Secluded Springs has arrived, and just like everyone else I'm scrambling to collect the key cards and figure out the best decks. Though after the first week it seems like there's only one card making it in the big leagues, this Pokémon Pocket set has plenty of interesting options to try out. Here are some of the strongest options - cards that we think have potential now and further down the line.
Suicune ex
We'll mention this one at the top since it is obviously the best card in the set. The beast trio of Legendary Pokémon have a ridiculously good ability, rivalling Sylveon as the best card draw in the game.
And of the three, Suicune has the best move. Your opponent can't really avoid playing Pokémon to the bench if they want to pursue their own gameplan, which powers up Suicune to deal at least 80-120 damage with every attack. Right now this card has simply replaced Sylveon in the Greninja/Giratina deck. There is a counter though - playing decks with few Pokémon, like Darktina.
Mantyke
It's one set late, but water finally has a baby Pokémon! Since water tends to have some of the most energy intensive attacks, I'd be shocked if this isn't an important Pokémon at some stage.
Poliwrath ex
A rather situational ex that works great with the baby Pokémon we just covered, as it needs the help to hit three energy. This Pokémon can get up to 180 damage if you also have a Politoed, but - while fun - I doubt this deck has the consistency to be particularly competitive.
Zangoose
While it crumbles against fighting types, this is effectively a better Druddigon, able to attack and retreat much more easily. Now, Druddigon doesn't actually see any play at the moment, but this is still a neat little card to have access to.
Raikou ex
It was mocked when Secluded Spring's trailer came out for dealing the least damage of the three legendary beasts, but I think Raikou might actually be underrated. With water receiving a significant buff, the electric type will have a favorable type matchup pretty often, and the ability to deal damage to a Pokémon sitting safe on the bench can win games.
Jumpluff ex
Aside from Suicune, this is the standout ex of the set for me. With plenty of HP and an attack that hides you behind your wall, it's going to be super aggravating to face, as your opponent just won't be able to catch it and bring it down.
The colorless energy cost is also a massive bonus as it means Jumpluff can be paired with lots of different Pokémon. The obvious one is to play it with Oricorio to make ex decks cry.
Memory Light
While I'm not sure how strong it is, Memory Light is without a doubt the most interesting card in this set. It's a Poketool that lets its wearer use the attacks of their preevolution. I haven't seen a specific deck coalesce around this ability yet, but there are a hundred different intriguing options from using Donphan ex with the new Phanpy or Gyarados ex with Magikarp's 'Leap Out' power.
If you're interested in the best Pokémon cards in the physical TCG, you might enjoy our list of the most valuable rare Pokémon cards ever. And if you haven't checked out the Wargamer Discord yet, you're missing out!