Destroyed

In the world of trading card games like Pokemon TCG Pocket, the strategic landscape (or “meta”) is consistently changing due to the introduction of new expansions such as Mythical Island and Space-Time Smackdown. Initially, cards like Genetic Apex Pikachu ex, Mewtwo ex, and Misty supporting Articuno ex and Starmie ex were highly popular, but with each new release, new stars emerged. For instance, Celebi ex and Serperior took center stage in Mythical Island. However, the latest expansion, Space-Time Smackdown, has brought forth fresh challenges. While Darkrai ex has risen as one of the most powerful Pokemon cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket, another card has disrupted a crucial meta aspect that is compatible with all decks.

In the Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket version, matches are played with a limited selection of cards and victory points, which makes games speedier and more dependent on single or just a few strategies. When a card has the ability to thwart one of the game’s crucial strategies, it can significantly alter the overall playing style or meta.

Cyrus has destroyed pivot meta and I’m not a fan
byu/Pristine-Ad2373 inPTCGP

As a devoted fan, I’d like to emphasize that the pivot meta is a crucial element in the Pokémon TCG Pocket experience, and the recent introduction of the Cyrus Trainer card in the Space-Time Smackdown booster pack has significantly altered this dynamic. The Cyrus card allows for a damaged Pokémon to be moved into the active spot, effectively thwarting the defensive switching strategy that’s been a cornerstone of the pivot meta.

A frequent tactic involves deploying a regular Pokémon to secure initial points or delay, and then replacing it when it gets hurt. Conversely, weak Pokémon might be used initially to establish stronger ones later on. The crucial aspect of this approach is swapping your frontline Pokémon to the bench before your opponent can knock it out, ensuring it’s ready for a return when needed.

Instead, Cyrus takes out a damaged Pokemon of your choice, unlike Sabrina. This means you can choose to replace that Pokemon with any weak one you have. You can employ this tactic to eliminate an almost-defeated enemy Pokemon or to bring in a weakened normal Pokemon. Both approaches can help you secure the final victory points and ultimately win the game.

In a particularly harmful combination, Cyrus and Sabrina prove to be formidable opponents. Sabrina has the ability to introduce a Pokemon into the active field, allowing damage to be inflicted on it. If the adversary switches this Pokemon back to their bench, the player can use Cyrus to re-summon it and deliver the final blow.

Cyrus works great alongside cards such as Greninja and Spiritomb, which can harm Pokémon on the sidelines. Employing this combo enables players to bypass the active Pokémon entirely and swiftly secure the victory points required to clinch the game.

Currently, there aren’t many effective strategies against Cyrus other than having sufficient healing abilities to fully rejuvenate any possible targets. Given the high health of ex Pokemon, only grass-type decks stand a chance of achieving this.

Players are eagerly anticipating a new strategy against Cyrus in the upcoming pack, which could revitalize or at least make viable once more the pivot meta. One potential card for this role is Mr. Fuji, as it enables players to reshuffle any Pokemon and their attached cards back into their deck, thereby preventing Cyrus from transferring them to the active slot.

It remains to be seen if a counter to Cyrus appears in the world of Pokemon TCG Pocket. In the meantime, players should exercise caution when switching their Pokemon, since Cyrus has proven to be one of the strongest cards in the Space-Time Smackdown expansion.

Read More

2025-02-05 19:43