A new card just made Pokémon TCG Pocket's strongest type even stronger
Irida card boosts Pokémon TCG Pocket's Water-type, doubling healing power and enhancing competitive play.
In the highly popular Pokémon TCG Pocket, new expansions continually introduce new strategies and card combinations, seeking to maintain a balance of power among deck types. The game, known for its strategic depth and evolving meta, has recently seen a significant shift with the introduction of the Irida card in the Arceus-themed expansion, Triumphant Light. The card's ability to heal 40 damage from each Pokémon with attached Water-Type energy presents a substantial advantage, particularly for Water-type decks. The Irida card is discussed extensively in Chris Tapsell's feature, highlighting its potential to alter the dynamics of competitive play.
The strength of the Irida card lies in its capacity to heal 40HP from each Pokémon with Water-Type energy, effectively doubling the impact of current standard items like Potions, which only heal 20HP. This capacity is surpassed only by the Erika card, which is restricted to Grass-type Pokémon. By benefiting multiple Water-type Pokémon simultaneously, Irida has the potential to nullify the strategy of dealing chip damage across various Pokémon—a commonly employed tactic by dominant decks such as Darkrai EX and Palkia EX. Tapsell explains that this card can significantly alter the outcome of battles by countering damage effectively.
One of the crucial aspects highlighted by Chris Tapsell is the broad applicability of the Irida card. Unlike the Erika card, which is limited to a specific type, the Irida card's effects extend to any Pokémon with Water-type energy, regardless of its actual type. This makes the card more versatile and applicable across various strategic configurations, reinforcing Water decks' dominance in the current meta. According to Tapsell, the game's strategy diversity allows players to experiment with different deck combinations to counter the growing popularity of Water decks reinforced by Irida.
Despite this boost in healing power, the versatility of Water decks continues to be a topic of debate. While it showcases a range of effective Pokémon like Starmie, Gyarados, and Articuno, the balance between different deck types remains essential for maintaining the strategic depth that Pokémon TCG Pocket is celebrated for. Tapsell highlights how this new card could drive a shift toward Water decks being perceived as overly powerful, necessitating players to innovate new strategies for effective counterplay.
Ultimately, in the words of Tapsell, the game's appeal lies in its ability to offer diverse battles and unexpected gameplay developments, necessitating continuous adaptation and exploration of fresh strategies. As with any evolving game meta, the introduction of new cards like Irida invites players to explore novel combinations and refine their approach, embracing both the challenge and the thrill of competitive innovation.
Sources: Eurogamer, TCPi