Hello everyone! This is Elena from Gaia Storm TCG and it is a pleasure to be here once again.
Just some days ago the new expansion from Pokémon TCG, Team Up, was officially released. This set, as we have talked before in previous entries, holds a ton of potential especially due to the arrival of the new and powerful Tag Team GX Pokémon. Let’s take a look at the best and most hyped cards of the set!
Starting with the GX Pokémon, the first card that comes to our mind is PikachuZekrom. This attacker has been played successfully in Japanese tournaments and it only takes a look at its stats to understand why. With a bulk of 250 HP, Zekrom has the capacity to hit for tons of damage in just one turn. Even without its GX move (which is game sealing) it can still KO many Pokémon in the format thanks to the variety of support that electric types currently have. Then on the opposite side of the spectrum we find Venusaur and Celebi GX which might have an opportunity as a hybrid stall/attacking deck depending on how the format progresses.
Single prize Pokémon Jirachi and Zapdos are probably among the top three cards of the set. Jirachi provides the consistency that every strategy needs, searching item cards without wasting resources. I can’t stress how good Jirachi is especially after a knock out, when it gets promoted to the active position with a skateboard attached! Regarding Zapdos, it is the type of cost-efficient attacker that almost every deck running lightning energies will run. The capacity of dealing +80 damage for just one energy will for sure make an impact in the game. Not to mention the incredible combo that Zapdos and Jirachi can make turn after turn when combined together.
Team Up also features very cool Trainer cards. Erika’s Hospitality might not be played in large quantities in every deck but it provides additional draw support without forcing to shuffle one’s hand. It can be a two-off in some top tier strategies from now on. Another card I have no doubt will be played a lot is Viridian Forest. It boosts the consistency of energy- dependent decks like Ultra Necrozma and Alolan Exeggutor and facilitates largely the combos with Granbul discarding cards from the hand. Last but not least, Pokémon Communication will help many decks (Zoroark, Lost March) to preserve resources through the game so I expect this card to start making appearances soon!
In conclusion, Team Up is a set full of opportunities and if you haven’t got your cards yet I suggest getting them here at CCG as soon as possible! Thanks for reading!