The next English Mega Evolution Pokémon TCG release is coming in January, with the Pokémon set Ascended Heroes, and it looks like it might actually be bringing back a VIP (Very Important Psyduck). That's right, it's the damp Psyduck, a card that, right now, is annoyingly hard to find an English copy of.
The damp Psyduck released in Japan in a Glory of Team Rocket promo in April, and immediately became a pretty important card. That's because its ability, Damp, shuts down any ability that causes the Pokémon that used it to knock itself out.
This includes Dusknoir, whose Cursed Blast power makes it a strong player on the competitive scene. It's often found in Dragapult ex decks, to help them target the bench and wipe out supporting 'mons or even high HP Pokémon cards.
We didn't get an English version of this card until September, creating a weird rift between the Japanese and English metagame. When it did finally show up, copies were snapped up fast because the card was only found as a promo in a three-pack blister box - it wasn't a part of the main TCG set.
That means this is one of the very few cards in Pokémon that have gotten a little pricey, not because they have amazing artwork, but because they are really good in competitive play. The promo is going for more than $10, which - given that we're not talking about a rare Pokémon card - is really something. But it's frustrating for Pokémon players who have to try and track down a copy.
Fortunately it looks like this water-type is getting a reprint, as Japanese previews reveal it's in their MEGA Dream ex set. In fact, the Psyduck is even getting its own Illustration Rare to bling out your deck, so you can shut down ghosts and look good doing it.
Now before you get too excited, only the Japanese version of the card has been revealed right now. Ascended Heroes is the English equivalent to MEGA Dream ex, so logically it would make sense for the card to be included, but who knows? It's possible it was left out. It's possible the Pokémon Company is trying out some sort of twisted psychological experiment, seeing what happens when this Psyduck is dangled tantalizingly in front of us, just out of reach, for as long as possible. We can't rule it out, that's all I'm saying.
But even without 100% confirmation that's it's coming worldwide, I'll be quietly celebrating this perfect Pokémon, the confused psychic duck with a headache, getting yet another great art piece.
What's your favorite IR of recent sets? Come let us know on the Wargamer Discord. Me? I'm a big fan of the Phantasmal Flames Dugong - though it helps that I pulled one!