Pokemon TCG Tier List 2023, Best Standard Decks Ranked
by P Nandhini
Updated Jul 04, 2023
Pokemon TCG Tier List Guide
The ever-evolving Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) owes much of its growth to the dedicated player community. With frequent releases of new expansions and card sets, players can constantly update and refine their decks, leading to the emergence of innovative strategies. Regular championships and tournaments further contribute to the development of new ideas within the competitive meta.
Given the dynamic nature of the Pokemon TCG, determining the top decks can be challenging as the landscape evolves rapidly. However, certain decks have shown great promise, particularly in recent events like the North American International Championship and its preceding competitions. While it's important to note that the rankings may shift over time, exploring some of the current top-performing decks in the Pokemon TCG provides valuable insights into their competitive standing.
Pokemon TCG Tier List
Tier
Deck Options
S
Lost Zone Box, Gardevoir ex, Arceus VSTAR, Lugia Archeops, Inteleon VMAX
A
Chien-Pao Baxcalibur, Miraidon ex, Darkrai VSTAR, Giratina VSTAR, Hisuian Goodra VSTAR, Dialga VSTAR
B
Palkia VSTAR, Control Box, Snorlax Stall, Kyurem VMAX, Rapid Strike Urshifu, Blaziken VMAX, Regidrago VSTAR
C
Eternatus VMAX, Eldegoss Control, Wild Freeze Articuno, Dynamotor Flaaffy, Zacian V, Mewtwo V-Union
In the S-Tier, decks like Lost Zone Box, Gardevoir ex, Arceus VSTAR, Lugia Archeops, and Inteleon VMAX offer a multitude of advantages and excel in energy flexibility, dealing with various deck types, and countering VSTAR/VMAX compositions.
Moving to the A-Tier, Chien-Pao Baxcalibur, Miraidon ex, Darkrai VSTAR, Giratina VSTAR, Hisuian Goodra VSTAR, and Dialga VSTAR decks possess the capability to dominate matches and accumulate prize cards quickly, showcasing their strength in the Standard format.
The B-Tier consists of decks such as Palkia VSTAR, Control Box, Snorlax Stall, Kyurem VMAX, Rapid Strike Urshifu, Blaziken VMAX, and Regidrago VSTAR. While these decks may have their flaws, they still perform well and exhibit versatility against a variety of opponents, requiring players to be knowledgeable about their decks and wary of counters.
Finally, in the C-Tier, we have decks like Eternatus VMAX, Eldegoss Control, Wild Freeze Articuno, Dynamotor Flaaffy, Zacian V, and Mewtwo V-Union. Although these decks may have fallen out of favor or lack flexibility, they can still surprise opponents and achieve dominant moments when piloted by skilled players who stick to the deck's game plan.
Pokémon Trading Card Game (PTCG)
The Pokémon Trading Card Game (PTCG or Pokémon TCG) is a collectible card game that originated in Japan in October 1996. Developed by Creatures Inc., the game is based on the popular Pokémon franchise. It was initially published in Japan by Media Factory and later brought to the United States by Wizards of the Coast. In June 2003, Nintendo took over the publishing rights, transferring them to The Pokémon Company.
Since its inception, the Pokémon TCG has gained immense popularity, with over 52.9 billion cards sold worldwide as of March 2023. The game allows players to collect and trade cards featuring various Pokémon characters, engaging in strategic battles with their opponents. With its rich history and ever-growing card collection, the Pokémon TCG continues to captivate fans around the globe.
Pokémon Trading Card Game Gameplay
The Pokémon Trading Card Game is a strategic card game where players assume the role of Pokémon Trainers. Played on a designated playmat, each player chooses an Active Pokémon and battles their opponent's Active Pokémon. If a Pokémon sustains enough damage and reaches or exceeds its HP, it is considered "Knocked Out". The victor of the battle earns Prize cards, usually one per opponent's Knocked Out Pokémon.
Some special card mechanics offer higher Prize card rewards. The objective is to collect six Prize cards for an instant win. Alternatively, players can win by Knocking Out all of their opponent's Bench Pokémon or if the opponent is unable to draw cards from their deck during their turn.
Pokemon TCG Tier List - FAQs
The Pokemon TCG Tier List is a ranking system that categorizes decks based on their performance and competitiveness in the current meta.
Decks are ranked in tiers, namely S, A, B, and C, based on their strength, versatility, and success in recent tournaments and championships.
The S-Tier decks in the Pokemon TCG Tier List include Lost Zone Box, Gardevoir ex, Arceus VSTAR, Lugia Archeops, and Inteleon VMAX.
The A-Tier decks consist of Chien-Pao Baxcalibur, Miraidon ex, Darkrai VSTAR, Giratina VSTAR, Hisuian Goodra VSTAR, and Dialga VSTAR.
Decks such as Palkia VSTAR, Control Box, Snorlax Stall, Kyurem VMAX, Rapid Strike Urshifu, Blaziken VMAX, and Regidrago VSTAR are part of the B-Tier.