The new era of Pokemon Trading Card Game has begun! Sword & Shield base set has just hit stores this weekend which means it's time for everyone to pick up their boxes and packs and starting getting their hands on the new cards. Some have already been testing for the new format, especially with the Oceania International Championships in mind (especially for those of us here).
Others might still not know what decks to play so this article is meant to help those with the 15 best decks according to Japanese local leagues. From the data on pokecaminv, there have been 911 winning deck lists on their sites but the only thing I'll use from there is the winning percentage of the decks to have won a league there.
I'll also add a % number of cards in the deck that will be affected by the next rotation (Team Up onwards) just to give an early indication if the deck may be worth investing in for the long term or not, but that itself may be a bit too early to say.
I won't be using their lists though as some might not realise, our format is a little different to Japan. There are a few key cards that have rotated from their A block that we still have access to so you won't see these cards in their lists:
- Energy Recycler
- Hau
- Lana
- Lillie
- Lusamine
- Peeking Red Card
- Super Scoop Up
It won't affect decks much as most will move away from playing Lillie since Supporters can't be used in Turn 1 for the playing going first and most will still want to go first. The only real big loss for them would be Super Scoop Up for Tag Team decks and Energy Recycler for decks like Charizard TEU.
The decks I'm profiling are from some of the best Pokemon TCG content creators on YouTube mainly because I feel their decks are better for those wanting a list to start from scratch (and I tend to watch their videos, had to give them so love here). The Japanese lists have a lot of interesting techs and spice in them but this article is mainly meant to be a starting point for the first few weeks of the new Sword & Shield meta, and also for newer or returning players to see which decks to start off with. I hope you'll find this helpful.
I'll also give a few comments on each decks. Just remember, it's just my own opinion and I'm not someone with much success in the game (locally too) so do take my own views with a pinch of salt. If it does help someone then that's great.
Arceus & Dialga & Palkia-GX (with Zacian V)
Winning Decks rate in Japanese Leagues: 22.06%
I'll also give a few comments on each decks. Just remember, it's just my own opinion and I'm not someone with much success in the game (locally too) so do take my own views with a pinch of salt. If it does help someone then that's great.
Arceus & Dialga & Palkia-GX (with Zacian V)
| Arceus & Dialga & Palkia-GX | ||||
| Omnipoke | ||||
| Card | Set | Qty | Price | Total Cost |
| Arceus & Dialga & Palkia-GX | CEC | 2 | $13.47 | $26.94 |
| Zacian V | SWSH | 4 | $29.98 | $119.92 |
| Jirachi | TEU | 3 | $27.99 | $83.97 |
| Oranguru | SWSH | 1 | $6.97 | $6.97 |
| Absol | TEU | 1 | $8.99 | $8.99 |
| Professor's Research | SWSH | 4 | $8.97 | $35.88 |
| Marnie | SWSH | 2 | $6.47 | $12.94 |
| Guzma & Hala | CEC | 2 | $0.41 | $0.82 |
| Cynthia & Caitlin | CEC | 1 | $3.27 | $3.27 |
| Mallow & Lana | CEC | 1 | $1.78 | $1.78 |
| Quick Ball | SWSH | 4 | $2.48 | $9.92 |
| Metal Saucer | SWSH | 4 | $1.78 | $7.12 |
| Custom Catcher | LOT | 4 | $5.19 | $20.76 |
| Switch | SWSH | 4 | $0.24 | $0.96 |
| Tag Call | CEC | 3 | $0.45 | $1.35 |
| Reset Stamp | UNM | 1 | $0.64 | $0.64 |
| Great Catcher | CEC | 1 | $0.78 | $0.78 |
| Vitality Band | SWSH | 1 | $0.47 | $0.47 |
| Escape Board | UPR | 1 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Metal Frying Pan | FLI | 1 | $0.95 | $0.95 |
| Lysandre Labs | FLI | 1 | $0.48 | $0.48 |
| Viridian Forest | TEU | 1 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Shrine of Punishment | CES | 1 | $6.33 | $6.33 |
| Metal Energy | 10 | $0.00 | ||
| Unit Energy GRW | UPR | 1 | $0.65 | $0.65 |
| Aurora Energy | SWSH | 1 | $0.68 | $0.68 |
| Total | 60 | $352.97 | ||
Winning Decks rate in Japanese Leagues: 22.06%
Rotation Effect (Team Up to Sword & Shield cards in deck): 15%
- Altered Creation is still amazing! Helps Zacian to take KO Tag Teams with a little help from damage modifiers
- Deck wants to go first to get ADP ready and make full use of Intrepid Sword ability
- ADP to remain in at the top tier this time with Zacian as it's partner of choice
- Slow Turn 1 and Turn 2s, can fall to decks that force early pressure
Malamar (with Mewtwo & Mew-GX)
| Mewtwo & Mew-GX | ||||
| Tablemon | ||||
| Card | Set | Qty | Price | Total Cost |
| Inkay | FLI | 3 | $0.20 | $0.60 |
| Malamar | FLI | 3 | $0.20 | $0.60 |
| Mewtwo & Mew-GX | UNM | 2 | $14.99 | $29.98 |
| Trevenant & Dusknoir-GX | PR | 2 | $19.97 | $39.94 |
| Gengar & Mimikyu-GX | TEU | 1 | $7.99 | $7.99 |
| Indeedee V | SWSH | 1 | $3.99 | $3.99 |
| Naganadel-GX | UNM | 1 | $2.99 | $2.99 |
| Latios-GX | UNM | 1 | $3.49 | $3.49 |
| Dragonite-GX | UNM | 1 | $5.98 | $5.98 |
| Jigglypuff & Mega Lopunny-GX | CEC | 1 | $4.08 | $4.08 |
| Dedenne-GX | UNB | 2 | $33.89 | $67.78 |
| Professor's Research | SWSH | 4 | $8.97 | $35.88 |
| Marnie | SWSH | 4 | $6.47 | $25.88 |
| Quick Ball | SWSH | 4 | $2.48 | $9.92 |
| Mysterious Treasure | FLI | 4 | $1.49 | $5.96 |
| Switch | SWSH | 4 | $0.24 | $0.96 |
| Cherish Ball | UNM | 3 | $0.80 | $2.40 |
| Great Catcher | CEC | 2 | $0.78 | $1.56 |
| Air Balloon | SWSH | 2 | $0.98 | $1.96 |
| Big Charm | SWSH | 2 | $0.74 | $1.48 |
| Choatic Swell | CEC | 3 | $0.20 | $0.60 |
| Psychic Energy | 10 | $0.00 | ||
| Total | 60 | $254.02 | ||
Winning Decks rate in Japanese Leagues: 10.43%
Rotation Effect (Team Up to Sword & Shield cards in deck): Malamar Rotated
- Two of the best decks in the previous formats are now teaming up! This deck will be the main face for the new hand disruption archetype with Marnie and Trevenant & Dusknor's Night Watch attack in mind
- Set up decks can fall to a Turn 1 Horror House GX
- Likely to be a Tier 1 deck in this format. 3 Top 8 finishes at the Aichi Champions League
- Very ability reliant, still needs to set up Malamars and needs Perfection to stay alive
Zacian V (with Lucario & Melmetal-GX)
| Zacian V | ||||
| Aichi Champions League 2nd Place (Ryoji Saotome) | ||||
| Card | Set | Qty | Price | Total Cost |
| Zacian V | SWSH | 4 | $29.98 | $119.92 |
| Lucario & Melmetal-GX | UNB | 2 | $4.68 | $9.36 |
| Dusk Mane Necrozma | PR | 1 | $9.99 | $9.99 |
| Mew | UNB | 1 | $0.97 | $0.97 |
| Mimikyu | CEC | 1 | $0.53 | $0.53 |
| Absol | TEU | 1 | $8.99 | $8.99 |
| Oranguru | SWSH | 1 | $6.97 | $6.97 |
| Professor's Research | SWSH | 4 | $8.97 | $35.88 |
| Marnie | SWSH | 2 | $6.47 | $12.94 |
| Mallow & Lana | CEC | 2 | $1.78 | $3.56 |
| Cynthia & Caitlin | CEC | 1 | $3.27 | $3.27 |
| Erika's Hospitality | HIF | 1 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Quick Ball | SWSH | 4 | $2.48 | $9.92 |
| Metal Saucer | SWSH | 4 | $1.78 | $7.12 |
| Custom Catcher | LOT | 4 | $5.19 | $20.76 |
| Switch | SWSH | 4 | $0.24 | $0.96 |
| Crushing Hammer | SWSH | 3 | $0.24 | $0.72 |
| Tag Call | CEC | 2 | $0.45 | $0.90 |
| Great Catcher | CEC | 1 | $0.78 | $0.78 |
| Metal Frying Pan | FLI | 3 | $0.95 | $2.85 |
| Air Balloon | SWSH | 1 | $0.98 | $0.98 |
| Choatic Swell | CEC | 2 | $0.20 | $0.40 |
| Metal Energy | 11 | $0.00 | ||
| Total | 60 | $257.97 | ||
Winning Decks rate in Japanese Leagues: 9.76%
Rotation Effect (Team Up to Sword & Shield cards in deck): 13.33%
- Zacian is the best Pokemon card to come out of this set and like ADP before, it's expected to be a top tier contender right of the bat, with many Metal support to go by in this set
- Full Metal Wall and Frying Pan helps to make Zacian a tanky monster to take down
- Finalist at Aichi Champions League, still unsure which version of Zacian will be top tier but it will be there
- Being a V and Tag Team based decks will can hurt in certain matches even with it's tankability
Pikachu & Zekrom-GX (non Tag Call package)
| Pikachu & Zekrom-GX | ||||
| Tricky Gym | ||||
| Card | Set | Qty | Price | Total Cost |
| Pikachu & Zekrom-GX | TEU | 2 | $10.99 | $21.98 |
| Raichu & Alolan Raichu-GX | UNM | 1 | $4.99 | $4.99 |
| Jirachi | TEU | 3 | $27.99 | $83.97 |
| Dedenne-GX | UNB | 2 | $33.89 | $67.78 |
| Zeraora-GX | LOT | 1 | $11.97 | $11.97 |
| Tapu Koko V | SWSH | 1 | $7.47 | $7.47 |
| Tapu Koko Prism | TEU | 1 | $3.49 | $3.49 |
| Zapdos | TEU | 1 | $0.59 | $0.59 |
| Volkner | UPR | 4 | $0.89 | $3.56 |
| Professor's Research | SWSH | 3 | $8.97 | $26.91 |
| Switch | SWSH | 4 | $0.24 | $0.96 |
| Electropower | LOT | 4 | $0.46 | $1.84 |
| Custom Catcher | LOT | 4 | $5.19 | $20.76 |
| Quick Ball | UNB | 4 | $2.48 | $9.92 |
| Electromagnetic Radar | UNB | 3 | $0.20 | $0.60 |
| Energy Switch | SWSH | 3 | $0.24 | $0.72 |
| Reset Stamp | UNM | 2 | $0.64 | $1.28 |
| Escape Board | UPR | 2 | $0.20 | $0.40 |
| Great Catcher | CEC | 1 | $0.78 | $0.78 |
| Stadium Nav | UNM | 1 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Thunder Mountain PS | LOT | 1 | $1.27 | $1.27 |
| Viridian Forest | TEU | 1 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Lighting Energy | 11 | $0.00 | ||
| Total | 60 | $271.64 | ||
Winning Decks rate in Japanese Leagues: 9.00%
Rotation Effect (Team Up to Sword & Shield cards in deck): 26.66%
- PikaRom doesn't gain much from the set but Quick Ball is just what it needed! Deck doesn't mind going first but Turn 1 Full Blitz is very possible. Tapu Koko V a welcome addition too
- The deck always shone in a fast paced meta and expected to do the same in the next format, likely to resurface back near or in the top tier
- Won the Aichi Champions League with another top 4 finish, as if any more proof was needed if the deck was amazing again
- Still a multiple prized based deck at the end of the day
Morpeko V
| Morpeko V | ||||
| Rare Candy | ||||
| Card | Set | Qty | Price | Total Cost |
| Jirachi | TEU | 4 | $27.99 | $111.96 |
| Morpeko V | SWSH | 3 | $3.49 | $10.47 |
| Morpeko V-Max | SWSH | 1 | $7.98 | $7.98 |
| Tapu Koko V | SWSH | 1 | $7.47 | $7.47 |
| Oricorio-GX | CEC | 1 | $2.99 | $2.99 |
| Oranguru | SWSH | 1 | $6.97 | $6.97 |
| Absol | TEU | 1 | $8.99 | $8.99 |
| Mew | UNB | 1 | $0.97 | $0.97 |
| Tapu Koko Prism | TEU | 1 | $3.49 | $3.49 |
| Marnie | SWSH | 4 | $6.47 | $25.88 |
| Volkner | UPR | 3 | $0.89 | $2.67 |
| Rosa | CEC | 2 | $5.90 | $11.80 |
| Lillie's Poke Doll | CEC | 4 | $0.20 | $0.80 |
| Electropower | LOT | 4 | $0.46 | $1.84 |
| Quick Ball | SWSH | 4 | $2.48 | $9.92 |
| Custom Catcher | LOT | 4 | $5.19 | $20.76 |
| Switch | SWSH | 3 | $0.24 | $0.72 |
| Escape Board | UPR | 2 | $0.20 | $0.40 |
| Pokemon Communication | TEU | 1 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Great Catcher | CEC | 1 | $0.78 | $0.78 |
| Counter Gain | LOT | 1 | $0.34 | $0.34 |
| Stadium Nav | UNM | 1 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Reset Stamp | UNM | 1 | $0.64 | $0.64 |
| Thunder Mountain Prism | LOT | 1 | $1.27 | $1.27 |
| Lighting Energy | 8 | $0.00 | ||
| Recycle Energy | UNM | 2 | $0.20 | $0.40 |
| Total | 60 | $239.91 | ||
Winning Decks rate in Japanese Leagues: 6.80%
Rotation Effect (Team Up to Sword & Shield cards in deck): 25%
- New Hit-And-Run style archetype in the form of Morpeko V. Will most likely become the preferred partner of choice for decks going with a prize denial style deck with Dolls
- Lighting decks have lots of help in the form of Electropower, Volkner, Thunder Mountain PS and Tapu Koko Prism
- 5th most winningest decks in local leagues in Japan. 3% representation in the top 70 in Aichi
- Decks that has resources to multiple gusting will have a better time against this deck as would energy denial decks
Blacephalon UNB (with Jirachi)
| Blacephalon | ||||
| Ptcgradio | ||||
| Card | Set | Qty | Price | Total Cost |
| Jirachi | TEU | 3 | $27.99 | $83.97 |
| Blacephalon | UNB | 4 | $1.22 | $4.88 |
| Blacephalon-GX | LOT | 1 | $6.24 | $6.24 |
| Oricorio-GX | CEC | 1 | $2.99 | $2.99 |
| Cramorant V | SWSH | 1 | $2.99 | $2.99 |
| Mew | UNB | 1 | $0.97 | $0.97 |
| Phione | CEC | 1 | $0.38 | $0.38 |
| Welder | UNB | 4 | $0.20 | $0.80 |
| Quick Ball | SWSH | 4 | $2.48 | $9.92 |
| Fiery Flint | DRM | 4 | $2.38 | $9.52 |
| Fire Crystal | UNB | 4 | $0.20 | $0.80 |
| Acro Bike | CES | 4 | $0.88 | $3.52 |
| Switch | SWSH | 3 | $0.24 | $0.72 |
| Enery Retrieval | SWSH | 3 | $0.24 | $0.72 |
| Escape Board | UPR | 2 | $0.20 | $0.40 |
| Lucky Egg | SWSH | 2 | $0.24 | $0.48 |
| Adventure Bag | LOT | 1 | $0.29 | $0.29 |
| Pal Pad | SWSH | 1 | $0.47 | $0.47 |
| Ultra Space | FLI | 1 | $1.46 | $1.46 |
| Heat Factory Prism | LOT | 1 | $3.96 | $3.96 |
| Fire Energy | 14 | $0.00 | ||
| Total | 60 | $135.48 | ||
Winning Decks rate in Japanese Leagues: 5.49%
Rotation Effect (Team Up to Sword & Shield cards in deck): 23.33%
- Ever since it was introduced, Blacephalon UNB has had a presence in the game as the one of the best single prize attackers. The deck gains many tools from Sword & Shield to possibly jump it up into the top tier.
- It's drawing power with Lucky Egg, Oricorio-GX, Heat Factory Prism and Welder helps to piece up all the puzzle for the unlimited amount of damage
- Deck hasn't seen much success in Japan yet but has been hyped heavily by many. First two Sword & Shield local league tournaments here in Singapore have seen this deck finish in 1st place
- Very combo reliant. Decks can play around it's strategy with hand disruption or Lysandre Labs.
Mewtwo & Mew-GX (Fire Toolbox)
| Mewtwo & Mew-GX | ||||
| The Sableyes | ||||
| Card | Set | Qty | Price | Total Cost |
| Mewtwo & Mew-GX | UNM | 3 | $14.99 | $44.97 |
| Dedenne-GX | UNB | 4 | $33.89 | $135.56 |
| Jigglypuff & Mega Lopunny-GX | CEC | 1 | $4.08 | $4.08 |
| Reshiram & Charizard-GX | UNB | 1 | $12.84 | $12.84 |
| Magcargo-GX | LOT | 1 | $2.99 | $2.99 |
| Charizard-GX | HIF | 1 | $3.69 | $3.69 |
| Victini V | SWSH | 1 | $3.79 | $3.79 |
| Solgaelo-GX | PR | 1 | $8.98 | $8.98 |
| Naganadel-GX | UNM | 1 | $2.99 | $2.99 |
| Latios-GX | UNM | 1 | $3.49 | $3.49 |
| Jirachi-GX | UNM | 1 | $2.99 | $2.99 |
| Marshadow | UNB | 1 | $3.26 | $3.26 |
| Mewtwo | UNB | 1 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Welder | UNB | 4 | $0.20 | $0.80 |
| Cherish Ball | UNM | 4 | $0.80 | $3.20 |
| Quick Ball | SWSH | 4 | $2.48 | $9.92 |
| Custom Catcher | LOT | 4 | $5.19 | $20.76 |
| Acro Bike | CES | 4 | $0.88 | $3.52 |
| Switch | SWSH | 2 | $0.24 | $0.48 |
| Reset Stamp | UNM | 2 | $0.64 | $1.28 |
| Great Catcher | CEC | 1 | $0.78 | $0.78 |
| Energy Recycle System | CES | 1 | $0.48 | $0.48 |
| Stealthy Hood | UNB | 1 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Giant Hearth | UNM | 3 | $0.60 | $1.80 |
| Lysandre Labs | FLI | 1 | $0.48 | $0.48 |
| Fire Energy | 8 | $0.00 | ||
| Psychic Energy | 3 | $0.00 | ||
| Total | 60 | $273.53 | ||
Winning Decks rate in Japanese Leagues: 4.61%
Rotation Effect (Team Up to Sword & Shield cards in deck): 20%
- As long as GXes are still available, Mewtwo & Mew-GX will still be played and it will still be good. Fire box may not be favoured anymore over the new Marnie/Hand Distruption version but it's still good
- Deck was the BDIF in the previous format for being able to handle any and all types of decks. It can still threaten a 300 damage attack in Turn 2. May fall off the top tier but still a strong contender nonetheless
- Was the 4th most represented deck in the top 70 at the Aichi Champions League
- Relying on just Welder is not a good idea with the new Mew3 deck in mind.
Torkoal V (with Magcargo-GX)
| Torkoal V | ||||
| Celio's Network | ||||
| Card | Set | Qty | Price | Total Cost |
| Slugma | LOT | 4 | $0.33 | $1.32 |
| Magcargo-GX | LOT | 3 | $2.99 | $8.97 |
| Magcargo | CES | 2 | $0.32 | $0.64 |
| Oranguru | SWSH | 2 | $6.97 | $13.94 |
| Dedenne-GX | UNB | 2 | $33.89 | $67.78 |
| Torkoal V | SWSH | 1 | $2.98 | $2.98 |
| Ditto Prism | LOT | 1 | $8.82 | $8.82 |
| Volcanion | UNB | 1 | $1.88 | $1.88 |
| Mewtwo & Mew-GX | UNM | 1 | $14.99 | $14.99 |
| Welder | UNB | 4 | $0.20 | $0.80 |
| Cynthia | UPR | 2 | $0.46 | $0.92 |
| Marnie | UNM | 1 | $6.47 | $6.47 |
| Quick Ball | UNM | 4 | $2.48 | $9.92 |
| Pokemon Communication | TEU | 4 | $0.20 | $0.80 |
| Custom Catcher | LOT | 4 | $5.19 | $20.76 |
| Switch | SWSH | 3 | $0.24 | $0.72 |
| Fire Crystal | UNB | 2 | $0.20 | $0.40 |
| Evolution Incense | SWSH | 2 | $0.98 | $1.96 |
| Cherish Ball | UNM | 1 | $0.80 | $0.80 |
| Reset Stamp | UNM | 1 | $0.64 | $0.64 |
| Giant Hearth | UNM | 3 | $0.60 | $1.80 |
| Fire Energy | 12 | $0.00 | ||
| Total | 60 | $167.31 | ||
Winning Decks rate in Japanese Leagues: 4.50%
Rotation Effect (Team Up to Sword & Shield cards in deck): 26.66%
- Torkoal V may just help bring Magcargo-GX into relevance in the game. The obvious combo of Oranguru's Monkey Wisdom ability with both Magcargo's ability may be very tempting for others to give this archetype a try
- Like Blacephalon, has a high damage output, be it for 3 energies with Torkoal or unlimited amount with Magcargo-GX. Could feature strongly in tier 2
- It was the surprise deck of the Aichi Champions League, finishing in 10th place
- Multiple Magcargos are still needed to set up. Has a hard time dealing with hand disruption style decks since it's very reliant on Welder
Rowlet & Alolan Exeggutor-GX (with Rillaboom)
| Rowlet & Alolan Exeggutor-GX | ||||
| The Sableyes | ||||
| Card | Set | Qty | Price | Total Cost |
| Grookey | SWSH | 3 | $0.25 | $0.75 |
| Thwackey | SWSH | 3 | $0.25 | $0.75 |
| Rillaboom | SWSH | 3 | $1.47 | $4.41 |
| Rowlet & Alolan Exeggutor-GX | UNM | 3 | $6.49 | $19.47 |
| Phermosa & Buzzwole-GX | UNB | 1 | $3.99 | $3.99 |
| Venusaur & Snivy-GX | CEC | 1 | $3.45 | $3.45 |
| Mewtwo & Mew-GX | UNM | 1 | $14.99 | $14.99 |
| Shaymin Prism | TEU | 1 | $0.69 | $0.69 |
| Professor's Research | SWSH | 2 | $8.97 | $17.94 |
| Bill's Analysis | HIF | 2 | $0.20 | $0.40 |
| Coach Trainer | UNM | 1 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Cynthia & Caitlin | CEC | 1 | $3.27 | $3.27 |
| Mallow & Lana | CEC | 1 | $1.78 | $1.78 |
| Guzma & Hala | CEC | 1 | $0.41 | $0.41 |
| Net Ball | LOT | 4 | $0.20 | $0.80 |
| Custom Catcher | LOT | 4 | $5.19 | $20.76 |
| Quick Ball | SWSH | 2 | $2.48 | $4.96 |
| Pokemon Communication | TEU | 2 | $0.20 | $0.40 |
| Tag Call | CEC | 2 | $0.45 | $0.90 |
| Rare Candy | SWSH | 2 | $0.24 | $0.48 |
| Air Ballon | SWSH | 2 | $0.98 | $1.96 |
| Ordinary Rod | SWSH | 1 | $0.73 | $0.73 |
| Reset Stamp | UNM | 1 | $0.64 | $0.64 |
| Energy Recycle System | CES | 1 | $0.48 | $0.48 |
| Hyper Potion | SWSH | 1 | $0.33 | $0.33 |
| Viridian Forest | TEU | 1 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Life Forest Prism | LOT | 1 | $0.32 | $0.32 |
| Grass Energy | 10 | $0.00 | ||
| Weakness Guard Energy | UNM | 1 | $1.08 | $1.08 |
| Auora Energy | SWSH | 1 | $0.68 | $0.68 |
| Total | 60 | $107.22 | ||
Winning Decks rate in Japanese Leagues: 3.95%
Rotation Effect (Team Up to Sword & Shield cards in deck): 15%
- The introduction of Rillaboom might just be what EggRow needed to push into the top tiers of the game. It won't take long to get Rillaboom set-up with Super Growth in mind.
- Vikavolt decks in the past have always seen success in the game in the past, Rillaboom should do the same for a number of other decks as well
- Like Morpeko V before, had a 3% representation in the top 70 at the Aichi Champions League. 9th most winningest deck in Japan should say a lot as well
- Grass is still a very awkward typing in the game as long as Welder is around. Tag Team based deck too
Reshiram & Charizard-GX (Turbo)
| Reshiram & Charizard-GX | ||||
| pokecaminv | ||||
| Card | Set | Qty | Price | Total Cost |
| Jirachi | TEU | 4 | $27.99 | $111.96 |
| Dedenne-GX | UNB | 3 | $33.89 | $101.67 |
| Vulpix | TEU | 2 | $0.21 | $0.42 |
| Ninetales | TEU | 2 | $0.39 | $0.78 |
| Reshiram & Charizard-GX | UNB | 1 | $12.84 | $12.84 |
| Jigglypuff & Mega Lopunny-GX | CEC | 1 | $4.08 | $4.08 |
| Heatran-GX | UNM | 1 | $2.98 | $2.98 |
| Blacephalon-GX | LOT | 1 | $6.24 | $6.24 |
| Victini Prism | DRM | 1 | $6.94 | $6.94 |
| Victini V | SWSH | 1 | $3.79 | $3.79 |
| Marshadow | UNB | 1 | $3.26 | $3.26 |
| Welder | UNB | 4 | $0.20 | $0.80 |
| Quick Ball | SWSH | 4 | $2.48 | $9.92 |
| Pokemon Communication | TEU | 4 | $0.20 | $0.80 |
| Switch | SWSH | 4 | $0.24 | $0.96 |
| Escape Board | UPR | 2 | $0.20 | $0.40 |
| Pal Pad | SWSH | 1 | $0.47 | $0.47 |
| Giant Hearth | UNM | 3 | $0.60 | $1.80 |
| Lysandre Labs | FLI | 1 | $0.48 | $0.48 |
| Heat Factory Prism | LOT | 1 | $3.96 | $3.96 |
| Fire Energy | 18 | $0.00 | ||
| Total | 60 | $274.55 | ||
Winning Decks rate in Japanese Leagues: 3.62%
Rotation Effect (Team Up to Sword & Shield cards in deck): 10%
- TurboZard will still be a thing for as long as Welder is in the format. The new no-Supporter on Turn 1 rule does force the deck to hope to go 2nd which may not be ideal.
- Turn 2 for 300 damage will be a rarity now. Deck may not be top tier contender but Victini Prism and Ninetales being in the deck should still see it having success from time to time Zacian V does have a Fire weakness which could lead others to give the deck another try
- Hasn't been talked about by any of the content creators on YouTube thus having to use a Japanese list. Still had a 6% representation at the Aichi Champions League though.
- Hand disruption will continue to be the deck's downfall now that Marnie has hit the scene
Galarian Obstagoon (with Sableye V)
| Galarian Obstagoon | ||||
| Celio's Network | ||||
| Card | Set | Qty | Price | Total Cost |
| Galarian Zizagoon | SWSH | 4 | $0.69 | $2.76 |
| Galarian Linoone | SWSH | 3 | $0.25 | $0.75 |
| Galarian Obstagoon | SWSH | 3 | $2.47 | $7.41 |
| Sableye V | SWSH | 2 | $3.49 | $6.98 |
| Yveltal-GX | FLI | 1 | $4.49 | $4.49 |
| Mimikyu | CEC | 1 | $0.53 | $0.53 |
| Phione | CEC | 1 | $0.38 | $0.38 |
| Cynthia | UPR | 4 | $0.46 | $1.84 |
| Marnie | SWSH | 2 | $6.47 | $12.94 |
| Rosa | CEC | 2 | $5.90 | $11.80 |
| PokeGear 3.0 | SWSH | 4 | $0.34 | $1.36 |
| Quick Ball | SWSH | 4 | $2.48 | $9.92 |
| Evolution Incense | SWSH | 4 | $0.98 | $3.92 |
| Rare Candy | SWSH | 3 | $0.24 | $0.72 |
| Lillie's Poke Doll | CEC | 3 | $0.20 | $0.60 |
| Lucky Egg | SWSH | 2 | $0.24 | $0.48 |
| Reset Stamp | UNM | 1 | $0.64 | $0.64 |
| U-Turn Board | UNM | 1 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Great Catcher | CEC | 1 | $0.78 | $0.78 |
| Adventure Bag | LOT | 1 | $0.29 | $0.29 |
| Pokemon Catcher | SWSH | 1 | $0.24 | $0.24 |
| Ordinary Rod | SWSH | 1 | $0.73 | $0.73 |
| Switch | SWSH | 1 | $0.24 | $0.24 |
| Choatic Swell | CEC | 1 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Dark Energy | 9 | $0.00 | ||
| Total | 60 | $70.20 | ||
Winning Decks rate in Japanese Leagues: 2.63%
Rotation Effect (Team Up to Sword & Shield cards in deck): 10%
- Galarian Obstagoon brings a new spread archetype into the game. The ability has seen past success in the form of the older Crobat decks. Helps Sableye V and Yveltal-GX to attain big KOs
- Obstruct may be the most underated new attack. Many top tier decks are just Basic focused which will give them a hard time if they don't have gusting options. Possibly the best anti-meta deck.
- Hasn't seen much success in Japan but it's another deck heavily hyped by many top players.
- Still is a Stage 2 deck and Sableye V needs two Dark energies which may be a big issue with no real energy accelration for Dark types in Standard
Lapras V-Max (with Frosmoth)
| Lapras V-Max | ||||
| Omnipoke | ||||
| Card | Set | Qty | Price | Total Cost |
| Lapras V | SWSH | 2 | $4.79 | $9.58 |
| Lapras V-Max | SWSH | 2 | $10.47 | $20.94 |
| Jirachi | TEU | 3 | $27.99 | $83.97 |
| Snom | SWSH | 3 | $0.49 | $1.47 |
| Frosmoth | SWSH | 3 | $3.97 | $11.91 |
| Blastoise & Piplup-GX | CEC | 2 | $5.99 | $11.98 |
| Palkia-GX | FLI | 1 | $9.99 | $9.99 |
| Volcanion Prism | FLI | 1 | $1.29 | $1.29 |
| Dedenne-GX | UNB | 1 | $33.89 | $33.89 |
| Professor's Research | SWSH | 4 | $8.97 | $35.88 |
| Marnie | SWSH | 2 | $6.47 | $12.94 |
| Cynthia & Caitlin | CEC | 1 | $3.27 | $3.27 |
| Mallow & Lana | CEC | 1 | $1.78 | $1.78 |
| Misty & Lorelei | CEC | 1 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Fisherman | CES | 1 | $0.27 | $0.27 |
| Quick Ball | SWSH | 4 | $2.48 | $9.92 |
| Pokemon Communication | TEU | 3 | $0.20 | $0.60 |
| Switch | SWSH | 3 | $0.24 | $0.72 |
| Tag Call | CEC | 2 | $0.45 | $0.90 |
| Energy Retrieval | SWSH | 2 | $0.24 | $0.48 |
| Great Catcher | CEC | 2 | $0.78 | $1.56 |
| Ordinary Rod | SWSH | 1 | $0.73 | $0.73 |
| Escape Board | UPR | 2 | $0.20 | $0.40 |
| Viridian Forest | TEU | 2 | $0.20 | $0.40 |
| Water Energy | 11 | $0.00 | ||
| Total | 60 | $255.07 | ||
Winning Decks rate in Japanese Leagues: 1.76%
Rotation Effect (Team Up to Sword & Shield cards in deck): 6.66%
- Rain Dance is back in the form of Frosmoth. The ability in the past has seen success for many years with Blastoise decks in the past. Only being able to attach to the bench could be a small issue but there will be ways around it
- History says this will be a successful archetype. Might not have the right attackers to make it a top tier deck at the moment but that will change.
- One of my reasons for that is that it hasn't seen much success in Japan yet. Do note that Japan doesn't have Energy Recycler which could feature in the deck.
- Does need certain combos to take big KOs. Needs big draws so the deck is likely to suffer from hand disruption style decks.
Snorlax V-Max (with Porygon-Z)
| Snorlax V-Max | ||||
| Rare Candy | ||||
| Card | Set | Qty | Price | Total Cost |
| Snorlax V | SWSH | 3 | $2.99 | $8.97 |
| Snorlax V-Max | SWSH | 3 | $9.48 | $28.44 |
| Porygon | UNB | 4 | $0.23 | $0.92 |
| Porygon-Z | UNB | 3 | $0.25 | $0.75 |
| Oranguru | SWSH | 1 | $6.97 | $6.97 |
| Crammorant V | SWSH | 1 | $2.99 | $2.99 |
| Dedenne-GX | UNB | 1 | $33.89 | $33.89 |
| Galarian Zigzagoon | SWSH | 1 | $0.69 | $0.69 |
| Lillie | UPR | 4 | $0.20 | $0.80 |
| Cynthia | UPR | 4 | $0.46 | $1.84 |
| Marnie | SWSH | 2 | $6.47 | $12.94 |
| Rare Candy | SWSH | 4 | $0.24 | $0.96 |
| Quick Ball | SWSH | 4 | $2.48 | $9.92 |
| Hyper Potion | SWSH | 3 | $0.33 | $0.99 |
| Evolution Incense | SWSH | 3 | $0.98 | $2.94 |
| Pokemon Communication | TEU | 2 | $0.20 | $0.40 |
| Buff Padding | TEU | 2 | $0.30 | $0.60 |
| Great Catcher | CEC | 2 | $0.78 | $1.56 |
| Vitalilty Band | SWSH | 1 | $0.47 | $0.47 |
| Choatic Swell | CEC | 1 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Recycle Energy | UNM | 4 | $0.20 | $0.80 |
| Draw Energy | CEC | 4 | $0.20 | $0.80 |
| Triple Acceleration Energy | UNB | 3 | $0.20 | $0.60 |
| Total | 60 | $119.44 | ||
Winning Decks rate in Japanese Leagues: 1.65%
Rotation Effect (Team Up to Sword & Shield cards in deck): 13.33%
- Snorlax V-Max is an interesting new attack which could see play with a number of different energy accelerating partners (Welder, Malamar, Frosmoth, Porygon-Z, ADP-GX, Rillaboom)
- Buff Padding helps Snorlax V-Max to 370HP! That will always be very tempting to pull off for many players as it'll be difficult to take this monster down.
- Hasn't seen much success in Japan apart from a few league wins. Not top tier but it'll be contend in the next few rungs
- Low damage output might be a problem. And it's still a 3-prize pokemon.
Oranguru Control
| Oranguru Control | ||||
| Celio's Network | ||||
| Card | Set | Qty | Price | Total Cost |
| Oranguru | UPR | 4 | $0.48 | $1.92 |
| Minccino | SWSH | 3 | $0.25 | $0.75 |
| Cinccino | SWSH | 3 | $2.47 | $7.41 |
| Pidgey | TEU | 2 | $0.68 | $1.36 |
| Pidgeotto | TEU | 2 | $0.77 | $1.54 |
| Articuno-GX | CES | 2 | $5.99 | $11.98 |
| Ditto Prism | LOT | 1 | $8.82 | $8.82 |
| Snorunt | UNM | 1 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Froslass | UNM | 1 | $0.21 | $0.21 |
| Professor's Research | SWSH | 4 | $8.97 | $35.88 |
| Lt Surge's Strategy | UNB | 2 | $0.20 | $0.40 |
| Mars | UPR | 2 | $0.77 | $1.54 |
| Belleba & Brycen Man | CEC | 2 | $0.20 | $0.40 |
| Faba | LOT | 1 | $0.94 | $0.94 |
| Tate & Liza | CES | 1 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Quick Ball | SWSH | 4 | $2.48 | $9.92 |
| PokeGear 3.0 | SWSH | 4 | $0.67 | $2.68 |
| Crushing Hammer | SWSH | 3 | $0.24 | $0.72 |
| Custom Catcher | LOT | 3 | $5.19 | $15.57 |
| Evoltion Incense | SWSH | 2 | $0.98 | $1.96 |
| Pal Pad | SWSH | 2 | $0.69 | $1.38 |
| Reset Stamp | UNM | 2 | $0.64 | $1.28 |
| Chip Chip Ice Axe | UNB | 2 | $0.20 | $0.40 |
| Ordinary Rod | SWSH | 1 | $0.73 | $0.73 |
| Champions Festival | PR | 1 | $0.00 | |
| Sky Pillar | CES | 1 | $0.29 | $0.29 |
| Recycle Energy | UNM | 1 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Water Energy | 3 | $0.00 | ||
| Total | 60 | $108.68 | ||
Winning Decks rate in Japanese Leagues: 1.59%
Rotation Effect (Team Up to Sword & Shield cards in deck): 31.66% (Oranguru Rotated)
- Sadly control decks will still form part of the game and have often seen success in many various forms. Do expect new control/stall/mill types to come from this set
- Oranguru Control was one of the better anti-meta decks and should still be that way
- Control decks don't tend to see much success in Japan but it will overseas, especially in North America
- The new Turn 1 no supporter rule might hurt the deck more but it'll find some way to fix that. New cards like Oranguru and Marnie can help to negate the irritating Chip Chip Ice Axe lock.
Stonjourner V-Max (with Zygarde)
| Stonjourner V-Max | ||||
| Omnipoke | ||||
| Card | Set | Qty | Price | Total Cost |
| Stonjourner V | SWSH | 3 | $4.47 | $13.41 |
| Stonjourner V-Max | SWSH | 3 | $7.97 | $23.91 |
| Zygarde | UNM | 4 | $0.20 | $0.80 |
| Jirachi | TEU | 2 | $27.99 | $55.98 |
| Dedenne-GX | UNB | 2 | $33.89 | $67.78 |
| Diance Prism | FLI | 1 | $3.59 | $3.59 |
| Phione | CEC | 1 | $0.38 | $0.38 |
| Marshadow & Machamp-GX | UNB | 1 | $3.99 | $3.99 |
| Professor's Research | SWSH | 4 | $8.97 | $35.88 |
| Marnie | SWSH | 2 | $6.47 | $12.94 |
| Mallow & Lana | CEC | 2 | $1.78 | $3.56 |
| Guzma & Hala | CEC | 1 | $0.41 | $0.41 |
| Cynthia & Caitlin | CEC | 1 | $3.27 | $3.27 |
| Quick Ball | SWSH | 4 | $2.48 | $9.92 |
| Pokemon Communication | TEU | 3 | $0.20 | $0.60 |
| Switch | SWSH | 3 | $0.24 | $0.72 |
| Great Catcher | CEC | 2 | $0.78 | $1.56 |
| Tag Call | CEC | 2 | $0.45 | $0.90 |
| Escape Board | UPR | 2 | $0.20 | $0.40 |
| Big Charm | SWSH | 1 | $0.74 | $0.74 |
| Karate Belt | UNM | 1 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Martial Arts Dojo | UNB | 3 | $0.20 | $0.60 |
| Fighting Energy | 11 | $0.00 | ||
| Unit Energy FDY | FLI | 1 | $0.84 | $0.84 |
| Total | 60 | $242.38 | ||
Winning Decks rate in Japanese Leagues: 1.43%
Rotation Effect (Team Up to Sword & Shield cards in deck): 6.66%
- Possibly the best V-Max attacker in the game in it's early incarnation. Stonjourner VMax can only be one of the tankiest pokemon to deal with many healing options available and it's first attack in mind as well
- Could be a strong anti-meta call as Fighting type can counter the likes of PikaRom and Snorlax VMax and does have many ways to add damage with Dianice Prism, Fighting Dojo to name a few.
- Not much success but has recorded 6 league wins in Japan
- Once again, a three prize-attack is not always a good thing. Being combo reliant isn't good as well with hand disruption around
Deck prices in comparison:
1.
Arceus
& Dialga & Palkia-GX/Zacian-V $352.97
2.
Turbo
Reshiram & Charizard-GX $274.55
3.
Mewtwo
& Mew-GX/Fire Toolbox $273.53
4.
Pikachu
& Zekrom-GX $271.64
5.
Zacian-V/Lucario
& Melmetal-GX $257.97
6.
Lapras
VMax/Frosmoth $255.07
7.
Malamar/Mewtwo
& Mew-GX $254.02
8.
Stonjourner
VMax/Zygarde $242.38
9.
Morpeko-V/Dolls $239.91
10.
Torkoal-V/Magcargo-GX $167.31
11.
Blacephalon
UNB/Jirachi $135.48
12.
Snorlax
VMax/Porygon-Z $119.44
13.
Oranguru
Control $108.68
14.
Rowlet
& Alolan Exeggutor-GX/Rillaboom $107.22
15.
Galarian
Obstagoon/Sableye-V $70.20
ADP continues to be the most expensive deck but since it's one of the best decks, it's expected to
be expensive. Two Welder decks are high up in the list but as it's not seen much love yet, I'd
advise to stay away from those unless you are sure you can make them work.
Malamar/Mewtwo & Mew-GX and Zacian-V with Lucario & Melmetal-GX might be the two
best decks to pick up for newcomers with it's prices being a little better than the other Tier 1
decks. Blacephalon UNB is not even in the top 10 but has potential to be one of the best decks at
the moment, a decent budget deck for sure. Same can be said for the cheapest deck on the list,
Galarian Obstagoon. It doesn't play Jirachi unlike Blacephalon but could be a great anti-meta call.
But I can't end it on just these 15 decks. The 16th most winningest deck in Japanese local leagues
is a deck that is near and dear to my heart. Of course, it's Charizard from Team Up!
| Charizard | ||||
| pokecaminv | ||||
| Card | Set | Qty | Price | Total Cost |
| Jirachi | TEU | 4 | $27.99 | $111.96 |
| Charmander | TEU | 4 | $0.20 | $0.80 |
| Charmeleon | TEU | 1 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Charizard | TEU | 4 | $2.64 | $10.56 |
| Ditto Prism | LOT | 1 | $8.82 | $8.82 |
| Heatran-GX | UNM | 1 | $2.98 | $2.98 |
| Zacian V | SWSH | 2 | $29.98 | $59.96 |
| Welder | UNB | 4 | $0.20 | $0.80 |
| Rosa | CEC | 2 | $5.90 | $11.80 |
| Marnie | SWSH | 1 | $6.47 | $6.47 |
| Rare Candy | SWSH | 4 | $0.24 | $0.96 |
| Quick Ball | SWSH | 3 | $2.48 | $7.44 |
| Great Ball | SWSH | 3 | $0.24 | $0.72 |
| Switch | SWSH | 3 | $0.24 | $0.72 |
| Fire Crystal | UNB | 3 | $0.20 | $0.60 |
| Escape Board | UPR | 3 | $0.20 | $0.60 |
| Ordinary Rod | SWSH | 2 | $0.73 | $1.46 |
| Evolution Incense | SWSH | 1 | $0.98 | $0.98 |
| Giant Bomb | UNM | 1 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Giant Hearth | UNM | 2 | $0.60 | $1.20 |
| Heat Factory Prism | LOT | 1 | $3.96 | $3.96 |
| Fire Energy | 10 | $0.00 | ||
| Total | 60 | $233.19 | ||
- Charizard will continue to be a viable rouge option for those wanting to give Stage 2 decks a try. It's unlimited damage output is it's biggest selling point. It can take a clean KO on even VMax by Turn 2 if set up right
- The new no Turn 1 supporter mean it won't see much play sadly. This deck is heavily reliant on certain Supporters, be it Elm, Oak, Welder or even the new Prof's Research
- Quick Ball and Evolution Incense does make things easier to the deck to set up. Many decks in Japan have been running Zacian-V and some Inteleon line to set up too
- It's still a Stage 2 deck. Hand disruption will be the downfall of this deck
- Also, Japan doesn't have Energy Recycler legal and it's one of the most important cards in the deck. That is why I've had a hard time finding any decent list to share on here (still building my own at the meantime)
Charizard will still be my pet project but the no Turn 1 supporter rule does put me off. And with OCIC in mind (if I'm allowed to go due to the ongoing virus here in Singapore), I have been focusing mainly on decks that have had success in Japan. I honestly believe the format will revolve around Mew3/Maly, ADP/Zacian, PikaRom and Blacephalon UNB.
I hope those of you who read this will have found this helpful in any way and thank you for reading and checking out my latest blog. And if you are going to the Oceania International Championships, see you there!
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