But there’s a catch: Budew can be exploited. Decks using alternative win conditions, like damage from Abilities could abuse Item Lock to stifle opponents while avoiding traditional combat altogether.

Overall, Budew helps slow the format, encouraging thoughtful decision-making. Comeback mechanics, a clear design goal for the Scarlet & Violet era, will feel more impactful as decks adapt to longer, more strategic games.

This change pushes players toward mid-game planning:

• Stage 2 decks might lean on middle evolutions more.
• Stage 1 decks, already less reliant on Items, gain new viability.
• Turbo decks lose their dominance as they can’t spam Items to outpace others.

Budew’s zero-energy, item-locking attack changes the game. By providing every deck with turn 1 access to Item Lock, it levels the playing field. Turbo decks lose their overwhelming speed, forcing everyone to slow down and rethink setup strategies.

With Basic decks like Raging Bolt ex or Miraidon ex attacking on turn 1, and Stage 2 Pokémon viable by turn 2, Stage 1 Pokémon suffered. Designed as a balance between ease of setup and power, they became outclassed in both speed and strength.

Recently, Pokémon TCG has leaned toward high-item-count decks. Consistency and turbo setups from turn 1 became the norm. Decks built to maximize firepower and speed dominated, relying on Items to streamline every phase of the game.

Budew is a format-warping card, and here's why that’s mostly a good thing for the game. Let’s break down the design decisions behind it and its impact on deckbuilding, pacing, and strategy. 🧵
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This has been my favourite card from Scarlet and Violet block and one of my favourite Pokemon of all times

Pulled these two from random packs right before heading to Stuttgart. Coincidence or a sign? 👀

#PokemonTCG

The only card I will really miss when rotation will hit in 2025 will be the Thorton.
This card is really great design, being able to access to this types of comebacks is really healthy for the game and gives dimensionality to evolution based decks.
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Would you be interested in a way to play the Pokémon TCG that allows for multiple players to play at the same time like the Commander format in Magic the Gathering? Have you ever tried or experienced something similar? Feel free to discuss it here
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Have been testing with Enamorus V lately, preventing effects of abilities is really strong right now but setting it set up is really though.
You can protect (usually) one card with >=70HP and you should use psychic energies, so many restrictions.
Has anyone been successful with it in their testing?