It’s Clear Which Card Will Dominate the Next Pokémon TCG Meta

Following some juicy leaks suggesting a small set would drop after Pokemon Day and a much larger one was penciled in for April 30, 2025, many fans of the Pokemon TCG Pocket were hoping for a bit of downtime to delve into past collections. Yet, in a surprising twist, the game has announced the release of another set, Shining Revelry, set to hit stores on March 27. This new installment promises dazzling new and returning shiny creatures, fresh Ex cards, and intriguing new tools. While only a handful of cards have been teased so far—excluding any special editions—one particular card has already made waves with its potential to revolutionize the game’s meta.

The current Pokemon TCG Pocket meta, dominated by decks from Triumphant Light, could see a notable shake-up with Shining Revelry’s introduction. A standout is the new Charizard Ex card, which can be powered up in just three turns to deliver a devastating 150 damage with no drawbacks. Though Genetic Apex’s version still holds supremacy with its staggering 200 damage, Shining Revelry’s Charizard embodies the game’s aim to diversify strategies around popular Pokemon. Despite showcasing multiple Ex cards, the most influential card from Shining Revelry could likely be a Trainer card—Red.

Red mimics the effect of Pokemon TCG Pocket’s Giovanni card in that it boosts the damage dealt by a player’s Pokemon for one turn, but with a twist. Giovanni increases all attacks by 10 damage against opponents—a game-changer on many occasions, particularly in mirror matchups due to Arceus Ex’s typical setup of 140 HP paired with a 130-damage attack. Red ups the ante by offering a 20-damage buff, but it only applies against Ex cards.

This addition could dramatically alter the game because many decks lean heavily on one or more Ex cards for victory. With Red in play, players might need to rethink their deck builds or reevaluate which Ex cards are worth keeping. For instance, one might have argued that Starmie Ex outperformed Glaceon Ex for various reasons. However, Red’s impact might add a wrinkle for Starmie, considering its lower HP makes it vulnerable to being knocked out with just 110 damage, aided by Red.

Another ripple effect of Red’s debut could see Giant Cape becoming indispensable in many decks, with players possibly needing pairs of them. Additionally, healing items and effects could see a rise in importance. The new Irida Supporter from Pokemon TCG Pocket offers a method to counteract Red, though the risk of being one-shot even with full health remains present owing to the card’s ability to boost attacks by 20 damage. Red’s versatility—weaving seamlessly into nearly any attack—means previously undervalued Ex cards might now enjoy their time in the limelight.

Meanwhile, decks featuring Sudowoodo could find their efficiency amplified, as they’d now be able to deal a staggering 130 damage to Arceus Ex with the support of Red and a pair of Lucarios on the bench—all with just a single energy. As Red joins the fray, expect new meta challenges to surface, forcing top-tier decks to adjust to this new powerhouse. While the full impact remains to be seen, Red undoubtedly positions itself as a potentially game-changing card in the Pokemon TCG Pocket arena.