Thanks for the comment, Jane! It’s definitely exciting to see how the metagame is evolving. I’ve been keeping an eye on Pokecabook too, and it’s so interesting to watch which decks and archetypes start thriving in this environment. Can’t wait to see what creative builds emerge! ✨

The hope is that Budew fosters a healthier, more balanced format where aggro, control, and setup/combo strategies can coexist. The gameplay could become richer and more rewarding, but we’ll need to watch out for potential abuse cases.

What do you think, good design or risky gamble?

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.

This has been my favourite card from Scarlet and Violet block and one of my favourite Pokemon of all times

That's cool! Are community driven retro formats like RS-PK or Prop 15/3 also planned to be supported in twinleaf?

I was really curious to try them, unfortunately I didn't manage to attend one yet
One thing that I think makes it difficult for a 4 player commander format in Pokemon is the way prize cards are designed that wouldn't translate as well as life points

If you mean humans in Pokémon cards yes, they're usually drawn with their Pokémons, but the cards are still referring to the Pokémon, Enamorus is the signature Pokémon of Cogita in this case.

Yes, if so my recommendation to start having a grasp on the game is Raging Bolt, it is a good way to start playing because is very straightforward and teaches you the basics of PTCG strategy like sequencing and prize mapping, the con is that right now the cards are a bit expensive if you play IRL

Mewtwo ex could fit well in a Xatu engine deck, the base concept is that energy is your main draw source, spread energy on your Pokémon to stack damage, i am playing a version of Espathra ex that is currently using Mewtwo but i could also see it being a standalone deck, you should give it a try!

The man is spitting facts