The Triumphant Light expansion for Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket has introduced a wave of powerful and useful cards, many of which have been quickly incorporated into competitive decks. While certain ex and er cards have begun to dominate the meta, plenty of underrated cards can be just as effective — if not more effective — when used in optimized strategies. Whether they have solid HP, clever abilities, or a strong synergy with specific decks, these cards are often overshadowed by other, more obvious powerhouses.

Understanding the advantages of these cards can provide an edge in both casual and competitive play. Straying away from commonly replicated decks and finding power in underused cards sometimes makes the difference in tight, long-lasting battles. At first glance, some cards may seem underwhelming, but when inserted into particular tactics, they can turn the tide of battle. While some players may dismiss them simply because they aren’t as flashy as certain ex cards, seasoned players know that in Pokémon TCG Pocket, success often comes from recognizing hidden strengths.

10 Sudowoodo Can Shut Down Meta Decks

With “Fighting Headbutt,” Sudowoodo Can Deal Major Damage To Ex Cards

Sudowoodo is a basic, Fighting-type Pokémon that will help break down meta decks. With 80 HP, it can be brought into the battle from the first turn and withstand the majority of early attacks. However, Sudowoodo’s biggest strength is its attack. It's easy to dismiss "Fighting Headbutt" as an underwhelming attack due to its base damage of just 20, but it deals an additional 30 damage when targeting an ex card, making it far more effective than it first appears.

What truly sets the attack apart, though, is the fact that it only requires a single Fighting Energy to use, making it a low-cost yet highly efficient option in the right matchups. Additionally, the Pokémon is very effective against decks with basic ex cards, such as Articuno ex and Celebi ex.

This surprising utility stems from your ability to hit for 50 damage as early as your first turn with Sudowoodo, provided you go second. With the expansion, more Fighting-type decks should be using Sudowoodo and “Fighting Headbutt”.

9 Shaymin Provides Incredible Flexibility

With “Sky ,” Shaymin Reduces The Active Pokémon’s Retreat Cost

Many players may already recognize the effectiveness of Shaymin’s Land Form card from the Space-Time Smackdown expansion, but fewer realize that the Triumphant Light Sky Form Shaymin is just as powerful. Its attack, “Flap”, is simple and not particularly useful, costing two Energy for just 30 damage. However, its ability makes all the difference.

Shaymin’s ability, “Sky ”, reduces the Active Pokémon’s Retreat Cost by one, as long as Shaymin has been placed on the Bench. This gives any deck greater flexibility, potentially making the X-Speed item card unnecessary. Its other advantages lie in its HP and typing. With 70 HP, it is quite solid for a Basic Pokémon. Additionally, its Colorless typing allows it to fit into any deck, regardless of Energy type.

8 Bronzong Can Punish High-Energy Strategies

With “Psychic,” Bronzong Deals Extra Damage Based On The Opponent

Bronzong is a stage one Pokémon that has the ability to blow away any opposition in Pokémon TCG Pocket. Its attack, “Psychic”, initially deals a solid 50 damage for three Colorless Energy. In addition, it deals an extra 20 damage for each Energy attached to the opponent’s Active Pokémon.

This gives Bronzong infinite potential, making it extremely powerful in the right contexts. “Psychic” is particularly effective against Celebi ex, which relies on building up large amounts of Energy for its damage output. This attack also only requires Colorless Energy, despite Bronzong being a Metal-type.

The Colorless requirement allows Bronzong to fit into any deck, giving players the flexibility to attach any type of Energy to the card. Its final advantage is its massive 120 HP, which is exceptionally high for a non-ex card. This makes Bronzong far stronger than it may initially appear in the mobile game.

7 Manectric Can Frustrate Opponents Into Conceding

With “Flash,” Manectric Forces The Opponent To Flip A Coin To Attack

Manectric is a Lightning-type card that can disrupt the opponent with its attack. “Flash” may first appear like a small attack, hitting for 40 damage. Though it has a sneaky ability that will frustrate the opponent. When “Flash” is used, if the defending Pokémon attempts an attack during your opponent's next turn, your opponent must flip a coin. If it's tails, the attack fails and doesn’t happen.

This attack also costs just one Lightning Energy, meaning the Pokémon has a quick and easy setup. This makes it a solid option for a Pikachu ex deck, as it both contributes to building Pikachu ex's attack and frustrates the opponent into conceding with the “Flash” attack. This makes Manectric an underrated and solid Pokémon in Pokémon TCG Pocket.

6 Medicham Has An Incredibly Cheap, High-Damage Attack

With “Kick Shot,” Medicham Can Deal 80 Damage For Just One Fighting Energy

Medicham is a solid Stage One Pokémon that many players are likely to underuse and ignore, but a combination of its cheap attack and HP can make it a fantastic option for Fighting-type decks. It has 100 HP, making it a durable option for decks that want to have a chance against meta decks. It will hold its own, especially when combined with the Giant Cape Tool card.

Medicham’s attack, "Kick Shot", does 80 damage for just one Fighting Energy. This is incredibly cheap, making for an almost instant impact. You do need to be wary of the fact that it requires a coin flip, needing a successful heads flip to deal the damage. This fact is enough for many players to ignore Medicham. However, for players who feel lucky with RNG, the Pokémon can be a great option for easy damage.

5 Cherrim Can Disrupt Strategies With Status Effects

With “Worry Seed,” Cherrim Inflicts Confusion To Stall Opponents

Cherrim has two forms introduced in the Triumphant Light expansion – its Sunshine Form and Overcast Form. While both have their advantages, the Overcast Form stands out as a game-changer for Grass-type decks in Pokémon TCG Pocket. The Overcast Form of Cherrim depicts the Pokémon shielded in purple, while the Sunshine Form features a flower-like appearance. The stage 1 card has a strong 80 HP, making it durable against most opponents.

Cherrim’s attack, “Worry Seed”, does 40 damage for just one Grass Energy. However, that’s not all — it also leaves the opponent’s Active Pokémon confused. This forces them to flip a coin to attack, creating a frustrating situation that disrupts their strategy. While many players may overlook Cherrim for its 40 damage, the confusion effect makes it a strong option for competitive battles.

4 Froslass Can Spread Damage Across The Entire Field

With “Blizzard,” Froslass Damages Both The Active And Benched Pokémon

Froslass is a Water-type Pokémon with excellent potential in Pokémon TCG Pocket. As a stage one card, it may take a bit of time to get up and running, but once it does, it can be highly effective at taking down the opponent. Its attack, “Blizzard”, deals 40 damage for two Energy — one Water Energy and one Colorless Energy. Additionally, it deals 10 damage to each of the opponent’s Benched Pokémon, spreading damage across the entire board.

Froslass’s 90 HP also makes it a solid choice for a non-ex Pokémon, allowing it to withstand multiple attacks from the opponent. This, combined with its ability to chip away at the opponent’s entire team, makes Froslass a strong option for Water-type decks.

3 Heracross Has The Potential To Deal Massive Damage

With “Single-Horn Throw,” Heracross Can Hit For 120 Damage On A Lucky Flip

Heracross is an iconic Pokémon in the Pokémon universe, mirroring the stoicism of a rhinoceros beetle. In Pokémon TCG Pocket, Heracross may be overlooked since it is not an ex card, but it remains an effective option both offensively and defensively, with solid stats across the board.

Firstly, its 100 HP is not insignificant, giving players a durable tank to use to their advantage. Heracross’s attack, "Single-Horn Throw", deals 50 damage for three Energy — one Grass Energy and two Colorless Energy. While this is decent on its own, the attack also comes with a coin flip mechanic.

The player flips two coins, and if both land on heads, the attack deals an additional 70 damage, bringing the total to 120. This is enough to knock out many cards in the game, making Heracross a formidable attacker in Pokémon TCG Pocket.

2 Houndoom Can Trap Opponents And Stall Battles

With “Corner,” Houndoom Prevents The Opponent’s Active Pokémon From Retreating

Houndoom has two beautifully illustrated cards, both adding visual appeal to battles. Alongside its striking artwork, it is a Fire-type Pokémon that excels at disrupting the opponent’s strategy. Its attack, “Corner”, is similar to that of Arbok. It deals 60 damage for two Energy—one Fire Energy and one Colorless Energy—and prevents the opponent’s Active Pokémon from retreating. This allows players to trap their opponent into keeping a specific Pokémon in the Active Spot, limiting their tactical options.

Houndoom, which evolves from Houndour, also boasts an impressive 100 HP. This gives it a tank-like presence, especially when paired with Rocky Helmet or Giant Cape. Its durability makes it an excellent stalling option for Fire-type strategies, helping powerful cards like Charizard ex get online.

1 Staraptor Has One Of The Most Powerful Attacks in the Expansion

With “Brave Bird,” Staraptor Can Deal 130 Damage But Takes Recoil

Staraptor has an incredibly fun application in battles — pure damage output. This Colorless-type Pokémon boasts an attack called “Brave Bird”, which deals a massive 130 damage, enough to knock out certain ex cards like Celebi ex. However, there is a drawback: Brave Bird also inflicts 20 damage on Staraptor itself. This self-inflicted damage may discourage some players from using it.

That said, Staraptor's overall stats are strong enough to rival ex cards, though the time it takes to evolve into a stage two Pokémon may make players hesitant. However, when used in the right contexts, Staraptor can devastate opponents, making it one of the most underrated cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket.