The Mega Evolution Pokémon are back, ushering in an exciting new era for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) following the release of Scarlet and Violet. This revitalized chapter is aptly named Mega Evolution, and it kicks off with fan-favorites like Mega Lucario, Mega Gardevoir, Mega Venusaur, Mega Absol, and many more. As someone who rejoined the Pokémon TCG community during the X and Y era in 2014 after a long hiatus from the Wizards of the Coast days, the return of Mega Evolutions holds a special significance for me. This iconic mechanic is arguably the best gimmick in the franchise's history, and its comeback is a thrilling event for players and collectors alike.
The mechanics surrounding Mega Evolution have evolved significantly since their previous iteration. In this new format, players must adhere to the Pokémon's evolution line similar to standard EX cards. While some Mega EX Pokémon, like Mega Absol, are classified as basic Pokémon, the majority of these cards require the standard evolution process. This change is refreshing, as it ensures that non-EX cards remain relevant, unlike in the earlier X and Y era.
However, there is a critical trade-off: if your Mega EX Pokémon is knocked out, your opponent gains three prize cards, raising the stakes for every battle. Additionally, new trainer item cards like Rare Candy allow players to evolve a basic Pokémon like Bulbasaur directly into Mega Venusaur EX, enhancing strategic possibilities. Contrary to some opinions that Mega Evolutions shorten gameplay and reduce strategy, I firmly believe they streamline the game and introduce exciting new tactics. My personal favorite strategies focus on utilizing standard Pokémon to bolster Mega EX-oriented decks.
As I dive into the new deck-building possibilities, here are some of my favorite deck strategies featuring Mega Evolutions:
The Mega Venusaur EX is a powerhouse that utilizes grass-type energy effectively. Its Jungle Dump attack requires four grass energy to deal 240 damage while simultaneously healing 30 damage. The Solar Transfer ability allows you to move one grass energy from one Pokémon to another, enabling you to potentially place two grass energies on Mega Venusaur EX per turn. By integrating Meganium, a trainer can manipulate energy distribution even further. If Meganium is on the bench, using Rare Candy to evolve Bulbasaur straight into Mega Venusaur EX allows for a powerful attack in one turn.
Incorporating Shuckle with its Fermented Juice ability, which heals any Pokémon in play by 30 damage, can provide additional support. Celebi is another excellent choice, as its Traverse Time attack allows trainers to search for three grass-type Pokémon or Stadium cards, facilitating your strategy with Mega Venusaur EX and Meganium.
To enhance this deck further, consider adding trainer cards like Energy Switch, which aids in energy management, and Mega Signal, allowing you to search your deck for a Mega EX Venusaur quickly. Wally's Compassion is invaluable for fully healing EX cards, while the Forest of Vitality stadium card helps evolve Bulbasaur on its first turn, although it cannot be used on the initial turn of the battle.
The return of Mega Lucario EX is an exciting development for fans. This card can deliver 130 damage with its Aura Jab attack for just one fighting energy and allows you to recycle three basic fighting energy cards from your discard pile. Pairing this with Lunatone's Lunar Cycle ability, which permits you to discard a basic fighting energy to draw three cards once per turn, creates a nearly infinite energy cycle throughout the game.
To maximize damage output, consider employing Garganacl's Powerfull a-Salt ability, which adds 30 damage to Mega Lucario and other fighting types. Stacking four of these stage two Pokémon on your bench could increase Mega Lucario's damage output by an astonishing 120 damage per turn. Additionally, cards like Fighting Gong can expedite your setup by pulling a basic fighting energy or Pokémon into your hand, ensuring a smoother game flow.
Having opened a total of 55 booster packs from the Mega Evolution set, including packs from the Booster Box, Booster Bundle, Elite Trainer Box, and Build and Battle kit, I have gathered insights on pull rates. My findings revealed 12 Mega EX cards, six illustration rares, and six ultra rares, although I did not manage to obtain any Special Illustration Rares or Holo Rares. Here’s a breakdown of my pull rates:
Double Rares (EX): 21.8% or 1 in 4.6 packs Ultra Rares: 10.9% or 1 in 9.2 packs Illustration Rares: 10.9% or 1 in 9.2 packs Special Illustration Rares and Holo Rares: At least 1 in over 55 packsSome of the standout cards I pulled include:
Mega Lucario EX 160/132 Mega Absol EX 161/132 Mega Manectric EX 158/132 Bulbasaur 133/132 (Stamped) Shedninja 144/132 Ninjask 137/132 Gumshoos 153/132 Steelix 150/132Absolutely! The new Mega Evolution era of Pokémon TCG is off to a strong start, showcasing some of the finest standard EX artwork and layouts seen in years. The set offers multiple deck-building paths, as evidenced by the strategies I've developed while writing this review. Although pulling Secret Art Rares and Holo Gold Rares seems to be more challenging, this adds to the thrill of collecting. If you come across sealed products or individual cards at reasonable prices, now is the perfect time to join the hype train early!
