Tag Archives: pokemon

The Top 5 archetypes in Pokémon TCG since San Antonio

The San Antonio Pokemon regionals happened over the weekend, and we got to see some new archetypes hit the format. Charizard ex Finally takes the gold, and the Snorlax control continues to perform well. I’ll be listing the top five archetypes based on placement, and leave links for the singles using my affiliate links.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. If you’re looking for any Pokemon product, get it over at TCG Player.


1. Charizard ex

I know Charizard has its hate since it was released with Obsidian Flames, but it is such a good card. It’s bulky, it can hit hard when you’re behind in prizes, and its ability lets you power up your Pokémon. It’s not unbeatable, but it creates situations that are hard to come back from. The deck is easy to learn, and will make up most of your matches on PTCGL until the next tournament. Congratulations to Azul Garcia Griego for taking first place!

Pokémon (17)
3 Charmander MEW 4
1 Charmander PR-SV 47
1 Charmeleon OBF 27
3 Charizard ex OBF 125
2 Pidgey MEW 16
2 Pidgeot ex OBF 164
1 Rotom V CRZ 45
1 Lumineon V BRS 40
1 Mew CEL 11
1 Manaphy BRS 41
1 Jirachi PAR 126

Energy (7)
7 Fire Energy 2


2. Lost Tina

To no one’s surprise, Losttina continues to do well in the tournament despite Jirachi entering the format. There’s nothing wrong with silver, and if you’re looking for a fun deck to play, this is a solid choice. I’ve played a variation of this on PTCGL and loved every minute. Congratulations to Grant Hays for 2nd place!


3. Palkia VStar

Palkia VStar also made its appearance. Palkia VStar has always shown up to tournaments, but San Antonio is where it truly shined. This is going to be an archetype to look out for. Congratulations to Joseph Nawal for taking Palkia VStar to 3rd place.


4. Snorlax Stall

I know there is a lot of hate for Snorlax control because it makes for boring games, but it’s a valid strategy. I am just happy to see the format change, and it’s a great excuse to bust out Alakazam ex. Congratulations to Calvin Conner for making top 5.


5.Maraidon Ex

This doesn’t surprise me at all, Maraidon ex is strong right now. I’ve been playing it on the ladder and love it. It is easy to pick up and pilot, and it is a really quick deck. With the inclusion of Iron Hands ex, this deck is a beast! Congratulations to Nick Robinson for getting 7th place!

Holiday Events, Meowscarada, and Metagross are coming to Unite

The holidays have officially arrived on Aeos Island. Beginning December 7th, players can log into Pokémon Unite for some much-needed holiday cheer. This marks the return of the Snow Battle game mode, which is the only reason I’m logging back in. There are a few other events that you aren’t going to want to miss. Check out the schedule for all the details.

Meowscarada

Meowscarada is the first Paldean Pokémon to appear in Pokémon Unite, and it’s going to be a beast. Just check out that ability:

Meowscarada’s Ability, Overgrow, allows it to vanish into leaves for a short period of time after its max HP is reduced to half or less. Once triggered, Meowscarada’s movement speed and damage dealt increase for a short while, and it can even recover HP during this time by dealing damage to an opposing Pokémon.

You can pick up Meowscarada’s license through the special event happening from December 7th to January 9th. Players can complete missions to earn petals to unlock the license. You’ll need 100 pedals of the four colors to unlock Meowscarada.


Metagross

Metagross will be landing on Aeos Island on December 26th. There is no news on how we can unlock Metagross (probably with money), but we can still be excited. This is good news for those of you out there that like to play those tanky Pokémon.


I just wanted to highlight the bits I am most excited for, you can learn more in app when the events go live. If you enjoy these updates, make sure you like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. Happy Holidays!

Pokémon Horizons: The Series Premiers on Netflix February 2024

Pokémon Horizons: The Series will be available to stream on Netflix on February 23rd, right in time for Pokémon DayWhile I am sad that the series will no longer follow Ash and Pikachu, I am excited about what direction the new series takes. The series will Liko and Roy as they brave new Horizons in the first new anime series in 25 years.

The Official Synopsis:

A new adventure is beginning within the wide world of Pokémon! Arriving at Indigo Academy, a girl named Liko receives her first partner Pokémon, Sprigatito. But she soon finds herself pursued by the Explorers, a mysterious group that’s determined to take the pendant necklace she wears. Liko isn’t on her own, though, as Friede, Captain Pikachu, and the other Rising Volt Tacklers offer her protection aboard their airship. Meanwhile, a boy named Roy dreams of becoming a Pokémon Trainer, unaware of the secret hiding within the Ancient Poké Ball he carries. As Liko, Roy, and the Rising Volt Tacklers set sail for new horizons, what kind of discoveries await?

Sneak Peak

A sneak peek of the first episode is up on the official YouTube, and I recommend you check it out if you can’t wait till February. 

I wasn’t going to watch this series, but I just love the animation and character design to let it pass me by. Pokémon has never been a genre-defining anime, but it has always been a comforting one. For an anime that is designed to sell toys to kids, I can’t deny that it has its moments. I am sure this series will be just as cheesy and silly as the rest, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Whether you throw it on as background noise or sit down to watch it with your kids, this is looking like an adventure you aren’t going to want to miss. 

You’re going to want to chase the Paldean Fates Alt Cards

Paldean Fates is coming to us on January 26th, so let’s look at the alt art cards. This set has some pretty cards you aren’t going to want to miss. I love the gold cards, and I definitely need some of the shiny ex’s for a few of my decks. Check with your LGS to preorder any product, but I’ve collected some links if that isn’t an option. 

If you enjoy these updates, make sure you like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. 


Shiny ex Cards


Illustration Rare


Special Illustration Rare


Full Art Supporter


Special Illustration Supporters


Gold Cards

Every card from Paldean Fates so far (Minus the Shinies)

Paldean Fates releases on January 26. This mini set will introduce a few shiny versions you’re going to want in your collection, but it’s also introducing some brand-new cards you are going to want to look at. I’ve collected what we have so far, and their translations. It’s going to be a long one. As of writing this, you can preorder the Pokémon Center Paldean Fates ETB ($59.99) and the Paldean Fates booster bundle ($26.94) from the Pokémon Center. 

If you enjoy these updates, make sure you like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. Be sure to check out my other posts if you want to see the shinies and products releasing with Paldean Fates


Pineco

[G][G] Rollout: 30 damage.

Forretress ex

Ability: Exploding Energy
Once during your turn, you may search your deck for up to 5 Basic [G] Energy cards and attach them to your Pokémon in any way you like. Then, shuffle your deck. If you searched your deck in this way, this Pokémon is Knocked Out.

[G][G] Guard Press: 120 damage. During your opponent’s next turn, this Pokémon takes 30 less damage from attacks (after applying Weakness and Resistance).

Maractus

[C] Double Draw: Draw 2 cards.

[C][C][C] Pin Missile: 30x damage. Flip 4 coins. This attack does 30 damage for each heads.

Toedscool

[G] Furious Kicks: 10x damage. Flip 3 coins. This attack does 10 damage for each heads.

Toedscruel ex

Ability: Protective Mycelium
Prevent all effects of attacks used by your opponent’s Pokémon done to all of your Pokémon that have Energy attached. (Existing effects are not removed. Damage is not an effect.)

[G][G] Colony Rush: 80+ damage. This attack does 40 more damage for each of your Benched Pokémon that has any [G] Energy attached.

Espathra ex

Ability: Dazzling Gaze
As long as this Pokémon is in the Active Spot, attacks used by your opponent’s Active Pokémon cost [C] more.

[P] Psy Ball: 30+ damage. This attack does 30 more damage for each Energy attached to both Active Pokémon.

Venusaur ex

Ability: Tranquil Flower
Once during your turn, if this Pokémon is in the Active Spot, you may heal 60 damage from 1 of your Pokémon.

[G][G][C] Dangerous Toxwhip: 150 damage. Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Confused and Poisoned.

Charmeleon

Ability: Flare Veil
Prevent all effects of attacks used by your opponent’s Pokémon done to this Pokémon. (Damage is not an effect.)

[R][R] Combustion: 50 damage.

Charizard ex

[R] Brave Wing: 60+ damage. If this Pokémon has any damage counters on it, this attack does 100 more damage.

[R][R][R][R] Explosive Vortex: 330 damage. Discard 3 Energy from this Pokémon.

Magmar

[R] Collect: Draw a card.

[R][C] Steady Firebreathing: 40 damage.

Magmortar

[R] Flare: 40 damage.

[R][R][C] Volcanic Heat: 170 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t attack.

Numel

[R] Singe: Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Burned.

[R][R][C] Heat Blast: 60 damage.

Camerupt

[R] Super Singe: Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Burned.

[R][R][C] Pyroclastic Cannon: 120+ damage. You may discard a [R] Energy from this Pokémon. If you do, this attack does 120 more damage.

Heat Rotom

[R][R] Heat Tackle: 100 damage. This Pokémon also does 40 damage to itself.

Charcadet

[R][R][C] Heat Blast: 60 damage.

Armarouge

Ability: Fire Off
As often as you like during your turn, you may move a [R] Energy from 1 of your Benched Pokémon to your Active Pokémon.

[R][R][C] Flame Cannon: 90 damage. Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Burned.

Blastoise ex

Ability: Solid Shell
This Pokémon takes 30 less damage from attacks (after applying Weakness and Resistance).

[W][W] Twin Cannons: 140x damage. Discard up to 2 Basic [W] Energy cards from your hand. This attack does 140 damage for each card you discarded in this way.

Lapras

[C] Into the Deep: Put up to 3 Basic Energy cards from your discard pile into your hand.

[W][C] Freeze-Dry: 50 damage. Flip a coin. If heads, your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Paralyzed.

Frigibax

[W] Collect: Draw a card.

[W][C] Beat: 20 damage.

Chinchou

[C] Illuminate: Look at the top card of your deck. You may put it back on top of your deck or put it at the bottom of your deck.

[L][C] Tiny Charge: 20 damage.

Lanturn

[C][C] Lightning Ball: 50 damage.

[L][L][C] Aqua Spark: 80+ damage. If this Pokémon has any [W] Energy attached, this attack does 120 more damage.

Kilowattrel

[C] United Thunder: This attack does 10 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon for each Pokémon in your discard pile that has the United Wings attack. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)

[L][C][C] Speed Wing: 90 damage.

Exeggcute

[P] Hypnosis: Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Asleep.

[P][C] Rolling Tackle: 30 damage.

Exeggutor

[P][C] Hypnoblast: 30 damage. Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Asleep.

[P][P][C] Psychic Loop: 160 damage. Put 2 Energy attached to this Pokémon into your hand.

Natu

[P] Triple Strike: 10x damage. Flip 3 coins. This attack does 10 damage for each heads.

Xatu

Ability: Clairvoyant Sense
Once during your turn, you may attach a Basic [P] Energy card from your hand to 1 of your Benched Pokémon. If you attached Energy to a Pokémon in this way, draw 2 cards.

[P][C][C] Super Psy Bolt: 80 damage.

Chimecho

[C][C] Sleep Inducer: Switch in 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon to the Active Spot. The new Active Pokémon is now Asleep.

[P][C][C] Psyshot: 70 damage.

Latias

Ability: Mist Float
If this Pokémon has any [P] Energy attached, it has no Retreat Cost.

[P][P][C] Psychic Sphere: 100 damage.

Mime Jr.

[.] Make-Believe Copycat: Your opponent chooses 1 of their Pokémon’s attacks. Use that attack as this attack.

Woobat

[P] Reckless Charge: 30 damage. This Pokémon also does 10 damage to itself.

Swoobat

[P] Attract Wave: 30 damage. Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Confused. Put 6 damage counters instead of 3 on that Pokémon for this Special Condition.

Cottonee

[P] Fickle Attack: 30 damage. Flip a coin. If tails, this attack does nothing.

Whimsicott

[P] Fairy Wind: 50 damage.

Dedenne

[P] Minor Errand-Running: Search your deck for up to 2 Basic Energy cards, reveal them, and put them into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.

[P][C] Spin Turn: 50 damage. Switch this Pokémon with 1 of your Benched Pokémon.

Flittle

[P][C] Psy Bolt: 20 damage. Flip a coin. If heads, your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Paralyzed.

Gimmighoul

[C] Coffer Conceal: Flip a coin. If heads, during your opponent’s next turn, prevent all damage from and effects of attacks done to this Pokémon.

[C] Ram: 10 damage.

Phanpy

[C][C] Strength: 30 damage.

[F][F][C] Rolling Tackle: 60 damage.

Donphan

[C][C] Cragalanche: 30 damage. Discard the top 2 cards of your opponent’s deck.

[F][F][C] Powerful Spin: 160 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t attack.

Clobbopus

[F] Feint: 20 damage. This attack’s damage isn’t affected by Resistance.

Grapploct

[F] Gradual Descent: 30 damage. At the end of your opponent’s next turn, the Defending Pokémon will be Knocked Out.

[F][F][C] Mach Cross: 120 damage.

Great Tusk ex

Ability: Quaking Destruction
If this Pokémon is in the Active Spot at the end of your turn, discard the top 5 cards of your deck.

[F][C][C][C] Great Bash: 260 damage. This attack’s damage isn’t affected by any effects on your opponent’s Active Pokémon.

Gastly

[C] Allure: Draw a card.

[D][C] Will-O-Wisp: 20 damage

Haunter

[D][C] Dark Slumber: 40 damage. Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Asleep.

Gengar

Ability: Night Gate
Once during your turn, you may switch your Active Pokémon with 1 of your Benched Pokémon.

[D][C] Nightmare: 100 damage. Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Asleep.

Scraggy

[C] Low Kick: 10 damage.

[D][D][C] Headstrike: 50 damage.

Scrafty

[C] Hit: 30 damage. If the Defending Pokémon is a Basic Pokémon, it can’t attack during your opponent’s next turn.

[D][D][C] Headbang: 130 damage.

Varoom

[C] Rev Up: Put up to 2 Basic Energy cards from your discard pile into your hand.

[M][C] Headbutt: 20 damage.

Iron Treads ex

[M][M][C] Clad Rolling: 150 damage. You may discard a Future Booster Energy Capsule attached to this Pokémon. If you do, during your opponent’s next turn, this Pokémon takes 150 less damage from attacks (after applying Weakness and Resistance).

Gholdengo

[C] Bountiful Riches: Attach any number of Basic [M] from your hand to your Pokémon in any way you like.

[M][C][C] Gorgeous Surf: 80x damage. Flip a coin for each [M] Energy attached to this Pokémon. This attack does 80 damage for each heads.

Cyclizar

[G][D][C] Rapid Drive: 100 damage. Flip a coin. If heads, during your opponent’s next turn, prevent all damage from and effects of attacks done to this Pokémon.

Shroodle

[C] Scratch: 10 damage.

[C][C] Poison Fang: 20 damage. Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Poisoned.

Grafaiai ex

[C] Numbing Saliva: 30 damage. Flip a coin. If heads, your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Paralyzed.

[C][C][C] Poison Toss: 180 damage. Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Poisoned. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t use Poison Toss.

Cyclizar

[C] Wham Bam Dash: Flip a coin until you get tails. For each heads, draw a card.

[C][C][C] Power Tackle: 120 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t attack.

Clive

Your opponent reveals their hand. Draw 2 cards for each Supporter card you find there.

Nemona

Draw 3 cards.

Moonlit Hill

Once during each player’s turn, that play may discard a Basic [P] Energy from their hand in order to heal 30 damage from each of their Pokémon.

Nemona’s Backpack

Put up to 2 Nemona from your discard pile into your hand.

Students in Paldea

Search your deck for a Pokémon that doesn’t have a Rule Box, reveal it, and put it into your hand. For each other Students in Paldea in your discard pile, you may search your deck for another Pokémon that doesn’t have a Rule Box. Then, shuffle your deck. (Pokémon ex, Pokémon V, etc. have Rule Boxes.)

Students in Paldea

Search your deck for a Pokémon that doesn’t have a Rule Box, reveal it, and put it into your hand. For each other Students in Paldea in your discard pile, you may search your deck for another Pokémon that doesn’t have a Rule Box. Then, shuffle your deck. (Pokémon ex, Pokémon V, etc. have Rule Boxes.)

Technical Machine: Crisis Shot

The Pokémon this card is attached to can use the attack on this card. (You still need the necessary Energy to use this attack.) If this card is attached to 1 of your Pokémon, discard it at the end of your turn.

[C][C][C] Crisis Shot: 280 damage. You can use this attack only if your opponent has exactly 1 Prize card remaining.

Every Shiny from Paldean Fates

Paldean Fates releases on January 26, 2024. The mini set will include some exciting new cards and shiny versions of existing ones. This is a neat little set for those of you who want to pretty up your deck, or just need some shinys for the collection. Preorders for the Pokémon Center ETB and the Booster Bundle are up on the Pokémon Center site. Lets take a look at all the shinys!

If you enjoy these updates, make sure you like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. 


Pokémon’s Paradox Rift is out now, and it’s a banger!

Paradox Rift releases today! It has a lot of cool cards that will not only shift the meta but that you’ll want in your collection. I see a few full art cards I will be chasing, like that sweet Laudred.

If it isn’t obvious, Paradox Rift is also live on PTCGL. Players get access to the Roaring Moon ex and Gholdengo ex decks, which are very solid starts at the moment. I know Roaring Moon has been taking over the ladder, but at least it’s not Charizard ex. It’s going to be an awkward couple of days as the meta settles, but I am here for it. At least I start grinding the mission pass. 

However you enjoy the game, this feels like a very fun set to open. If the drop rates are anything like what I’ve seen on PTCGL, I love it a lot more than 151. Make sure you always support your LGS when buying any Pokemon product, but you can always pick up Paradox Rift, or any of the other sets on TCG Player through my affiliate links. 

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

PTCG Live is getting a new battle pass and two starter decks with the release of Paradox Rift!

Paradox Rift hits the shelves on November 3rd, and PTCGL players get it a day earlier on the 2nd. For collectors, Paradox Rift has some beautiful alt-art cards you are going to want to chase. For those of you who play PTCG Live, it means a new battle pass, two new decks, and a new meta. I know lots of people bag on PTCGL because it still feels like a beta, but I enjoy it because it’s the only way I can afford to play Pokémon. Either way, I am excited!

If you enjoy these updates, make sure you like, comment, subscribe, and share this with your friends. If you need any product, Pokémon or otherwise, make sure you grab it over at TCG Player through my affiliate link!


Roarding Moon ex Starter Deck

Pokémon: 14
2 Roaring Moon ex PAR 124
2 Alolan Raticate PGO 042
2 Alolan Rattata PGO 041
2 Bibarel BRS 121
2 Bidoof CRZ 111
2 Brute Bonnet PAR 123
1 Radiant Greninja ASR 046
1 Morpeko PAR 121

Trainers: 34
3 Professor Sada’s Vitality PAR 170
2 Boss’s Orders (Ghetsis) PAL 1722 Iono PAL 185
2 Professor’s Research (Professor Sada) SVI 189
3 Path to the Peak CRE 148
1 Collapsed Stadium BRS 137
4 Dark Patch ASR 139
4 Nest Ball SVI 181
4 Ultra Ball SVI 196
3 Earthen Vessel PAR 163
1 Escape Rope BST 125
1 Pal Pad SVI 182
1 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Switch SVI 194
2 Ancient Booster Energy Capsule PAR 159

Energy: 12
10 Basic Darkness Energy SVE 007
2 Reversal Energy PAL 192


Gholdengo ex Starter Deck

Pokémon: 18
2 Gholdengo ex PAR 139
2 Gimmighoul PAR 087
2 Gardevoir CRE 061
1 Gallade ASR 062
1 Gallade CRE 081
3 Kirlia SIT 068
1 Ralts SIT 067
2 Ralts ASR 060
1 Manaphy BRS 041
1 Radiant Greninja ASR 046
1 Mew CEL 011
1 Indeedee SVI 153

Trainers: 31
3 Iono PAL 185
2 Boss’s Orders (Ghetsis) PAL 172
2 Klara CRE 145
2 Professor’s Research (Professor Turo) SVI 190
2 Artazon PAL 171
4 Battle VIP Pass FST 225
4 Level Ball BST 129
4 Energy Retrieval SVI 171
3 Ultra Ball SVI 196
2 Capturing Aroma SIT 153
1 Pal Pad SVI 182
1 Rescue Carrier EVS 154
1 Switch SVI 194

Energy: 11
5 Basic Metal Energy SVE 008
6 Basic Psychic Energy SVE 005


Battle Pass

Make sure you start saving up your crystals for the Premium Battle Pass because this one is going to want to complete this. I think PTCGL has the best battle pass of all card games I’ve tried because it’s easy to buy into, and easy to complete without spending any money.

By Tier 14 you should have access to:

By tier 16 you should have access to:

And by Tier 50:


And if you still need product

Try getting it from TCG Player!

Iron Valient Elite Trainer Box ($39.99)

Roaring Moon Elite Trainer Box ($39.99)

Both Elite Trainer Box ($76.99)

6 Pack Bundle ($24.99)

Booster Box ($113.99)

The Pokémon Center Holiday drop is here, and there’s a lot of cute stuff you’re going to want!

Holidays are just around the corner, and that means exclusive Pokémon merch. The Pokémon Center just dropped a bunch of cool holiday items to fill you with the holiday spirit. I don’t want to make this post too long, so make sure you check out the official page to see everything they have in stock! If you enjoy these updates, make sure you like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends!


Charizard ex Premium Collection ($39.99)

I know the Charizard ex Premium Collection isn’t explicitly a holiday item, but it is a solid gift for the holidays. I know a lot of people are sick of playing Charizard ex decks, especially on the PTCGL ladder, but its a solid card.

The set includes:

  • 1 etched foil promo card featuring Charizard ex
  • 2 foil cards featuring Charmander and Charmeleon
  • 6 Pokémon TCG booster packs
  • 1 magnetic card protector​ with display base
  • 65 card sleeves​ featuring Charizard as a Tera Pokémon
  • A code card​ for Pokémon TCG Live

You can pick it up at the Pokémon Center for $39.99, but I found it on TCG Player for as low as $32.99.


Pokémon TCG: Holiday Calendar ($49.99)

If you are looking for a nice holiday treat, you might want to pick up the Pokemon TCG Holiday Calendar. This neat little twist on the advent calendar is the perfect gift for the trainer in your life

The set includes:

  • 8 foil Pokémon TCG cards with a festive stamp
  • 5 Pokémon TCG booster packs
  • 7 Pokémon TCG 3-card fun packs
  • 2 Pokémon coins
  • 2 Pokémon sticker sheets
  • 1 sidekick dangler featuring Pikachu and Glaceon
  • A code card for Pokémon TCG Live!

You can pick yours up at Pokémon Center for $49.99, but I also found them on TCG Player for as cheap as $43.


Pokémon Holiday Village

If you are still in need of some holiday decorations, the Pokémon Holiday Village might be a great place to start. The pieces are super cute, and I can only assume the quality will be fantastic!

A Season of Song ($39.99)

Snow Much Fun ($39.99)

Holiday Station Arrivals ($39.99)

Drampa Toy Shop (39.99)

Bounsweet & Steenee Bakery (39.99)

Snow Day ($39.99)


Ornaments

Maybe you just need some cute ornaments to add to your collection!

Pikachu & Munchlax Cookie Treat ($24.99)

Eevee ($14.99)

Pikachu ($14.99)


And so Much More!

I don’t want this post to get too long, so make sure you check out the holiday page to see everything else they have. There is cookware, sweaters, and a bunch of sold-out plushies. I’ll leave pictures below!

All the plushies are sold out as of writing this, but maybe you’ll get lucky

Cookie Jar ($29.99)

Mixing Up Fun ($29.99)

Arcanine Flames Knit Sweater ($49.99)

How the Sacramento regionals shifted the Pokemon TCG meta: The top 5 Archetypes

While we are still seeing a few familiar faces in the meta, the Sacramento regionals saw a couple of new archetypes shacking up the meta. I’ve collected the top deck list for each archetype. I’ll leave links for those who want to build them. These will be affiliate links, but I’ve been using TCG Player since before I became an affiliate because it is a great place for singles and sealed products. If you enjoy these updates, make sure you like, comment, subscribe, and share this with your friends!


1. Lugia VSTAR

Lugia VSTAR is one of those decks that always gets brought up as a strong contender for competitive play, but that hasn’t seen success until Sacramento. Congratulations to Alexander Flatos for piloting this deck to first place! This is one of those decks I’ve been meaning to try, but haven’t gotten around to.


2. Arceus

2nd place went to an interesting Arceus deck with a splash of Gyarados VMAX that I am sure many are going to want to try. Congratulations to Niccolo Abate for piloting this very neat deck and placing 2nd at regionals.


3. Lost Box

Lost Box continues to see consistent success in the meta. Congratulations to Sawyer Melban for making it to 3rd place!


4. Gardevoir EX

5th place went to what is still my favorite deck in the meta, Gardevoir EX. Congradulation to Ryan Harris for piloting the deck to a top spot!


5. Miraidon

Maraidon continues to perform well in the shifting meta. This is a solid deck for those of you who want to get started. Congratulations to Cory Laffiton on his 11th-place win.