If you’ve joined our official Discord server (click here to join), you’d probably know that there’s A LOT of hype for Pokemon’s new TCG Set: Temporal Forces.
Not only does the new set bring a ton of new Illustration Cards, but it also re-introduces an old mechanic in Ace Specs - powerful cards that you can only play 1 of in your deck. And the cool thing for collectors, they’re a brand new rarity slot in the pack! They don’t even take away from your chances of pulling an Illustration or Full Art card. This sets marks the beginning of the “H” block, so all of these cards will be legal for tournament play for the next couple of years. That leads me into my completely subjective list of the top 5 cards in Temporal Forces.
#5) Buddy-Buddy Poffin (144/162)
This card will become the lifeblood of Stage 2 decks! As we’ve just experienced with Battle VIP Pass, searching out 2 basic Pokemon is incredibly powerful. Though limited in that Buddy-Buddy Poffin only searches for Pokemon with 70 HP or less, being able to use it past turn 1 is a pretty good upside. But more importantly, the 70 HP limitation makes this card irrelevant for decks focused on big basic Pokemon. This will incentivize more players to experiment with stage 2 Pokemon. A wider range of Pokemon means for more viable strategies!
#4) Iron Leaves ex (203/162)
This card is GORGEOUS and incredibly splashable in any deck that uses Grass Energy. Decks like.. Giratina Vstar! As if that card needed any more support, Iron Leaves ex comes swooping in to take the One-Hit KO on an opposing Charizard ex. A feat not easily achieved with the introduction of Mist Energy and Hero’s Cape. Iron Leaves ex also gives us another switching effect which can be coupled with the new Emergency Board for a free retreat after. Why put the Special Illustration version of Iron Leaves ex on my list? Because I really really really like it.
#3) Iron Crown ex (206/162)
Somehow, this Pokemon is even better than Iron Leaves. Just by having this Pokemon on your bench, all of your other Pokemon with the “Future” tribal tag deal an extra 20 damage! This effect stacks by the way. So you can play 4 of them for an additional 80 damage. Add on a Future Booster Energy Capsule and that’s +100 damage! Iron Crown ex will be a menace for years to come. Well, as long as there are good “Future” attackers that can take advantage of its ability.
#2) Reuniclus (171/162)
This is such a good looking card. It is my favorite card in the set. The artist Atsushi Furusawa is the one behind some of my favorite modern cards like Dragonite V and Vaporeon Vmax. I don’t think Reuniclus’ Summoning Gate attack is powerful enough to make it a top meta threat, but I’d play it just to use this stunning Illustration card.
#1) Prime Catcher (157/162)
Surprising nobody, Prime Catcher is my #1 card in Temporal Forces. It is such a good card that it is the baseline for all current and future Ace Specs. “Is this better than Prime Catcher?” and “Would I rather just play Prime Catcher?” will be two of the most asked questions in deck building for the foreseeable future. Having the same effect as Cross Switcher but only requiring the single copy? That’s kiiiinda broken. It’s effect is so powerful, HALF of it is word-for-word a Supporter that still sees tons of play. Prime Catcher is the best card in Temporal Forces.
