With the release of the new Triumphant Light set in Pokémon TCG Pocket, several standout cards are capturing attention in competitive play and the latest Emblem Event, where achieving five consecutive wins is crucial for reaching the top tier. As ranked matches loom on the horizon, players are eagerly testing various deck combinations, aiming to conquer the current meta or surprise opponents with unexpected strategies. One card already making waves is Arceus Ex, known for its potent attack that can inflict up to 130 damage in a single strike. However, this card has a notable vulnerability, which an uncommon card from the set can exploit with remarkable ease.
Triumphant Light, despite comprising only 75 cards, has introduced numerous powerful options into the mix. Key highlights include Leafeon Ex, Irida, and Shaymin with its Sky Support ability. Among them, Arceus Ex stands out for its adaptability, capable of attacking with any type of Energy as long as three are attached. This versatility has led to increased success for decks like those featuring Dialga Ex, prompting players to seek effective counters. Surprisingly, one such counter is the uncommon Sudowoodo from the set.
Despite Sudowoodo’s infamous struggles against water in-game, this new version is making waves in the Pokémon TCG Pocket meta. Its attack, Fighting Headbutt, costs just one Energy and deals 20 damage, with an additional 30 against Ex cards. Given Arceus Ex’s weakness to Fighting-type moves, Sudowoodo can deliver a staggering 70 damage with just one attack, presenting a formidable challenge to Arceus Ex and many other Ex cards in the meta.
Adding Lucario into the mix, especially in a Fighting deck, amplifies Sudowoodo’s potential even further. Lucario’s ability, Fighting Coach, boosts the damage of all Fighting-type attacks by 20. With two Lucario on the bench and Sudowoodo in action, you can inflict up to 90 damage on any Ex Pokémon before factoring in weaknesses and other buffs, like using Giovanni. If a Rocky Helmet is equipped, Sudowoodo can ensure a knockout if it faces an attack from Arceus Ex.
While this scenario is ideal, it’s important to note that dealing 70 damage for one Energy to a top-tier Pokémon is no small feat. Sudowoodo’s vulnerability to Grass-type attacks does make it susceptible to cards like Leafeon Ex and Celebi Ex, both capable of defeating it quickly. Nonetheless, Sudowoodo remains a disruptive force in the meta, given the prominence of Ex cards.
With just a single Lucario on the bench, Sudowoodo can consistently eliminate most Ex cards with two hits. Its ability to inflict 50 damage right from the first turn (if the opponent starts) makes it a strong choice in any Fighting deck. While incorporating Sudowoodo into decks with multiple Energy types can be challenging due to current restrictions, the Fighting type is particularly well-positioned for success at this time. As ranked matches in Pokémon TCG Pocket approach, the meta is bound to shift, and Sudowoodo could very well play a key role in these upcoming changes.
