The latest Pokémon Pocket set is here! Celestial Guardians adds a huge collection of over 200 new cards to the game, with lots of interesting new ex Pokémon, special abilities, supporter cards, and Pokémon tools to explore.
Just like we did with last last big Pokémon Pocket expansion, Space-Time Smackdown, we’re going to take a look at the very best Pokémon cards in this new set, the rares to hope for as you start munching through packs with all the hour glasses The Pokémon Company seems to be raining down upon us.
Rare Candy
After this, I’m going to start with some of the less impactful cards and move up the ranks. But it felt important to begin this list with Rare Candy, because it’s such a meta-defining card, and you shouldn’t look at any Stage 2 Pokémon without seeing it first.
While you obviously won’t always have it in your opening hand, being able to skip a Stage 1 and go straight to your final evolution is massive. It’s bound to shake the meta up massively, and perhaps curb the dominance of legendary Pokémon decks.
Decidueye ex
Decidueye ex’s regular attack is only so-so, but the ability to do 100 damage to a damaged Pokémon is certainly intriguing, and means this can dish out 180 damage over two turns for two energy.
I can see this card pairing very nicely with Rocky Helmet or one of the other item cards coming up later, and I’m desperate to try and make it work with Greninja. The fact its Pierce the Pain attack doesn’t use grass energy means you can even run it in any deck (though can doesn’t mean should).
Lunala ex
Hot take, I’m not sure Lunala ex is that strong. Its energy moving ability is interesting for sure, and the obvious way to use it is turning Giratina into a battery for another Pokémon. The fact the target doesn’t have to be a psychic type gives you a lot of flexibility, but I think even with Rare Candy, this strategy is sounding very clunky.
As one of the two face cards of the set, I’m generously giving it an honorary spot on this list anway. Feel free to point this paragraph out to me and laugh when Lunala immediately becomes the best deck in the format.
Incineroar ex
The other final starter evolution is an example of a Pokémon that’s great with Rare Candy, but still very good without. If you supercharge your evolution, you’ve got a one energy attack that can still do solid damage, but if you take the time to build up slowly, Torracat can damage itself, powering up Incineroar’s Scar-Charged Smash to 140 damage.
180 HP is also very beefy, making Incineroar one of the highest HP Pokémon cards in the game.
Leaf Cape
Though niche, Leaf Cape is a straight upgrade on Giant Cape in a grass type deck. Between this and Erika, grass types are about to get very annoying to bring down.
Crabominable ex
Crabominable ex does a very passable Exeggutor impression. It’s beefy, it can start smacking the opponent for sizable chunks of damage very early in the game, and you can heal it up with Irida. The lower damage on the first attack does prevent you lucking into some blowout turns, but guaranteed 80 after that feels very nice.
Ilima
A Koga but for all colorless type Pokémon, I’m not sure if there’s a deck out there for Ilima, but it could be good with Arceus, denying your opponent precious points and keeping you in the fight for longer. Or perhaps you could wall with Snorlax and then airlift it out of there when it gets low on HP?
Poison Barb
Clodsire ex mains rise up! Poison Barb could be even more annoying than Rocky Helmet, even if it’s not a straight upgrade, but it’s going to be huge for the Darkness Pokémon from the last set.
Now you have a super simple way to apply this special condition, making your Venoshock attack do a frightening 120 damage a turn. And, hey, if your opponent would rather just not attack and get poisoned, that’s fine too!
Alolan Raichu ex
Gallade ex decks were a blast to play in the recent meta, and Alolan Raichu ex may be an even better version of the same effect. Though the higher energy cost is a big downside, this Pokémon has even greater damage potential.
It can one shot all the big hitters in the meta, like Gyarados, Charizard, or Giratina, when they get to four energy for their super moves. Plus, once again this uses colorless energy, and can be played alongside anything.
Guzma
A much needed answer to the Pokémon tool cards that are becoming ever present in the meta. My Skarmory are twittering nervously.
Lillie
As if Rare Candy wasn’t enough of a boost, Stage 2 Pokemon are now getting the most powerful heal in the game. Lillie is a must play for so many strategies, for obvious reasons. She’s also the first immersive art supporter card, a favorite character, and probably the biggest chase card of the whole set.
Lightning Oricorio
This is a juicy one! With its immunity to ex Pokémon, Oricorio can be an unstoppable barrier that many decks just won’t be able to deal with – they’ll have to go around with Sabrina or just throw in the towel.
Honestly, I’m not too sure how Oricorio players go from there to consistently securing the win for themselves, but it’ll be worth it to piss your opponents off and see some sweet, sweet concedes.
Solgaleo ex
With a low-energy attack and useful ability, Solgaleo ex looks much better than its night-time counterpart. Its ability lets it switch in at the perfect moment, and its attack does good damage for cheap.
It seems like this Pokémon would best suit an aggressive deck, perhaps with Skarmory – if you’ve room for the Poke Tools. But thanks to Solgaleo’s ability, you could happily run something with a super high retreat cost in the active spot.
Rayquaza ex
It’s Dragonite but good! Rayquaza ex has insane damage output, and while you can’t predict where its hits will land, that makes it impossible for your opponent to prepare too.
It’ll need some help ramping, perhaps with a Pokémon like Dialga ex, but ending the game with a Draco Meteor is going to feel fantastic. If you haven’t already, go check out the Rayquaza event to win free copies of the card.
That’s probably enough to be getting on with. Happy deck building everyone! If you want some more great Pokémon reads, check out lists of the all-time costliest rare Pokémon cards and the best Pokémon packs to buy. And if you’re especially lovely, come join the conversation in our Discord.
Source: Wargamer
