sentry
1 Innervate Fury
2 Varuckan Acolyte

2. OkaygeBusiness #596

Material Deck – 12 Cards

Main Deck – 60 Cards

Material Deck – 12 Cards

1 Spirit of Serene Fire
1 Zander, Prepared Scout
1 Zander, Deft Executor
1 Zander, Blinding Steel
1 Chalice of Blood
1 Fire Resonance Bauble
1 Nullifying Lantern
1 Quicksilver Grail
1 Safeguard Amulet
1 Tariff Ring
1 Insignia of the Corhazi
1 Luxera's Map

Main Deck – 60 Cards

4 Dungeon Guide
4 Exorcise Curses
4 Fast Cure
2 Gawain, Chivalrous Thief
4 Juggle Knives
1 Oasis Trading Post
3 Resolute Stand
4 Scry the Skies
2 Serum of Wisdom
4 Thieving Cut
4 Creative Shock
1 Focused Flames
4 Planted Explosive
4 Excalibur, Cleansing Light
4 Gleaming Cut
4 Lightweaver's Assault
4 Luxem Sight
3 Uncover the Plot

Sideboard – 8 Cards

1 Spirit of Serene Water
1 Grand Crusader's Ring
1 Water Resonance Bauble
1 Focused Flames
4 Fracturize

3. cactus #2143

Material Deck – 12 Cards

Main Deck – 60 Cards

Material Deck – 12 Deck

1 Spirit of Water
1 Tonoris, Lone Mercenary
1 Tonoris, Might of Humanity
1 Tonoris, Genesis Aegis
1 Fire Resonance Bauble
1 Grand Crusader's Ring
1 Nullifying Lantern
1 Ornamental Greatsword
1 Tariff Ring
1 Water Resonance Bauble
1 Wind Resonance Bauble
1 Scepter of Lumina

Main Deck – 60 Cards

4 Deflecting Edge
4 Dungeon Guide
3 Esteemed Knight
4 Gildas, Chronicler of Aesa
4 Heavy Swing
4 Imperial Recruit
4 Lurking Assailant
3 Trained Sharpshooter
4 Corhazi Trapper
3 Fracturize
4 Freezing Hail
4 Frostbind
4 Frostsworn Paladin
4 Snow Fairy
4 Song of Frost
3 Storm of Thorns

Sideboard – 8 Cards

1 Bulwark Sword
1 Safeguard Amulet
4 Seeking Shot
1 Tithe Proclamation
1 Viridian Protective Trinket

Grand Archive TCG

New Grand Archive TCG Ban List Announcement, Sorta

March 6, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

The March Banlist for the Grand Archive TCG has been posted. There were no changes from last month’s, but I thought I would post about them all the same. Join the official Grand Archive Discord to stay up to date with all the news and maybe find new friends in the hobby. Always check with your LGS for products and a local scene, but you can always find Grand Archive, like the newest Alchemical Revolution, on TCG Player through my affiliate links.And if you need accessories, get them over at Gem Tech. Use discount code churapereviews10 for 10% off your order. It really helps me out.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. You can also follow the socials:

Ban List

There are still only three cards banned in the format: Currently, Sword of Avarice, Reckless Conversion, and Crystal of Empowerment. Make sure these cards are out of your deck if you’re going to any official events.

Watch List

The official announcement splits them into categories. There is only one category for bans (see above) and the other two are watch lists for cards that might be problematic with future releases. There are currently six cards on the watch list: Creative Shock, Varuck, Smoldering Spire, Dream Fairy, Freezing Hail, Erupting Rhapsody, Scepter of Lumina. This is just a watch list, so you don’t need to take them out of your decks just yet.

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive TCG Ban List and Official Webcam Tournament

February 20, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

This news is a little old, but I’m posting it for those who missed it. The Grand Archive ban and restricted list have been posted, and if you’re participating in the online tournament this weekend February 24, you should already be compliant.

Those of you wanting to play some Grand Archive and win some National Qualifier Points (NQPs) should sign up for Yeti Gaming’s webcam regionals. It is a $10 entry fee for a tournament you play over Discord. The top 8 players will receive:

Finalist Playmat
18 packs of Alchemical Revolution
4 Gold Packs
6 Silver Packs

1st place will receive these rewards but with a Regional Champion playmat instead of the finalist one. Check the official site for more details. Sign-ups are still open.

Ban List

The ban list effective February 16 has been announced, but the list is a bit confusing. There are three categories, but only category three is the ban list. Categories 1 and 2 are watch lists, with 2 being more problematic from what I gather. Sword of Avarice, Reckless Conversion, and Crystal of Empowerment are banned.

From the Website:

Crystal of Empowerment has been a mainstay in the competitive meta persistently. While the intention was to provide a cog in the strategy of level manipulation primarily for Mage and Cleric, it has proved to affect the game in more facets than intended, warping the tempo of the game. It limits design in other classes where it should be much harder to modulate levels compared to Mage and Cleric. However, an additional reason to ban it now rather than later, is that Crystal has been overperforming in the current meta even when used for its intended purpose.

Category 1 Watch List

Cards in this category are considered problematic for the future of the game. The newest additions to this list are Scepter of Lumina and Erupting Rhapsody.

Thank you for reading. If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. If you need any Grand Archive, like the new Alchemical Revolution set, pick it up at TCG Player using my affiliate links!

Pokemon TCG, Uncategorized

The Top 5 Archetypes in the Pokemon TCG Meta Since Portland

January 10, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

Portland Regionals brought the meta back to its roots. A lot of familiar decks made it to top 8, with the finals being a decisive mirror match between Lost Giratina. There were a couple of odd archetypes to make top 30, but I’ll just be showing top 5. I’ll leave links to the singles for those who need them.

If you enjoy these updates, make sure you leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. If you need any Pokémon product like the new Paradox Rift set, or if you still need to preorder Paldaen Fates, save a little money and get it over at TCG Player!

1. Lost Giratina

I mean, there is no surprise here. The Lost Box Engine always does great at tournaments, and Lost Giratina is no exception. The deck is a little tricky to play because you need to be efficient when sending cards into the Lost Zone, but the deck has a great draw engine, strong early-game pressure, and Giratina gives the deck its late-game pressure as well. I’ve played a version of this and love it. It’s a little tricky for beginners, but that’s why you practice. Congratulations to Jon Eng for getting first!

Pokémon (14)
4 Comfey LOR 79
3 Giratina V LOR 130
3 Giratina VSTAR LOR 131
1 Sableye LOR 70
1 Cramorant LOR 50
1 Radiant Greninja ASR 46
1 Manaphy BRS 41

Trainer (32)
4 Colress’s Experiment LOR 155
2 Boss’s Orders PAL 172
2 Roxanne ASR 150
4 Mirage Gate LOR 163
4 Battle VIP Pass FST 225
3 Nest Ball SVI 181
2 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
2 Super Rod PAL 188
2 Switch Cart ASR 154
2 Switch SVI 194
1 Escape Rope BST 125
1 Counter Catcher PAR
3 Path to the Peak CRE 148

Energy (14)
4 Jet Energy PAL 190
4 Psychic Energy 5
3 Grass Energy 1
3 Water Energy 3

2. Fusion Mew

Fusion Mew was the first meta deck I’ve ever made. I loved it so much that I even made irl, even though I don’t have people to play with. This deck is so much fun to play, and pretty simple to pick up. Genesect is a solid draw engine, mew is a fun attacker, and with things like Power Tablet and Path to the Peak, you have a nice kit to shut down a lot of big threats. Mew is easy to learn, but beginners might have trouble with all the prominent dark Pokémon in the format. Mew VMax makes the deck a high-risk high-reward type deal. Either way, it’s a solid deck. Congratulations to Maddox Corcoran for getting top 3!

3. Gardevoir

Gardevoir is my favorite deck to play. You have a solid draw engine, you have great attackers, and some neat mechanics. With Shinning Arcana Gardevoir leaving the format, she might see a little less play after rotations so I’d hold off investing too much on this, unless you aren’t playing standard. Congratulations to Bodhi Robinson for making top 4.

Pokémon (19)
4 Ralts ASR 60
3 Kirlia SIT 68
1 Kirlia CRE 60
2 Gardevoir ex SVI 86
2 Gardevoir CRE 61
1 Zacian V CEL 16
1 Scream Tail PAR 86
1 Cresselia LOR 74
1 Mew CEL 11
1 Radiant Greninja ASR 46
1 Manaphy BRS 41
1 Jirachi PAR 126

Trainer (29)
4 Iono PAL 185
1 Professor’s Research SVI 189
1 Boss’s Orders PAL 172
1 Worker SIT 167
4 Battle VIP Pass FST 225
4 Level Ball BST 129
3 Ultra Ball SVI 196
2 Rare Candy SVI 191
2 Fog Crystal CRE 140
2 Super Rod PAL 188
2 Counter Catcher PAR
1 Lost Vacuum CRZ 135
1 Artazon PAL 171
1 Collapsed Stadium BRS 137

Energy (12)
10 Psychic Energy 5
2 Reversal Energy PAL 192

4. Miraidon ex

I’ve been playing a lot of Miraidon on the ladder, and it is a lot of fun. This is definitely the most beginner-friendly deck in the format at the moment, but with Flaffy leaving the format, I would wait till the new meta settles. This deck is easy to learn and super quick to set up. Congratulations to Nicholas Moffitt for top 5.

Pokémon (15)
2 Miraidon ex SVI 81
2 Raichu V BRS 45
2 Mareep EVS 54
2 Flaaffy EVS 55
1 Raikou V BRS 48
1 Iron Hands ex PAR 70
1 Tapu Koko ex PAR 68
1 Zapdos PGO 29
1 Spiritomb PAL 89
1 Mew ex MEW 151
1 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169

Trainer (31)
4 Professor’s Research SVI 189
3 Boss’s Orders PAL 172
2 Iono PAL 185
2 Judge SVI 176
4 Electric Generator SVI 170
4 Ultra Ball SVI 196
2 Switch SVI 194
1 Escape Rope BST 125
1 Nest Ball SVI 181
2 Exp. Share SVI 174
2 Forest Seal Stone SIT 156
2 Path to the Peak CRE 148
2 Beach Court SVI 167

Energy (14)
13 Lightning Energy 4
1 Double Turbo Energy BRS 151

5. Arceus

Last but not least we have Arceus. I haven’t played the deck, but it looks like fun. You have a nice draw engine, a few ways to accelerate energies, and some fun attacks. I’m going to have to build this one at some point. Congratulations to Makani Tran for top 6!

Pokémon (19)
4 Arceus V BRS 122
3 Arceus VSTAR BRS 123
2 Bidoof CRZ 111
2 Bibarel BRS 121
1 Regigigas V CRZ 113
1 Regigigas VSTAR CRZ 114
1 Mew ex MEW 151
1 Zacian V CEL 16
1 Radiant Alakazam SIT 59
1 Spiritomb PAL 89
1 Skwovet SVI 151
1 Jirachi PAR 126

Trainer (28)
4 Iono PAL 185
3 Boss’s Orders PAL 172
2 Cheren’s Care BRS 134
1 Judge SVI 176
1 Raihan CRZ 140
4 Nest Ball SVI 181
4 Ultra Ball SVI 196
2 Lost Vacuum CRZ 135
1 Escape Rope BST 125
1 Counter Catcher PAR
1 Choice Belt PAL 176
1 Box of Disaster LOR 154
3 Path to the Peak CRE 148

Energy (13)
7 Psychic Energy 5
4 Double Turbo Energy BRS 151
2 Jet Energy PAL 190

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1. Lost Giratina

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3. Gardevoir

4. Miraidon ex

5. Arceus

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