Hello everyone! This is Elena from Gaia Storm TCG and welcome to another article here. As I promised in my previous article, we are going to be covering today some of the most exciting new strategies from Battle Styles. The set has a lot of potential both for the short and long term future and even if some cards don’t immediately see play, I am sure they will become relevant in the metagame after some months. Since being realistic, it will be very difficult to cover every single good card of the set, I am going to be focusing on the three most hyped and anticipated decks from Battle Styles. Let’s get into it!

Urshifu Rapid Strike seems like the most consistent deck of the set mainly because of the low energy requirements and versatility of its attacks. For just one fighting energy, the VMAX version deals 30 damage + an additional 120 if moved from the bench to the active position. I am sure most of you remember how powerful Golisopod was back in its time exploiting this switching mechanic. While we don’t have Guzma in the format anymore, Escape Rope got reprinted in Battle Styles so this ensures that Urshifu can attack for a solid 150 damage every single turn. Now, the second attack is even more interesting if possible. For three energies, Urshifu deals 120 dagame to 2 of the opponent’s Pokémon. That way, the deck can effectively knock out multiple Pokémon (even other VMAX) in just a couple of turns. And rememeber that Urshifu’s great advantage is all the support that Rapid Strike Pokémon have. Octillery fetchds every card from the archetype and the double energy allows Urshifu to use the second attack as early as in the second turn. To me, Urshifu Rapid Strike seems the most anticipated strategy and I wouldn’t be surprised if players started teching Psychic cards immediately to counter it.

Another favourite of mine is Victini VMAX. The deck has gained a lot of popularity in Asian countries where Battle Styles has been legal for some time now due to its aggressive capacity and low requirements. For two fire energies (easy to achieve with Welder) Victini deals 100 + 120 damage if battling a V Pokémon. Practically 80% of the metagame is currently made up of V Pokémon so this is a lot of damage on board. Also, consider that metal-type decks like Lucario Melmeta or even turbo Zacian are very popular right now so Victini has a very good opportunity to shine.

Talking about metal decks, I think Corviknight VMAX is going to become a solid deck from day one since it is designed to become a perfect stall pick. Because of its typing, Corviknight is a user of Metal Goggles and Coating Energy Metal but also has an interesting ability, Lustrous Body, which protects it from the opponent’s abilities. The best way to play Corviknight will be with Bronzong from Battle Styles, an evolution that allows you to move your metal energies in the way you like during your turn. So, as you can imagine, the idea will be to set up some VMAXs in the field alongside with Bronzong, endure hits like a champ and then use Cheryl (the new supporter) that heals all damage in your evolution Pokémon at the only cost of discarding the energy they have attached. Can you imagine how crazy this strategy could get if they reprinted Max Potion?

So, all in all, I think Battle Styles comes with very powerful cards that will for sure made their way in the competitive scene and I can’t wait to test them all. Don’t forget to pick your cards here at CCG and thanks for readin!