The Pokémon Trading Card Game is set to launch the much-anticipated Battle Partners set in Japan later this month. A significant highlight of this new release is the reintroduction of the cherished Owner’s Pokémon feature. This upcoming set gives players the opportunity to incorporate various Pokémon that have been previously associated with iconic trainers, such as Marnie, N, and Lillie. Additionally, fans can look forward to even more returning characters like Arven, Misty, and Ethan in future expansions.
This new set features a plethora of cards that appeal to both collectors and competitive players. For those focused on competition, the Owner’s Pokémon cards are especially pivotal in constructing formidable decks. Though many cards stand out in this set, only a select few can be deemed the most powerful.
10 Meowscara
A Useful Asset Against Ex Pokémon
Meowscarada, the final evolution of the popular Gen 9 Grass-type starter, Sprigatito, shines in competitive play with its impressive card from the Battle Partners set. Its Showtime ability allows for a strategic swap of Meowscarada with an active Pokémon during the turn, making it easier to unleash a powerful attack once it is fully set up.
The card’s sole attack, Rising Bloom, also carries significant power, dealing 90 damage under normal circumstances. However, against ex Pokémon, this damage doubles, adding pressure to opponents and creating an exhilarating competitive dynamic.
9 Ion’s Electrode
Taking Out Opponents In One Big Explosion
Electrode is renowned for its explosive attacks, and its card in this set captures that essence perfectly. The Electric Ball attack can deal a potent 100 damage, easily knocking out Basic and Stage 1 Pokémon. However, it does require three energy cards to activate, necessitating some buildup.
If players are looking for immediacy, they can utilize Electrode’s first attack, Heartpounding Bomb, which sacrifices Electrode for the chance to take down an opponent’s Pokémon, provided a successful coin flip occurs. This high-risk, high-reward strategy must be employed judiciously.
8 N’s Darmanitan
Growing Stronger As Energy Is Discarded
Although Darmanitan was not a member of N’s team in the Generation 5 games, it holds nostalgic significance for him. In the Pokémon TCG, its card provides competitive players with a powerful Fire-type option. Darmanitan’s attack, Darman-i-cannon, delivers a noteworthy 90 damage, targeting both the opponent’s active Pokémon and any benched ones.
Meanwhile, the Backdraft attack allows players to capitalise on the opponent’s discarded energy cards, dealing 30 damage for each discarded card. This capability enables significant damage potential against even the toughest ex Pokémon, making it a valuable strategic option.
7 Lillie’s Clefairy Ex
Changing Opponents’ Weaknesses
Lillie’s Clefairy ex card introduces valuable tactical advantages, particularly against Dragon-type opponents. Its Fairy Zone ability shifts their weaknesses, making Dragon-types vulnerable to Psychic-type attacks. This clever design can turn the tide of battle, especially against sturdy cards like N’s Reshiram.
Its Full Moon Rondo attack benefits from board presence, dealing damage proportional to the number of Pokémon present on both benches. This ensures that when both players are well-prepared, Clefairy ex can unleash substantial damage, effectively countering powerful Dragon-types.
6 Lycanroc
Attacking Opponents With Spikes & Fangs
Lycanroc stands out in competitive decks due to its unique interaction with the newly introduced Spike Energy. When attached to a Pokémon, Spike Energy inflicts damage counters on adversaries after being attacked. Lycanroc’s Entangling Spikes ability enables it to accumulate these energies, enhancing its retaliatory capabilities.
Lycanroc’s Grabbing Fangs attack becomes progressively devastating, dealing more damage for each damage counter on the opponent’s Pokémon. This mechanic not only amplifies Lycanroc’s damage potential but also promotes a defensive strategy that rewards players for careful planning.
5 N’s Zoroark Ex
Utilizing Allies’ Attacks In Battle
The strength of N’s Zoroark ex largely depends on player strategy, particularly its Night Joker attack, which enables the use of attacks from any benched Pokémon. This feature allows Zoroark to become a significant threat by leveraging strong attacks available in a player’s deck.
4 N’s Reshiram
An Immensely Powerful Dragon
Famous for his association with the Unovan Legendary dragons, N’s card featuring Reshiram emphasizes its formidable prowess in competitive play. Its Virtuous Flame attack inflicts a whopping 170 damage, capable of taking down various weaker cards swiftly.
Reshiram’s initial attack, Powerful Rage, grows stronger as Reshiram sustains damage, meaning it could potentially knock out an adversary with a single blow if enough damage counters are applied. This adaptability makes Reshiram a formidable opponent.
3 Iono’s Bellibolt Ex
A Useful Electric-Type Attacker & Support
Bellibolt, the Electric-type Pokémon associated with Iono, boasts impressive attributes in this set. Its Thunderous Bolt attack can deal a staggering 230 damage, which can eliminate numerous cards instantly, although it prevents Bellibolt from attacking on the subsequent turn.
Moreover, the Electric Streamer ability enhances its versatility, allowing players to transfer basic Electric energy to any of Iono’s benched Pokémon. This support role significantly aids in setting up future attacks, maintaining strategic momentum.
2 Hop’s Zacian Ex
Unleashing Ruthless Sword Strikes
Hop, a rival featured in Pokémon Sword and Shield, brings his Zacian ex card into the Battle Partners set, eliciting mixed reactions from fans. Nevertheless, this card is undeniably robust, boasting an impressive 230 health points. Its Close Cleave attack strikes both the opponent’s active and benched Pokémon, gradually depleting their resources.
The attack known as Brave Slash remains Zacian’s standout move. Although it requires substantial energy, the potential for 240 damage can decisively eliminate key cards in a single turn. Timing this attack effectively can sway the battle dramatically.
1 Mamoswine Ex
An Incredibly Strong Obstacle For Opponents
Mamoswine, a powerful Pokémon in both video games and card form, has its strength magnified in the Battle Partners set. With an astonishing 340 health points and the ability to deal 180 damage, plus an additional 40 for each Stage 2 Pokémon on the bench, this makes Mamoswine a formidable presence on the battlefield. Players who capitalize on their fully evolved Pokémon can potentially overwhelm almost any opponent in a single stroke.
Leave a Reply