Sword & Shield—Evolving Skies

Basic Strategy

Bench Leafeon V and use its Greening Cells ability early to attach a Grass Energy to prepare for Leafeon VMAX to use its Grass Knot attack, increasing the damage it deals with Galar Mine and, for Pokémon with retreat cost reducing tools attached to them, Tool Jammer.

Key Cards

• Leafeon V EVS 7

• Leafeon VMAX EVS 8

• Galar Mine

• Snow Leaf Badge

Other Considerations

• The Cinccino engine in place of the Inteleon engine.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 18
4 Leafeon V EVS 7
3 Leafeon VMAX EVS 8
3 Sobble CRE 41
3 Drizzile SSH 56
2 Inteleon CRE 43
1 Inteleon SSH 58
2 Crobat V DAA 104

Trainer Cards - 33
4 Marnie CPA 56
3 Professor's Research CPA 62
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
1 Bird Keeper DAA 159
4 Evolution Incense SSH 163
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
3 Level Ball BST 129
3 Switch SSH 183
2 Snow Leaf Badge EVS 159
2 Tool Jammer BST 136
1 Energy Search SSH 161
4 Galar Mine RCL 160

Energy - 9
6 Grass Energy SWSHEnergy 1
3 Capture Energy RCL 171

Alternate Lists

• Celio’s Network’s version of this archetype

• OmniPoke’s version of this archetype

BASIC STRATEGY

Pile energy onto Maractus using Cherrim's Spring Bloom ability, then fire away using Maractus' Powerful Needles attack and use the effect of Glimwood Tangle to reflip coin flips for Powerful Needles when the flips are especially bad.

KEY CARDS

• Maractus SSH 7

• Cherrim BST 8

• Glimwood Tangle

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• Tropius EVS 6 as a revenge attacker, using its Rally Back attack to deal quick and consistent damage after one of your Pokémon is knocked out. Alternatively, Dhelmise V SSH 9 as a revenge attacker or secondary attacker.

• Shaymin VIV 15 as a stalling option, taking advantage of Shaymin’s Flower Bearing attack to slow down your opponent’s setup.

• Celebi SHF 3 as a alternate pivot and means of fishing out Twin Energy to up the number of flips on Maractus’ Powerful Needles attack.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 14
4 Maractus SSH 7
3 Cherubi BST 7
3 Cherrim BST 8
2 Jirachi VIV 119
1 Crobat V DAA 104
1 Oranguru SSH 148

Trainer Cards - 32
4 Marnie CPA 56
3 Professor's Research CPA 62
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
1 Skyla RCL 166
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
3 Level Ball BST 129
3 Switch SSH 183
2 Air Balloon SSH 156
2 Energy Retrieval SSH 160
2 Evolution Incense SSH 163
2 Ordinary Rod SSH 171
1 Energy Recycler GRI 123
3 Glimwood Tangle DAA 162

Energy - 14
10 Grass Energy SWSHEnergy 1
4 Twin Energy RCL 174

Basic Strategy

Setup a Decidueye against an opposing deck focused around Pokémon V or Pokémon VMAX. Take gradual knockouts using Decidueye’s Splitting Arrow attack and Inteleon CRE’s Quick Shooting ability. Use Scoop Up Net to take away gusting targets—like Snorlax—from your opponent.

Key Cards

• Decidueye DAA 13

• Drizzile SSH 56

• Inteleon CRE 43

Watch the Archetype in Action

• The Sableyes

• AzulGG

• Tricky Gym

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 19
4 Rowlet DAA 11
4 Decidueye DAA 13
4 Sobble CRE 41
3 Drizzile SSH 56
2 Inteleon CRE 43
1 Inteleon SSH 58
1 Snorlax VIV 131

Trainer Cards - 32
3 Marnie CPA 56
2 Bird Keeper DAA 159
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
2 Professor's Research CPA 62
1 Raihan EVS 152
1 Zinnia's Resolve EVS 164
4 Evolution Incense SSH 163
4 Level Ball BST 129
4 Rare Candy SSH 180
2 Big Parasol DAA 157
2 Quick Ball SSH 179
2 Scoop Up Net RCL 165
1 Energy Search SSH 161
1 Ordinary Rod SSH 171
1 Tool Jammer BST 136

Energy - 9
5 Grass Energy SWSHEnergy 1
4 Capture Energy RCL 171

Alternate Lists

• ZapdosTCG’s version of this archetype

Basic Strategy

Evolve Dhelmise V into Dhelmise VMAX and Grookey into Rillaboom via Rare Candy. Use Rillaboom’s Voltage Beat ability to power up Dhelmise V’s Anchor Anger or Giga Hammer attacks, Dhelmise VMAX’s Swinging Chain or Max Anchor attacks, or Dubwool V’s Revenge Blast attack, as advantageous.

Key Cards

• Rillaboom SSH 14

• Dhelmise V SSH 9

• Dhelmise VMAX SHF 10

Other Considerations

• Zarude V VIV 22 as an alternate means of acceleration with the ability to heal with its Jungle Rising attack.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 17
4 Dhelmise V SSH 9
3 Dhelmise VMAX SHF 10
3 Grookey SSH 11
1 Thwackey SHF 12
3 Rillaboom SSH 14
2 Crobat V DAA 104
1 Dubwool V RCL 153

Trainer Cards - 31
4 Marnie CPA 56
4 Professor's Research CPA 62
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
4 Rare Candy SSH 180
4 Switch SSH 183
3 Great Ball CPA 52
2 Vitality Band SSH 185
1 Ordinary Rod SSH 171
3 Turffield Stadium CPA 68

Energy - 12
10 Grass Energy SWSHEnergy 1
2 Capture Energy RCL 171

Basic Strategy

Bench Orbeetle V and Galarian Moltres V, evolving Orbeetle V to Orbeetle VMAX as soon as possible to begin taking advantage of its Eerie Beam ability, which places a damage counter on each of your opponent’s Pokémon when Orbeetle VMAX is in the Active Spot. Use the deck’s switching options including Switch, Bird Keeper, Air Balloon, and Escape Rope to switch between Orbeetle VMAX to build up damage, attacking with Galarian Moltres V as necessary or bench Sableye V and use Energy Switch on an energy attached to Galarian Moltres V via its Direflame Wings ability to get Sableye V’s Crazy Claws attack powered up the same turn the Sableye V is benched.

Key Cards

• Orbeetle VMAX VIV 21

• Sableye V SSH 120

• Galarian Moltres V CRE 97

Other Considerations

• Giving up on Orbeetle VMAX entirely and switching to a Flapple-focused damage spreading engine like the one featured in the Sableye V deck list on this page.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 17
3 Orbeetle V VIV 20
3 Orbeetle VMAX VIV 21
3 Sableye V SSH 120
2 Galarian Moltres V CRE 97
2 Crobat V DAA 104
2 Galarian Zigzagoon SSH 117
1 Galarian Zapdos V CRE 80
1 Ditto V SHF 50

Trainer Cards - 33
3 Marnie CPA 56
3 Professor's Research CPA 62
2 Bird Keeper DAA 159
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
4 Energy Switch SSH 162
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
4 Switch SSH 183
3 Great Ball CPA 52
2 Air Balloon SSH 156
2 Exp. Share BST 126
1 Escape Rope BST 125
3 Turffield Stadium CPA 68

Energy - 10
8 Darkness Energy SWSHEnergy 7
2 Aurora Energy SSH 186

Alternate Lists

• ZapdosTCG’s version of post-rotation Orbeetle VMAX, featuring Jolteon VMAX

Basic Strategy

Use Level Ball and Quick Ball to get Charmander and Minccino set up as quickly as possible, searching for Rare Candy and Evolution Incense with Cinccino’s Make Do Ability to setup Charizard—all the while discarding Leon with Make Do, Quick Ball, Charizard’s own Battle Sense ability. Use manual attachments and Raihan, as necessary, to power up Charizard’s Royal Blaze attack, using it to take knockouts against the opponent’s Pokémon. Gust as necessary using Boss’s Orders to select knockouts.

Key Cards

• Charizard VIV 25

• Cinccino SSH 147

• Leon

Other Considerations

• Peony as a very aggressive supporter that can seek out specific cards you need while discarding your hand to ensure that Leon finds its way into the discard pile. In addition to Peony, Rose Tower and/or Kricketune V BST 6 to ensure your hand isn’t dead after using Peony.

• Bruno and/or Zinnia’s Resolve as alternate draw supporter options.

• Snorlax VIV 131 as an early-game draw option and Crobat V as an additional option to draw additional cards.

• A thin 1-1 or 2-2 line of Altaria EVS 106 to seek out Leon as discard fodder or other supporters to use, as needed.

• Exp. Share to preserve energy attachments on Charizard.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 16
4 Charmander VIV 23
1 Charmeleon VIV 24
4 Charizard VIV 25
3 Minccino SSH 145
3 Cinccino SSH 147
1 Oranguru SSH 148

Trainer Cards - 34
4 Leon VIV 154
4 Marnie CPA 56
4 Professor's Research CPA 62
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
2 Raihan EVS 152
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
4 Rare Candy SSH 180
3 Level Ball BST 129
3 Evolution Incense SSH 163
2 Air Balloon SSH 156
2 Ordinary Rod SSH 171

Energy - 10
10 Fire Energy SWSHEnergy 2

Alternate Lists

• The Sableyes’ version of this archetype

Basic Strategy

Evolve Flareon V into Flareon VMAX and attach requisite energy to it, lowering the cost of its Max Explosion attack with Elemental Badge. Take knockouts with Max Explosion, which discards the top 5 cards of your deck and does 100 damage for each Energy card the attack discards. Bench and use Galarian Moltres V’s Direflame Wings ability to pull Darkness Energy discarded with Max Explosion onto Moltres to power up its Aura Burn attack.

Key Cards

• Flareon VMAX EVS 18

• Elemental Badge EVS 147

Other Considerations

• Single Strike Energy to boost Flareon VMAX’s damage or Heat Fire Energy to boost its HP.

• Energy Recycler to recycle discarded Fire energy.

• Volcarona V as a potent late-game attacker that also recycles the deck’s basic Energy cards for reuse.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 10
4 Flareon V EVS 169
3 Flareon VMAX EVS 18
2 Galarian Moltres V CRE 97
1 Kricketune V BST 6

Trainer Cards - 21
4 Peony CRE 150
1 Rose DAA 168
4 Pokégear 3.0 SSH 174
3 Elemental Badge EVS 147
3 Evolution Incense SSH 163
2 Air Balloon SSH 156
2 Quick Ball SSH 179
2 Rose Tower DAA 169

Energy - 29
11 Fire Energy SWSHEnergy 2
6 Darkness Energy SWSHEnergy 7
4 Aurora Energy SSH 186
4 Capture Energy RCL 171
4 Treasure Energy EVS 165

Basic Strategy

Evolve Victini V into Victini VMAX and use a combination of manually attaching Fire Energy and Rose to power up your Victini VMAX as the opportunity presents, refilling your hand with Kricketune V’s Exciting Stage ability or with Rose Tower. Use Victini VMAX’s Max Victory attack to take knockouts, dealing 100 damage by default or 220 damage if your opponent’s Active Pokémon is a Pokémon V (including Pokémon VMAX). Use Umbreon VMAX to gust your opponent’s Pokémon when unable to use Boss’s Orders (because of needing to use another supporter, like Rose).

Key Cards

• Victini VMAX BST 22

• Umbreon VMAX EVS 95

• Rose

Other Considerations

• Additional copies of Umbreon V and Umbreon VMAX.

Example Deck List

Based on a list by Peter Kica and Angel Miranda

Pokémon - 16
2 Crobat V DAA 104
2 Umbreon V EVS 94
2 Umbreon VMAX EVS 95
2 Victini V BST 21
2 Victini V SSH 25
4 Victini VMAX BST 22
1 Eldegoss V RCL 19
1 Kricketune V BST 6

Trainer Cards - 32
4 Professor's Research CPA 62
3 Boss's Orders RCL 154
2 Marnie CPA 56
2 Rose DAA 168
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
3 Pokégear 3.0 SSH 174
2 Air Balloon SSH 156
2 Big Charm SSH 158
2 Energy Search SSH 161
2 Escape Rope BST 125
2 Evolution Incense SSH 163
2 Switch SSH 183
2 Rose Tower DAA 169

Energy - 12
10 Fire Energy SWSHEnergy 2
2 Heat Fire Energy DAA 174

Alternate Lists

• ZapdosTCG’s version of this archetype, featuring the Inteleon engine

Basic Strategy

Get Scorbunny and Minccino down as quickly as possible to prepare them to evolve. Search for Rare Candy with the deck’s various draw cards to setup Cinderace. Use Cinderace’s Libero ability in combination with Air Balloon, Recycle Energy, and Bird Keeper to guarantee a Flare Striker each turn.

Key Cards

• Cinderace SSH 30

• Switch SSH 183

• Air Balloon SSH 156

Other Considerations

• Scorbunny SSH 31 in place of some or all of the Scorbunny SSH 30.

• Raihan to make it easier to recover when one of the deck’s Pokémon is knocked out.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 18
4 Scorbunny SSH 30
2 Raboot SSH 32
4 Cinderace SSH 34
3 Minccino SSH 145
3 Cinccino SSH 147
2 Snorlax VIV 131

Trainer Cards - 31
4 Bird Keeper DAA 159
4 Marnie CPA 56
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
4 Air Balloon SSH 156
4 Level Ball BST 129
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
4 Rare Candy SSH 180
2 Evolution Incense SSH 163
2 Ordinary Rod SSH 171
1 Fan of Waves BST 127

Energy - 11
7 Fire Energy SWSHEnergy 2
4 Capture Energy RCL 171

Basic Strategy

Use Snorlax’s Gormandize ability on early turns to draw additional cards. Meanwhile, evolve Blastoise V into Blastoise VMAX as early as possible and use a combination of manual attachments and Melony, power-up Blastoise’s Grand Falls attack, which you can in turn use to power up additional benched Blastoise. Use a mix of Blastoise’s Grand Falls and G-Max Bombard attacks to take knockouts, boosting G-Max Bombard’s damage with Telescopic Sight. Use Drizzile and Inteleon SSH’s Shady Dealings ability to help find key cards throughout the game and use Inteleon CRE’s Quick Shooting ability to help set up or finish knockouts on your opponent’s Pokémon.

Key Cards

• Blastoise VMAX SWSH103

• Drizzile SSH 56

• Melony

Other Considerations

• Suicune V EVS 31 as an alternate attacker and consistency booster.

• Froslass CRE 36 as an additional means of accelerating energy onto Blastoise VMAX.

• Energy Retrieval, Nessa, and/or Training Court as an alternative option to Nessa to recovery Energy cards.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 20
4 Blastoise V SWSH101
3 Blastoise VMAX SWSH103
4 Sobble CRE 41
4 Drizzile SSH 56
2 Inteleon CRE 43
1 Inteleon SSH 58
2 Snorlax VIV 131

Trainer Cards - 30
4 Melony CRE 146
3 Professor's Research CPA 62
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
4 Evolution Incense SSH 163
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
2 Capacious Bucket RCL 156
2 Level Ball BST 129
2 Scoop Up Net RCL 165
2 Switch SSH 183
2 Telescopic Sight VIV 160
1 Air Balloon SSH 156
2 Path to the Peak CRE 148

Energy - 10
10 Water Energy SWSHEnergy 3

Basic Strategy

Play down Lapras V and Snom as early as possible so that they can evolve into Lapras VMAX and Frosmoth, respectively. Using Frosmoth’s Ice Dance and Melony, flood Lapras VMAX with energy to raise the damage of its G-Max Pump attack, which does 90 damage plus 30 damage for each Water energy attached to Lapras VMAX. Over the course of the game, bench Sobble and evolve them into Drizzile to take advantage of its Shady Dealings ability, which allows you to find any Trainer card you need and evolve the Drizzile as necessary into Inteleon CRE to take advantage of its Quick Shooting ability to reduce the number of Energy necessary to take knock outs.

Key Cards

• Lapras VMAX SSH 50

• Frosmoth SSH 64

• Drizzile SSH 56

• Melony

Other Considerations

• Suicune V EVS 31 as an alternate attacker and consistency booster.

• Energy Retrieval and/or Training Court as an alternative option to Nessa to recovery Energy cards.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 21
3 Lapras V SSH 49
3 Lapras VMAX SSH 50
3 Snom SHF 29
2 Frosmoth SSH 64
3 Sobble CRE 41
3 Drizzile SSH 56
2 Inteleon CRE 43
1 Inteleon SSH 58
1 Crobat V DAA 104

Trainer Cards - 29
3 Marnie CPA 56
3 Professor's Research CPA 62
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
2 Melony CRE 146
1 Nessa VIV 157
4 Evolution Incense SSH 163
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
3 Level Ball BST 129
2 Air Balloon SSH 156
2 Capacious Bucket RCL 156
2 Switch SSH 183
1 Escape Rope BST 125

Energy - 10
10 Water Energy SWSHEnergy 3

Basic Strategy

Bench and evolve Horsea, using Rare Candy to evolve them into Kingdra as soon as possible. Meanwhile, bench and evolve Snom into Frosmoth, flooding a benched Kingdra with energy to move it into the Active Spot to attack using its Aqua Burst attack. As Kingdra are knocked out, preserve the attached energy with Kingdra’s Deep Sea King ability and recycle the Horsea and Kingdra using Nessa.

Key Cards

• Kingdra BST 33

• Frosmoth SSH 64

• Capacious Bucket

Other Considerations

• Oranguru SSH 148, Suicune V EVS 31, and/or Rotom Phone as a consistency booster that can make it easier to find key cards, like Rare Candy.

• Training Court or Ordinary Rod as additional recovery options, especially for energy.

• Tool Scrapper to remove especially problematic tools, like those that boost the HP of your opponent’s Pokémon.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 18
4 Horsea BST 31
1 Seadra BST 32
4 Kingdra BST 33
3 Snom SHF 29
3 Frosmoth SSH 64
2 Crobat V DAA 104
1 Suicune DAA 37

Trainer Cards - 31
4 Professor's Research CPA 62
3 Marnie CPA 56
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
1 Nessa VIV 157
1 Raihan EVS 152
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
4 Rare Candy SSH 180
3 Capacious Bucket RCL 156
3 Level Ball BST 129
2 Air Balloon SSH 156
2 Evolution Incense SSH 163
2 Switch SSH 183

Energy - 11
11 Water Energy SWSHEnergy 3

Basic Strategy

Play down Wailord V, Snom, and Minccino, evolving Snom into Frosmoth and Minccino into Cinccino as soon as possible. Use Cinccino’s Make Do, Professor’s Research, and Quick Ball to quick get Water energy cards into the discard pile to make use of Wailord V’s Draw Up attack, which will attach three of them directly to itself from there. Attach Cape of Toughness to Wailord V to make it even more difficult to knock out. With Glimwood Tangle in play, use Wailord V’s Ocean Waves attack, which does 120 damage times the number of heads flipped out of three coin flips.

Key Cards

• Wailord V CPA 13

• Cape of Toughness

• Glimwood Tangle

Other Considerations

• Melony as an additional means of getting enough energy onto Wailord V so that it can use its Ocean Waves attack.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 16
4 Wailord V CPA 13
3 Snom SHF 29
2 Frosmoth SSH 64
3 Minccino SSH 145
3 Cinccino SSH 147
1 Crobat V DAA 104

Trainer Cards - 34
4 Professor's Research CPA 62
3 Marnie CPA 56
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
1 Bird Keeper DAA 159
4 Level Ball BST 129
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
3 Capacious Bucket RCL 156
3 Cape of Toughness DAA 160
3 Switch SSH 183
2 Air Balloon SSH 156
2 Energy Retrieval SSH 160
3 Glimwood Tangle DAA 162

Energy - 10
10 Water Energy SWSHEnergy 3

Basic Strategy

Going second, start with Glaceon V in the Active Spot and use its Ice Ascension attack to immediately evolve it into Glaceon VMAX, whose ability blocks the attacks of Pokémon VMAX. Play down Minccino and evolve it into Cinccino to take advantage of its Make Do ability as early as possible and evolve Snorunt into Froslass as necessary to take advantage of its Frost Over ability, which attaches a Water energy from your discard pile to one of your Pokémon in play. Take gradual spread damage knockouts using Glaceon VMAX’s Max Icile, using Boss’s Orders to gust up vulnerable targets when the opportunity presents. Use Dyna Tree Hill to prevent healing and to remove the hostile stadium Path to the Peak, which can also be removed with Pumpkaboo’s Pumpkin Pit ability.

Key Cards

• Glaceon VMAX EVS 41

• Pumpkaboo EVS 76

• Melony

Other Considerations

• Leon to give a quick boost to Glaceon VMAX’s damage when necessary.

• Suicune V as an option to help counter the Pokémon V that will be used against Glaceon to get around its Crystal Veil ability.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 19
4 Glaceon V EVS 40
3 Glaceon VMAX EVS 41
3 Minccino SSH 145
3 Cinccino SSH 147
2 Snorunt CRE 35
2 Froslass CRE 36
1 Crobat V DAA 104
1 Pumpkaboo EVS 76

Trainer Cards - 32
4 Melony CRE 146
4 Professor's Research CPA 62
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
4 Evolution Incense SSH 163
4 Level Ball BST 129
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
2 Capacious Bucket RCL 156
2 Scoop Up Net RCL 165
2 Snow Leaf Badge EVS 159
1 Air Balloon SSH 156
3 Dyna Tree Hill CRE 135

Energy - 9
9 Water Energy SWSHEnergy 3

Alternate Lists

• OmniPoke’s version of this archetype

Basic Strategy

Play Keldeo V and play down Snom as early as possible so that they can evolve into Frosmoth. Using Frosmoth’s Ice Dance and Melony, flood Keldeo V with energy to raise the damage of its Secret Sword attack, which does 50 damage plus 30 damage for each Water energy attached to Keldeo V. Over the course of the game, bench Sobble and evolve them into Drizzile to take advantage of its Shady Dealings ability, which allows you to find any Trainer card you need and evolve the Drizzile as necessary into Inteleon CRE to take advantage of its Quick Shooting ability to reduce the number of Energy necessary to take knock outs.

Key Cards

• Keldeo V SSH 53

• Frosmoth SSH 64

• Drizzile SSH 56

• Melony

Other Considerations

• Suicune V EVS 31 as an alternate attacker and consistency booster.

• Energy Retrieval and/or Training Court as an alternative option to Nessa to recovery Energy cards.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 19
4 Keldeo V SSH 53
3 Sobble CRE 41
3 Drizzile SSH 56
2 Inteleon CRE 43
1 Inteleon SSH 58
3 Snom SHF 29
2 Frosmoth SSH 64
1 Crobat V DAA 104

Trainer Cards - 30
3 Marnie CPA 56
3 Professor's Research CPA 62
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
2 Melony CRE 146
1 Nessa VIV 157
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
3 Great Ball CPA 52
3 Level Ball BST 129
2 Air Balloon SSH 156
2 Capacious Bucket RCL 156
2 Evolution Incense SSH 163
2 Switch SSH 183
1 Escape Rope BST 125

Energy - 11
11 Water Energy SWSHEnergy 3

Basic Strategy

Use a Frosmoth’s Ice Dance ability to help get three or more energy on each Wishiwashi in play and use Cape of Toughness to further boost its HP, bringing Wishiwashi’s HP from 30 to a total of 230. Take knockouts using Wishiwashi’s attack, which does 30 damage plus 30 more damage for each basic Energy attached to it.

Key Cards

• Wishiwashi EVS 36

• Frosmoth SSH 64

• Cape of Toughness

Other Considerations

• Rescue Carrier to be able to quickly reuse both Wishiwashi and the Frosmoth line.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 16
4 Wishiwashi EVS 46
3 Minccino SSH 145
3 Cinccino SSH 147
3 Snom SHF 29
3 Frosmoth SSH 64

Trainer Cards - 32
4 Professor's Research CPA 62
3 Marnie CPA 56
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
1 Nessa VIV 157
4 Capacious Bucket RCL 156
4 Energy Retrieval SSH 160
4 Level Ball BST 129
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
2 Air Balloon SSH 156
2 Cape of Toughness DAA 160
2 Switch SSH 183

Energy - 12
12 Water Energy SWSHEnergy 3

Alternate Lists

• JaxuTCG’s version of this archetype

Basic Strategy

Bench and evolve Inteleon V into Inteleon VMAX and bench Sobble in preparation for using Drizzile’s Shady Dealings ability on subsequent turns. On early turns, use Hydro Snipe attack to slow down your opponent’s setup. As soon as possible, use Melony to power up Inteleon VMAX’s Max Bullet attack and spread damage on your opponent’s most vulnerable benched Pokémon. Use Boss’s Orders to take key knockouts, like critically damaged Pokémon.

Key Cards

• Inteleon VMAX RCL 50

• Drizzile SSH 56

• Capacious Bucket

• Melony

Other Considerations

• Telescopic Sight to boost the bench damage of Inteleon VMAX’s Max Bullet attack against benched Pokémon V (including Pokémon VMAX).

• Rugged Helmet to lean further into the energy disruption aspect of the archetype, making it more difficult for some opposing archetypes to chain attacks against Inteleon VMAX.

• Exp. Share to make it easier to get back to attacking with Max Bullet after one of your Inteleon has been knocked out.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 20
4 Inteleon V RCL 49
3 Inteleon VMAX RCL 50
4 Sobble CRE 41
4 Drizzile SSH 56
2 Inteleon SSH 58
2 Inteleon CRE 43
1 Crobat V DAA 104

Trainer Cards - 30
4 Melony CRE 146
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
2 Marnie CPA 56
2 Professor's Research CPA 62
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
3 Evolution Incense SSH 163
3 Level Ball BST 129
2 Capacious Bucket RCL 156
2 Scoop Up Net RCL 165
2 Switch SSH 183
1 Air Balloon SSH 156
3 Path to the Peak CRE 148

Energy - 10
8 Water Energy SWSHEnergy 3
2 Capture Energy RCL 171

Alternate Lists

• Celio’s Network’s version of this archetype

Basic Strategy

Fill your bench and evolve Kubfu as quickly as you can so that each of your Pokémon in play is a Rapid Strike Pokémon. Then, use Rapid Strike Energy to power Rapid Strike Urshifu’s Rapid-Fisted Rush attack, which does 30 damage for each Rapid Strike Pokémon you have in play—up to 180 damage with a single hit. Combine that damage with Inteleon CRE’s Quick Shooting ability to take knockouts or use Boss’s Orders to pick on your opponent’s vulnerable benched Pokémon.

Key Cards

• Rapid Strike Urshifu CRE 44

• Inteleon CRE 43

• Octillery BST 37

• Rapid Strike Energy

Other Considerations

• Brawly to quickly bench multiple Rapid Strike Pokémon at once.

• Basic Water Energy as a Ordinary Rod-recoverable means of powering up Rapid Strike Urshifu’s attack.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 23
4 Kubfu CRE 93
4 Rapid Strike Urshifu CRE 44
4 Sobble CRE 55
3 Drizzile SSH 56
3 Inteleon CRE 43
2 Remoraid BST 36
2 Octillery BST 37
1 Falinks BST 83

Trainer Cards - 28
3 Bruno BST 121
3 Professor's Research CPA 62
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
2 Marnie CPA 56
1 Korrina's Focus BST 128
4 Level Ball BST 129
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
3 Evolution Incense SSH 163
3 Rare Candy SSH 180
1 Ordinary Rod SSH 171
2 Tower of Waters BST 138

Energy - 9
4 Rapid Strike Energy BST 140
4 Spiral Energy CRE 159
1 Capture Energy RCL 171

Basic Strategy

Bench and evolve Ice Rider Calyrex V into Ice Rider Calyrex VMAX, and bench Sobble to prepare it to evolve on subsequent turns to take advantage of Drizzile’s Shady Dealings ability. Use a combination of manually attaching energy and Melony to power up Ice Rider Calyrex VMAX’s two attacks, Ride of the High King and Max Lance, and use those attacks to take knockouts against your opponent’s Pokémon.

Key Cards

• Ice Rider Calyrex VMAX CRE 46

• Melony

• Drizzile SSH 56

Other Considerations

• Leon to give a quick boost to Ice Rider Calyrex VMAX’s damage on key turns.

• Suicune V as an basic attacker and as an early-game option when Ice Rider Calyrex VMAX isn’t out fast enough.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 21
4 Ice Rider Calyrex V CRE 45
3 Ice Rider Calyrex VMAX CRE 46
4 Sobble CRE 41
4 Drizzile SSH 56
3 Inteleon CRE 43
1 Inteleon SSH 58
2 Crobat V DAA 104

Trainer Cards - 31
4 Melony CRE 146
4 Professor's Research CPA 62
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
4 Evolution Incense SSH 163
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
3 Capacious Bucket RCL 156
3 Level Ball BST 129
2 Air Balloon SSH 156
2 Switch SSH 183
3 Path to the Peak CRE 148

Energy - 8
8 Water Energy SWSHEnergy 3

Alternate Lists

• @AngelJMiranda’s version of this archetype

Basic Strategy

Bench and evolve Mareep into Flaaffy and use Pikachu V’s Electrify attack and Flaaffy’s Dynamotor ability to get energy into play. Evolve Pikachu V into Pikachu VMAX and use its G-Max Volt Tackle attack to take knockouts, using Tapu Koko V primarily as a pivot to load up energy with Flaaffy’s Dynamotor ability, as necessary.

Key Cards

• Pikachu VMAX VIV 44

• Flaaffy EVS 54

• Tapu Koko V SSH 72

Other Considerations

• Tapu Koko VMAX BST 51 as a potential option against acceleration-heavy decks, like Shadow Rider Calyrex VMAX

• Zapdos VIV 48 as a finisher to KO benched Pokémon V (including Pokémon VMAX) after your opponent attempts to save them on the bench by retreating them or switching them out of the Active Spot.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 18
4 Mareep DAA 55
4 Flaaffy EVS 55
3 Pikachu V VIV 43
3 Pikachu VMAX VIV 44
2 Crobat V DAA 104
2 Tapu Koko V SSH 72

Trainer Cards - 32
3 Boss's Orders RCL 154
3 Marnie CPA 56
3 Professor's Research CPA 62
2 Bird Keeper DAA 159
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
3 Air Balloon SSH 156
3 Evolution Incense SSH 163
3 Level Ball BST 129
3 Switch SSH 183
2 Ordinary Rod SSH 171
3 Stormy Mountains EVS 161

Energy - 10
10 Lightning Energy SWSHEnergy 4

Basic Strategy

Evolve Jolteon V into Jolteon VMAX and power it up with a combination of manually attaching Energy and Elemental Badge. Use Jolteon V’s Thunder Spear’s attack, Galarian Zigzagoon’s Headbutt Tantrum ability, and Inteleon CRE’s Quick Shooting ability to set damage on your opponent’s Pokémon to prepare for knockouts and to make the sniping secondary effect of Jolteon VMAX’s Max Thunder Rumble attack, which deals 100 damage to a Benched Pokémon that already has any damage counters on it.

Key Cards

• Jolteon VMAX EVS 51

• Drizzile SSH 56

• Inteleon CRE 43

• Galarian Zigzagoon SSH 117

Other Considerations

• Some combination of Glaceon VMAX, Snow Leaf Badge, and Escape Rope to use as a pivot and wall against Pokémon VMAX,

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 19
4 Jolteon V EVS 177
3 Jolteon VMAX EVS 51
3 Sobble CRE 41
3 Drizzile SSH 56
2 Inteleon CRE 43
1 Inteleon SSH 58
2 Galarian Zigzagoon SSH 117
1 Crobat V DAA 104

Trainer Cards - 31
4 Professor's Research CPA 62
3 Marnie CPA 56
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
1 Cheryl BST 123
4 Evolution Incense SSH 163
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
3 Elemental Badge EVS 147
3 Level Ball BST 129
3 Scoop Up Net RCL 165
2 Air Balloon SSH 156
2 Path to the Peak CRE 148

Energy - 10
4 Lightning Energy SWSHEnergy 4
4 Speed Lightning Energy RCL 173
2 Capture Energy RCL 171

Alternate Lists

• Tablemon’s version of this archetype

• ZapdosTCG’s version of this archetype

Basic Strategy

Bench and evolve Mareep into Flaaffy and use Flaaffy’s Dynamotor ability to power up the deck’s attackers, especially Zekrom. Use Zekrom’s Wild Shock to take knockouts and to make it more difficult for your opponent to knock out Zekrom in return because of its Paralysis effect. When advantageous, use Zapdos’ Thunder Snipe attack to take down benched Pokémon V (including VMAX) or Regieleki’s Teraspark to either set up knockouts on your opponent’s Benched Pokémon or to take the knockouts on damaged Pokémon on your opponent’s bench.

Key Cards

• Flaaffy EVS 55

• Zekrom VIV 57

• Zapdos VIV 48

• Regieleki EVS 60

Other Considerations

• Jirachi VIV 119 as a more constant pivot and draw option, in place of or in addition to Snorlax.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 18
4 Mareep DAA 55
4 Flaaffy EVS 55
4 Zekrom VIV 57
2 Snorlax VIV 131
2 Zapdos VIV 48
1 Regieleki EVS 60
1 Galarian Zigzagoon SSH 117

Trainer Cards - 32
4 Professor's Research CPA 62
3 Marnie CPA 56
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
2 Raihan EVS 152
4 Level Ball BST 129
3 Quick Ball SSH 179
3 Scoop Up Net RCL 165
3 Switch SSH 183
2 Air Balloon SSH 156
2 Telescopic Sight VIV 160
1 Ordinary Rod SSH 171
3 Stormy Mountains EVS 161

Energy - 10
10 Lightning Energy SWSHEnergy 4

Alternate Lists

• TaloniteX’s version of this archetype

Basic Strategy

Play down Vikavolt V and Sobble, evolving the Sobble into Drizzile as needed to make use of its Shady Dealings ability, which searches for any one Trainer card from your deck. Using Crushing Hammer, Fan of Waves, and Path to the Peak, cripple your opponent’s setup and power up Vikavolt V’s Paralyzing Bolt attack and use it to lock your opponent out of Item cards, further hampering their ability to setup.

Key Cards

• Vikavolt V DAA 60

• Crushing Hammer SSH 159

Other Considerations

• Turbo Patch DAA 172 as a way to potentially get Vikavolt V’s Paralyzing Bolt powered up faster.

• Cape of Toughness to make Vikavolt V a bit more resilient against attacks.

• Team Yell Grunt as an additional Energy disruption option.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 15
4 Sobble CRE 41
4 Drizzile SSH 56
2 Inteleon CRE 43
1 Inteleon SSH 58
4 Vikavolt V DAA 60

Trainer Cards - 34
4 Professor's Research CPA 62
3 Marnie CPA 56
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
1 Bird Keeper DAA 159
4 Crushing Hammer SSH 159
4 Evolution Incense SSH 163
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
3 Level Ball BST 129
2 Air Balloon SSH 156
2 Scoop Up Net RCL 165
1 Energy Search SSH 161
1 Fan of Waves BST 127
3 Path to the Peak CRE 148

Energy - 11
4 Lightning Energy SWSHEnergy 4
4 Speed Lightning Energy RCL 173
3 Capture Energy RCL 171

Basic Strategy

Bench Blaziken V and Sylveon V and evolve them into Blaziken VMAX and Sylveon VMAX, respectively, also benching Zeraora V. In doing so, prepare to use Blaziken VMAX’s Max Blaze attack by discarding any extra Energy cards not needed to power the attack with Professor’s Research and Quick Ball. Setup knockouts and accelerate energy to benched Zeraora V using Blaziken VMAX’s Max Blaze attack. Then, when ready, use Zeraora V’s Cross Fist attack to snipe vulnerable multi-prize Pokémon from your opponent’s bench. Boost Zeraora V’s damage against Pokémon V with Passimian’s Throwing Coach ability. Use Sylveon VMAX as necessary to hit for weakness.

Key Cards

• Blaziken VMAX CRE 21

• Zeraora V CRE 53

• Passimian CRE 88

• Rapid Strike Energy

Other Considerations

• Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX BST 88. Alternatively, just play the Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX archetype instead of this one.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 22
3 Blaziken V CRE 20
3 Blaziken VMAX CRE 21
3 Remoraid BST 36
3 Octillery BST 37
2 Crobat V DAA 104
2 Passimian CRE 88
2 Sylveon V EVS 74
2 Sylveon VMAX EVS 75
2 Zeraora V CRE 53

Trainer Cards - 28
4 Marnie CPA 56
4 Professor's Research CPA 62
3 Boss's Orders RCL 154
4 Great Ball CPA 52
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
3 Escape Rope BST 125
2 Telescopic Sight VIV 160
1 Echoing Horn CRE 136
3 Tower of Waters BST 138

Energy - 10
4 Rapid Strike Energy BST 140
4 Spiral Energy CRE 159
2 Capture Energy RCL 171

Basic Strategy

Bench and evolve Mareep into Flaaffy and use Boltund V’s Electrify attack and Flaaffy’s Dynamotor ability to get additional energy into play. Use Boltund V’s Bolt Storm to take knockouts, using Tapu Koko V primarily as a pivot to load up energy with Flaaffy’s Dynamotor ability, as necessary.

Key Cards

• Boltund V RCL 67

• Flaaffy EVS 54

• Tapu Koko V SSH 72

Other Considerations

• Tapu Koko VMAX BST 51 as a potential option against acceleration-heavy decks, like Shadow Rider Calyrex VMAX

• Zapdos VIV 48 as a finisher to KO benched Pokémon V (including Pokémon VMAX) after your opponent attempts to save them on the bench by retreating them or switching them out of the Active Spot.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 15
4 Boltund V RCL 67
4 Mareep DAA 55
4 Flaaffy EVS 55
2 Crobat V DAA 104
1 Tapu Koko V SSH 72

Trainer Cards - 33
4 Professor's Research CPA 62
3 Boss's Orders RCL 154
3 Marnie CPA 56
2 Zinnia's Resolve EVS 164
4 Level Ball BST 129
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
4 Switch SSH 183
2 Air Balloon SSH 156
2 Energy Switch SSH 162
2 Ordinary Rod SSH 171
3 Stormy Mountains EVS 161

Energy - 12
10 Lightning Energy SWSHEnergy 4
2 Speed Lightning Energy RCL 173

Basic Strategy

Play down Gardevoir V and, if going second, start with Cresselia in the Active Spot. Use Cresselia’s Cresecent Glow attack to pile Psychic Energy onto a benched Gardevoir V and evolve that Gardevoir V into the VMAX quickly to use its Max Cure attack, which does 180 damage and heals 50 damage from Gardevoir VMAX. Power up additional Gardevoir VMAX using Rose to attach two Psychic Energy from your discard pile.

Key Cards

• Gardevoir VMAX

• Rose

• Rose Tower

Other Considerations

• Memory Capsule to make better use of Gardevoir V’s Swelling Pulse attack, which can do up to 200 damage if the Pokémon using the attack was healed during the turn it uses the attack.

• Kricketune V as an additional means of drawing out of the empty hands created by using Rose to power up Gardevoir VMAX.

Example Deck List

Based on a pre-rotation deck list by jonnybrah.

Pokémon - 11
4 Gardevoir V CPA 16
3 Gardevoir VMAX CPA 17
3 Cresselia CRE 64
1 Galarian Articuno V CRE 58

Trainer Cards - 37
4 Professor's Research CPA 62
4 Rose DAA 168
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
2 Zinnia's Resolve EVS 164
4 Crushing Hammer SSH 159
4 Fog Crystal CRE 140
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
3 Switch SSH 183
2 Air Balloon SSH 156
2 Suspicious Food Tin CPA 66
1 Evolution Incense SSH 163
1 Tool Scrapper RCL 168
4 Rose Tower DAA 169

Energy - 12
12 Psychic Energy SWSHEnergy 5

Basic Strategy

Bench and evolve Inkay, Remoraid, and Minccino early on so that they can evolve into Malamar, Octillery, and Cinccino, respectively. Each turn, use Malamar’s Rapid Strike Tentacles attack, which does 40 damage for each Rapid Strike card you reveal from your hand, then shuffles those cards back into your deck. Refill you hand with new Rapid Strike cards each turn using Cinccino’s Made Do ability and Professor’s Research or, if Octillery’s Rapid Strike Search is available to seek it out from your deck, Korrina’s Focus.

Key Cards

• Malamar CRE 70

• Octillery BST 37

• Korrina’s Focus

Other Considerations

• A single copy of Inkay CPA 44 in place of one of the Inkay CRE 69 so that, with its extra 10 HP, it can survive Shadow Rider Calyrex V’s Astral Barrage attack.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 21
4 Inkay CRE 69
4 Malamar CRE 70
4 Remoraid BST 36
3 Octillery BST 37
3 Minccino SSH 145
3 Cinccino SSH 147

Trainer Cards - 32
4 Korrina's Focus BST 128
4 Professor's Research CPA 62
2 Bruno BST 121
4 Evolution Incense SSH 163
4 Fog Crystal CRE 140
4 Great Ball CPA 52
4 Level Ball BST 129
2 Ordinary Rod SSH 171
2 Scoop Up Net RCL 165
2 Tower of Waters BST 138

Energy - 7
4 Spiral Energy CRE 159
3 Psychic Energy SWSHEnergy 5

Alternate Lists

• ZapdosTCG’s version of this archetype

BASIC STRATEGY

Play down the deck’s rainbow of Pokémon, powering up Sylveon VMAX in preparation for its Max Harmony attack, which does 70 damage plus thirty more damage for each type on Pokémon you have on your bench (for a maximum of 220 with a normal-sized bench of 5 Pokémon). Seek out useful Rapid Strike cards like Rapid Strike Energy, Korrina’s Focus, and Tower of Waters using Octillery’s Rapid Strike Search ability and recover energy and hit for weakness against Zacian V using Blaziken VMAX’s Max Blaze attack.

KEY CARDS

• Sylveon VMAX EVS 75

• Ribbon Badge EVS 155

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX BST 88 as an alternative attacker, sniper, and alternate Fighting-type representative to increase the damage of Sylveon VMAX’s Max Harmony attack.

• Tool Scrapper to remove problematic tools, like Cape of Toughness.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 20
3 Blaziken V CRE 20
2 Blaziken VMAX CRE 21
3 Sylveon V EVS 74
3 Sylveon VMAX EVS 75
2 Crobat V DAA 104
2 Remoraid BST 36
2 Octillery BST 37
1 Eldegoss V RCL 19
1 Oranguru SSH 148
1 Zeraora V CRE 53

Trainer Cards - 28
4 Professor's Research CPA 62
3 Marnie CPA 56
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
1 Korrina's Focus BST 128
4 Evolution Incense SSH 163
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
2 Air Balloon SSH 156
2 Ribbon Badge EVS 155
2 Switch SSH 183
1 Escape Rope BST 125
3 Tower of Waters BST 138

Energy - 12
4 Capture Energy RCL 171
4 Rapid Strike Energy BST 140
4 Spiral Energy CRE 159

Alternate Lists

• Tricky Gym’s version of this archetype

• Tablemon’s version of this archetype

BASIC STRATEGY

Bench Dreepy in the early game, working to get each of them evolved to a Dragapult as quickly as possible. It may be wise to avoid benching more than one or two, especially if it won’t be possible to guarantee evolution into Dragapult on the following turn—to avoid providing easy targets for Boss’s Orders. Spread damage using Dragapult’s Phantom Force attack, and the damage from Horror Psychic Energy, taking knockouts as they become available while trying to keep from slipping too far in the prize trade by flipping every heads you can on Dragapult’s Infiltrator ability.

KEY CARDS

• Dragapult RCL 91

• Rare Candy SSH 180

• Horror Psychic Energy RCL 172

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• Snorlax VIV 131 as an early-game option to draw additional cards.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 11
4 Dreepy RCL 89
2 Drakloak RCL 90
4 Dragapult RCL 91
1 Oranguru SSH 148

Trainer Cards - 40
4 Professor's Research CPA 62
3 Marnie CPA 56
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
2 Raihan EVS 152
4 Fog Crystal CRE 140
4 Great Ball CPA 52
4 Rare Candy SSH 180
3 Crushing Hammer SSH 159
3 Evolution Incense SSH 163
3 Scoop Up Net RCL 165
3 Switch SSH 183
2 Ordinary Rod SSH 171
3 Path to the Peak CRE 148

Energy - 9
5 Psychic Energy SWSHEnergy 5
4 Horror Psychic Energy RCL 172

BASIC STRATEGY

Spread damage using Dragapult VMAX’s Max Phantom attack and use Inteleon’s Quick Shooter ability and Horror Psychic Energy to help set up critical knock outs with Max Phantom. Use Drizzile’s Shady Dealings ability throughout the game to find critical Trainer cards.

KEY CARDS

• Dragapult VMAX RCL 93

• Horror Psychic Energy RCL 172

• Drizzile SSH 56

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• Path to the Peak both to slow your opponent’s setup and to make it more difficult for them to recover from the energy disruption of Crushing Hammer and Fan of Waves

• Galarian Articuno EVS 63 in combination with a higher count of basic Psychic Energy and Energy Switch to make it easier to power up Dragapult VMAX sooner, especially after one is knocked out.

Example Deck List

Pokémon - 17
4 Dragapult V RCL 92
3 Dragapult VMAX RCL 93
3 Sobble CRE 41
3 Drizzile SSH 56
3 Inteleon CRE 43
1 Crobat V DAA 104

Trainer Cards - 33
4 Marnie CPA 56
4 Professor's Research CPA 62
2 Boss's Orders RCL 154
4 Crushing Hammer SSH 159
4 Level Ball BST 129
4 Quick Ball SSH 179
3 Evolution Incense SSH 163
2 Air Balloon SSH 156
2 Fog Crystal CRE 140
1 Fan of Waves BST 127
3 Old Cemetery CRE 147

Energy - 10
7 Psychic Energy SWSHEnergy 5
3 Horror Psychic Energy RCL 172

BASIC STRATEGY

Bench and evolve Shadow Rider Calyrex V into Shadow Rider Calyrex VMAX to make full use of its Underworld Door ability, which not only attaches a Psychic Energy from your hand to one of your benched Psychic Pokémon, it draws two cards when you do. Use either Shadow Rider Calyrex VMAX’s Max Geist attack or Alcremie VMAX’s G-Max Whisk attack to take knockouts.

KEY CARDS

• Shadow Rider Calyrex VMAX CRE 75

• Alcremie VMAX CPA 23

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• Golurk V EVS 70 to make use of Rewind Beam to devolve high-HP evolved Pokémon and by so doing take a knock out against their lower-evolution.