The Best, New Cards In Celestial Guardians — Pokémon TCG Pocket
May 1, 2025
With the Celestial Guardians set, Pokémon TCG Pocket takes us back to the tropical beauty of the Alola region. Don't let all the gorgeous art fool you, though. Celestial Guardians has introduced some of the strongest cards we've seen yet. With both meta-defining staples and very capable meta-counters, the set introduces new strategies for every kind of player. Here are the best cards to watch for in Celestial Guardians.
Oricorio (Pom-Pom) — Extra Help Against ex Pokémon
Oricorio (Pom-Pom) is a bit of a divisive card in Pokémon TCG Pocket. That mainly stems from the fact that it is a floodgate, a term used for cards that completely restrict players from performing certain actions. Oricorio (Pom-Pom) accomplishes this with its Safeguard Ability, which prevents all damage done to it by attacks from opposing ex Pokémon. I think you can understand why some players might not be too fond of the card.
While Oricorio (Pom-Pom) might ultimately prove to be little more than a minor inconvenience in some matches, its mere existence forces your opponent to react. That has genuine value. And in other game states, Oricorio can actually turn the match around in your favor. This little electric bird isn't to be underestimated.
Rare Candy — Potential Unleashed
Unsurprisingly, Rare Candy is a game changer. Before Celestial Guardians even came out, players could already tell just how much potential this card carried. Rare Candy has opened the door for so many new strategies by making Stage 2 Pokémon significantly more viable. Skipping through a whole evolution can really make that big of a difference. Rare Candy is so potent that new cards will continue to be balanced around the card even well after Celestial Guardians is no longer meta-relevant.
Rare Candy does come with some limitations that help balance the card out, but the value it offers is still irreplaceable. To get good use out of some Pokémon, you have no choice but to build around Rare Candy. You can't say that about many cards.
Decidueye ex — Arrows Fly True
Decidueye ex is an unconventional powerhouse. It isn't likely to OHKO anything, and it doesn't nuke the board either. What Decidueye ex specializes in is finishing off already weakened Pokémon better than any card that has come before it. For a cost of just 2 Energy, Decidueye can do 100 damage to any of your opponent's Pokémon that already has damage on it.
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Considering how well Decidueye ex synergizes with other cards like Darkrai ex, Greninja, and Lurantis, it shouldn't be much of a surprise that Decidueye ex is a very capable meta threat. Meowscarada also makes for a great partner Pokémon in a Decidueye deck, taking advantage of the fact that you'll already likely be running Rare Candy anyway.
Tapu Lele — A Quick Stop To Energy Ramping
Tapu Lele isn't exactly an overwhelming threat or anything like that, but it's a neat tech card that directly counters a lot of powerful decks. Celebi ex, Giratina ex, Dialga ex, any deck that relies on energy ramping now has to fear Tapu Lele. At least, to some degree.
Tapu Lele is just an excellent Pokémon all around. It's a Basic Pokémon, has a very respectable 90 HP, and comes with a 1 Energy cost attack that has major upside. 20 damage per every Energy on your opponent's Pokémon is absurdly good for how little investment it requires. Tapu Lele probably won't be killing meta threats on its own, but it can make that a lot more feasible.
Solgaleo ex — Full Metal, Fast Pace
Some cards like Solgaleo ex have the privilege of being able to completely ignore some of the basic rules of the game. Solgaleo ex can just completely ignore the retreat cost of your Active Pokémon — able to swap in with ease thanks to its Rising Road Ability. With its 2 Energy cost attack that does a considerable 120 damage, Solgaleo ex can make quick work of your opponent. An early Rare Candy can practically decide a match in your favor.
