Kartana: The End of Darkrai’s Reign?

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Summary

  • Kartana is poised to counter Darkrai ex in Pokemon TCG Pocket due to its typing and low energy requirement.
  • Kartana synergizes well with Decidueye ex decks and key Trainer Cards, boosting its potential to shift the meta.
  • Guzzlord ex also presents a threat with its energy-removal capacity, possibly disrupting Giratina ex’s dominance.

The latest Ultra Beast Kartana in the Pokemon TCG Pocket is anticipated to challenge the persistent dominance of Darkrai ex in the meta. Following the release of the Extradimensional Crisis trailer, enthusiasts have been brainstorming potential winners and losers from the set, with predictions also focusing on the potential changes in the Pokemon TCG Pocket metagame.

This month has proven exceptional for DeNA’s digital trading card game, with exciting developments like the launch of the Celestial Guardians set from Pokemon TCG Pocket and the upcoming release of Ultra Beasts. The A3 expansion’s Pokemon may not have fared well in the PvP rankings so far, but its Trainer Cards, such as the popular Item Card Rare Candy, have made a significant impact. In fact, Rare Candy is currently as sought-after as staples like the Poke Ball and Professor’s Research. The A3a mini-set, however, appears to be introducing some unique Pokemon that could potentially reshape the game dynamics.

Many fans have noted that Kartana holds significant promise as a counter to the powerful Pokemon, Darkrai ex. For those who may be unfamiliar, Darkrai ex has been leading the pack in battles (PvP) within the Pokemon TCG Pocket for the last four expansions. Given this, it’s no wonder that fans are eager to see a potential adversary emerge for this formidable creature. What sets Kartana apart as an effective counter is its type compatibility, team synergy, and low energy demand. With just one Grass Energy, Kartana can dish out 40 damage, which escalates to 60 when facing the grass-weak Darkrai ex.

Pokemon TCG Pocket Fans Have High Hopes for Kartana

In the Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG), the Ultra Beast has demonstrated strong compatibility with certain powerful Grass cards. For example, many strategists find Kartana to be a great addition to the already potent Decidueye ex decks. Additionally, there are two crucial Trainer Cards that can significantly enhance Kartana’s effectiveness in any deck configuration: Leaf Cape, which increases its Health Points by 30, and Erika, who heals 50 damage from it. If these synergies prove to be as effective in play as they appear on paper, Kartana might successfully dethrone Darkrai ex for good.

Excluding Kartana, Guzzlord EX has garnered attention due to its distinctive passive ability. Specifically, its Grindcore attack takes away energy, which some speculate could establish it as a card that significantly shapes the future gameplay in the Pokemon TCG Pocket. For reference, the current gameplay landscape is partially controlled by Giratina EX, often paired with Darkrai EX. Giratina EX is notable for its ability to rapidly accumulate power on the Bench. Guzzlord EX’s energy-removal could disrupt this strategy, potentially dethroning Giratina. If that occurs, Kartana and Guzzlord EX could effectively eliminate two of the game’s most intimidating Pokemon from the meta permanently.

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2025-05-23 15:30