Gyarados ex Takes the Lead

In a dramatic shake-up of the Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket landscape, Gyarados ex has recently claimed the top spot, surpassing Pikachu ex in competitive play. This revelation comes from an in-depth analysis of tournaments conducted just weeks after the mobile game’s October 30 launch.

Analysis by PracticalTAS

Initiated by Super Smash Bros. strategist PracticalTAS, the study involved scrutinizing data from 36 Pokémon TCG Pocket tournaments over nine days in December. The findings showed Gyarados ex with a slight edge, boasting a 0.4% advantage over Pikachu ex, with Mewtwo ex clinching the third position. This analysis has certainly stoked the competitive flames as players adapt their strategies to the evolving metagame.

The Power of Gyarados ex

The rise of Gyarados ex is tied to its recent introduction in the game’s inaugural expansion, Mythical Island. This powerhouse card features an impressive 180 HP and can unleash a 140-damage attack that also removes a random energy from the game, showcasing a unique tactical advantage. Its capability to evolve with just one stage allows it to unleash chaos early on, especially when paired with the right support from cards like Misty.

Deck Versatility and Strategy

The versatility of Gyarados ex shines through the plethora of Water-type cards available, enabling players to customize their deck according to personal strategies and available resources. The current meta favorites include Greninja, known for its sniping ability on opponents’ active Pokémon, and the newly introduced Vaporeon, which grants players the ability to shift Water energy between Pokémon.

Pikachu ex's Response

But Pikachu ex decks are evolving too, thanks to the new cards from Mythical Island. Players are now experimenting with synergistic combinations, pairing Pikachu with a classic Raichu for hefty damage output, alongside a Dedenne for paralyzing lock strategies, and a new Electabuzz to pressure benched Pokémon.

The Thrilling Landscape of Pokémon TCG Pocket

While Pokémon TCG Pocket tends to be more straightforward than its more complex counterpart, the rapid evolution of player tactics and deck-building is thrilling to witness. For many players, especially those grinding out victories with unique combos like Golem and Dragonite, the emergence of Gyarados ex as the leading contender offers a refreshing departure from the previously dominant Pikachu ex and Mewtwo ex decks.

A Bright Future Ahead

With this newfound competition, the Pokémon TCG Pocket scene is set to become even more electrifying as players strive to master the latest deck strategies! Don't miss out on the card battles that are changing the game!