Pokémon TCG - Standard Deck Guide: Control Mega Absol

In the past month, two Pokémon TCG Regional tournaments took place: one in Milwaukee, U.S.A., and another in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, for LATAM players. These two were the first big tournaments with the latest set, Mega Evolution, and we were all expecting to see the more popular strategies, like Ceruledge ex SSP 36, updated.

However, something unusual happened instead: all professional players who hadn't made their lists public were playing Mega Absol ex MEG 86. This Pokémon might be quite new and incredibly difficult to pilot, but the main strokes are clear, and it definitely deserves some attention right now, particularly as it was the most successful list in the tournament.

An unusual attacker that is considered by most players a "bulk" card and unplayable in tournaments is the main Pokémon in this list: Mega Absol ex MEG 86.

This Pokémon has a lot of HP and its attacks are quite aggressive, which is precisely what this deck wants. "Claw of Darkness" deals 200 damage and forces the opponent to discard a card from their hand (usually they'll discard the only supporter they have). Meanwhile, "Terminal Period" can also easily Knock Out Pokémon, as our attackers have a lot of HP and are thus difficult to Knock Out.

Overall, this is this list's main attacker, and the reason it is called a control list.

Our second possible attacker also draws cards: Mega Kangaskhan ex MEG 104, whose ability, "Run Errand", draws two cards when it is our active Pokémon. This is our main way to draw cards.

Its attack, "Rapid-Fire Combo", can also Knock Out an enemy attacker while we're still attaching energies to our Absol.

Furthermore, this list plays Cornerstone Mask Ogerpon ex PRE 58 as an alternative attacker. In a few matchups, it will be quite relevant, like against N's Zoroark ex JTG 98 and Gholdengo EX. Being immune to Pokémon with abilities is quite valuable in the current meta, as the main decks rely on them.

This strategy also plays Munkidori PRE 44 to move damage counters from your Pokémon and enable Absol's first attack more easily.

Ideally, you should spend your first turns attaching energies to your Pokémon. That's why this list plays 4 Arven sv1 166. With them, you can get Technical Machine: Turbo Energize sv4 179 and use it on the first turn.

Decklist - Mega Absol

This strategy also employs a justifiable wide pool of support Pokémon, as we'll need them to set up a few plays. Tatsugiri TWM 131 is part of it as well.

Latias ex SSP 76 and Pecharunt ex PRE 163 are essential on your bench because you want to do the following every turn: retreat your main Pokémon to promote Mega Kangaskhan, draw two cards, and then use "Subjugating Chains" to promote Mega Absol and attack.

Furthermore, this list plays Fezandipiti ex SFA 38 to draw cards, Psyduck sv3pt5 175 to deal with Dragapult EX, Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex svp 177 to beat certain opponents, and Yveltal MEG 88 as a panic button if you end up falling behind.

Besides the aforementioned Arven sv1 166, we'll also play Lillie's Determination MEG 119 to make this list more consistent and 3 Boss's Orders MEG 114, as Mega Absol can Knock Out any Psychic Pokémon. Last, but not least, we'll play 3 Penny sv1 183 to make our board less vulnerable in critical moments.

Our ACE SPEC is Precious Trolley SSP 185, which allows us to get all the Pokémon we need for our strategy on turn 1. We also play Nest Ball sv1 181 to make this list more consistent.

As for tools, one highlight is Bravery Charm sv2 173, which makes our Pokémon even harder to Knock Out.

Dragapult EX - Favorable

If Psyduck isn't in the Prize card pile, this match will be a walk in the park. All your Pokémon are incredibly difficult to Knock Out with "Phantom Dive", and you can take advantage of any damage counters your opponent puts on your bench later on. You'll only have to worry about hand disruption. Make sure your card draw Pokémon are always on your bench to avoid unfavorable game states.

Charizard EX - Favorable

None of their attackers can Knock Out Cornerstone Mask Ogerpon ex PRE 58, so it will be your main star. Ideally, you won't play any other Pokémon on your bench besides this one, and you'll follow with it until the end of the game, when your opponent realizes they can't do anything to beat it. If they play any attacker that can deal damage, just move the damage counters on your bench with Munkidori.

Gardevoir EX - Favorable

Gardevoir relies on ideal turns and managing their resources well. They won't be able to do that because your main attacker forces them to discard cards from their hand every turn. Furthermore, Gardevoir EX is weak against Darkness Pokémon. If your Pokémon take damage, just play Penny sv1 183 to heal them and keep putting pressure on them.

Pros

This list is quite unique, mechanically speaking, and fun to pilot, as it relies on many flexible strategies. It can also catch many opponents off-guard and is well-positioned in the meta.

Cons

However, it is also incredibly difficult to pilot, relies on items to work, and uses 3-Prize attackers.

This deck might be old news, but it has a lot of potential and will certainly remain relevant in Standard, particularly in the hands of professional players. I will certainly test it out in my neighborhood!

What do you think? Tell us your thoughts in our comment section below.

Thank you for reading, and see you next time!