When *Pokemon TCG Pocket* first launched, the meta was swiftly dominated by a select few decks, with one particular strategy centered around Misty and water-type Pokemon becoming infamous early on. This deck's power hinged on the luck of coin flips, enabling it to potentially overwhelm opponents from the outset. Despite the release of three expansions since then, the expectation that new cards would balance or counter these Misty decks has not been met. Instead, the latest expansion has introduced a card that further amplifies the strength of Misty decks, leading to widespread frustration among players.
Some variety would be appreciated
byu/Mizter_Man inPTCGP
It's not that Misty decks are the most powerful in the game, but the luck-based mechanics make losing to them feel particularly unsatisfying. Misty, a Supporter card, allows players to select a water-type Pokemon and flip coins until landing on tails, attaching a water-type energy for each heads flipped. This could mean attaching zero energy, rendering the card and the play ineffective, or attaching multiple energies, possibly leading to a first-turn win or powering up formidable cards before the opponent can respond.
Why would they ever make a card like this?
byu/EfficientTrainer3206 inPTCGP
Subsequent expansions have only exacerbated the situation. *Mythical Island* introduced Vaporeon, enabling the redistribution of bonus energy among water-types. *Space-Time Smackdown* brought Manaphy, which adds more water energy to the board. These expansions also introduced strong water-type Pokemon like Palkia ex and Gyarados ex, keeping water decks at the top of the meta across multiple expansions.
DeNa, What the Heck are You Doing?
byu/HolographicHeart inPTCGP
The latest expansion, *Triumphant Light*, introduces Irida, another Supporter card that can heal 40 damage from each Pokemon with water-type energy attached. This new card shifts the healing advantage from grass-type decks to water-type decks, enabling significant comebacks if energy is adequately managed. With cards like Misty, Manaphy, and Vaporeon facilitating energy collection and distribution, water decks are poised to remain dominant.
Some experts suggest that Irida's introduction might be an attempt by developer DeNA to force players to make strategic decisions about which Supporters to include, given the 20-card deck limit in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. However, many players have successfully integrated both Misty and Irida into their decks.
Three days away… what will you all be playing?
byu/INDlGO inPTCGP
As *Pokemon TCG Pocket* prepares for a scheduled event, where rewards are offered for win streaks in the game's online competitive mode, the presence of powerful water decks is expected to be prominent. Achieving the top reward, a gold profile badge, by winning five matches in a row is a challenging feat, especially against decks capable of swift victories and recoveries. Given the current meta, it might be strategic to consider playing a water deck yourself if you haven't already.
