Since the release of Extradimensional Crisis on May 28, 2025, Pokémon TCG Pocket has undergone a dramatic meta shakeup. The A3a expansion introduced over 100 new and reworked cards, finally dethroning the oppressive “DarkTina” combo — a pairing of Darkrai ex and Giratina ex that ruled the meta for more than two seasons. But while most players have been focused on flashy Ultra Beasts and heavy-hitting EX combos, one card has quietly emerged as a dominant force against the new meta: Turtonator.
🔥 The Rise of Turtonator in Pokémon TCG Pocket
This unassuming Fire-type Pokémon has been consistently outperforming some of the most competitive decks in the current format. PvP data reveals that Turtonator boasts:
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80% win rate vs. Buzzwole ex–Pheromosa
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70% win rate vs. Solgaleo ex–Shiinotic
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65% win rate vs. Silvally–Rampardos, the current top meta deck
These numbers are shocking — especially for a card that sees limited play and virtually no hype.
🧠 Why Turtonator Works in the New Meta
Turtonator’s recent success comes down to its favorable matchups against dominant EX combos. With solid energy efficiency, area denial, and high-damage follow-up plays, Turtonator punishes decks that rely on fragile setups or Ability-based acceleration. In a meta flooded with Ultra Beasts and Stage 2 EX lines, its simplicity and speed make it lethal.
More importantly, Turtonator’s versatility allows it to slot into existing Fire-type archetypes without major sacrifices — making it an ideal anti-meta tech that still holds up in casual and ranked play.
👀 How It Compares to Other Anti-Meta Options
While some experts have pointed to Giratina ex + Stoutland as the go-to counter deck (which boasts a ~60% win rate across top matchups), Turtonator is currently outperforming it by 10% on average in PvP statistics.
Although data is still limited and based on early usage (as shown on sites like LimitlessTCG), the trends are hard to ignore. Turtonator is emerging as one of the most reliable counters to the current top three lineups.
⚠️ Is It Time to Pick Up Turtonator?
Despite its impressive stats, Turtonator remains underutilized in the competitive scene — likely due to its low popularity and lack of online decklists. But if current trends continue, it may only be a matter of time before Turtonator becomes a staple in Fire-type counter decks.
Whether you’re looking to break into the current ladder or simply want to shake up your local scene, now might be the perfect time to start experimenting with Turtonator.