Sleeper OP Card in Pokemon TCG Terastal Fest ex Set Set to Dominate the Meta

A particular Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) card from the Terastal Fest ex set is making waves in the competitive scene in Japan, and there’s widespread anticipation for its impact in the English-speaking market. Its standout ability to neutralize an entire card type has garnered significant attention from players and strategists alike.

In the Pokémon TCG, decks can include both Item and Supporter cards. While Supporter cards are generally more impactful, players are restricted to one use per turn. In contrast, Item cards can be played repeatedly as long as they are drawn, making them integral to most decks.

The Budew card from the Japanese Terastal Fest ex set has emerged as a powerful staple, striking fear into the hearts of players. Recent reports indicate that Budew was featured in over 50% of more than 1440 decks analyzed, underscoring its dominance in the current meta, according to Pokecabook.

Budew in Pokémon Legends Arceus — Game Freak / The Pokémon Company

Don’t let that adorable appearance deceive you—Budew is a formidable presence in the Pokémon TCG.

Budew: The Dreaded Item Card Disruptor

At first glance, Budew might seem underwhelming. This 30 HP Grass-type Pokémon only boasts one attack that inflicts a mere 10 damage. However, its true potential lies in the Itchy Pollen attack, which comes with a unique twist: it prevents opponents from playing any Item cards from their hand on their next turn. This ability can significantly hinder the opponent’s strategy, forcing them to focus solely on eliminating Budew.

What makes Budew especially versatile is that the Itchy Pollen attack requires no Grass Energy to execute. This feature allows it to fit seamlessly into almost any deck configuration, not just Grass-based ones, which explains its widespread usage in tournaments.

The capacity to block Item card usage disrupts access to powerful cards like Rare Candy, Ultra Ball, or VS Seeker, creating a substantial advantage for players utilizing Budew. Despite its modest stats, this card wielding such a significant impact could lead to potential restrictions or bans in Japan, a measure likely to be mirrored in English tournaments upon its international release.

Additionally, with the Pokémon TCG Pocket gaining immense popularity, there are inquiries about when Budew will be introduced in that format. Given the smaller deck sizes in Pocket, Budew’s disruptive capabilities could establish it as just as lethal there, posing challenges for its inclusion in mobile gameplay.

As the Pokémon TCG continues to evolve, the emergence of cards like Budew highlights the dynamic nature of competitive play. Players are advised to keep an eye on this card as it transitions into different formats, as it may reshape strategies and player interactions across the board.