There are hardly any overpowering Pokemon in Celestial Guardians. Instead of attack effects or high damage, abilities are the more dominating trait in this set.Pokemon Pockethas typically been dominated by strong basic ex Pokemon, but now relatively weak Pokemon that synergize well with others and can control the board or make quick movements are becoming the norm.
Stage 2 Pokemon are the stars of Celestial Guardians, and some of the best stage 2 Pokemon in this set are ability users. There are defining abilities, including one that wipes away the effectiveness of ex Pokemon. Many of the abilities in Pokemon Pocket are going to age into sought-after abilities for many sets.
10Komala
Technically, Komala’s ability is purely a drawback. Komala can’t mount any serious offense in the Active Spot, but this ability is easy to work around, which gives you the advantage of one of the strongest early game Pokemon.
If you add Psychic energy to Komala, he can become immune from sleeping thanks to Comfey’s ability. You could even make a deck around the sleeping mechanic when paired with Snorlax. Komala can build up energy on the bench fine, and if you have x-speeds and low retreat cost Pokemon, you can get him out on turn two, ready to do 70 damage.
9Alolan Persian
A -20 damage ability is usually a staple effect of Metal types, but Alolan Persian proves to be equally durable as them. With 100 HP, Alolan Persian is not an easy Stage 1 Pokemon to kill. It can take full hits from Pokemon like Dialga ex.
Unfortunately, Alolan Persian itself doesn’t have a lot of attack to make the best use of its powerful ability. 50 damage for two energy isn’t very efficient in Pokemon Pocket. This is a case of a good ability, but weak stats.
8Comfey
Since Comfey is a Basic Pokemon, you do not need to put a Big Malasada in your deck if you’re trying to avoid Status Conditions. Comfey can hang around and continuously provide support for your Psychic and Normal types.
The main downside is that Special Conditions are still not a primary way people fight. Burn is starting to become more common, but most of the Special Conditions are still in niche territory, otherwise this would be a top-tier ability. An interesting technique you’re able to use is constantly waking up your TL Snorlax after you’ve attacked, since Snorlax can use Psychic energy.
7Pyukumuku
This porcupine-like ability is going to annoy a lot of players. 50 damage at the sacrifice of one point is not bad if you’re running a deck with a lot of one-point Pokemon. Furthermore, Pyukumuku only needs one energy to attack, so you’re effectively doing about 70 damage total if it’s attacking a powerful Pokemon.
Considering Fire Pokemon are becoming more popular thanks to Incineroar and Charizard variants, Pyukumuku’s Water typing and ability can take off a nice chunk of health. For those that try to avoid it, they’ll have to take 20 damage per turn at a minimum.
6Conkeldurr
Dealing 80 damage for three energy isn’t great on a stage 2, but Conkeldurr is arguably the most durable Fighting type in Pokemon Pocket. 150 HP by itself is very good, but its ability gives Conkeldurr a second life.
You have a 50/50 chance of continuing an attack or tanking for your bench Pokemon to catch up in energy. Conkeldurr’s ability can work multiple times in a match, so if you’re lucky, you might force your opponent to KO your Conkeldurr several times, which effectively guarantees you’ll win that match.
5Passimian ex
For a basic ex, Passimian ex’s stats are unimpressive. It can be an early-game bully, but you’re probably not winning with Passimian ex’s 60 damage alone. Its ability to sacrifice itself and transfer energy to another Pokemon can lead to devastating follow-ups, though.
Most of the Fighting-type roster consists of relatively low-energy Pokemon, but if you dig through, you’re able to find explosive options like GA Golem and MI Golem. Lucario ex and Garchomp ex are also useful. Unfortunately, Passimian ex gives up two points, so it’s a hefty trade.
4Primarina
Greninja has typically been the best benchPokemon for Water decks, but now Primarina is offering serious healing every turn. Thanks to Rare Candy, stage 2s with supporting abilities are going to become more common. Primarina will make your Water Pokemon incredibly hard to beat, especially if they have Giant Cape attached.
Primarina’s ability works on itself, and considering it has 140 HP, it’s not going anywhere unless the best attacking Pokemon hit it. Its evolutionary line can be a great alternative to Irida, since it can be used over multiple turns, and you can use its ability in conjunction with other supporters.
3Lunala ex
Retreat-based tactics are greatly enhanced with Lunala ex. As soon as you top deck Lunala ex, if the Pokemon you’re using is battered, you can retreat it, transfer its energy, and likely attack for 100 that turn.
If Lunala ex were a basic, it would be one of the best cards in the game. Stage 2 balances it out, but you can still get a lot out of its ability thanks to Rare Candy, Pokemon Communication, and Mystic Slab.
2Solgaleo ex
Essentially, Solgaleo ex gives you a free Leaf or X-Speed, which is pivotal for maintaining an effective offense. Thanks to Rare Candy and only two energy needed, you can suddenly overwhelm your opponent by summoning a strong stage 2 and instantly tagging it in.
This ability also means your active Pokemon will keep their energy, so you can tag Solgaleo ex back out when it gets battered to attack with your loaded bench Pokemon. If you’re fortunate enough topull this rare card, then you’ll benefit from its endless flexibility.
1Pom-Pom Oricorio
Safeguard might be the best ability in all of Pokemon Pocket, much less Celestial Guardians. Many ex decks do not have any non-ex Pokemon to use, which means they’ll have to forfeit as soon as Oricorio comes out, unless they can Sabrina or Cyrus for the win.
Oricorio itself hits hard enough to beat a lot of basic and stage 1 Pokemon in evolutionary lines. This Oricorio’s ability is strong enough that it might shift the meta away from ex or at least motivate more people to have hybrid decks. Oriocorio has an argument for thebest Pokemon in alll of Celestial Guardians.
