The release of the Triumphant Light set in Pokemon TCG Pocket brought a refreshing wave of change for competitive players, introducing an array of powerhouse cards that are quickly finding their way into top-tier decks. In correspondence with the Emblem Event’s challenge of securing five straight victories, players are honing their strategies, whether to dominate the emerging meta or dismantle popular decks with unexpected tactics. Among these new additions, Arceus Ex stands out as a formidable card, capable of unleashing a massive 130 damage in a single attack. However, it has a vulnerability that an otherwise overlooked A2a uncommon card can exploit effectively.
Despite its limited size of just 75 cards, Triumphant Light managed to enrich the gaming experience with impactful cards like Leafeon Ex, Irida, and Shaymin with Sky Support, among others. Arceus Ex, in particular, has become a staple in many decks due to its ability to unleash attacks using any type of Energy—provided it has three attached. Decks revolving around Dialga Ex have seen a surge in performance by integrating Arceus Ex. Yet, players eager to counter this trend have found an unlikely ally in the form of the new, uncommon Sudowoodo.
Despite the humor of Sudowoodo’s infamous water woes, its latest incarnation in Triumphant Light is making waves in the Pokemon TCG Pocket scene. Its attack, Fighting Headbutt, is a game-changer, requiring just 1 Energy to deal 20 damage, with an additional 30 damage against Ex cards. Given Arceus Ex’s weakness to Fighting-type attacks, Sudowoodo can knock out 70 damage with one Energy, making it an excellent counter not only to Arceus Ex but to other Ex cards dominating the scene.
Building on this, a Lucario-centered Fighting deck can take Sudowoodo’s potential to unparalleled heights. Lucario has an ability, Fighting Coach, that increases the damage of attacks from all Fighting-type Pokemon by 20. With two Lucarios on standby, an active Sudowoodo can dish out 90 damage against Ex Pokemon even before accounting for weaknesses and additional boosts from cards like Giovanni. A fully optimized Sudowoodo can deal up to 120 damage to Arceus Ex, and if equipped with a Rocky Helmet, it could potentially secure a knockout if Arceus Ex retaliates.
Even outside this ideal setting, Sudowoodo is impressive; dealing 70 damage for just one Energy against a top-tier Pokemon is noteworthy. However, it faces challenges from its own weaknesses. With a vulnerability to Grass-type attacks, newer decks featuring Leafeon Ex and Celebi Ex pose a significant threat. Leafeon Ex can dispatch it with Solar Beam in one move, and Celebi Ex could potentially do the same with two Energy, assuming luck with coin flips. Yet, given the current proliferation of Ex cards, Sudowoodo remains a formidable disruptor.
With just one Lucario on the bench, Sudowoodo is capable of dispatching most Ex cards with just two hits and has the chance to start dealing 50 damage to opponents on turn one if they begin the match. While it might be challenging to incorporate into multi-type decks due to energy constraints, Fighting-type builds are currently well-positioned. Upcoming ranked matches in Pokemon TCG Pocket could shift the landscape, and Sudowoodo looks poised to play a significant role in the evolving meta.
