The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) Pocket continues to evolve with each expansion, introducing a plethora of unique cards that shift the competitive landscape. This dynamic nature means that the effectiveness of different types can greatly vary, with some gaining prominence while others diminish in relevance. Players often debate their favorite types, with fire types known for their destructive force, lightning types appreciated for their speed, and darkness types favored for control. However, amidst this diversity, one type consistently rises above the others—not through favoritism, but by virtue of its versatility and performance: Water type.
Why Water Types Reign Supreme in Pokémon TCG Pocket
While personal preferences play a significant role in gameplay, it is evident that Water-type Pokémon excel in the Pokémon TCG Pocket hierarchy due to their exceptional adaptability, card support, and reliable performance. Even as Dragon types have seen a decline and other categories like Fire, Psychic, Lightning, and Darkness maintain competitiveness, Water decks provide a dramatically solid range of options.
Their superiority can be attributed to the abundance of powerful Water-type Pokémon. This includes a variety of ex cards, which cover both aggressive offensive roles and versatile support positions, making them indispensable in top-tier decks.
Powerful Water-type ex Cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket
The release of the Genetic Apex set marked the emergence of formidable Water-type options such as Blastoise ex, Starmie ex, and Articuno ex. While Blastoise ex appeals to a niche audience, Starmie ex and Articuno ex have gained widespread popularity due to their robust moves and compatibility with other Water cards. As new sets were introduced, the power of Water Pokémon soared further, with Lapras ex, Glaceon ex, and Wugtrio ex targeting specific strategies, while impactful cards such as Gyarados ex from the Mythical Island set and Palkia ex from Space-Time Smackdown pushed the boundaries of Water teams. Their formidable attacks, excellent synergy, and strong statistics provide Water decks with a constant advantage.
Although other types feature strong ex cards, none offer the breadth of viable options capable of thriving in a constantly changing competitive environment.
Unmatched Support Cards for Water Decks
A significant advantage for Water-type decks is the array of specialized support trainers. For instance, Misty’s support card enables one Water Pokémon to attach a Water Energy from your Energy Zone for every coin flip outcome of heads, facilitating rapid energy accumulation right from the first turn and enabling powerful ex cards to disrupt opponent strategies effectively.
Furthermore, Irida from Triumphant Light offers incredible utility by healing 40 damage from each of your Pokémon with Water Energy attached, prolonging the life of your active Pokémon while ensuring your bench remains strong during extended matchups.
Notably, Grass types are the only other category that boasts a specialized Trainer card in Erika.
Impactful Supporting Pokémon
In addition to strong ex cards and support trainers, Water decks benefit from some of the most influential support Pokémon available. Consider the following:
- Manaphy from Space-Time Smackdown revolutionizes gameplay. While it has a modest HP of 50, its ability to attach Water Energy to two Benched Pokémon each turn ensures unparalleled energy acceleration, making it indispensable in serious Water-type strategies.
- Vaporeon from Mythical Island features the ability “Wash Out” , allowing players to transfer Water Energy from one Benched Pokémon to the Active Pokémon as desired during their turn. This flexibility can effectively dismantle opponents’ strategies while allowing you to adjust your approach on the fly.
- Greninja adds further pressure with its “Water Shuriken” ability, inflicting 20 damage to an opponent’s Pokémon each turn, allowing players to target weaker or exposed Pokémon on the bench while setting up for a decisive future play.
When considering all these factors—the impressive array of powerful Water-type ex cards, exceptional support trainers, and the synergistic benefits offered by other Water Pokémon—it’s clear that Water emerges as the preeminent type in Pokémon TCG Pocket today.
Whether you’re a novice or a veteran, constructing a Water-based deck grants access to a diverse assortment of tactics, solid consistency, and formidable power. Although the game continuously evolves, Water currently reigns supreme among the types.