Water Decks Gain Powerful Card in Pokemon TCG Pocket's Triumphant Light Expansion

When Pokémon TCG Pocket first launched, the meta quickly became dominated by a select few decks. One of these, centered around Misty and water-type Pokémon, was particularly disliked early on due to its potential to overpower opponents early in the game, largely dependent on coin flip outcomes.

Now, three expansions later, one might expect other cards to have emerged to counter or replace Misty decks. However, the latest expansion has only bolstered Misty's power, leaving many players frustrated with the lack of variety.

Some variety would be appreciated
by u/Mizter_Man in PTCGP

It's not that Misty decks are the most powerful in the game; rather, their luck-based mechanics make losses feel particularly harsh. Misty, a Supporter card, allows players to choose a water-type Pokémon and flip a coin until they land on tails. For every heads flipped, they can attach a water-type energy to that Pokémon. This can result in attaching anywhere from zero to numerous energies, depending on luck. A successful flip can lead to a first-turn win or power up strong cards before opponents can defend.

Why would they ever make a card like this?
by u/EfficientTrainer3206 in PTCGP

The situation has worsened with subsequent expansions adding cards that enhance Misty's effectiveness. Mythical Island introduced Vaporeon, which can redistribute the bonus energy among water-types. Space-Time Smackdown brought Manaphy, adding more water energy to the board. These expansions also introduced powerful water-type Pokémon like Palkia ex and Gyarados ex, keeping water decks at the top of the meta.

DeNa, What the Heck are You Doing?
by u/HolographicHeart in PTCGP

The latest expansion, Triumphant Light, introduced Irida, another Supporter card that heals 40 damage from each Pokémon with water-type energy attached. This new card shifts the healing advantage from grass-type decks to water-types, enabling significant comebacks. With Misty, Manaphy, and Vaporeon, water decks are well-equipped to leverage this new card.

Some Pokémon TCG experts suggest that DeNA added Irida to force players to make strategic choices about which Supporters to include, given the 20-card deck limit. However, many players have found ways to incorporate both Misty and Irida into their decks.

Three days away… what will you all be playing?
by u/INDlGO in PTCGP

With an upcoming event in Pokémon TCG Pocket's online competitive mode, where rewards like a gold profile badge are at stake for winning five consecutive matches, water decks are expected to dominate. Achieving such a win streak is challenging, especially against decks that can sweep opponents early with favorable coin flips and recover with cards like Irida.

Given the current meta, players may find it advantageous to adopt a water deck strategy to compete effectively in the upcoming event and beyond.