Sure thing, I’ll give it a go.
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So, guess what’s cooking in the Pokémon TCG scene? Yeah, the Eevee Grove set — been out for like… what feels like ages, though it’s only a couple of weeks. I mean, unless you’re hunting for some random card to finish your deck, maybe it’s time to hoard those Hourglasses. I swear, I have no clue what’s next in line this July. Could be Gen 2, maybe Gen 3? Who even knows at this point? But really, can we please just get some solid Fighting cards already? ‘Cause, to be honest, they’ve been M.I.A. since Triumphant Light.
Okay, not saying there’s nothing good in the Fighting lineup — but man, it’s like watching paint dry. The variety just isn’t there, ya know? Only a couple of decks see any action, with cards plucked from Space-Time Smackdown or the good ole Triumphant Light. And sure, Lucario Ex from Shining Revelry had its moments, but the rest… not so much. How are we supposed to compete when the only noteworthy Ex cards since then are Passimian Ex and Lycanroc Ex? Anyway — oh, right! — don’t forget about Rampardos or Garchomp Ex if you’re real about it.
Rampardos, though. Kind of a big deal, right? Been smashing things up since Space-Time Smackdown dropped, early ‘25. Feels like nothing tops its non-Ex status, given it’s packing 150 HP and dishes out 130 damage for just one Fighting Energy. Only catch? A 50 recoil if you land a KO. Still, nothing a little planning can’t handle. And it’s not like getting Rampardos out there is a huge drama thanks to that handy Rare Candy in Celestial Guardians. Set it up second turn and boom — you’re OP. Pair it with Silvally and well, that’s a deck to watch.
Speaking of which, the “half-Fighting” thing is real — Rampardos and Silvally, doing their thing. The Space-Time Smackdown set is worth a peek just for Rampardos alone, but it can’t rule forever. Seriously hoping July’s set brings a contender.
Then there’s Garchomp Ex, from back in the Triumphant Light set. Beefy at 170 HP and hits hard with two kinds of attacks. Linear Attack takes out 50 damage on any foe, even if they’re chilling on the bench. And Dragon Claw? It’s a whopper — 100 damage with some energy to spare.
Put these two together, and it’s like feeding bacon to a dog — magic happens. Sure, they’re both Stage 2 Pokémon, but Lillie’s got your back with that 60 heal thanks to her Supporter role. Oh! And Cyrus! Totally rounds out the strategy by yanking a benched Pokémon into the ring for a KO — don’t you love it when a plan comes together?
And that’s where I’ll leave it for now. Just hoping July surprises us with a set that doesn’t disappoint. Fingers crossed!