Here's how to play the best Pokemon TCG deck in format, Mew VMAX

Olivia Richman Published 02/03/2022

The Pokemon TCG meta changes with each expansion, with each one changing the best deck with the release of new mechanics. In 2022, the best Pokemon TCG deck is set to be the one based around Mew VMAX.

Mew VMAX dropped with the Fusion Strike expansion, which is part of the Pokemon Sword & Shield card collection. The Fusion Strike battle style is all about “teamwork and adaptability,” according to Pokemon’s official website. The Pokemon is always popular, but has been enjoying a major resurgence in the last few months across both the TCG and the games.

Mew VMAX was instantly a stand-out in the expansion. Evolving from Mew V, Mew VMAX is a psychic type with 310 HP. Cross Fusion Strike allows trainers to use a benched Pokemon’s attack for two colorless energy attachments. Max Miracle takes two psychic energy to deal 130 damage, and is unaffected by effects on the opponent’s active Pokemon.

So why is Mew VMAX the best deck in format? It’s a consistent deck that allows trainers to get the cards they need to stay ahead of their opponent each turn, including the Power Tablet item card. Couple this with the ability to use a benched Genesect’s attack for just two energies, and this card is game-changing.

What cards are in the Mew VMAX deck?

Everyone has their own variation on the Mew VMAX deck but top TCG players have decided on a pretty effective build that’s seen consistently good results in online tournaments. Here are the cards needed to build a powerful Mew VMAX deck in March 2022:

Pokemon

4x Genesect V (FST 185)
1x Meloetta (FST 124)
4x Mew V (FST 113)
3x Mew VMAX (FST 114)

Trainer Cards

1x Vitality Band (SSH 185)
1x Old Cemetery (CRE 147)
3x Switch (HS 102)
4x Power Tablet (FST 236)
1x Training Court (RCL 169)
3x Rotom Phone (CPA 64)
1x Rose Tower (DAA 169)
1x Crystal Cave (EVS 144)
4x Great Ball (EPO 93)
1x Tool Jammer (BST 136)
4x Boss’ Orders (SHF 58)
2x Battle VIP Pass (FST 225)
4x Frog Crystal (CRE 140)
4x Quick Ball (SSH 216)
3x Elesa’s Sparkle (FST 233)
4x Cram-o-matic (FST 229)

Energy

3x Psychic
4x Fusion Strike Energy (FST 244)

Total Cards: 60

How to play Mew VMAX in Pokemon TCG

Mew VMAX has the ability to OHKO enemies with just a few energy while also healing itself, which has made it overpowered in the current meta. It’s important to understand how this deck works since trainers will want to master it themselves or learn how to counter it.

Mew VMAX doesn’t have any “draw power” cards, meaning there are no trainers in the deck focused on building up a hand. That allows for more room for other important cards, making Mew VMAX consistent. It doesn’t need draw power cards thanks to Genesect’s ability, Fusion Strike System, which allows trainers to fill their hand to the number of Full Strike Pokemon in play. Even crazier, trainers can do this up to four times a turn if they have four Genesect in play.

Genesect’s ability, Techno Blast, is also powerful. Another Pokemon with a good attack is Meloetta. Their attack, Melodious Echo, does 70 damage for each Fusion Strike Energy attached to all Pokemon.

Trainers will want to use support card Elesa’s Sparkle on the first turn of the game. This card allows the player to search their deck for up to two Fusion Strike Energy cards, attaching each one to a different Fusion Strike Pokemon in play. Try to do this again on the second turn as well, meaning Meloetta can do up to 310 damage right away with an attached Power Tablet. This can knock out a Mew VMAX and many other commonly played VMAX cards.

The item cards are all burnable, allowing trainers to safely and swiftly build up their deck as they continue to place Genesects on the bench and draw handfuls of cards. The goal is to use as many cards as possible each turn so Genesect’s ability can be used to fill the hand back up multiple times. Use the different Poke Balls to gather up Pokemon, thinning out the deck and getting prepared before the opponent can even attack.

Trainers will have a fully set bench early on as well as attached energies and item cards right away. Use whatever stadium makes the most sense in a particular situation. Crystal Cave is great against opponents that spread damage. Training Court is good against energy denial opponents, allowing trainers to grab energies from the discard pile. Basically, Mew VMAX is ready for any challenge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71yKyU-wYxE

Check out some popular Pokemon content creators playing Mew VMAX against opponents on PTCGO to get a better idea of how the deck works. Seeing top Pokemon players explain their decisions behind each move will help with developing a solid strategy and understanding how each card works together to create a fine-tuned machine that can’t be stopped.

Olivia Richman

About Olivia Richman

Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.

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