The 10 Best Pokemon TCG Decks (December 2024)
What are the best Pokemon TCG meta decks right now?
The latest Pokemon TCG set, Surging Sparks, has left its mark on the meta and the first major tournament – and plenty of online tournaments – has taken place in the new format.
Below, let’s take a look at what the current best Pokemon TCG standard decks are based on both online and in-card tournament data.
#1. Regidrago VSTAR is the Best Pokemon TCG Deck
4th Place Regional Sacramento, CA - Grant Shen
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Pokémon: 19
3 Regidrago V SIT 135
3 Regidrago VSTAR SIT 136
3 Teal Mask Ogerpon ex TWM 25
1 Dragapult ex TWM 130
1 Giratina VSTAR LOR 131
1 Hisuian Goodra VSTAR LOR 136
1 Alolan Exeggutor ex SSP 133
1 Kyurem SFA 47
1 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169
1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
1 Mew ex MEW 151
1 Cleffa OBF 80
1 Radiant Charizard CRZ 20
Trainer: 32
4 Professor's Research SVI 189
2 Iono PAL 185
2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
4 Ultra Ball SVI 196
4 Nest Ball SVI 181
4 Energy Switch SVI 173
4 Earthen Vessel PAR 163
2 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Superior Energy Retrieval PAL 189
1 Tera Orb SSP 189
1 Canceling Cologne ASR 136
1 Switch SVI 194
1 Prime Catcher TEF 157
1 PokéStop PGO 68
Energy: 9
7 Grass Energy SVE 9
2 Fire Energy SVE 10
Whatever talk there was about Regidrago VSTAR slipping in dominance lately, let those questions be put to rest after Regidrago’s stunning performance at the 2025 Sacramento Regionals. Not only was it the top deck by playshare, it scored five of the top eight spots from the event – an insane achievement for any deck.
At core what makes this deck so strong is Regidrago VSTAR’s APEX dragon attack – one that allows it to use the attack of any dragon type Pokemon in the player’s discard. This attack has proven itself to be absolutely broken in a game that hosts many powerful dragon attackers.
Being a dragon type also means Regidrago VSTAR has no weakness, meaning you have to knock it out the old fashioned way – by hitting really, really hard.
Also, Regidrago’s Legacy Star stands out as a very powerful ability. Not only does this ability make it more likely that you are going to have a powerful dragon type Pokemon in your discard to leverage as an attack – you an pick any two cards in your discard and add them to your hand!
While at its core Regidrago hasn’t changed since Surging Sparks, it does include two noteable new cards including the powerful Tera Orb and a spicy tech in the form of Alolan Exeggutor ex.
Read the Regidrago VSTAR deck guide for more details on this versatile dragon-box deck.
#2. Raging Bolt ex
1st of 4893 players – Champions League – Japan by Haruto Fujita
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Pokémon: 12
4 Raging Bolt ex TEF 123
4 Teal Mask Ogerpon ex TWM 25
1 Sandy Shocks TEF 98
1 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169
1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
1 Radiant Greninja ASR 46
Trainer: 36
4 Professor Sada's Vitality PAR 170
1 Boss's Orders PAL 172
1 Briar SCR 132
1 Iono PAL 185
4 Nest Ball SVI 181
4 Earthen Vessel PAR 163
3 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
3 Trekking Shoes ASR 156
3 Night Stretcher SFA 61
3 Pokémon Catcher SVI 187
1 Energy Retrieval SVI 171
1 Superior Energy Retrieval PAL 189
1 Pal Pad SVI 182
1 Lost Vacuum LOR 162
1 Switch Cart ASR 154
1 Prime Catcher TEF 157
3 PokéStop PGO 68
Energy: 12
6 Grass Energy SVE 9
3 Fighting Energy SVE 14
3 Lightning Energy SVE 12
Raging Bolt is a close second to Regidrago VSTAR, and it doesn’t look like its dominance will be slowing down anytime soon.
Another dragon type Pokemon, Raging Bolt ex also doesn’t have a weakness. And that’s a pretty big deal given its unusually high HP stat for a basic Pokemon. This deck similarly leverages Teal Mask Ogerpon ex to accelerate energy and provide added draw support. However, given Raging Bolt ex is a basic and can be powered up via Sada’s Vitality, it’s a much faster deck than Regidrago VSTAR – something which can certainly be an advantage in the current meta.
Otherwise, this deck runs virtually the same as always. It’s a powerful turn one attacker and probably your most reliable option for getting a big knock out right out the gate in the current meta. Meanwhile, Raging Bolt ex has no trouble scaling its damage output to match anything you are likely to see out there in the open field.
In a meta filled with attackers that like to take out small HP Pokemon for added advantage via Cursed Blasts or Phantom Dives, Raging Bolt ex stands out as both a strong defensive and offensive strategy.
Read my Raging Bolt Ogerpon ex deck list and guide for more on how to play this powerful and aggressive deck.
#3. Charizard ex $73.44
1st Place City League Tōkyō 11/04 - KIMUTAN
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Pokémon: 18
2 Charmander MEW 4
1 Charmander PR-SV 47
1 Charmeleon PAF 8
2 Charizard ex OBF 125
2 Pidgey OBF 162
2 Pidgeot ex OBF 164
2 Duskull BRS 60
1 Dusclops SFA 19
1 Dusknoir SFA 20
1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
1 Lumineon V BRS 40
1 Rotom V LOR 58
1 Radiant Charizard CRZ 20
Trainer: 36
3 Arven OBF 186
2 Iono PAL 185
2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
1 Thorton LOR 167
1 Professor Turo's Scenario PAR 171
1 Briar SCR 132
4 Rare Candy SVI 191
3 Buddy-Buddy Poffin TEF 144
3 Nest Ball SVI 181
3 Ultra Ball SVI 196
2 Counter Catcher PAR 160
2 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Tera Orb SSP 189
1 Unfair Stamp TWM 165
1 Canceling Cologne ASR 136
1 Lost Vacuum LOR 162
1 Night Stretcher SFA 61
1 Forest Seal Stone SIT 156
1 Defiance Band SVI 169
1 Collapsed Stadium BRS 137
1 Gravity Mountain SSP 177
Energy: 6
5 Fire Energy SVE 10
1 Mist Energy TEF 161
Talk about a deck that just doesn’t know when to quit!
Players quickly jumped aboard the Dusknoir line and its unparalleled cursed blast ability when it came out in Shrouded Fable. When combined with the powerful Briar supporter from Stellar Crown, Charizard is capable of taking an insane four prizes in a single turn.
However, the overwhelming dominance of Regidrago VSTAR at the time Shrouded Fable released made the playing field a bit unfriendly for decks like Charizard ex that rely on small benched Pokemon, easily within range of getting knocked out with the effect of Phantom Dive. Since then, the meta has evened out and Charizard ex remains comfortably positioned at the very top of the food chain.
Not much has changed in this deck’s strategy since the release of Surging Sparks other than a few possible tech cards. In this list that won a tournament in Japan, we see Tera Orb included here, giving you the ability to search out your Charizard ex without needing to discard any cards the way you would with an Ultra Ball. Another interesting inclusion is Gravity Mountain which can help put Stage 2 decks within reach of Burning Darkness.
Read my comprehensive guide to see the latest ways to play Charizard ex.
#4. Terapagos ex $94.35
1st place deck by Tord Reklev
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Pokémon: 22
3 Terapagos ex SCR 128
3 Hoothoot SCR 114
3 Noctowl SCR 115
2 Pidgey OBF 162
2 Pidgeot ex OBF 164
1 Duskull SFA 18
1 Duskull BRS 60
1 Dusknoir SFA 20
2 Fan Rotom SCR 118
2 Bouffalant SCR 119
1 Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex TWM 141
1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
Trainer: 34
2 Iono PAL 185
1 Professor's Research SVI 189
1 Boss's Orders PAL 172
1 Penny SVI 183
1 Professor Turo's Scenario PAR 171
1 Thorton LOR 167
1 Briar SCR 132
4 Nest Ball SVI 181
4 Ultra Ball SVI 196
4 Rare Candy SVI 191
3 Buddy-Buddy Poffin TEF 144
2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
1 Hisuian Heavy Ball ASR 146
1 Feather Ball ASR 141
1 Counter Catcher PAR 160
1 Prime Catcher TEF 157
1 Pal Pad SVI 182
1 Lost Vacuum LOR 162
3 Area Zero Underdepths SCR 131
Energy: 4
4 Double Turbo Energy BRS 151
Terapagos ex makes its debut in Stellar Crow, and it quickly made an indelible dent in the Pokemon TCG meta. It quite literally changed the way you play the game with the very board itself shifting and expanding depending on whether or not you have a Tera Pokemon in play.
Of all the Tera type Pokemon currently in the game, Terapagos ex benefits the most from the stuff that got released in Stellar Crown. It gains added power from Area Zero Underdepths, swings for additional prizes when paired with Briar, and of course works seamlessly with Noctowl for added consistency. Apart from the Tera advantage that’s becoming very real in the current Pokemon TCG, Terapagos ex gains a huge HP buff with a new Bouffalant some of you may have gotten in your Stellar Crown Build and Battle prerelease kits.
Perhaps one of the best things about Terapagos ex is how easy to play it is and how consistent it can be. The main strategy here is to simply power up Terapagos ex and start taking knockouts. That being said, tricked-out decks like this one created by Pokemon TCG mastermind Tord Reklev have some very advanced plays in it that help take this strategy to the next level.
Read my guide on how to play Terapagos ex.
#5 Klawf – $84.34
7th Place Regional Stuttgart - Robin Schulz
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Pokémon: 18
2 Klawf PAR 105
2 Terapagos ex SCR 128
2 Brute Bonnet PAR 123
1 Pecharunt PR-SV 149
1 Radiant Hisuian Sneasler LOR 123
1 Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex TWM 141
1 Hisuian Electrode V PR-SW 294
1 Oranguru V ASR 133
1 Latias ex SSP 76
1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
1 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169
1 Lumineon V BRS 40
1 Pecharunt ex SFA 39
1 Iron Bundle PAR 56
1 Genesect SFA 40
Trainer: 38
3 Arven OBF 186
3 Boss's Orders PAL 172
1 Professor's Research SVI 189
1 Carmine TWM 145
1 Colress's Tenacity SFA 57
1 Iono PAL 185
4 Nest Ball SVI 181
3 Night Stretcher SFA 61
2 Ultra Ball SVI 196
2 Hisuian Heavy Ball ASR 146
2 Switch Cart ASR 154
1 Precious Trolley SSP 185
1 Energy Loto ASR 140
3 Ancient Booster Energy Capsule TEF 140
3 Binding Mochi SFA 55
2 Forest Seal Stone SIT 156
1 Supereffective Glasses ASR 152
4 Area Zero Underdepths SCR 131
Energy: 4
4 Double Turbo Energy BRS 151
The idea for this deck was originally circulated a while back when Pecharunt ex came out as a way to easily infect your own Pokemon with a special condition. After many different versions of this deck going through the grinder, it’s come out on top.
Today, Klawf is actually one of the strongest decks in the meta – a huge success story for this previously off-meta deck.
Really, you don’t have to look much farther than Klawf itself to get why this deck is so broken. You just attach a Double Turbo Energy and you are doing base damage of 170. Of course, this damage output is quickly augmented by a pretty insane lineup of poison inducing and damage enhancing effects and abilities. The most noteworthy in this category are the Radiant Hisuian Sneasler that you use to do more damage for the poison effect, and the Super Effective Glasses that can be used in tandem with your many different attackers to adapt to the meta.
Of course, I wouldn’t exactly call this deck easy to pilot. This 7th place deck from the Regional in Stuttgart was played by none other than Pokemon TCG legend, Robin Shulz. So take that into consideration if you find it a bit tricky to play at first.
#6. Miraidon ex
TRTs101 2nd of 202
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Pokémon: 16
2 Miraidon ex SVI 81
2 Iron Hands ex PAR 70
1 Magnemite SSP 58
1 Magneton SSP 59
1 Pikachu ex SSP 57
1 Latias ex SSP 76
1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
1 Mew ex MEW 151
1 Raichu V BRS 45
1 Raikou V BRS 48
1 Lumineon V BRS 40
1 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169
1 Iron Bundle PAR 56
1 Zapdos PGO 29
Trainer: 27
4 Arven OBF 186
3 Boss's Orders PAL 172
4 Nest Ball SVI 181
4 Electric Generator SVI 170
3 Ultra Ball SVI 196
1 Switch Cart ASR 154
1 Secret Box TWM 163
1 Hisuian Heavy Ball ASR 146
1 Counter Catcher PAR 160
2 Bravery Charm PAL 173
1 Forest Seal Stone SIT 156
2 Area Zero Underdepths SCR 131
Energy: 17
16 Lightning Energy SVE 12
1 Double Turbo Energy BRS 151
I love this Miraidon deck. It’s got all of the facets of what’s made Miraidon ex a great deck to date but “supercharged” with all the goodies from Surging Sparks and other recent sets. You have Latias ex providing free retreat, Area Zero Underdepths granting insane bench space, Pikachu ex as your low-liability Tera-type to enable it, and a host of strong attackers.
While that may already be a mouthful, I’d also like to highlight the Magneton. Magneton was originally revealed as part of the Surging Sparks prerelease kits and since then has moved on to be a fundamental aspect of the Pokemon TCG meta via Miraidon ex. This grants you even more ways to accelerate energy onto your slew of Pokemon ranging from Miraidon ex to Iron Thorns all the way to the powerful but recently fogotton until now Raichu V.
Suffice to say this deck is an absolute powerhouse, which helps explain the fact it took not only first but also second place at the Sacramento Regionals.
Learn how to play the latest version of Miraidon ex.
#7. Lugia VSTAR $77.80
9th Place World Championships 2024 - Rahul Reddy
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Pokémon: 21
4 Archeops SIT 147
3 Lugia V SIT 138
3 Lugia VSTAR SIT 139
2 Lumineon V BRS 40
1 Minccino TEF 136
1 Cinccino TEF 137
1 Iron Hands ex PAR 70
1 Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex TWM 141
1 Wyrdeer V ASR 134
1 Raikou V BRS 48
1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
1 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169
1 Iron Bundle PAR 56
Trainer: 23
4 Boss's Orders PAL 172
3 Professor's Research SVI 189
2 Iono PAL 185
1 Jacq SVI 175
4 Ultra Ball SVI 196
4 Capturing Aroma SIT 153
2 Nest Ball SVI 181
1 Earthen Vessel PAR 163
2 Mesagoza SVI 178
Energy: 16
4 Double Turbo Energy BRS 151
4 Gift Energy LOR 171
4 Jet Energy PAL 190
1 Legacy Energy TWM 167
1 Mist Energy TEF 161
1 V Guard Energy SIT 169
1 Lightning Energy SVE 4
Lugia VSTAR is a deck archetype that has refused to go away since its came out in Silver Tempest and quickly became the most dominant deck in the game.
After showing some strong promise after the 2024 standard rotation, Lugia further doubles down on its power and effectiveness thanks to several new additions to the game including Legacy Energy, Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex, and Carmine. Not only does Legacy Energy deny your opponent the chance for a more favorable prize trade (it reduces the prizes they take by one), it can also count as any type of energy, making it possible for Lugia VSTAR to take advantage of Iron Hands ex (which is pretty incredible).
Additionally, Lugia VSTAR is helped by Mist Energy and Cinccino. Cinccino makes taking OHKOs much more possible than with Lugia alone while Mist Energy adds a defensive layer against other top tier decks out there.
Other than that, Lugia VSTAR still works largely the way it always has – setting up quickly, accelerating energies, and using a powerful combination of colorless attackers to do well against any deck on the field.
It’s nice to see this powerful deck back making waves in the standard format once again, and it’s sure to be a popular deck for some time to come.
Read our Lugia VSTAR deck list and guide for more info.
#8. Lost Zone Box
Clefa98 1st of 97 – Mouji’s Dojo
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Pokémon: 12
4 Comfey LOR 79
1 Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex TWM 141
1 Sableye LOR 70
1 Cramorant LOR 50
1 Terapagos ex SCR 128
1 Iron Thorns ex TWM 77
1 Pikachu ex SSP 57
1 Radiant Greninja ASR 46
1 Manaphy BRS 41
Trainer: 37
4 Colress's Experiment LOR 155
1 Boss's Orders PAL 172
1 Roxanne ASR 150
4 Switch Cart ASR 154
4 Mirage Gate LOR 163
4 Nest Ball SVI 181
4 Super Rod PAL 188
3 Buddy-Buddy Poffin TEF 144
3 Switch SVI 194
2 Lost Vacuum LOR 162
1 Hisuian Heavy Ball ASR 146
1 Prime Catcher TEF 157
1 Pal Pad SVI 182
1 Canceling Cologne ASR 136
1 Rescue Board TEF 159
2 PokéStop PGO 68
Energy: 11
3 Water Energy SVE 11
2 Lightning Energy SVE 12
2 Grass Energy SVE 9
2 Psychic Energy SVE 13
2 Metal Energy SVE 16
Lost Zone is back! For a while, the Kyurem released in Shrouded Fable was enough to scare even the most hardeneed Lost Box players away. However, that seems to have all changed now, and Lost Box is showing up in droves at the competitive scene.
Today it has a more powerful lineup of attackers than ever, bolstered by the insanely powerful Pikachu ex. With this Pikachu you don’t need to worry about confusing hacks to get its insane 300 damage attack off. Simply hit seven cards in your Lost Zone and you can start Mirage Gating energy onto your Pikachu with ease.
I think we are very likely to see Lost Box do well at upcoming tournaments.
Learn how to play Lost Zone Box via this guide.
#9. Gardevoir ex
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Pokémon: 17
4 Ralts ASR 60
4 Kirlia SIT 68
2 Gardevoir ex SVI 86
1 Drifloon SVI 89
1 Scream Tail PAR 86
1 Munkidori TWM 95
1 Klefki SVI 96
1 Radiant Greninja ASR 46
1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
1 Spiritomb PAL 89
Trainer: 35
4 Iono PAL 185
2 Arven OBF 186
2 Professor's Research SVI 189
1 Boss's Orders PAL 172
1 Professor Turo's Scenario PAR 171
4 Buddy-Buddy Poffin TEF 144
3 Earthen Vessel PAR 163
2 Ultra Ball SVI 196
2 Nest Ball SVI 181
2 Counter Catcher PAR 160
2 Super Rod PAL 188
2 Rare Candy SVI 191
1 Hisuian Heavy Ball ASR 146
1 Night Stretcher SSP 251
1 Secret Box TWM 163
3 Bravery Charm PAL 173
1 Technical Machine: Evolution PAR 178
1 Moonlit Hill PAF 81
Energy: 8
7 Psychic Energy SVE 13
1 Darkness Energy SVE 15
Gardevoir ex is going strong in the Surging Sparks format so far not far off the heels of its high profile win at the Baltimore Regionals (still Shrouded Fable format). That’s not necessarily because new cards help it so much – most of the Gardevoir ex decks placing at tournaments aren’t running anything noticeable from Surging Sparks. However, the meta is friendlier towards it than it was for a while. Players are certainly excited to take advantage of the less hostile meta to start Psychic Embracing their way to victory once again!
One interesting tech in the deck above is the Moonlight Hill Stadium. A relatively older card at this point, it’s strong nonetheless, giving Gardevoir ex players the ability to heal self-inflicted damage in order to accelerate even more energy and bolster damage output.
Read my guide on how to play the powerful Gardevoir ex deck.
#10. Gholdengo ex – $83.77
32nd place at the Sacramento Regionals by Panji Lewauddin Daeng Malewa
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Pokémon: 14
4 Gimmighoul PAR 88
4 Gholdengo ex PAR 139
1 Origin Forme Palkia V ASR 39
2 Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR ASR 40
1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
1 Manaphy BRS 41
1 Radiant Greninja ASR 46
Trainer: 35
3 Irida ASR 147
2 Ciphermaniac's Codebreaking TEF 145
2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
1 Professor Turo's Scenario PAR 171
1 Iono PAF 80
4 Superior Energy Retrieval PAL 189
4 Buddy-Buddy Poffin TEF 144
3 Nest Ball PAF 84
3 Earthen Vessel PAR 163
2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
1 Hyper Aroma TWM 152
1 Hisuian Heavy Ball ASR 146
1 Canceling Cologne ASR 136
1 Letter of Encouragement OBF 189
1 Counter Catcher PAR 160
1 Pal Pad SVI 182
1 Energy Retrieval SVI 171
1 Switch SVI 194
2 PokéStop PGO 68
Energy: 11
7 Water Energy SVE 3
4 Metal Energy SVE 8
Gholdengo ex was once firmly in the anti-meta deck category of the competitive Pokemon TCG. Today, that’s changed – proven by being a total overachiever at the Sacramento Regional. Despite not being a top archetype by playshare, this deck broke into day two on a huge scale, and was one of the most popular decks in the higher levels of competition. Not to mention the deck also scored a top place finishing spot – finishing third place piloted by Victor de Velasco.
While the deck above is not that deck list, it’s a good depiction of what a top tier Gholdengo deck should look like. This deck’s power rests in its consistency and power – capable of dishing out incredible amounts of damage. Meanwhile, Gholdengo ex has built in draw support that makes it stand out even in the current meta of super powerful attackers.
Gholdengo ex is best paired with the always effective Palkia VSTAR, letting you take pot shots at the bench via Radiant Greninja or just to hit hard via Subspace Swell when it’s not convenient to use Gholdengo ex’s Make it Rain.
Learn more about how to pilot the Gholdengo ex deck.
Other Competitive decks to note
The Pokemon TCG meta is pretty healthy these days with a relatively wide range of decks that are competitively viable. Below, see some other noteworthy decks. While these didn’t make our top cut, you might still run into these at your next competitive event.
Hydreigon ex
EvanCambell94 1st of 195 – Standard Pumpa Weekly
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Pokémon: 16
4 Deino PAL 138
1 Zweilous PAL 139
3 Hydreigon ex SSP 119
2 Pidgey OBF 162
2 Pidgeot ex OBF 164
1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
1 Rotom V LOR 58
1 Lumineon V BRS 40
1 Pecharunt ex SFA 39
Trainer: 37
4 Arven OBF 186
2 Iono PAL 185
1 Boss's Orders PAL 172
1 Eri TEF 146
1 Xerosic's Machinations SFA 64
1 Roseanne's Backup BRS 148
4 Ultra Ball SVI 196
4 Buddy-Buddy Poffin TEF 144
4 Nest Ball SVI 181
4 Rare Candy SVI 191
2 Dark Patch ASR 139
1 Tera Orb SSP 189
1 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Earthen Vessel PAR 163
1 Night Stretcher SFA 61
1 Counter Catcher PAR 160
1 Pal Pad SVI 182
1 Counter Gain SSP 169
1 Forest Seal Stone SIT 156
1 Pokémon League Headquarters OBF 192
Energy: 7
6 Darkness Energy SVE 15
1 Neo Upper Energy TEF 162
Hydreigon ex had something of a slow start in the online competitive scene. That’s understandable given how many moving parts this deck has in it. With enough time, however, players have figured out how to play this powerful new deck and it’s doing quite well. I would expect to see many of these decks at upcoming major tournaments.
Here’s why the deck is so good: we’ve simply not seen a Pokemon this capable of damage spread since the days of Urshifu VMAX. Being able to do 130 damage to any two Pokemon on the board combined with the fact its got another powerful attack for only two energy makes Hydreigon ex a powerful force to be reckoned with. Combine that with a massive HP stat and you have one of the strongest attackers around.
Snorlax Stall $43.71
Deck credit: 6th Place Regional Joinville - Carlos Medina Astete
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Pokémon: 12
4 Snorlax PGO 55
2 Mimikyu PAL 97
2 Rotom V LOR 58
2 Cornerstone Mask Ogerpon ex TWM 112
1 Pidgeot V LOR 137
1 Chi-Yu ex PAL 40
Trainer: 46
4 Arven OBF 186
3 Miss Fortune Sisters LOR 164
3 Penny SVI 183
2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
2 Eri TEF 146
1 Team Yell's Cheer BRS 149
1 Erika's Invitation MEW 160
1 Xerosic's Machinations SFA 64
1 Cyllene ASR 138
4 Counter Catcher PAR 160
4 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
4 Accompanying Flute TWM 142
4 Nest Ball SVI 181
2 Pal Pad SVI 182
1 Hisuian Heavy Ball ASR 146
1 Switch Cart ASR 154
1 Night Stretcher SFA 61
3 Handheld Fan TWM 150
1 Forest Seal Stone SIT 156
1 Hero's Cape TEF 152
1 Bravery Charm PAL 173
1 Artazon PAL 171
Energy: 2
2 Fire Energy SVE 10
Snorlax Stall is continuing its success in the Pokemon TCG. It punishes decks that rely on heavy attackers and few switch cards, keeping them forever off-balance thanks to cards like Counter Catcher. Meanwhile, neither the cards in your hand or in your deck are safe thanks to a powerful discard engine comprised of Eri, Chi-Yu ex, Miss Fortune Sisters and Xerosic's Machinations.
The latest innovation in this deck strategy is Cornerstone Mask Ogerpon ex. Cornerstone Mask is hard to beat for most of the decks out there right now that rely heavily on abilities to win. Decks like Charizard ex have a tough time getting around this defender.
Snorlax Stall has been a mainstay in the meta for sometime, and right now it’s a very popular control deck.
Palkia VSTAR/Terapagos ex
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Pokémon: 11
3 Origin Forme Palkia V ASR 39
2 Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR ASR 40
2 Terapagos ex SCR 128
1 Wellspring Mask Ogerpon ex TWM 64
3 Hoothoot TEF 126
4 Noctowl SCR 115
2 Fan Rotom SCR 118
1 Bidoof CRZ 111
1 Bibarel BRS 121
1 Radiant Greninja ASR 46
1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
Trainer: 16
4 Area Zero Underdepths SCR 131
4 Nest Ball SVI 181
1 Buddy-Buddy Poffin TEF 144
1 Hisuian Heavy Ball ASR 146
3 Ultra Ball SVI 196
2 Earthen Vessel PAR 163
2 Glass Trumpet SCR 135
1 Switch SVI 194
1 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Night Stretcher SFA 61
1 Canceling Cologne ASR 136
1 Prime Catcher TEF 157
3 Irida ASR 147
3 Iono PAF 80
2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
2 Energy Switch SVI 173 PH
Energy: 1
7 Basic {W} Energy Energy 11
Total Cards: 60
You didn’t think we were done talking about Terapagos ex, did you? While Terapagos ex works well on its own, some would argue it’s stronger when paired with Palkia VSTAR. Palkia does added damage for each benched Pokemon, making it fit seamlessly alongside Terapagos ex and Area Zero Underdepths.
While Palkia VSTAR/Terapagos ex is definitely a strong build and a bit more versatile than basic Terapagos ex on its own, it also has a higher skill threshold, meaning newer players might find all of its moving parts harder to manage and win with.
Still, with the ability to take massive KOs against virtually any deck while also managing to enable bench sniping with Radiant Greninja, Palkia VSTAR/Terapagos ex has a lot of tricks up its sleeves, and you can bet it’s going to perform well at some big tournaments in the Stellar Crown format.
Read my guide on how to play Palkia VSTAR/Terapagos ex.
