Powerful New Pokemon TCG Cards Inspired by Unexpected Rival

The upcoming Battle Partners set from the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), which is part of the English Journey Together expansion, is set to introduce a range of powerful new Owner Pokémon cards featuring one of the franchise’s most divisive rivals. This expansion highlights the unique mechanics of Owner Pokémon, which incorporate a human character’s name, such as Iono’s Voltorb, making them distinct from their standard counterparts for evolution and gameplay effects.

Recent card reveals from Battle Partners were shared on the r/PokemonTCG subreddit and have been translated by sources like PokeBeach. Among these are new Owner Pokémon cards centered around Hop, a prominent rival from the Pokémon Sword and Shield series.

Hop’s Zacian ex and Iono’s Kilowattrel SAR and AR Revealed by u/JersenPyro in PokemonTCG

Hop’s Growing Team in Pokémon TCG Pocket

Among the notable cards is Hop’s Zacian ex, featuring the ability Close Cleave, which inflicts 30 damage to a Bench Pokémon for a single Energy. It also boasts the powerful Brave Slash attack, dealing 240 damage but requiring four Energy and a one-turn cooldown following its use.

Additionally, the introduction of the Postwick Stadium card enhances gameplay; while in play, all of Hop’s Pokémon inflict an extra 30 damage when attacking an opponent’s Active Pokémon, though it does not apply to the Close Cleave attack.

Another inclusion is Hop’s Snorlax, utilizing the Big Belly Ability to add 30 damage to its attacks against Active Pokémon, and its Dynamic Press attack delivers 140 damage for three Energy. Similarly, Hop’s Cramorant can deal 120 damage for just one Energy—but only under the condition that the opposing player has 3 or 4 Prize Cards remaining.

The set also features Hop’s Wooloo, which can execute a 50 damage attack at the cost of three Energy, and it can evolve into Hop’s Dubwool, upgrading its attack to 80 damage. Hop’s Dubwool further enhances strategy by allowing players to switch an opponent’s Active Pokémon upon evolution, reminiscent of Sabrina from Pokémon Pocket.

To alleviate the Energy requirements, players can utilize Hop’s Choice Band Tool, which decreases Colorless Energy costs by one and provides an additional 30 damage boost. This strategic card adds versatility to Hop’s deck composition.

The decision to release several cards focused on Hop may come as a surprise, given his polarizing reputation among fans. Many consider him one of the more frustrating rivals, often interrupting gameplay with his simplistic story arc.

Fans are hopeful that more beloved characters, hinted for inclusion in this set such as Ethan and Misty, will also receive comparable support when their cards are revealed as part of Battle Partners and Journey Together.

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