For months, Darkrai ex has ruled the PvP scene in Pokémon TCG Pocket, outshining most other strategies with its relentless pressure and Dark-type synergies. But with the upcoming release of the Extradimensional Crisis set, one Ultra Beast might finally be the answer competitive players have been waiting for. Enter Kartana — a Grass-type card whose efficient, low-energy attacks and natural advantage could end an era dominated by the Darkrai archetype.
The Extradimensional Crisis is Brewing
May has been nothing short of monumental for Pokémon TCG Pocket. It kicked off with the successful launch of Celestial Guardians, and it will close with the highly anticipated Extradimensional Crisis, which brings Ultra Beasts like Kartana into the spotlight.
While the A3 expansion introduced some notable Trainer Cards — with Rare Candy now as essential as Poké Ball and Professor’s Research — it has largely fallen short on Pokémon capable of breaking into the top tier. That might change drastically with the A3a mini-set, packed with new Ultra Beasts that could shift the entire PvP metagame.
Kartana: The Meta Breaker?
According to several fans on Reddit and the broader Pokémon community, Kartana is shaping up to be a direct counter to Darkrai ex — and not just because of its type. Here’s why:
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Type Advantage: Being a Grass-type, Kartana deals super-effective damage to the Darkrai ex, which is weak to Grass.
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Efficient Energy Usage: Kartana needs only one Grass Energy to deal 40 base damage — which spikes to 60 against Darkrai ex thanks to the weakness multiplier.
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Fast Tempo: Its low-cost attack fits right into the aggressive tempo meta Pokémon TCG Pocket is known for, enabling faster plays and board control.
This combination of efficiency, type synergy, and PvP applicability makes Kartana the strongest contender yet to shake up the Darkrai-dominated ladder.
Community Hype and Theoretical Builds
Fan theories and deck builds are already popping up across forums, with some even calling Kartana the “Leaf-Cape Savior” — referring to potential synergy with popular Trainer Cards like Erika’s Invitation and healing tools that could extend Kartana’s longevity in battle.
With the Extradimensional Crisis trailer already hinting at major shifts, it’s no surprise players are prepping for the incoming changes by modifying existing builds or planning entirely new Grass-type aggro decks around Kartana.
A Shift in the Tides
If Kartana lives up to the hype, this could mark the end of Darkrai’s reign and the beginning of a more balanced meta. While we’ve yet to see full official stats, early leaks and gameplay footage point to a card that’s fast, efficient, and deadly to one of the most consistent threats in the game.
Whether you’re a seasoned competitive player or a new entrant climbing the PvP ladder, watching how Kartana impacts the meta will be essential in the coming weeks.
The Extradimensional Crisis set might live up to its name in more ways than one. Kartana’s debut could not only end the reign of a longstanding powerhouse but also usher in a new wave of competitive diversity. Keep your decklists updated — and your Grass Energy ready.