How a Single Pokémon TCG Pocket Type Could Transform the Meta in 2025

Since its debut in late October, the Pokemon TCG Pocket meta has swiftly settled around several key decks. Among the top contenders, players have found success leveraging cards such as Misty, which expedites energy acquisition for formidable Pokémon like Blastoise EX and Starmie EX. Additional dominant decks spotlight Pikachu EX and Mewtwo EX, both of which excel in maintaining pressure during matches, dominating the play environment while one specific archetype remains suppressed within the Genetic Apex set.

Among the thriving decks, the combination of Mewtwo EX and Gardevoir stands out for its remarkable consistency and power. Gardevoir’s ability to add an additional Psychic energy to the active Pokémon significantly mitigates the energy costs of Mewtwo EX’s formidable Psydrive attack. This synergy poses a challenge for opponents, particularly due to the shortage of robust Darkness-type cards capable of countering Mewtwo EX effectively, complicating efforts to dismantle this overpowering combination.

Urgent Need for Stronger Darkness Types in Pokemon TCG Pocket’s Next Set

The Under-Representation of Darkness Types in Genetic Apex

Currently, the roster of Darkness-type cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket is disappointingly sparse. Presently, the available Darkness-type cards consist of:

Ekans
Arbok
Nidoran F
Nidorina
Nidoqueen
Nidoran M
Nidorino
Nidoking
Zubat
Golbat
Grimer
Muk
Koffing
Weezing

None of these cards possess EX variants, meaning that Muk, Weezing, and Arbok are the primary options available for players hoping to counteract potent Psychic types like Mewtwo EX.

In Pokemon TCG Pocket, the Darkness type encompasses both Poison and Dark types. Current strategies focus on utilizing Weezing and Muk to inflict Poison damage, enhanced by Muk’s Venoshock attack. Alternatively, players can employ Arbok’s Corner attack to trap an opponent’s active Pokémon, hindering their ability to retreat and potentially securing a knockout. However, the absence of the strength and resilience provided by EX cards poses a significant obstacle, making it challenging to execute these strategies before being targeted by an opponent’s attack.

The Urgency for More Powerful Darkness Type Cards Against Mewtwo EX

The scarcity of viable Darkness types in Pokemon TCG Pocket can largely be attributed to the focus on Generation 1 Pokémon within the current Genetic Apex set. It’s evident that all existing Darkness cards are rooted in Gen 1 Poison-type Pokémon, leaving significant Dark types absent from competitive play. However, with a new set slated for release on January 29, 2025, players are hopeful for a shift in the meta landscape, particularly regarding the dominance of Mewtwo EX and Gardevoir.

While specifics of the upcoming set are still under wraps, if it mirrors the character focus of Genetic Apex, there is a strong possibility that Generation 2 Pokémon will play a central role. Introducing powerful Dark types from this generation, such as Tyranitar EX or Houndoom EX, could provide much-needed support against the Mewtwo EX-heavy decks. Other potential additions from Gen 2 Poison types like Crobat and Ariados could further enrich the Darkness type options, enhancing strategies and competitiveness within the game.

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