Mega Evolution Pokémon have made their comeback in a new era for Pokémon TCG following Scarlet and Violet. This phase, simply referred to as “Mega Evolution,” is off to a vigorous start with Mega Lucario, Mega Gardevoir, Mega Venusaur, Mega Absol, and others.

This era holds special meaning for me as the X and Y era in 2014 marked my re-entry into Pokémon TCG after the Wizards of the Coast period, and I haven’t looked back since that time.

It’s thrilling to witness the franchise’s most prominent gimmick return. With the excitement surrounding Legends Z-A and its Mega Dimension DLC, we can anticipate some remarkable Mega EX cards from both new and returning Mega Evolutions originating from Pokémon X and Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, and Legends Z-A.

What’s changed in Mega Evolutions?

The mechanics surrounding Mega Evolution have undergone considerable changes. To mega evolve your Pokémon, you must adhere to its evolution line as you would with standard EX cards. While certain Mega ex Pokémon serve as basics like Mega Absol, the majority conform to the usual evolution process.

I appreciate this adjustment as it does not omit any Pokémon that are not an ex, in contrast to the X and Y era. However, should your Mega ex Pokémon be knocked out, your opponent claims three prize cards, elevating the stakes. Trainer item cards such as Rare Candy permit trainers to evolve into Mega Venusaur ex directly from a basic Bulbasaur, for instance.

Some contend that Mega Evolutions have led to quicker games with reduced strategy, but I hold a different view. Mega Evolutions simplify gameplay and pave the way for new tactics.

My preferred deck strategies

Mega Evolutions focus on utilizing standard Pokémon to bolster Mega ex-centric decks. I typically sleeve, bind, and display my illustration Rares, ex cards, and higher, yet I might break that habit for some outstanding deck builds this time around. Here are several of my favored deck concepts:

Mega Venusaur ex setup

Mega Venusaur ex requires grass-type energy, utilizing Jungle Dump which demands four grass energies to inflict 240 damage and restore 30 damage. Its Solar Transfer Ability facilitates the transfer of a single grass energy from one Pokémon to another, permitting two grass energy placements on Mega Venusaur ex per turn.

Incorporating Meganium enables trainers to treat one grass energy as if it were two. With Meganium on the bench and using a Rare Candy to evolve Bulbasaur immediately into Mega Venusaur ex, you can place a grass energy, then use its ability to transfer another energy from another benched Pokémon and execute Jungle Dump for 240 damage all in one turn.

I’d also recommend Shuckle for its Fermented Juice Ability, enabling trainers to heal any Pokémon in play by 30 damage provided a grass energy is attached. Celebi is similarly beneficial due to its Traverse Time attack, requiring one grass energy. This attack allows trainers to seek out any three grass-type Pokémon or Stadium Cards, valuable when preparing for Mega Venusaur EX and Meganium.

In addition, you might consider including the following trainer cards as precautionary measures. Energy Switch is handy when Meganium isn’t accessible to double energy, Mega Signal allows you to search your deck for a Mega ex Venusaur right away, and Wally’s Compassion fully heals ex cards, returning energy to your hand only. I’d also advise stockpiling on the Forest of Vitality stadium card to evolve Bulbasaur on its initial turn (excluding the first turn of the battle).

Here’s where you can purchase all these cards:

Mega Venusaur ex 003/132 — Double Rare / Ultra Rare / Special Illustration Rare
Ivysaur 002/132 — Common / Reverse Holo / Illustration Rare
Bulbasaur 002/132 — Common / Reverse Holo / Illustration Rare / Illustration Rare (Stamped)
Meganium 010/132 — Holo / Reverse Holo
Bayleef 009/132 — Common / Reverse Holo
Chikorita 008/132 — Common / Reverse Holo
Shuckle 011/132 — Common / Reverse Holo / Illustration Rare
Celebi 012/132 — Common / Reverse Holo
Forest of Vitality 117/132 — Uncommon / Reverse Holo
Wally’s Compassion 132/132 — Uncommon / Reverse Holo / Ultra Rare / Special Illustration Rare
Mega Signal 121/132 — Uncommon / Reverse Holo / Ultra Rare
Energy Switch 115/132 — Common / Reverse Holo
Boss’s Orders 114/132 — Uncommon / Reverse Holo
Acerola’s Mischief 113/132 — Uncommon / Reverse Holo / Ultra Rare / Special Illustration Rare
Mega Lucario ex setup

It’s wonderful to have Mega Lucario ex back, a swift stage one evolution card inflicting 130 damage for one fighting energy with Aura Jab, which also allows you to recycle three basic fighting energy cards from your discard pile. This combination is advantageous when utilizing Lunatone’s Lunar Cycle ability, enabling trainers to discard a basic fighting energy card to draw three cards from your deck once per turn. Solrock must be present on the field for this ability to trigger, so we’ll