Magma Cup Highlights

Hello everyone!

This week, there’s no regular Ursiday Weekly episode. Instead, we're focusing on the most notable event recently—the Magma Cup. With an impressive participation of 330 players, it remains a significant gathering in the community.

Although the slightly smaller turnout led to fewer experimental strategies, we still managed to analyze the top-performing decks and identify emerging trends.

Let’s get started!

Buzzwole has firmly secured its position as one of the dominant contenders in the current metagame, with nearly a third of players opting for this powerhouse. To better understand its prevalence, the meta has been analyzed into two main configuration variants: one pairing a3a-006 with either a3a-007 or a3a-062, considering the recent dip in overall participation.

The deck combo of a2b-010 and a3a-061 continues to serve as the primary countermeasure to Buzzwole's dominance, riding high on its recent victory at the last Ursiday weekly event. Meanwhile, the combination of a2-110 and a2b-035 is steadily rising in popularity, now ranking as the third most played deck, indicating its growing acceptance within the competitive landscape.

Notably, the pairing of a3a-061 with a2-089 has experienced a resurgence, suggesting that this archetype may have recently stabilized its role in the evolving meta, especially after a decline last week. Conversely, the pairing of a3a-027 and a3-122 has seen a slight decrease in usage, likely due to the increasing presence of Oricorio decks that counter its strategies.

Variants featuring a3a-043 continue to maintain a consistent, albeit modest, presence. Despite their lower adoption rate, these builds remain relevant, with several Guzzlord-based configurations persistently challenging the top-tier meta.

In the broader landscape, miscellaneous decks, referred to as “other decks,” primarily include those employing a3a-066 techs designed to combat the surge of EX attacker decks. Although employing rogue strategies against the top-tier decks is challenging—since these dominant decks also incorporate solutions for Oricorio—certain standouts have emerged. Notably, the combinations of a3a-061 with a3a-066, as well as a1-089 with a3a-066, continue to make notable impacts. Additionally, a newly emerging pairing of a2-053 with a3a-027, in conjunction with Oricorio, promises to be an interesting development in upcoming matches, warranting further analysis.

This week’s tournament results highlight a noticeable trend: a surge in conversion rates, primarily due to the smaller sample sizes involved. Among the most played decks, the combination of a3a-006 and a3a-007 achieved a remarkable 41.9% success rate, demonstrating not just popularity but also effectiveness in gameplay. Its sibling variant, pairing a3a-006 with a3a-062, also performed well with a 30% conversion, indicating that both versions maintain competitive edge, especially when the pheromosa variant benefits from favorable mirror matchups, particularly when supported by a2-150.

The standout in terms of raw percentage was the pairing of a3a-043 and a3a-045, which achieved a striking 75% success rate, despite a limited pool of players. Close behind, both a3a-061 combined with a3a-009 and the emerging a2-053 plus a3a-027 decks secured solid 50% conversion rates. These figures suggest that well-optimized fringe strategies can punch above their weight when piloted skillfully.

Overall, the meta remains heavily influenced by buzzwole decks. Its dominance is evident in both the volume and success rate, shaping the format significantly. Most top-performing decks this week either revolve around buzzwole or are designed specifically to counter it. For instance, in the Magma Cup $100 tournament, the top placements included decks like Guzzlord ex Nihilego, Darkrai Giratina ex Nihilego, Magnezone Shiinotic, and Buzzwole ex Celesteela.

Despite buzzwole’s overwhelming presence, the tournament was ultimately won by a deck comprising a3a-043 and a3a-042, finishing with a 12-3 record and defeating four out of five buzzwole opponents—a noteworthy achievement worth analyzing further. The second-place finisher, a2-110 combined with a2b-035, featuring the Nihilego package, also demonstrated resilience against buzzwole, securing wins against five different versions of the archetype and reinforcing its position as a top-tier choice.

The third-place spot was claimed by a newly emerging build that utilizes a mix of Pokémon, with a core strategy centered around a2-053 as the main attacker, similar to its success with Solgaleo. While it often sacrifices early Shiinotic, it compensates by deploying fully powered Magnezone and potentially supporting Pokémon like a3-066. Its reliance on only lightning energy makes it difficult for opponents to starve out its main threats.

Turning to other notable strategies, a variant of a2b-010 featuring a2b-061 focused on prolonging Charizard’s life with support from Wigglytuff and a3-155, creating a surprisingly durable and tanky setup. This deck managed an impressive 7th place finish and was undefeated against buzzwole, further cementing Charizard’s status as a top-tier choice in the current environment. The inclusion of a non-promo a2b-060 appears driven by availability constraints, though the promo version’s sleep effect would have complemented the deck’s stall tactics more effectively.

In summary, Charizard continues to shine amid a buzzwole-dominant meta, proving its resilience and viability as a high-tier option. The evolving landscape underscores the importance of versatile strategies capable of countering the prevailing threats while maintaining competitive consistency.

Meta Final Week Strategies

As the ranked season approaches its conclusion on June 23, players are eager to maximize their final push towards the coveted emblem. With only about a week remaining, strategic preparation is crucial. This period sees subtle shifts in the meta, notably the rising prominence of Buzzwole, which now asserts significant dominance across ranked matches.

The resurgence of Buzzwole has overshadowed other decks, solidifying its position as the most effective strategy of the expansion. Its impressive performance stems from a blend of consistency, aggressive play, and adaptability, making it a formidable opponent despite various counters like Oricorio decks, which have gained popularity as viable check strategies. Preparing for these matchups is essential to secure a strong finish.

Not long ago, the expansion was perceived as underwhelming, but Buzzwole’s ascendance has changed that perception completely. This deck’s resilience and high win rate, even when faced with dedicated counters, underscore its status as the season’s top contender. The key challenge remains the mirror match, where skilled piloting and matchup knowledge can determine victory.

For those seeking to refine their game, comprehensive guides are available to navigate tricky Buzzwole mirror scenarios and optimize every turn. Meanwhile, classic contenders like Charizard persist as reliable options, offering a balanced approach against dominant decks, though it struggles to reliably beat Buzzwole.

Another notable deck is Silvally-Oricorio, which has demonstrated explosive potential despite its swingy nature. Its game plan involves early evolution and aggressive damage output, especially when starting with specific Pokémon like A3A-021 or A2-154. Mastering its mechanics and timing can lead to quick, high-reward wins, making it a worthwhile addition to your arsenal.

In the current meta, Guzzlord Nihilego stands out as a versatile counter, particularly against Buzzwole and other aggressive strategies. Many players include specific techs like A2B-070 and A2B-071 to better handle problematic matchups, especially the Oricorio decks. The deck’s favorable matchup spread, including against A3-066, makes it a solid choice for those willing to learn its nuances.

Silvally Blacephalon remains a strong contender, especially effective against Buzzwole, and has experienced a resurgence as its popularity wanes. Its explosive potential makes it an attractive pick for players looking to surprise opponents and secure wins. Guides are available to help new players master its playstyle.

Darkrai Giratina decks have adapted with the inclusion of Nihilego, enhancing their responsiveness to Oricorio threats. While this variation may introduce some inconsistency, it remains a competitive choice, especially for players familiar with the archetype. Conversely, Silvally Rampardos continues to perform well in lower ranks, offering a straightforward and swift strategy against less optimized opponents.

A newer off-meta option that has gained traction is the Magnezone build utilizing A3A-027 to search for key pieces like A2-053 and A3-066. Evolving from A2-051 into Magnezone, this deck leverages continuous energy generation, allowing it to dominate once fully powered up. Its methodical playstyle rewards experienced pilots willing to invest in decision-making, making it a rewarding, skill-intensive choice.

As the meta stabilizes in the final week, Buzzwole remains the dominant force, prompting creative adaptations such as A3-066 counters, healing techs like A2B-070, and surprise strategies like Magnezone Shiinotic. The best players are already employing these innovations to stay ahead.

For those still chasing the ranked emblem, the key is to select a deck you are comfortable with or one that can effectively counter Buzzwole. Consistency and familiarity will be your greatest assets in this decisive period. Remember, with limited time remaining, playing with precision and respecting the current meta are your best strategies to finish strong.

Good luck on your final push—see you in Master Ball!

What is Pokémon TCG Pocket and Poké Gold?

Poké Gold is the primary in-game currency in Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket, allowing players to buy valuable items, restore stamina, and unlock exclusive collectibles to enhance their card collection and gameplay experience. You can easily obtain Poké Gold by topping up through trusted platforms such as Lootbar.gg, where attentive customer service ensures a smooth transaction. Utilizing Poké Gold not only accelerates your progress but also grants access to special cards and covers that are otherwise difficult to acquire.

Why do you choose Lootbar.gg for Poké Gold Top up?

If players are looking to top up Poké Gold for Pokemon TCG Pocket, they may want to consider using the lootbar game trading platform. This platform, also known as lootbar.gg, is widely recognized for its reliability and user-focused services, making it a preferred choice among gamers who value both convenience and security.

One of the major advantages of using lootbar for your top up Pokemon TCG Pocket needs is its competitive pricing. Lootbar frequently offers special discounts and attractive deals, allowing players to get more value for their money. Additionally, the platform stands out for its robust security measures, utilizing advanced encryption technology to ensure that all transactions and personal information are fully protected.

Another benefit of lootbar.gg is its commitment to customer satisfaction. The platform offers 24/7 customer support, so help is always available whenever you need assistance with your purchase or have questions about the top up process. Moreover, lootbar guarantees quick delivery, often processing orders within just three minutes, so players can enjoy their Poké Gold almost instantly and continue their Pokemon TCG Pocket adventures without interruption.

A Step-by-Step Guide to top up Pokémon TCG Pocket on LootBar

To top up Pokémon TCG Pocket Poké Gold on the Lootbar trading platform, follow these simple steps.

1. Start by navigating to the official Lootbar website at https://lootbar.gg, then select your desired language and currency type before logging into your account.
2. Once logged in, locate the Pokémon TCG Pocket top up section on the homepage.
3. Choose the amount of Poké Gold you wish to purchase and proceed by clicking the Top-up Now button.
4. You will need to enter your login account details, password, and character name as prompted by the instructions on the screen.
5. Select your preferred payment method and finalize your purchase by clicking Pay Now.
6. After your payment has been successfully processed and the order is confirmed, the Poké Gold will be credited to your account within a few minutes, allowing you to jump back into the Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket with your newly added currency.