Following weeks of rumormongering and speculation that pointed to a Generation 3-themed expansion, "Pokémon TCG Pocket" has finally dropped a new theme: the new Celestial Guardians set will put the limelight on Gen 7's Alola region.
Released on April 30, the new update brings two unique booster variants: one centered around Solgaleo and the other around Lunala.
What is more exciting is not these legendary cards. A possible meta-defining card, Alolan Raichu Ex, is on its way.
Celestial Guardians Introduces a Meta-Defining Threat
The Celestial Guardians expansion follows the game-altering Shining Revelry, which added the all-conquering Giratina Ex, a Basic card with impressive stats and a meta-altering power.
With Giratina Ex's Broken-Space Hollow providing unrestricted Psychic Energy creation, some of the top decks came out and started owning the competitive scene.
But now, Alolan Raichu Ex might be the solution players have been looking for.
Alolan Raichu Ex: The Universal Counter
Alolan Raichu Ex can change the meta due to its high stats and versatile utility. At 140 HP, it can withstand tough attacks.
What's more, its Psychic Attack has a 60 base damage, plus an additional 30 for every Energy attached to the opponent's Active Pokémon. Even more special, it needs three of any Energy type, making it easily splashed into nearly any deck.
This sheer compatibility with any deck captures the essence of other versatile staples such as Magnezone, Druddigon, and even Giratina Ex. With a mere Pikachu pre-evolution, Alolan Raichu Ex is a deadly force that can be easily paired with any strategy.
A Deadlier Threat to Top-Tier Decks
Many of the current meta favorites, including Darkrai Ex, Giratina Ex, and Gyarados Ex, all require multiple Energy to function effectively. This makes them prime targets for Alolan Raichu Ex's scaling damage.
For example, according to GameRant, Giratina Ex is vulnerable to a one-hit KO if it has 3+ Energy attached. On the other hand, Gyarados Ex, a Water-type powerhouse requiring 4 Energy, is weak to Electric types, making it a free prize for Alolan Raichu Ex.
With support cards such as Giant Cape, Raichu is actually able to survive counterattacks from more powerful hitters.
The Meta Will Have to Get Used to It—Quickly
The release of Celestial Guardians is making deckbuilders recalculate energy management which means excess Energy on the Active Pokémon might translate to instant knockouts.
There's also a bench strategy. Alolan Raichu can punish build-up strategies. Tech Choices are also considered in the context that cards such as Druddigon might return as good counters for this budding threat.
Though not unbeatable, Alolan Raichu Ex is efficient, easy to incorporate, and lethal counter potential make it a cut above the rest in the new set. The Ranked mode will never be the same by the time it comes.
