The Pokémon Trading Card Game is gearing up for an exciting addition with the launch of the upcoming Journey Together set, featuring an array of new cards highlighting some intriguing characters. Notably, 2025 will see the return of Trainer’s Pokémon, a nostalgic card mechanic that dates back to the game’s inception. This innovative card type links specific Pokémon to trainers from the franchise, amplifying their effectiveness through various card interactions. Initially, Trainer’s Pokémon were exclusive to the Kanto region’s gym leaders and Team Rocket; however, the forthcoming sets promise the introduction of trainers from newer Pokémon games.
Recently, a fresh wave of cards from the Battle Partners collection has been unveiled, set to transition into the Journey Together set for international audiences. According to the details shared on PokeBeach, fans can expect to see several Trainer’s Pokémon associated with Hop, the primary rival from Pokémon Sword and Shield. Besides including the illustrious Zacian, Hop’s ensemble will feature a Dubwool, Snorlax, and Cramorant, each benefiting from advantageous synergies, resulting in potent cards capable of delivering significant damage—potentially one-shotting many contenders within the current TCG meta.
Why Hop’s Pokémon Are So Powerful In The Pokémon TCG
Hop’s Pokémon Reap Benefits from Multiple Synergies
At first glance, none of Hop’s Pokémon may seem particularly extraordinary, yet they gain substantial advantages because of multiple card interactions. For example, Snorlax possesses an ability that amplifies the attack power of all of Hop’s Pokémon. Additionally, the newly revealed Postwick stadium card enhances all of Hop’s Pokémon by an extra 30 damage. Furthermore, the Hop’s Choice Band item card not only boosts the damage of one of Hop’s Pokémon but also lowers their energy costs by one.
As these enhancements stack, players can potentially elevate any of Hop’s Pokémon to achieve an impressive 90 extra damage alongside reduced energy costs. This means that Cramorant can unleash an astonishing 210 damage for no energy, whereas Hop’s Zacian ex is capable of inflicting 330 damage utilizing just 3 Metal energy. Significantly, Hop’s Zacian also serves as an effective counter to Budew, a Pokémon recently recognized as essential in emerging decks.
Our Take: Hop’s Pokémon Showcase Surprising Power, Yet He’s Still Disliked
Hop May Not Be a Fan Favorite, But His Pokémon Are Indispensable
Interestingly, Hop’s inclusion as a prominent trainer in the Pokémon TCG has puzzled many. While beloved characters like Lillie, N, and Iono have captured the hearts of fans, Hop has often been perceived as a tiresome rival trailing behind the main trainer.
His role in the new Pokémon TCG set appears primarily as a vehicle to introduce Zacian, a formidable and well-regarded Legendary Pokémon. Regrettably, the synergy associated with Hop’s cards is tough to overlook, suggesting that we will likely see several decks incorporating these powerful Pokémon and their dynamic assaults in the upcoming year.
Source: PokeBeach
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