Summary
Grass has received significant support and has been the dominant type in the best decks ofPokemon Pocketthroughout Space-Time Smackdown. Triumphant Light further expands Grass by introducing interesting one-point options as well as a new ex.
Grass still retains its usual traits, such as healing, but Triumphant Light has also introduced Grass types that are energy-efficient and capable of accelerating energy. Several Grass Pokemon are worth experimenting with due to their synergy with Pokemon like Arceus and Arceus ex.
7Mothim
A Colorless Option That Lacks Power
A common theme within Triumphant Light is Pokemon of different types being able to fit into various decks. Plant decks that use Water Energy have recently become viable, and colorless Grass types like Mothim are a growing example of this trend.
Mothim has some unique traits, such as no Retreat Cost, and it is one of the few Grass types weak to Lightning instead of Fire. However, Mothim’s modest attack means it will struggle against other Stage 1 Pokemon. Its strength lies in its flexibility, but it lacks the ability to make a significant impact on the board.
6Sunshine Cherrim
A Bit Too Fragile To Be Viable
60 damage is nothing to scoff at, and with an effect that allows Sunshine Cherrim to heal 20 HP, most Basics and Stage 1s in evolutionary lines pose little threat to it.
Unfortunately, Sunshine Cherrim lacks the durability to make the best use of its healing capabilities. It needs to get an early start to maximize its ability, but when combined with Erika and its attack effect, Cherrim can bully early-game Pokemon.
5Overcast Cherrim
A Cheap Way To Cast Confusion
While Overcast Cherrim isn’t as durable as Sunshine Cherrim, both are overall weak Pokemon. However, Overcast Cherrim has some utility, as it can apply Confusion for the cost of just one energy.
Since neither Cherrim is capable of knocking out meaningful Pokemon based on stats alone, applying a Special Condition becomes far more valuable, making Overcast Cherrim the best option available in Triumphant Light.
4Carnivine
Providing Sneaky Damage
Arceus might be overlooked due to the much flashier Arceus ex as the centerpiece of a deck. Most of the Pokemon thatsynergize with Arceus and Arceus exare not ex Pokemon, meaning a one-point deck might be the best way to maximize their value. Carnivine can hit for 50 damage with just one energy when Arceus and Arceus ex are in play, a damage range typically only achieved by evolutions like MI Primeape for the same energy cost.
However, Carnivine is unimpressive outside of its connection with Arceus and may become a liability after the first two or three rounds, as it has no way to scale its damage.
3Vespiquen
A Hard-Counter To Darkrai Ex
To compensate for its unusually high attack, Vespiquen deals considerable damage to itself. Fortunately, Grass is the best typing for healing, withSTSD Shaymin providing passive recoveryand Erika offering the largest single heal. Vespiquen’s recoil damage shouldn’t be a major concern for players who use it properly, as it is best positioned as a finisher.
Thanks to its typing, Vespiquen’s 120 damage allows it to take down one of the most popular tournament Pokemon, Darkrai ex, in a single turn. It can also benefit from Giovanni, enabling it to knock out Celebi ex, giving Vespiquen a strong matchup against the two best decks in Pokemon Pocket.
2Heracross
Barry Turns Heracross Into A Weapon
One-point decks are just as viable a strategy as those that rely on ex Pokemon. In a Grass deck, Heracross is the best option for a Basic Pokemon that isn’t an ex. While three energy for 50 damage is costly, the chance to flip for 120 damage is significant. Most Pokemon capable of dealing 120 damage are evolutions or require four energy—often both.
Barry is a support card that reduces the energy cost of Heracross’s attack by two. With just one energy, you have a chance to one-shot Pikachu ex. Barry can also jumpstart your offense while you build up energy naturally for later rounds.
1Leafeon ex
Overwhelm Your Opponent Quickly
The first ex Eeveelutions were introduced in Triumphant Light, with Leafeon ex being one of thebest Pokemon in the expansion. Leafeon ex can generate its own energy, allowing it to deal 70 damage within two turns. It can continue building energy on itself, which, combined with its low retreat cost, enables a hit-and-run strategy while Dawn reallocates energy to other powerful Grass types like Celebi ex and Venusaur ex.
Leafeon ex has enough HP to withstand attacks from Dialga ex and Gyarados ex. Giant Cape pushes its HP past the 150 threshold, which is crucial in matchups against Palkia ex. With Grass support cards like Erika, Leafeon ex is surprisingly durable for a Pokemon focused on energy efficiency.
