On July 15, the S11 Lost Abyss set was finally released in Japan. Because of the return of the Lost Zone mechanic, some of the cards in this set will have slightly different artwork.

 

Lost Zone is a mechanic that functions similarly to the discard pile, but you cannot recycle anything from it. It functions as a restricted zone because it is not included in the game area.

 

You can see the full list of S11 Lost Abyss set here:

As always, I will try to review this card from my point of view. 

Let's start with the review. Enjoy!

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Pokémon

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Venonat

The first card in this set will be Venonat. I think this card has nothing big to offer and is just straight a filler card I won’t rate this card. 

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Venomoth

Next, we have its evolution, Venomoth. It’s the same thing here because I don’t see any big thing to offer. Its first attack is also a coin flip which makes it worse. So, I won’t rate this card.

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Sunkern

Then we have the Sunflora line starting with Sunkern. I don’t think many people will try to attack with this card because most people will try to evolve it. I won’t rate this card.

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Sunflora

Then we have Sunflora itself. Its attack is actually useable because dealing 220 damage for a single-prize Pokemon is never a bad thing. Its attack is quite similar to the Hisuian Decidueye VSTAR attack but because Sunflora’s attack cost is 2 colourless energy, things are easier to set up. However, having 3 energy in your hand is quite hard so you may want to improvise a bit by using Eldegoss from Evolving Skies to maximize your damage output. You also get the chance to use the Zoroark line because Sunflora is a stage-1 Pokemon. Then, to make things easier, Sunflora’s HP is 90HP which is searchable using Level Ball. 

 

Once this card is released, I think this card may see some play and some people will definitely try to play this card. I will rate it 2.75/5.

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Seedot

Now we are into the Shiftry line starting with Seedot. I think people will just go straight to Shiftry and not bother with this card too much. Seedot will just be a base for Shiftry or Nuzleaf to evolve. Its attack is also nothing special. So, I won't rate it.

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Nuzleaf

Then we have Nuzleaf. I think there won't be many people who will play this card because people will likely skip Nuzleaf and go straight for Shiftry. Its attack is also not that great where you can just use Boss's Orders to gust and 30 damage won’t get you anywhere in this format. I won't rate this card.

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Shiftry

Then we have the final evolution, Shiftry. Its first attack is also not that great in my opinion, because the one who switches is your opponent, not yourself so you can’t choose any Pokémon.

 

We also have its second attack which I think is very strong because we rarely see an attack with 1 energy that does 210 damage. But because of its high attack cost, its effect may be a bit harsh because you need to put all cards that are attached to Shiftry to the Lost Zone. This may be a great way to increase your Lost Zone count if you fully play a Lost Zone deck. But if you play a non-Lost Zone deck, things may be hard for you because we still don’t have a recycling method from the Lost Zone (and we may never have it).

 

The other hard thing for Shiftry is that Shiftry is a stage-2 Pokémon which can be very hard to set up. Let’s just hope in the upcoming set we will get a more easy way to set up a stage-2 Pokémon. I will rate this car 2.5/5.

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Foongus

I won’t talk much about this card because I think Foongus will just be a base for evolving it to Amoongus. I won’t rate this card. 

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Amoongus

Then we have the evolution, Amoongus. Its ability is very unique because this card can help you to disrupt your opponent hand while you are getting disrupted. But I don’t think many people will try to play this card unless the format is heavily filled with control decks. Its attack is also not that great because you only deal 50 damage. I will rate this card 2.25/5.

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Durant

We have another Durant! But unfortunately, this Durant won’t be a milling card. Its first attack is just a simple energy search where I think you are better off with Energy Search or another Item card. Then its second attack is so-so without any special effect. I will rate this card 1.75/5.

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Phantump

I really like this card illustration. But as far as playability, I think Phantump will just be a base for Trevenant to evolve and won't see much play outside of that. I won't rate this card.

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Trevenant

Then we have Trevenant itself. Its ability is quite fun to have because you will be denying your opponent's Prize card. But the trick here is that you need to be knocked by damage and the damage is from a Pokémon V. Its ability also can be overcome using an attack from Duraludon VMAX or Mew VMAX where you ignore the effect that's going on the defending Pokémon. But still, this is an enjoyable ability to work with.

 

Then we have an attack which deals 150 damage. I think this attack is so-so because 150 won't get you anywhere and it doesn't knock out Pokémon VMAX in 2 turns. But I still think that this card may see some play because of its ability which is fun in my opinion. I will rate this card 2.75/5.

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Vulpix

Then we get to the Fire-type Pokemon starting with Vulpix. Its attack is actually very bad because you need to flip a coin in order to maximize your damage. But I do like its artwork, it’s cute. I won’t rate this card. 

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Ninetales

Then we have Ninetales. Looking at its attacks, I really don’t think that this car will see much play. I think you are still better off with Brilliant Stars Moltres or another viable Fire-type Pokemon. I don’t think I will rate this card but I guess even if you guys ask for it, I will only give it 1.5/5 just because its first attack may be a great attack for a control deck.

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Slugma

Then we have a Magcargo line starting from Slugma. Its attack is actually so-so because you can recycle Fire energy using your first attack. But its second attack cost is just too high for a basic Pokemon. I think Slugma will just be a base for evolving into Magcargo. I will rate this car 1.75/5.

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Magcargo

Then we have Magcargo itself. Its first attack is just a no because 30 damage will get you nowhere. But if you look at its second attack, some people may try to play it because with the help of Magma Basin you can easily fill those attack costs and moving 3 or more cards to the Lost Zone is quite much where you can easily hit the 10 cards mark. 

 

But, Magcargo is a stage-1 Pokemon which may take a lot of space and it is a Fire-type Pokemon which don’t work quite well with Giratina VSTAR or Sableye. However, I can still see some people will try to play it because 220 damage is sufficient enough to OHKO some of the basic Pokemon V. I will rate this card 2.25/5.

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Delphox V

Next, we have our first Pokemon V of this set, Delphox V. Its first attack is actually quite bad because as a Pokemon V, when you don’t deal any damage to the opponent, you may have a chance that you are giving your opponent a free 2-3 Prize cards and that can disrupt your prize trade strategy. But, I think you may sometimes use this attack if you play some kind of control and special conditions deck.  

 

Then we have the second attack. I think this attack is so-so because 3 energy is quite hard to achieve even with the help of Magma Basin because you can put yourself in an easier spot for the enemy to take the KO. But if you look at its effect, you may find this attack quite useful because you can do a snipe attack which can be very fun if you pair it with this set’s Sableye or Mimikyu. But still, Delphox V is a Fire-type Pokemon which is weak to Water-type Pokemon and Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR still becomes a tier 1 deck in the format. I will rate this card 2.5/5.

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Fletchinder

I don’t think I need to explain this card. There’s not much to see and since it is a stage-1 Pokemon from a stage-2 line, we will rarely see this card in play because Rare Candy is still in the format. I won’t rate it. 

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Talonflame

Then we have Talonflame. Both of its attacks are actually quite good if we look at their attack cost because you can easily use single Fire energy. But, I don’t think many people will try to use its first attack because the 50 damage snipe may be a bit small and people will just try to use its second attack. 

 

Now, its second attack is actually quite powerful if you combine it with other Pokemon like Sableye or Cramorant from this set. But because Talonflame is a stage-2 Pokemon, I don’t think people will try to consider this card too often. Why? Because we still have Absol from Astral Radiance or people will just go straight with Sableye and Cramorant combo where you can save a lot more space for the deck. I will rate this card 2.5/5.

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Seel

We are now into the Water-type Pokémon starting with Seel. I don't think you will use this card often unless you use it to evolve into Dewgong. I won't rate it.

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Dewgong

We finally have another Dewgong. Its first attack is just no because you need to flip a coin in order to be immune. But because there's a tech Pokémon that incorporates Dewgong's first attack name, I think it is a great thing to have this attack just to have its name so you can use a very fun engine that comes along in this set.

 

Then we have the second attack. 40 damage multiplier may seem a bit small, but if it comes from a single-prize Pokémon, I think it can be a powerful attack. You also have to consider the 'Free Swim' attack where you can have a potential OHKO to the opponent. 

 

I think this is a very fun and powerful card to play with because of the 'Free Swim' tech. I will rate this card 3/5.

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Horsea

Then we have the Kingdra line. I think Horsea won't be too much of a card because you will mainly use it as a base for evolving into Kingdra. I won't rate it.

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Seadra

Then we have another 'Free Swim' Pokémon. However, I don't think you will see Seadra as often as Degong because the damage multiplier is smaller even though it is a snipe attack. But I can see some deck may bring a 1-1 line of this card just for finishing off the opponent's bench Pokémon to take a win. I will rate this card 2.25/5.

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Kingdra

Next up is Kingdra. Looking at its ability, I think it is a good ability where you can use it to get you a fresh card or try to disrupt the opponent's hand. But because it is a stage-2 Pokémon, I don't think many people will try to play this card. But I do like this card and maybe this card can be good in the Gym Leader Challenge format. I will rate this card 2.5/5.

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Wailmer

Then, we have Wailmer. Its HP is one of the biggest for a basic single-prize Pokemon. But, I think its attack is a bit underwhelming because I think you will be better off evolving it to Wailord. Its second attack cost is also quite high and only deals 60 damage which is a bit low. I will rate this card 2/5.

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Wailord

Next up is the evolution, Wailord. Boy, 200HP for a single-prize Pokemon is just insane. Its ability also helps you to take less damage from your opponent. However, its attack cost is just astronomical. 4 energy will take at least 2 turns because you need to set up Frosmoth or another type of accelerator. But still, a potential of 240 damage is a very good damage to knock some of the Pokemon V or even a Pokemon VSTAR. But I just can’t see a quick way to accelerate this card so you can do a maximum damage potential. However, stalling or healing deck may use this card because 200HP on a single-prize Pokemon is not a joke. I will rate this card 2.5/5.

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Finneon

Then we have one of the stars for a single-prize Pokemon in this set, Finneon. Its ability is quite similar to Frosmoth but it becomes more specific and you can accelerate to any Pokemon as long you meet the requirement. Yes, the card pool is too limited right now, but I think there will be another Pokemon that utilize Finneon in the upcoming set (fingers crossed). This is a very fun engine to play around with because in Japan this engine manages to win some of the local tournaments. You should definitely try it once this card is released. I will rate this card 2.75/5.

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Lumineon

Then we have Lumineon who have the ‘Free Swim’ attack. However, I think people will still try to play Dewgong instead of Lumineon just because Dewgong’s damage potential is very big. I will rate this card 2/5.

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Kyurem V

Up next, we have the second Pokemon V in this set, Kyurem V. Its first attack is quite good in my opinion because if you manage to use it on your first turn and combine it with Capacious Bucket, you can do an insane amount of acceleration. That acceleration can turn to be a deadly attack if you evolve into Kyurem VMAX. However, its second attack is just no because I think that you will be better off evolving into Kyurem VMAX rather than attacking with Kyurem V because 140 isn’t getting anyone. I will rate this card 2.75/5.

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Kyurem VMAX

Then we have the VMAX counterpart, Kyurem VMAX. Its ability is quite similar to Coalossal VMAX’s attack but in the form of ability. It can be a very good ability because we still have Oranguru and you can easily accelerate any Water energy if you manage to find it on the top deck. Also, its ability is not limited to 1 Kyurem VMAX only, you can do it continuously as much as Kyurem you have on the board. However, because Kyurem VMAX is a rule box Pokemon, your ability can still be shut down by Path to the Peak. 

 

Now we look at its attack. Its attack is similar to Ice Rider Calyrex VMAX but has a higher attack cost yet a higher damage output. This can make Kyurem VMAX a scary attacker because you can theoretically OHKO any Pokemon if you have sufficient energy. Even with 3 energy as its attack cost and Choice Belt, you can knock any Pokemon VSTAR with it. I think this can be an alternative pair for Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR because I still don’t think that Kyurem VMAX can stand on its own if you don’t have sufficient energy acceleration. I will rate this car 3.25/5.

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Dewpider

Now we are into the Araquanid line starting with Dewpider. I think this card is just a filler because you will likely just evolve it into Araquanid. I won’t rate it.

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Araquanid

Then we have Araquanid itself. Its first attack is actually quite good even though you need to flip a coin because you can do some energy disruption with it. But I think even people who play a control deck won’t be using it because taking the risk of flipping a coin may not suit their playstyle. Even then, I think at some point people will still try to make a fun control deck using Araquanid. I will rate this card 2.25/5.

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Cramorant

Then, we have another Lost Zone card, Cramorant. Its ability is just too good to be true because you can basically free attacking your opponent if you manage to have 4 or more cards in the Lost Zone. 4 cards are an easy thing to do even in your first turn because we have Comfey and Colress’s Experiment from the same set. 

 

Now we look at its attack. 110 is a low number in today’s standard because you need to attack 3 times in order to knock a Pokemon VMAX. But because you can attack for free and it is a single-prize Pokemon, you can try to make a no-energy deck with it and fill your deck with damage booster like Choice Belt or the new Articuno from the Pokemon Go set to increase your damage output. This card can be a fun yet deadly attacker to the opponent if you use it properly. I think people will love to try this card. I will rate this card 3.75/5.

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Glastrier

The last Pokemon for the Water-type Pokemon in this set is Glastrier. Its first attack is quite good because you can be immune if your opponent is a Basic Pokemon. But because we live in a Pokemon VSTAR era and they still fill most of the format, I don’t think that this card will be played by many people. 

 

The same thing goes for its second attack, dealing only 130 damage with 3 energies is quite heavy on the cost side and I think you are better off playing Cramorant instead. I think the arsenal that Glastrier have is just not quite there. I will rate this card 2.25/5.

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Chinchou

Then we have Chinchou. I think this card is just a filler and if you look at Lanturn, there’s nothing special with it. So, I won’t rate this card.

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Lanturn

Next up is Lanturn itself. I’m quite disappointed when it turns out that Lanturn is becoming only a filler in this set because as far as I know, most of the viable deck out there are only filled with Legendaries or the already popular Pokemon. That’s why I’m kind of disappointed with it. But here it is, I would say that Lanturn is a filler card so I won’t rate this card.

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Rotom V

Then we have Rotom V. Its ability is quite good because you can draw 3 cards in your early turn. But ending your turn in this format is quite risky if you have a rough hand. Then its attack is actually quite fun to play although it may not be as viable as it is because the effect relies on Pokemon Tool. But I do see that it can somehow end up being played in some tournaments because of the damage potential. I will rate it 2.5/5.

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Emolga

We have another Emolga! Its attack is quite good because you can search for an Item card although it is an attack. Another good thing here is that you have a free retreat. You can actually use Emolga as a pivot in your deck or even use it to attack to find an Item card. I think it may see some play in some decks. I will rate this card 2.5/5.

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Tynamo

Then we have the Eelektross evoline. Tynamo’s attack may be a bit bad because you are putting the searched Pokemon in your hand not straight to the Bench. In this situation, you can get disrupted and have to search for your Pokemon all over again. So, I think people will rarely use this card. I will rate it 2/5.

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Eelektrik

Next, we have the stage-1 evoline, Eelektrik. I just have one word for this card, WHY? Why does Pokemon decides that you need to flip a coin in order to make your opponent paralyzed? If Pokemon decides to erase the flipping coin part, I think this card can be a very good card in control decks because most of the time people only bring 2-3 switching cards and not all the time those cards are in their hand. But it is what it is, I will rate this card 2.5/5.

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Eelektross

Finally, we come to the last Lightning-type Pokemon, Eelektross. Its first attack is quite bad in my opinion because you have to wait until the next turn in order to maximize your damage when in this format OHKOing a single-prize Pokemon is an easy job to do. So I think I won’t be relying too much on the first attack.

 

Then the second attack is just meh for me because it is a stage-2 Pokemon and you will be having a harder time setting up Eelektross unlike the stage-1 deck or the Pokemon VSTAR deck where you only evolve once. Finding Rare Candy is also a challenge so I think the trade of using the second attack is not worth it, especially when you also discard 2 energy from Eelektross itself. I will rate this card 2.25/5.

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Drowzee

Now we are coming to the Psychic-type Pokemon starting with Drowzee. Its attack is nothing special and I think you will just use Drowzee as the base for evolving into Hypno. So, I won’t rate this card. 

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Hypno

Then we have Hypno. I think its first attack is quite unique because you can call up to 2 stage-1 Pokemon into the bench and it can be a very good strategy to use in the Zoroark deck. But I think this card will just be a 1 of in the deck because I don’t see the use of this card besides calling a stage-1 Pokemon to the bench. I will rate this card 2.5/5.

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Sableye

Next, we have Sableye. Its second attack is similar to Blacephalon but in the case of Sableye, your requirement is the Lost Zone. I think this can be a very deadly late-game attacker because you can do some spread damage easily to the already damaged Pokemon on the bench. I can see this card being played in some decks because of how easy it is to attack even though you need to have at least 10 cards in the Lost Zone. I will rate this card 3.25/5.

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Shuppet

Following Sableye we have Banette evoline starting with Shuppet. I think Shuppet is just a filler card and just be a base for evolving into Banette. I won’t rate this card. 

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Banette

Then we have Banette itself. I think its ability is a very good one because you can recycle your supporter from your discard pile and you also add cards to the Lost Zone. I think this is a very ideal condition if you discard too many supporter cards or you want to meet the 10 cards mark so you can use your attack. However, because this is a stage-1 Pokemon, it may take up deck spaces so I think you are already good if you bring a 1-1 or a 2-2 line in your deck. I will rate this card 3/5.

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Swirlix

Next, we have Swirlix. I think this card is just a filler card because I don’t see anything special with this card. I won’t rate this card.

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Slurpuff

The same thing applies to Slurpuff. I don’t see anything special with this card so I won’t rate this card. 

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Comfey

Then we have Comfey. Boy, what a very powerful card this is. If you want to play a Lost Zone deck, I think Comfey will be your first choice of Pokemon because it is a very great engine to increase your Lost Zone count and digging for cards. It is also not a Pokemon-GX or a Pokemon V so you can abuse its ability by using Scoop Up Net. However, 2 cards dig sometimes do not go the way you want, but I think it is still manageable. I really like this card because not only it is good, but Pokemon decides to make Comfey an important card. I will rate this card 3.75/5.

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Mimikyu

Then we have Mimikyu. Its first attack is quite bad actually because you are not damaging anyone. But its second attack is very powerful if you combine it with cards like Dragapult VMAX, the new Sableye from this set, or another spread deck because it can be a very ‘cheap’ finisher for you. Its art is also somewhat cute so it’s a plus. I will rate this card 2.75/5.

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Indeedee

Now we have Indeedee. I think its first attack is a very unique and great attack if you manage to do it in your first turn. It can be a very impactful attack on your game plan because sometimes it only takes a single Item card to change the game. Its art is also very good in my opinion. I will rate this card 2.5/5.

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Dreepy

Then we have the Dragapult line starting with Dreepy. I think this card is just a filler because you will likely evolve it and not plan on attacking using Dreepy. Also, its illustration is drawn by none other than Tomokazu Komiya! You may want to collect this card if you are a fan of Komiya. I personally won’t rate this card.

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Drakloak

The same thing with Drakloak. I won’t rate this card because people will likely just skip this card and go for Dragapult using Rare Candy. 

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Dragapult

Now we have Dragapult itself. Its first attack is very unique because it can be a very deadly snipe to your opponent but the risk of not having a backup attacker is high because you need to discard your Dreepy on your bench. But I do like the concept of this attack even though you may not be seeing this card being played too much. It is also a stage-2 Pokemon which is very hard to set up. I will rate this card 2.75/5.

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Spectrier

Finally, the last Psychic-type Pokemon in this set is Spectrier. Its first attack is not that great because you only deal 20 damage spread to 2 Pokemon. I’d rather use Mismagius which can spread 20 damage to all Pokemon. Its second attack is also not that great because you only deal 120 damage with a high 3 energy as its attack cost. I will rate this card 2/5.

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Aerodactyl V

Then we go into the Fighting-type Pokemon starting with Aerodactyl V. Its attack is actually not that great because even with its second attack 120 damage is not enough to knock Arceus VSTAR. Things also get a bit complicated if you use Choice Belt and Double Turbo Energy. I think you will be better off evolving it to Aerodactyl VSTAR which I’m going to discuss after this. 

 

However, its retreat cost is only 1 energy so it may be a great perk that you can utilize. Its weakness is also Grass-type so you won’t have to worry when facing a Lunatone deck.  I will rate this card 2.75/5.

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Aerodactyl VSTAR

Next, we have Aerodactyl VSTAR. Its attack is actually quite powerful and easy to charge because it has 2 Colourless energy as its attack cost so you can use Double Turbo Energy to fill it up. You also can hit Arceus VSTAR for weakness and you also put 3 cards to the Lost Zone which can be very helpful if you want to go for the 10 cards mark. 

 

But, I’m still quite confused about its VSTAR Power because I think you are better off playing Path to the Peak rather than using this VSTAR Power. You can just use Hisuian Decidueye VSTAR’s VSTAR Power for drawing cards because Hisuian Decidueye VSTAR is also a Fighting-type Pokemon so it may come in handy if you pair it with Aerodactyl VSTAR. But still, I kind of like its attack and its weakness is Grass-type even though the 3+ cards to the Lost Zone are a bit risky. I will rate this card 3/5.

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Phanpy

Then we have Phanpy. I think this card is just a filler and you are better off evolving it to Donphan. I won’t rate this card.

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Donphan

Next, we have Donphan. Its first attack is very unique because you want to not attack when you just evolved. Its attack cost and damage are okay but the effect is just weird to me. I guess Pokemon decides to give Donphan a bit of a nerf from the Vivid Voltage one. Its second attack is also just astronomically high and a bit impossible to achieve because you will likely to get knocked before you manage to fully charge it. But I think this card can be a lot of fun to play with. I will rate this card 2.5/5.

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Binacle

Now we are going to the Barbaracle evoline starting with Binacle. I think this card is just a filler and you are better off evolving it. But, I do quite like how Pokemon treated Barbaracle evoline because they make a second Barbaracle evoline in the Sword & Shield era (the first one is Vivid Voltage). I won’t rate this card. 

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Barbaracle

Then we have Barbaracle itself. I think its ability is quite scary because you can make your opponent don’t ‘take’ any Prize card at all because all of them are going to the Lost Zone. This can be a very great 1-1 line if you want to make a disruptive deck. But other than that, I don’t think you will be playing this card in many decks. I will rate this card 2.5/5.

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Hawlucha

Next up is Hawlucha. Boy, I love the artwork. But as far as I can see, its attack has nothing special in it and its second attack is a coin flip attack so I think it’s a big no for me. I won’t rate this card. 

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Sandygast

Coming next is Sandygast. This is also just a filler card and you are better off evolving it. I won’t rate this card. 

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Palossand

Following Sandygast is Palossand. I gotta say I’m a bit disappointed because Palossand comes when Manaphy is around. Its first attack is a very great attack to have because a 30 damage spread is quite powerful if you combine it with Telescopic Sight. You can try to pair it with Mimikyu/Sableye and you can have one of the scariest spread decks in the format. Its second attack is also meh because it has a high attack cost and I don’t think you will be playing it often. But it is what it is. I will rate this card 2.5/5.

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Stonjourner

Then we have our last Fighting-type Pokemon, Stonjourner. Its first attack is quite similar to Stonjourner VMAX so it’s okay for me. But the fun part is its second attack effect where you can basically try to disrupt your opponent’s top deck. However, with the high attack cost, I think you will be charging this Pokemon for quite a long time even though you have Gutsy Pickaxe. I will rate this card 2.25/5.

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Drapion V

We are now entering the Dark-type Pokemon section starting with Drapion V. If you look closely at its ability, it is a Mew VMAX killer. A very simple, no attack cost, 1 Pokemon only, and able to knock Mew VMAX is just insane. I think this card will be in some people’s deck because Mew VMAX is still running rampant. 

 

Let’s see at its attack, 190 damage is an easy number to knock Mew VMAX or any Pokemon that is weak to Dark-type. But, the drawback here is that you deal 60 damage to one of your Pokemon and it can be very impactful in the late game where your opponent can easily snipe you. But as long as you don’t face Mew VMAX or decks that utilize many Sobble, you can just safely discard this card so you don’t draw this card or even place it on your bench. I will rate this card 3.25/5.

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Drapion VSTAR

Then we have Drapion VSTAR. Its attack damage is very good if you use Choice Belt because you can knock any Pokemon VSTAR with it. But, its effect is the problem here. You need to have Drapion VSTAR on full HP which can be a hard thing to do because your opponent may gust you or use a snipe/spread attack. But I still do like its damage potential because you can instantly knock Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR with the help of Choice Belt. 

 

Now we look at its VSTAR Power. I think this ability is a bit underwhelming because it comes from a VSTAR Power where you want a VSTAR Power to be a gamechanger, not just a simple special condition which can be met on even a single-prize Pokemon. I don’t know if I’m wrong about this but it's just not good. I’d rather use another VSTAR Power instead of this one. But I’m pretty sure that some people will use it as a finisher or just to damage the opponent. I will rate this card 2.75/5.

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Sandile

Now we come into the Krookodile evoline starting with Sandile. I think Sandile is just a pure filler where you just use it as a base to evolve into Krokorok or Krookodile. I won’t rate it. 

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Krokorok

Then we have Krokorok where I think people won’t be using it very often.  Its attack cost is high and if you want to do an energy disruption, you need to flip your head on the coin flip. I won’t rate this card because people will likely just skip Krokorok and evolve into Krookodile with Rare Candy. 

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Krookodile

Now, we have Krookodile itself. Its ability is quite weird because the hand disruption is random, and you need to be knocked in order to do a hand disruption. But I think this can be a fun card to play in Gym Leader Challenge just for the hand disruption. Its attack, however, is quite high in attack cost. But 160 damage is enough to knock Mew VMAX although you hurt yourself. This is quite a unique card but it is still a stage-2 Pokemon so I will rate it 2.25/5.

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Mareanie

v

Next, we have Mareanie. I think this is just a filler card because the hidden gem is in Toxapex. I won’t rate it. But it’s good to see another Toxapex evoline.

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Toxapex

Finally, the last Dark-type Pokemon in this set is Toxapex. Its first attack is actually quite good and you can pair it with Galarian Slowbro or Drapion VSTAR so you can attack with maximum damage and you only use 1 energy to attack which is good. With a Choice Belt, you can basically knock any Pokemon that is weak to Dark-type and the poison will try to damage your opponent even when your damage didn’t get the knock out. 

 

Also, I don’t think people will try to use the second attack because the attack cost is high and only deal 90 damage which isn’t enough to knock Mew VMAX even with the help of Choice Belt. I also like the artwork of this card. I will rate this card 2.75/5.

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Beldum

Now we are into the Metal-type Pokemon starting with Beldum from Metagross evoline. I think Beldum is a unique card because its first attack is like Rotom Phone but you can choose any card from your whole deck. I think this can be a very fun card to play in a control deck but I think you are having a risk of getting knocked because it is an attack so you will end your turn and not an ability. Even then, I still think that this card may see some play in a control deck or even another deck. I will rate it 2.5/5.

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Metang

Then we have Metang which I think is not that great because coin flipping is just too risky. To make it worse, you need to flip 2 coins in order to maximize your damage output. You also will likely skip Metang and go straight for Metagross because I think it is the better route to take and it is quicker. I will rate this card 1.5/5.

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Metagross

So we get another ‘top deck entry’ and now it’s Metagross. I think the ability is very good because having a straight stage-2 Pokemon on your board is always nice when you are playing stage-2 decks or similar decks that utilize stage-2 Pokemon. However, I don’t think this card will see many plays because its attack is not that great in terms of damage. Yes, you will get extra damage the next turn but it only applies if you survive your turn because this is a single-prize Pokemon. But I still like its ability which allows us to also draw 3 cards. I will rate this card 2.5/5.

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Ferroseed

Then we have Ferroseed. I think this card is just a pure filler. I won’t rate this card. 

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Ferrothorn

Ferrothorn is also just a filler card because I don’t see anything special with its attack. I won’t rate this card. 

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Galarian Stunfisk

Next, we have Galarian Stunfisk. I think its first attack is a very powerful attack if you play a control deck and your opponent plays a lot of stadium cards. Discarding 2 energy is very powerful in this format because the amount of acceleration that we have right now is kind of scary and having a big energy disruption seems to balance it a little bit. However, the requirement for this effect to work is that the stadium must be from the opponent’s side, not us, so it will be quite tricky to pull off. I will rate this card 2.75/5.

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Galarian Perrserker V

Next, we have another Pokemon V which is Galarian Perrserker V. I’m quite surprised that Pokemon decides to give Galarian Perrserker a Pokemon V treatment. Its first attack is so-so because you draw 3 cards which are good but do not deal any damage. However, its second attack is where the fun part begins. I think the damage multiplier is a bit low. Why? Because when it becomes a 30 damage multiplier, I think people will look into this card more because you can at least 2-turn knock out a Pokemon VMAX with only 5-6 cards only. But I guess it is what it is so I will rate this card 2.5/5.

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Giratina V

The star of this set, Giratina. First, we have the Pokemon V itself. Its first attack is actually a good attack if you use it in the first turn so you can pile up more cards in the Lost Zone. Then its second attack is just as good as the first one. You can basically go through abilities like Miltank or Decidueye. However, I think you won’t be playing this card too much unless you are in a pinch or in a somewhat different game scenario. You will likely evolve your Giratina V to Giratina VSTAR because that’s where the real deal is. I will rate this card 2.75/5.

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Giratina VSTAR

Then the VSTAR itself, Giratina VSTAR. Its attack is so powerful that you can instantly knock any Pokemon VSTAR available and even knock Mew VMAX with the help of Choice Belt. But as always, Dragon-type Pokémon has a weird attack cost so charging it may be a bit hard. But along the way, you may find that charging a Dragon-type Pokémon V may be an easy task to do. 

 

Next, we look at its VSTAR Power, Star Requiem. It is a very 'simple' attack where you can do an easy knockout to your opponent. This card is a very interesting attack to use because you can instantly win a game if you manage to use it on the right Pokémon. But having 10 or more cards in the Lost Zone may be a hard challenge so I think this attack may be a late game attack where you can win the game or flip the game-flow to your favour.

 

I think this is a very strong and fun card to play. In Japan, Giratina VSTAR is already flooding the local tournament and winning games. I think this card can be a tier-1 contender looking at its damage and VSTAR Power. So, I will rate this card 4/5. 

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Pidgeot V

Next, we have Pidgeot V. I’m a bit sad because we don’t get to see an Alternate Art of Pidgeot V but I think it is already quite a long time since we see a Pidgeot be featured on the main gimmick of the set so I will take it. Its ability is quite unique because you can basically save Pidgeot V in case you are damaged. However, its attack is not that great in my opinion because you need 3 energy to attack and you need to have a stadium in play in order to maximize your damage output. I know that stadium is an easy thing to do, but sometimes, people only bring 1-2 stadium cards which can be a bit tricky to pull them out to play. 3 energy is also quite high but you have Double Turbo Energy and another accelerator that can come in handy because Pidgeot V is a Colourless-type. I will rate this card 2.5/5.

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Porygon

Then we have a Porygon Z evoline starting with Porygon. Its first attack is actually quite fun yet annoying because you can control your opponent’s top deck with it. This may be a great addition to the control deck. I will rate this card 2.5/5.

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Porygon 2

Next, we have the stage-1 Pokemon, Porygon 2. I think this is a very strong attack with only one energy but because the effect states Lost Zone, I think it will be quite hard to achieve a high damage output in your early game. But still, I think this can be a strong attacker if your opponent didn’t calculate your Lost Zone properly and have a proper defence. I will rate this card 2.75/5. 

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Porygon Z

Then we have Porygon Z. I’m quite disappointed because the way to devolve your opponent is not an ability anymore. But you still get it so I will gladly take it. But I don’t think many people will try to play it because it is a stage-2 Pokemon and you are using an attack instead of using an ability. 

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Spinda

Next up, we have Spinda. Spinda is getting some love here and I think its attack is quite fun. A 10 damage spread is of course very small, but the fact that it leaves your opponent confused is where the fun part begins. Your opponent may not even attack you at all if they don’t snap out of the confusion by switching or hitting heads on the coin flip. But as far as viability, I think Spinda will just be a fun card because we still have Manaphy. I will rate this card 2.25/5.

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Buneary

Then we have the Lopunny line starting with Buneary. I think this card is just a filler because its attack is just a big no for me where you can do 0 damage to your opponent if bad luck is on your side. I won’t rate this card. 

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Lopunny

The same thing applies to Lopunny. I think its second attack is just a big no. 3 energy as the attack cost and coin flipping is just a no even though the damage potential is 200 damage which is big. But I don’t think many people will try to play it because we still have a more fun Pokemon from the Pokemon GO set which is Ambipom. I will rate this card 1.75/5.

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Tauros

Then we have the last Lost Zone Pokemon in this set, Tauros. Its first attack is quite good because you are discarding your opponent’s energy to the Lost Zone. But because it is a 3 energy attack, it may take too long to charge and I don’t think Tauros can survive that long. Its second attack is also just too high in attack cost. I will rate this card 2/5.

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Fletchling

Finally, our last Pokemon in this set will be Fletchling. I kind of like its illustration but looking at its attack I see nothing special. I think this card will just be a base for evolving it to Talonflame or Fletchinder. You can also try to collect this card because it is from Shibuzoh. But, I won’t rate this card. 

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Trainers

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Tool Box

We are now into the Trainer cards in this set. Starting with Tool Box, I think this card can be a good addition to decks like Honchkrow/Pachirisu or the new Rotom V or Porygon 2. But other than that, I don’t think many people will try to use it. I will rate it 2.5/5.

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Mirage Gate

Next, we have Mirage Gate. I think this card will be the winning condition when you play a Giratina VSTAr deck because if you don’t manage to charge your Giratina VSTAR in time, you can get knocked by your opponent. Its effect is a very strong one because we rarely see 2 basic energy accelerations from an Item card. It even doesn’t state the energy type so you basically can do a different energy acceleration. 

Even though you need 7 cards or more in the Lost Zone, I think this number is easily achievable in the second or even the first turn if you manage to find a great opening hand (3 Comfy, Scoop Up Net and Colress’s Experiment make things possible). If you want to play a Lost Zone deck, I think this card is definitely on your decklist. I will rate this card 3.75/5.

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Lost Sweeper

Then we have a Field Blower replica but have a Lost Zone mechanic in it. I think this can be a good 1 copy in your deck because, unlike Tool Scrapper, you can discard a Stadium card with it. But right now, I don’t think many people will try to use it because we are still in the format where we rely on stadium cards so bumping each other Stadium is still the way to go. Even then, I can still see this card being played in the Lost Zone deck because it can easily be a 1+ card to the Lost Zone. I will rate this card 3/5.

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Panic Mask

Now we have a very unique card here. I don’t think people will try to use this card because it is such a hard thing to make your opponent’s HP be less than 40HP. I’d rather just knock them out because things will be more simple. But I think this card can be a great addition if your place is crowded with people who play Mad Party. I will rate this card 2.25/5.

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Colress’s Experiment

Next, we are coming to the supporter cards starting with Colress’s Experiment. I think this card is a very powerful card for the Lost Zone deck because you can add 2 extra cards to the Lost Zone while drawing 3 cards. Also, the good thing about this card is that you get to choose which card to put in the Lost Zone rather than just randomly put cards in the Lost Zone. I think this is a pretty good and simple card where you need at least 3 copies in your deck in case you want to play a Lost Zone deck because even with only 3 cards drawn, you still have Comfey as your draw engine so you can still make up the lack of cards drawn from it. I will rate this card 3.75/5.

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Lady

Then we have a reprint of Lady. I think this card be a bit useful if you play a deck like Hisuian Decidueye VSTAR where you need to have energy in your hand in order to maximize your damage or decks that utilize Finneon or Frosmoth because you can instantly have 4 energy acceleration to your Pokemon by playing Lady. But other than that, I don’t think this card will see much play. So, I will rate this card 2.5/5. Oh, I almost forgot one thing, if you manage to pull this card in the Japanese set, the price is quite expensive because of the waifu thing.

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Thorton

Next, we have Thorton. I’m quite surprised at how Pokemon decides to bring this guy into the Pokemon TCG and its effect is quite unique. You can basically do a Ditto V move using this card without taking the risk of getting your Ditto V knocked. But you still use your supporter slot in your turn. However, I think I can see this card being played in some of the decks even though they just bring 1 copy of it. I will rate this card 2.5/5.

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Fantina

Then we have Fantina as our last supporter card. I think this card is a bit, not that useful in the early game because 10 cards in the Lost Zone is quite hard to achieve. But, in the late game, I think this card can be a game changer because you can prolong your Pokemon. However, I myself rather choose Boss’s Orders over Fantina because, in the late game, I want to close my game as fast as I can, not prolonging the game where I can get a time penalty. But still, I can still see some decks utilize this card in order to play defence gameplay. I will rate this card 2.75/5.

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Lost City

Then we have the Stadium card in this set. I think this card is a bit underwhelming because putting a knocked Pokemon into the Lost Zone can be a double-edged blade. I’d rather play Training Court over this card in the Giratina VSTAR deck because I can at least try to recycle my discarded energy and putting cards into the Lost Zone is already being done by Comfey and Colress’s Experiment. But it is still a great stadium even though I won’t play it too much. Maybe just bringing 1 copy of it is already enough for me. I will rate this card 2.75/5.

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Gift Energy

Finally, we have our last card in this set which is Gift Energy. I think this is a very good energy card especially when you are playing a single-prize Pokemon. But because it only provides Colourless energy, I don’t think people will try to bring 4 copies of it. In my opinion, people will just try to bring at least 1 or 2 copies of this card in their deck just for the extra draw. I will rate this card 2.75/5.

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So what do you guys think of this set? I think this is a very strong set like Fusion Arts (Japan) where you have Giratina VSTAR in this set. I think Giratina VSTAR have a chance to become the Best Deck in Format because of its perk and support. Let’s just see how things roll when these cards are released in the Lost Origin set. 

 

Comment down below to share your thoughts!

 

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There may be some mistakes and missing points of review in this writing. Please kindly comment to share your correction and point of view too.