It’s a new year, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) scene is more exciting than ever. From powerful combinations to new strategies, the standard format for Pokémon TCG in 2023 offers a range of exciting decks. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best standard decks that are making a splash this year.
Lugia VSTAR/Archeops
The feared Lugia VSTAR/Archeops deck is a powerful force to be reckoned with. This deck relies on Lugia’s Summoning Star VSTAR power, which allows you to put Archeops on the bench without needing a lousy Archen in your deck. Archeops’ ability comes into play by throwing special energy cards, like Double Turbo, onto Lugia, enabling you to attack with Tempest Dive at incredible speeds.
Gardevoir EX
Gardevoir EX is one of the hottest new Pokémon decks in the post-rotation meta. This Psychic Pokémon deck relies on the Psychic Embrace ability of Gardevoir EX. The strategy is simple: dump as much Psychic energy into your discard pile as you can, then get it all back with Gardevoir EX and load up attackers for instant knockouts. Gardevoir’s Brainwave attack has particular synergy here, but you can also include anything from Zacian V to MewTwo V-Union, giving you plenty of options to work with.
Lost Zone Box
The concept of the Lost Zone is relatively new in the Pokémon TCG, but it’s a mechanic that players need to pay attention to because Lost Zone Pokémon decks are some of the strongest this year. The Lost Zone Box strategy is fairly straightforward. Cards like Colress’s Experiment and Comfey are used to load up the Lost Zone. Once you’ve accumulated enough cards there, Pokémon like Sableye and Cramorant come online with powerful attacks. Meanwhile, Pokémon Trainer cards like Mirage Gate provide excellent energy acceleration.
Mew VMAX
Mew VMAX is a powerful archetype that relies on Mew’s Cross Fusion Strike attack to clone one of your benched Pokémon’s most useful moves. This deck has been around for a while and has evolved over time, but the star of the show is always Genesect V. Genesect V brings both a powerful move, Techno Blast, and an excellent ability, Fusion Strike System, which can restock your hand as long as your bench is full of Pokémon from the Fusion Strike set.
Miraidon EX
Miraidon EX is another new Pokémon deck that features lightning-type Pokémon. This strategy relies on Miraidon EX’s Tandem Unit ability to fill up the bench with ease. Thanks to this effect, the deck is both reliable and fast. Finding your Miraidon EX at the start of the game is essential, and cards like Ultra Ball or Nest Ball can help with that. However, fewer search cards are needed overall, as Miraidon EX can handle much of the searching for you.
Summary
The current standard format for the Pokémon TCG brings a diverse array of competitive decks, each with its unique strengths and strategies. Whether you prefer the raw power of Gardevoir EX, the versatility of Lugia VSTAR/Archeops, or the innovative use of the Lost Zone in Lost Zone Box, there’s something for every player’s style. Mew VMAX and Miraidon EX also offer exciting options, showcasing the depth and variety of the current metagame. So, explore these decks, experiment, and find the one that suits your playing style best. Pokémon has never been more dynamic and engaging!
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