The latest innovation in the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has taken the Japanese gaming community by surprise, despite its focus on a lesser-known Pokémon. The newly released Terastal Festival subset, which centers around Eevee and its various evolutions, has already garnered significant attention. While this expansion won’t arrive in international markets until next month, Japanese players are currently engaged in creative new deck-building strategies featuring one particularly unexpected standout.
According to data from Limitless TCG, the Budew card from the Terastal Festival has captured the spotlight in recent Japanese tournaments. Although specific usage statistics are still emerging, Budew has consistently been included in the Top 16 deck lists across multiple City League tournaments. Remarkably, it has shown up in more than 50% of decks that made it to the Top 16 within the past three weeks, indicating its strategic importance and wide applicability across various gameplay styles.
Why Budew Is Making Waves in Pokémon TCG Tournaments
Budew Disrupts Opponent’s Game Plan
While Budew may seem unimpressive at first glance—boasting just 30 HP and an attack called Itchy Pollen that deals a mere 10 damage—it possesses a game-changing ability. Budew’s Itchy Pollen prevents opposing players from using Item cards on their following turn at no energy cost. This unique trait allows Budew to fit seamlessly into nearly any deck, effectively obstructing opponents from employing essential strategies, such as playing Rare Candy to enhance their setups. Additionally, with no retreat cost, players can easily switch Budew out the next turn, further enhancing its utility.
Despite Budew’s minimal presence in the TCG, appearing on just three cards as a Baby Pokémon, recent expansions have allowed it to thrive. Historically, Baby Pokémon have struggled for relevance in the Pokémon TCG, yet current releases have provided them with a unique spot due to their energy-free attacks. Although Budew is vulnerable due to its limited HP, some powerful decks still encounter challenges in rapidly countering this entry, creating a scenario where this low-cost card becomes indispensable across a wide range of deck builds.
Our Perspective: Budew’s Impact on the Pokémon TCG
Budew Will Likely Become a Staple in Decks
In recent weeks, discussions among Pokémon TCG enthusiasts have focused on the potential implications of Budew on game strategies. Many expect that Budew will influence deck construction significantly, leading players to replace conventional Item cards with Supporter cards and Pokémon boasting abilities.
Moreover, it is anticipated that players may favor decks capable of efficiently dispatching Budew, such as those featuring Dragapult ex, Dusknoir, or Munkidori. These decks can neutralize Budew’s impact before it can cause significant disruption. The pivotal question remains whether Budew will solidify its place as a dominant force within the Pokémon TCG or merely serve as a fleeting trend.
Source: Limitless TCG
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