Pokémon TCG - The Best Pokémon in Standard to deal with Budew!

Prismatic Evolutions, the latest special set, brought us Budew PRE 4, an incredible "control" Pokémon known for its item lock strategy. Since it's become so popular, many players are struggling to deal with it.

So, we decided to show you a few Pokémon you can use to answer Budew PRE 4 efficiently. Check it out!

Cacnea (Scarlet/Violet: Base Set)

If Cacnea is your active Pokémon and if it takes damage from the opponent's Pokémon, you can use its ability, Counterattack Quills, to return 3 damage counters to the enemy Pokémon. This is enough to knock out Budew PRE 4.

It is an excellent option for Toedscruel ex sv4pt5 5 or other Grass Pokémon.

Victini (Sword/Shield: Silver Tempest)

Its attack, Assisting Flame, is great against Budew PRE 4 because Victini is a Fire Pokémon: it deals 40 damage to it instead of 20, and, as such, knocks it out. Furthermore, its effect lets you recycle two Basic Fire Energy SVE 10 from the discard pile and attach them to your Pokémon in any way you like!

This Pokémon is a great option for Charizard ex sv4pt5 54, Gouging Fire ex TEF 38, Ceruledge ex SSP 36, Regidrago VSTAR SIT 136, and even Dragapult ex TWM 130.

Please note: Victini SIT 23 will rotate out of Standard in April 2025!

Bruxish (Scarlet/Violet: Surging Sparks)

Its ability, Counterattack, works similarly to Cacnea's ability: if it is in your active position and takes enemy damage, your opponent's active Pokémon gets 3 damage counters.

In Water decks, which are quite popular right now, this Pokémon might be a good call, particularly because its attack, Big Bite, doesn't cost many energies.

Cryogonal (Scarlet/Violet: Surging Sparks)

This Water Pokémon stands out because of its two recursive attacks: the first one lets you get a Pokémon from your deck, and the second can knock out Budew PRE 4.

Cryogonal (Scarlet/Violet: Obsidian Flames)

This Cryogonal has an interesting effect: if you're second to play on the first turn, you can use its attack to Paralyze the opponent's active Pokémon.

Zeraora (Sword/Shield: Silver Tempest)

Previously popular in Miraidon Box lists, this Zeraora is an excellent option to beat decks that use evolutions, as its attack deals more damage to them. This means you'll be able to knock out Budew PRE 4 and also deal 60 damage to all other evolution Pokémon.

Elekid (Scarlet/Violet: Paradox Rift)

This is, by far, one of the best Pokémon in this list.

It is a baby Pokémon from Paradox Rift. Its attack costs no energies and deals exactly 30 damage, so it knocks out Budew PRE 4. You can also retreat it for free.

Girafarig (Scarlet/Violet: Twilight Masquerade)

This is an excellent addition to Gardevoir ex sv4pt5 29 lists, as they usually play Drifloon sv1 89 as an attacker.

Its second attack lets you put damage counters on Drifloon sv1 89, and, this way, you'll be able to create more synergies in this deck and also knock out Budew.

Ralts (Sword/Shield: Silver Tempest)

Speaking of Gardevoir ex sv4pt5 29, we couldn't forget Ralts SIT 67 itself.

Its attack can disable Budew PRE 4's attack for a turn, like a sort of "Amnesia". This way, you will have some time to find a way to deal with it or knock it out before it costs you the game.

Fan Rotom (Scarlet/Violet: Stellar Crown)

If you enjoy Terapagos ex SCR 128, this is an excellent option. You won't need many energies to use it, and it deals a lot of damage if you meet a simple requirement: have a Stadium in play.

As this deck relies on Area Zero Underdepths SCR 131, using this Pokémon's explosive attack will be quite easy.

Chatot (Sword/Shield: Astral Radiance)

This Chatot combines utility with an efficient attack: besides drawing cards, its second attack knocks out Budew PRE 4 and prevents the opponent's defending Pokémon from retreating.

Please note: this card will rotate out of Standard in April 2025!

Furfrou (Scarlet/Violet: Shrouded Fable)

Its attack is excellent because it also lets you recycle an energy in your discard pile and attach it to a Pokémon. So you'll be able to deal with Budew and set up another Pokémon at the same time.

Cyclizar (Scarlet/Violet: Paradox Rift)

This Pokémon's second attack deals extra damage if a Supporter was played that turn, so it is an interesting option in decks with Blissey ex TWM 134 and Baxcalibur sv2 60.

Do you agree with our picks? Tell us your thoughts in our comment section below.

Thank you for reading, and see you next time!