Top Meta-Shaking Cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket’s Triumphant Light

Summary

Triumphant Light miniset dominates the meta by enhancing multiple established decks significantly.
Cards like Crobat and Sudowoodo introduce new synergies and counter strategies, reshaping the meta.
Impactful new cards like Irida and Arceus ex from Triumphant Light usher in new successful deck archetypes.

The Triumphant Light mini-set for the Pokemon TCG Pocket could be seen as the most influential mini-set since the game’s debut. In comparison, the previous mini-set, Mythical Island, primarily boosted a few decks that were already successful. Notably, none of those enhanced decklists experienced significant promotions or demotions in popularity.

The Triumphant Light miniset stands out because upon its release, it displaced some previously powerful setups, boosted underdog decks to the top, and introduced fresh combinations that weren’t feasible earlier.

Wondering which cards from Triumphant Light are making the greatest difference in the game for TCG Pocket players? Here’s a rundown of some key cards and their reasons for being the most impactful in the A2a set:

1. Card Name 1 – This card has been instrumental due to its ability to control the board, allowing players to maintain the advantage in long games by preventing opponents from playing certain strategies effectively.

2. Card Name 2 – The versatility of this card makes it a staple in many decks. It can be used for direct damage, removal, or even as a win condition, making it a valuable asset in various situations.

3. Card Name 3 – This card’s impact lies in its ability to generate resources quickly, allowing players to ramp up their game-winning plays faster than their opponents.

4. Card Name 4 – The synergy between this card and other cards in the A2a set has made it a popular choice for combo decks. Its ability to create an overwhelming board state or deal lethal damage can quickly turn the tide of a game.

The List’s Criteria and Stat Calculations

This list includes any Pokemon, Supporter, Item, or Tool card that has significantly boosted a deck’s performance or created powerful new combinations within the game, arranged based on its influence on the competitive landscape.

The statistics displayed for each entry are derived from recent TCG Pocket competitions. Please note that these figures might fluctuate and may not perfectly align with the stats on websites such as Limitless TCG, which track tournaments.

5. Crobat

A Darkrai ex That Needs No Energy

Top Deck’s Meta Share: ~ 2%
Top Deck’s Win Rate: ~ 48.5%

In the Space-Time Smackdown expansion, Darkrai ex introduced a long-range strategy by dealing damage from a distance. Its special ability allowed it to inflict 20 damage on the opponent’s active Pokemon whenever a Dark-type energy was connected to it. This move was particularly effective for causing harm to the opponent’s bench. However, Crobat from Triumphant Light demonstrated an alternate, more efficient method to achieve the same goal.

In simpler terms, when you have Arceus or an Arceus EX card in play, Crobat gains a special ability. This ability allows Crobat to inflict 30 damage chips onto your opponent’s active Pokémon, regardless of whether it’s on the bench or actively in battle. No additional Energy cards are required for this attack.

Crobat teaming up with Arceus, as demonstrated by their partnership, has had a profound effect on the game’s competitive scene. This dynamic duo is a key component of one of the most successful decks, boasting a remarkable 48.5% victory rate.

4. Sudowoodo

The New Anti-Meta Card

Top Deck’s Meta Share: ~ 52.5%
Top Deck’s Win Rate: ~ 9.5%

In the realm of Triumphant Light, there’s no denying that Sudowoodo has left a significant impact. As a fellow gamer, I can attest to its game-changing role. This anti-meta Pokemon is like a secret weapon, harmonizing flawlessly with the previously underestimated Fighting-type duo—Rampardos and Lucario. It’s the ultimate counter against the top-performing decks, particularly Arcues ex lineups.

One outstanding aspect of Sudowoodo as a counter card is its ability to deal more damage compared to other cards, specifically 30 more when facing Ex cards. This is because Sudowoodo delivers 20 base damages, making it capable of dishing out 50 and up to 70 if the opposing Pokemon is weak against Fighting types. Moreover, being a Fighting-type Pokemon, Sudowoodo complements Lucario’s enhancements, boosting its possible damage output to an impressive 110 with only one Energy attached!

Incorporating Sudowoodo significantly improved Rampardos and Lucario’s performance in the game, pushing their setup to become one of the leading strategies in PvP and tournaments. This team, with Sudowoodo’s help, climbed up to be the second most popular choice, seeing a +500% increase in its usage within the meta.

In the Space-Time Smackdown period, Rampardos and Lucario made up only 1.17% of the overall game strategy, but Sudowoodo significantly increased this to 7.47%.

3. Irida

The Best Healer of the Current Meta

Top Deck’s Meta Share: ~ 3.5%
Top Deck’s Win Rate: ~ 47%

Supporter cards in the Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) called “Pocket Monsters” are famous for changing game strategies, as shown by Cyrus in the Space-Time Smackdown collection – earning it a reputation as too strong. Not surprisingly, one of the most impactful cards from the Triumphant expansion is Irida, the latest healer support card.

One distinctive aspect of Irida is her ability to foster creative combinations with specific Pokémon like Leafeon ex and Celebi ex. To put it simply, Irida has two special characteristics:

Firstly, she can restore health to any Pokémon that has at least one Energy card of the Water type, regardless of its type. This is unlike most previous healers who could only heal a single card.

Secondly, instead of healing just one card, Irida heals all Pokémon in play that meet her conditions. For instance, if a player has four Pokémon with Water-type Energy cards, Irida would restore 40 damage from each, resulting in a total of 160 HP being restored across all eligible Pokémon.

2. Leafeon ex

A Grass-type with Water-type Synergy

Top Deck’s Meta Share: ~ 3.5%
Top Deck’s Win Rate: ~ 47%

In the setup involving Celebi ex, Leafeon ex replaced Exeggutor ex. However, it’s not just about that swap: Leafeon ex, with its ability to generate Energy, unexpectedly sparked a new Grass-type meta that draws power from Water-type Energy sources.

At present, gamers are teaming Leafeon ex with Celebi ex, but they’re opting for Water-type Energy instead of the customary Grass-type. This strategy is employed because both Leafeon ex and Celebi ex can operate with just one Grass-type Energy, while their other requirements are Colorless. Furthermore, Leafeon ex conveniently fulfills this prerequisite by activating its ability, thus allowing for the utilization of another Energy type – in this instance, Water.

Utilizing Water Energy cards for Leafeon EX and Celebi EX empowers the latest healer, Irida, to work harmoniously with these Pokémon. Irida boosts the durability of your main Pokémon, ensuring they remain in play longer than your adversaries can handle.

1. Arceus ex

The Destroyer of Darkrai

Top Deck’s Meta Share: 53.5%
Top Deck’s Win Rate: 20%

It’s no surprise that Arceus ex, the standout card from the Triumphant Light expansion, has significantly shaken up the Pokémon Trading Card Game (PTCGO) meta. In just a few short days, it dethroned Darkrai ex and Magnezone as dominant decks, quickly becoming the most widely used deck with an impressive 54% win rate.

The triumph of Arceus lies in two primary aspects. Firstly, being a Colorless Pokemon grants it a wide variety of compatibility options. Secondly, Dialga ex’s capacity to generate energy enhances its ultimate attack, creating a powerful combination. However, even without Shaymin’s ability to reduce retreat costs, the team of Dialga ex and Arceus excels significantly.

As a dedicated fan, when I position my Dialga ex in the Active Spot and slot Arceus ex onto the Bench, just two Steel-type Energy cards are all it takes to initiate damage and build up Arceus ex. Dialga ex’s incredible ability, Metallic Turbo, lets me dish out 30 damage and generate two Energies for another Pokemon, undoubtedly Arceus ex, ensuring a formidable combination in the game!

2025-03-25 03:36