In the world of Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, many players tend to focus on the striking ex cards to construct their decks. This inclination is justifiable, considering these cards often showcase powerful attacks, advantageous abilities, and impressive HP. However, this focus can lead to the neglect of certain Pokémon that offer substantial effectiveness in competitive battles. Even if these cards might not appear eye-catching upon being unearthed from packs, particularly due to their rarity, they certainly warrant inclusion in competitive decks. Their unique features can turn the tide in close matchups.
Cards from the Shining Revelry set, such as Giratina ex and Charizard ex, have gained prominence in numerous competitive configurations. Yet, this stardom may overshadow other valuable cards. Whether they are appreciated for their disruptive capabilities, remarkable damage output, or ideal stalling strategies, these underappreciated cards are deserving of a place in your upcoming deck. You can either base your deck around these hidden gems or utilize them to amplify the strengths of an ex card, but either approach is guaranteed to elevate your overall gameplay.
10 Pinsir
The Grass Type Can Create Huge Damage
Pinsir, a formidable Grass-type Pokémon, boasts the potential to inflict substantial damage. With a solid 90 HP as a basic Pokémon, it is resilient enough to withstand initial turns in the Active Spot. It features an impressive attack, Guillotine Rush, which initially deals 50 damage for a total cost of three Energy — comprising one Grass Energy and two Colorless Energy. An added component lets players flip coins, adding 40 extra damage for each heads, continuing until a tails appears. This ability transforms Guillotine Rush into a potentially devastating offensive option.
While the energy requirement for this attack may seem steep, pairing Pinsir with Grass-type Pokémon that enhance energy output, like Leafeon ex and Serperior, can allow it to unleash massive damage quickly. Thus, Pinsir proves to be an excellent choice for aggressive strategies.
9 Mr. Mime
With RNG Luck, Mr. Mime Can Be Powerful
Often overlooked in Psychic-type decks overshadowed by stronger contenders like Genetic Apex Jynx and Hypno, Mr. Mime, a basic Psychic-type Pokémon, may still hold potential. It can serve as an effective addition to a Mewtwo ex deck, dealing damage while stalling for critical setups with Mewtwo ex and Gardevoir.
With an admirable 90 HP, Mr. Mime presents solid durability for a non-ex basic Pokémon, positioning it well within your strategy. Utilizing the Shining Revelry iteration, its attack, Juggling, hinges on RNG coin flips to generate damage.
Equipping Mr. Mime with the Rocky Helmet tool card enhances its stalling abilities, inflicting 20 damage on the opponent’s Active Pokémon with each attack received. For a two Energy cost — one Psychic and one Colorless — you flip four coins; each heads results in 20 damage, potentially totaling 80. This combination of low energy cost and solid HP makes Mr. Mime a strategic choice in your decks.
8 Hitmonchan
Magnum Punch Does Some Serious Damage
Another classic addition to Pokémon TCG Pocket is Hitmonchan, which seamlessly complements Fighting-type decks by boosting damage output. Serving effectively as a stall card, it provides valuable time to gather resources for ex cards while asserting its presence on the battlefield. Hitmonchan features 90 HP and a 1 Energy Retreat Cost, making it an ideal candidate for sustaining damage in the Active Spot.
Its attack, Magnum Punch, delivers a hefty 90 damage for three Fighting Energy. This level of damage can seriously diminish most ex cards, and it can set the stage for a finishing blow after other Pokémon have softened the opponent’s defenses.
7 Magmortar
Smoke Bomb Can Stop The Opponent In Their Tracks
Magmortar, a high-impact Fire-type Pokémon, can serve as a powerful disruptor against opponents. Evolving from Magmar, this card is a perfect asset in a Charizard ex deck, bringing opponents down to knockout territory. With 120 HP, this stage two Pokémon rivals the resilience of many ex cards, but only yields a single point when knocked out, rather than two.
Magmortar’s true power resides in its attack, Smoke Bomb, which deals 70 damage for a total cost of three Energy — two Fire and one Colorless. However, the attack also imposes an additional requirement: if the defending Pokémon attempts to attack on their next turn, they must flip a coin. A tails outcome results in a complete failure of the attack, allowing Magmortar the chance to disrupt the opponent’s flow and apply pressure.
6 Flamigo
Double Kick Can Do A Massive 100 Damage
Flamigo, a basic Fighting-type Pokémon, offers a low-cost attack paired with solid HP, positioning it as an excellent selection for your next deck. My personal experience with Flamigo, especially when paired alongside Marowak ex in an aggressive Fighting-type build, has proven its effectiveness. With 80 HP, Flamigo can hold its ground, and equipping it with the Giant Cape tool card significantly enhances its durability for extended encounters.
The attack known as Double Kick can inflict substantial damage, dealing 50 damage for each heads flipped on two coins. This attack provides a low-cost yet high-damage potential for a basic Pokémon, making Flamigo an enticing choice despite its reliance on randomness.
5 Gimmighoul
The Psychic-Type Can Be Used In Any Deck
Gimmighoul stands as one of the more unconventional choices on this list, as it doesn’t inflict any damage at all. This characteristic might lead players to question its role, but within the right context, this card can be remarkably effective. A basic Pokémon that fits wonderfully into Psychic-type decks, Gimmighoul can act as a stall tactic while disrupting opponent strategies.
Its attack, Chest-ouflage, does not deliver damage but allows for a coin flip. If heads, Gimmighoul prevents all damage from attacks for the subsequent turn, as well as any effects targeting it. With a mere cost of one Colorless Energy, Gimmighoul’s versatility enables it to function within any type of deck as a stalling mechanism, positioning it as a valuable component to consider.
4 Cyclizar
Overacceleration Does Damage That Ramps Up
Cyclizar, a Colorless-type Pokémon in Pokémon TCG Pocket, will only improve the longer it stays active in play. With 80 HP and a minimal one Energy Retreat Cost, Cyclizar serves as an optimal choice for the Active Spot in initial rounds. Particularly effective against decks featuring weaker basic Pokémon, like Charmander in Charizard ex configurations, it can provide valuable early momentum for your strategy.
Its attack, Overacceleration, starts at 20 damage but increases its damage output by 20 on each subsequent turn. This damage enhancement allows for the quick elimination of fragile basic Pokémon within just a few turns. Given its low attack cost of one Colorless Energy, you can utilize this attack in your first turn. The availability of a shiny version adds further appeal to this already compelling card.
3 Revavroom
Spinning Drift Can End Battles In Victory
Revavroom may have flown under the radar, yet it possesses the potential to conclude battles decisively. This Metal-type Pokémon, evolving from Varoom, boasts a robust 110 HP and a Retreat Cost of two Energy, providing a solid foundation for late-game strategies. For cards with a more considerable Retreat Cost, utilize the Leaf Supporter card to decrease it by two, enhancing versatility within your strategy.
Revavroom’s attack, Spinning Drift, provides a reliable 70 damage, albeit at a higher cost of two Metal Energy and one Colorless Energy. This makes it better suited for late-game scenarios aimed at finishing off opponents. The option to flip a coin with the attack allows for mitigation of incoming damage if you achieve a heads outcome. While the outcome does depend on luck, Revavroom remains a strategic choice for defense and attack alike.
2 Meowscarada
The Stage Two Card Should Be In Every Grass-Type Deck
Although Meowscarada, a Stage 2 Pokémon, might be the most evident choice for Grass-type decks, it often remains underutilized compared to other options. Although it requires some setup time, its power is undeniable when ready for battle. With a formidable 140 HP, it stands toe-to-toe with most ex cards and serves as a potent counter to competitive meta decks. Furthermore, incorporating the Erika supporter card can heal Meowscarada by an additional 50 damage.
Its attack, Fighting Claws, deals 60 damage for two Grass Energy and can deal an impressive additional 70 damage against ex cards, amounting to an eye-watering total of 130 damage. This characteristic positions Meowscarada as an extraordinary counter to several popular cards in the current game, solidifying its status as a must-have in Grass-type decks.
1 Electrode
The Most Underrated Card From The Shining Revelry Expansion
Electrode from the Shining Revelry expansion stands as a prime contender for Lightning-type decks, notably within the Pikachu ex configuration. This Stage 1 card possesses 90 HP, easily withstanding most early-game attacks while benefiting from an uncomplicated 1 Retreat Cost.
The attack, Tumbling Attack, starts at 50 damage, possessing the added chance to inflict an extra 30 damage with a successful coin flip. While it hinges on RNG, the guaranteed 50 damage provides a reliable threatened source of offense. More players should not overlook Electrode’s potential within their Pokémon TCG Pocket decks.