When Pokémon TCG Pocket first launched, the meta was quickly dominated by a select few decks. Among them, Misty's water-type deck became notorious for its overpowering potential, hinging on the luck of coin flips. This deck's ability to surge ahead early in the game, based on favorable flips, led to widespread frustration among players.
Even after three expansions, the game has yet to see a significant shift away from Misty decks. Instead, the latest expansion has introduced a card that amplifies Misty's power, much to the chagrin of many players who are craving more variety in the meta.
Some variety would be appreciated
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It's not that Misty decks are the most powerful in the game; rather, their reliance on luck makes losses to them particularly disheartening. Misty, a Supporter card, allows players to select a water-type Pokémon and flip coins until landing on tails, attaching a water-type energy for each heads flipped. This mechanic can lead to attaching anywhere from zero to numerous energies, potentially enabling a first-turn win or powering up strong cards before opponents can respond effectively.
Why would they ever make a card like this?
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Subsequent expansions have only exacerbated the issue. Mythical Island introduced Vaporeon, allowing energy redistribution among water-types. Space-Time Smackdown added Manaphy, increasing water energy on the board. These expansions also brought powerful water-type Pokémon like Palkia ex and Gyarados ex, cementing water decks' dominance in the meta.
DeNa, What the Heck are You Doing?
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The latest expansion, Triumphant Light, introduces Irida, another Supporter card that heals 40 damage from each Pokémon with water-type energy attached. This addition challenges the healing dominance of grass-type decks and allows water decks to stage significant comebacks, particularly with the energy accumulation facilitated by Misty, Manaphy, and Vaporeon.
Some experts suggest that Irida's introduction might be a strategic move by developer DeNA to force players to make tough choices about which Supporters to include in their 20-card decks. However, many deckbuilders have found ways to incorporate both Misty and Irida, maintaining water decks' formidable presence.
Three days away… what will you all be playing?
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As Pokémon TCG Pocket approaches a scheduled event with rewards for consecutive wins, including a coveted gold profile badge for a five-match streak, players anticipate facing numerous water decks. The challenge of winning consistently is heightened by the potential for these decks to dominate early and recover from setbacks with cards like Irida. Given the current meta, joining the water deck trend might be a strategic move for aspiring competitors.
