Eternatus VMAX in Standard — Pre- and Post-Rotation

Hello PokéBeach readers, it is with great pleasure that I write another Pokémon TCG article for all of you. I’m excited about the release of Evolving Skies and the post-rotation format as they are great news for all of us. New cards arrive, old cards are gone, and with that the metagame changes completely.

This transition period is a bit confusing as we will play three different formats in a ten-day time frame. Last week, the format was Team Up to Chilling Reign (TEU-CRE), now we are in Team Up to Evolving Skies (TEU-EVS) format, and next week we will be in the Sword and Shield to Evolving Skies (SSH-EVS) format. With so many new possibilities in two different formats, one happening now and the other in a few days, it’s practically impossible to test everything, especially if your day-to-day play time is short. If you need an immediate solution to playing competitively, I think the [card name=”Eternatus VMAX” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”117″ c=”name”][/card]  lists I have for you might be a good idea.

Eternatus VMAX is a good deck during this period because it has been in the format for some time. Its gameplay, despite having a lot of variations, still consists of Eternatus VMAX as the main attacker while the base of the deck remains the same for the post-rotation format. In the pre-rotation (TEU-EVS) format, my favorite variation is Eternatus VMAX / [card name=”Weavile-GX” set=”Unified Minds” no=”132″ c=”name”][/card] . Now with the arrival of the non-Pokemon V Galarian Moltres, it is possible to bring more Darkness Energy onto the field to perform heavy attacks like [card name=”Umbreon and Darkrai-GX” set=”Unified Minds” no=”125″ c=”name”][/card]’s Dark Moon GX. In the post-rotation format, we won’t have Weavile-GX or Umbreon and Darkrai GX, so my favorite version becomes Eternatus VMAX with the new Umbreon VMAX to drag to the Active Spot any of your opponent’s Pokemon on the Bench more easily and consistently, to reinforce the offensive power that the deck’s strategy naturally possesses.

In today’s article I will analyze the two lists, which have completely different constructions and objectives despite both being Eternatus VMAX. While the list of Eternatus VMAX / Weavile-GX gains strength at the end of the game, the list of Eternatus VMAX / Umbreon VMAX gains more strength at the beginning of the game. The big challenge I had with Weavile-GX version is to make the strategy consistent, because aligning offensive power and consistency is always an arduous task. In the version with Umbreon VMAX, the biggest challenge was to find a solution to deal with [card name=”Path to the Peak” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”148″ c=”name”][/card]. Without [card name=”Chaotic Swell” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”187″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Viridian Forest” set=”Team Up” no=”156″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Dangerous Drill” set=”Team Up” no=”138″ c=”name”][/card], and [card name=”Dark City” set=”Unified Minds” no=”193″ c=”name”][/card], the most interesting options to remove Stadium cards are gone. However, I managed to find an unusual Stadium capable of bringing an interesting mechanic to the deck. I really like the final result of these two lists and it has been my safety picks for playing tournaments, I hope you enjoy the deck analysis!

Eternatus VMAX in Pre-Rotation Metagame

[cardimg name=”Eternatus VMAX” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”117″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

To start, I would like to comment a little on the Eternatus VMAX variants. First, we have the straight version with no major combinations, just enough like [card name=”Galarian Moltres V” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”97″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Galarian Zigzagoon” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”117″ c=”name”][/card] as techs. This version is generally the most consistent, but it has the least offensive power. To do well competitively, it might be a good idea to devote some of the extra slots in the list to investing in lighter techs like [card name=”Phoebe” set=”Battle Styles” no=”130″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Big Charm” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”158″ c=”name”][/card], and [card name=”Weakness Guard Energy” set=”Unified Minds” no=”213″ c=”name”][/card] to try to keep this version more consistent and still win some of your better matchups.

Then there’s the classic version focused on Galarian Zigzagoon and [card name=”Scoop Up Net” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”165″ c=”name”][/card] to add damage counters on your opponent’s field. The strategy is to be able to Knock Out an opponent’s Pokemon VMAX with only one Eternatus VMAX attack. I’ve always liked this version, as there are very few decks that can do this. The impact of Knocking Out your opponent’s key Pokemon is always greater.

We also have the version with [card name=”Galarian Weezing” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”113″ c=”name”][/card]. This Pokemon has the Neutralizing Gas Ability to disable all Abilities on the opponent’s field. The idea when attacking with Galarian Weezing is to buy time to perform your setup, slow down the opponent’s setup, and deal sufficient damage to the opponent’s main attackers so that Eternatus VMAX can KO the next turn with a single Dread End attack. I think it’s interesting, but I find it difficult to make these two Pokemon work synergistically. If you choose to attack with Galarian Weezing on the second turn, then on the next turn you are required to perform the Galarian Moltres V plus [card name=”Energy Switch” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”162″ c=”name”][/card] combo to keep pace and attack with Eternatus VMAX.

With the arrival of Evolving Skies we have the Eternatus VMAX / Umbreon VMAX version, the most hyped version of all. This version is more aggressive because it makes the task of hitting 270 damage on the Pokemon you want much simpler and more consistent. This version can’t Knock Out Pokemon VMAX in one attack, so Umbreon VMAX helps get Knock Outs against Pokemon-GX or Pokemon V on the opponent’s Bench like [card name=”Dedenne-GX” set=”Unbroken Bonds” no=”57″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Crobat V” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”104″ c=”name”][/card], or [card name=”Eldegoss V” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”19″ c=”name”][/card].

And finally we have my preferred version, which is with Weavile-GX. This version can perform absurd attacks like Dark Moon GX from Umbreon and Darkrai-GX, which allows you to Knock Out the opponent’s Active Spot Pokémon, at the same time preventing the opponent from using Trainer cards on their next turn. This attack is so strong that in many cases you win games that would be impossible because of it. And if by chance it is not possible to perform this attack, Weavile-GX offers several other small advantages so that you have a better version of a conventional Eternatus VMAX deck.

Eternatus VMAX / Weavile GX (Pre-Rotation)

Eternatus VMAX / Weavile GX reached its final form, as with the arrival of the non-Pokemon V Galarian Moltres it has become faster and more consistent to perform incredible attacks like Dark Moon GX by Umbreon and Darkrai-GX and Red Banquet by [card name=”Guzzlord” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card]. These attacks are the differential that Eternatus VMAX needed to become a really interesting and competitive deck in this format. The deck’s strength at the beginning of the game is remarkable due to its ability to deal 270 damage from the second turn, but it lacked a big attack to end the game or to turn an unfavorable match.

This version of Eternatus VMAX brings many possibilities as it can use different attacks from different Pokemon. Thanks to this advantage, you can adapt to different situations in a match, especially when you are losing the game. When you have the advantage, all you have to do is perform the correct sequencing, get a good setup, and attack the opponent’s main threats with Eternatus VMAX. When you are losing, then it is necessary to perform strong and differentiated plays. In addition, the deck has attackers that require different Energy costs, and this also helps you execute a better game plan to try to get out of a disadvantaged situation.

One advantage of this deck list is not needing Phoebe to knock out [card name=”Zamazenta V” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”139″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Decidueye” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”13″ c=”name”][/card], and Glaceon VMAX. Thanks to Umbreon and Darkrai-GX, Galarian Moltres V, Guzzlord, and Galarian Moltres, it’s possible to damage and KO all of these Pokemon. Phoebe has always been a very efficient solution for dealing with these decks, but if you are playing a matchup other than the three mentioned above, Phoebe is a completely useless card.

The Dark Moon GX attack is an even better option than Phoebe against Glaceon VMAX, as it can OHKO compared to Eternatus VMAX. Dark Moon GX works the same way against Zamazenta V and Decidueye as well. But remember, if the opponent’s has attached [card name=”Big Parasol” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”157″ c=”name”][/card] to their Active Spot Pokemon, Dark Moon GX will have no effect.

[decklist name=”Eternatus” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Eternatus VMAX” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”117″][pokemon amt=”22″]4x [card name=”Eternatus VMAX” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”117″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Eternatus V” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”116″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Crobat V” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Weavile-GX” set=”Unified Minds” no=”132″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Sneasel” set=”Unified Minds” no=”131″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Galarian Moltres V” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”97″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x Galarian Moltres (SWSH7 #93)1x [card name=”Guzzlord” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”136″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Galarian Zigzagoon” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”117″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Umbreon and Darkrai-GX” set=”Unified Minds” no=”125″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”29″]4x [card name=”Professor’s Research” set=”Shining Fates” no=”60″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Marnie” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”169″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]4x [card name=”Boss’s Orders” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”154″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Quick Ball” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”179″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Great Ball” set=”Champion’s Path” no=”52″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Pokémon Communication” set=”Team Up” no=”152″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Switch” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”183″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Air Balloon” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”156″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”2″][/card]4x [card name=”Viridian Forest” set=”Team Up” no=”156″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”9″]9x [card name=”Darkness Energy” set=”HeartGold and SoulSilver” no=”121″ c=”deck2″ amt=”9″][/card][/energy][/decklist] 

Key Cards Explanation

Two Sneasel and Two Weavile-GX

[cardimg name=”Weavile-GX” set=”Unified Minds” no=”132″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

Even without [card name=”Weavile-GX” set=”Unified Minds” no=”132″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Eternatus VMAX” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”117″ c=”name”][/card] is a decent deck. This makes me think that as interesting as it is to move Energy cards, it’s still very effective to have an Eternatus VMAX by the second turn. Many matches are won just by beating Eternatus VMAX. Because of that, I believe that a 2-2 Weavile GX line is enough.

In an [card name=”Eternatus VMAX” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”117″ c=”name”][/card] deck, [card name=”Weavile-GX” set=”Unified Minds” no=”132″ c=”name”][/card] provides several advantages. Together with [card name=”Galarian Moltres V” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”97″ c=”name”][/card] that can attach a basic Darkness Energy card from the discard pile, the deck gains the possibility to manually retreat more easily, being able to alternate attackers in the Active Spot position to avoid Knock Outs by the opponent, and not be severely punished by cards with the effect of removing Energy like [card name=”Crushing Hammer” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”159″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Team Yell Grunt” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”184″ c=”name”][/card]. Now with the arrival of the non-Pokemon V Galarian Moltres from Evolving Skies to attach two additional Darkness Energy cards, it’s possible to attach six Energy cards onto the same Pokemon. If not for this new advantage, I believe Umbreon VMAX would be a more interesting option for Eternatus VMAX.

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One Galarian Moltres EVS

Before the non-Pokemon V Galarian Moltres from Evolving Skies, it was very difficult to have six Energy cards in play. Even with Galarian Moltres V on the field, normally in a match it is possible to attach four energies, but six is ​​too much. [card name=”Umbreon and Darkrai-GX” set=”Unified Minds” no=”125″ c=”name”][/card]’s Dark Moon GX attacks and [card name=”Guzzlord” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card]’s Red Banquet attacks could only be used in slower matches like [card name=”Lucario and Melmetal-GX” set=”Unbroken Bonds” no=”120″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Decidueye” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”13″ c=”name”][/card], but with Galarian Moltres these attacks can be used in any matchup. Theoretically, it is now possible to have six Energy on your board by the second turn.

Galarian Moltres is notable for its ability, but we should respect this Pokemon as a good attacker as well. Its Fiery Wrath attack deals damage based on the amount of Prizes your opponent took, reaching up to 270 damage if your opponent takes five Prizes. Normally, you won’t need to use this attack in matchups other than Lucario and Melmetal-GX, Decidueye or any deck with Glaceon VMAX, as the attacks of Eternatus VMAX and Umbreon and Darkrai GX end up being stronger in most cases. But it’s worth remembering that Galarian Moltres is a single Prize attacker. Having the option to Knock Out an opponent’s Pokemon with a Pokemon that only offers one Prize in return is always be an advantage.

One Umbreon and Darkrai GX

It can be said that Umbreon and Darkrai-GX has finally become an interesting and viable option. The Black Lance attack is weak for today’s meta, so what matters is Dark Moon GX.

I’ve already talked a lot about Dark Moon GX throughout this article but I haven’t mentioned the importance of this attack in its partial effect, which only requires one Colorless Energy cost. If this attack is made on the first turn to prevent the opponent from using Trainer cards, the opponent may end up suffering a great deal as they will be unable to perform a minimally satisfactory setup. It’s possible to win games quickly because the opponent wasn’t able to use [card name=”Quick Ball” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”179″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Professor’s Research” set=”Shining Fates” no=”60″ c=”name”][/card] to search for another Basic Pokemon and thus end up losing their only Pokemon in play to Eternatus VMAX’s Dread End attack on the next turn.

Despite the incredible attack options that Weavile-GX’s Ability can offer, you should always remember that this is an Eternatus VMAX deck. But, Umbreon and Darkrai-GX offers one of the most aggressive starts in the format.

One Guzzlord CEC

Since it’s easier than ever to get Darkness Energy onto the field, I see no reason not to take advantage of this great Guzzlord’s attack. The Red Banquet attack is interesting because it allows you to get an extra Prize. While you only deal 120 damage, it’s enough to Knock Out [card name=”Sobble” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Drizzile” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”56″ c=”name”][/card], or at least complete the Knock Out on a Pokemon VMAX with the help of Eternatus VMAX’s Dread End attack. It’s an effect that can shorten the game by one turn in your favor and in this current format where a game lasts about five turns, one turn less means a lot.

One Galarian Zigzagoon SSH

This Pokemon’s function is to only deal 10 damage so that it is possible to knock out [card name=”Arceus and Dialga and Palkia-GX” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”156″ c=”name”][/card] with Dread End, otherwise the damage from [card name=”Galarian Zigzagoon” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”117″ c=”name”][/card] is practically irrelevant and doesn’t help to reach any other important Knock Outs.

Four Viridian Forest

This is the point on my list that most differs from popular opinion. [card name=”Path to the Peak” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”148″ c=”name”][/card] is a big problem for Eternatus VMAX, especially for this version that uses Weavile-GX not only to perform amazing attacks, but also for consistency. It is important to use Stadium cards to remove Path to the Peak whenever possible. My idea is to pick a Stadium that can at least help execute my strategy. Among my favorite options are [card name=”Viridian Forest” set=”Team Up” no=”156″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Dark City” set=”Unified Minds” no=”193″ c=”name”][/card], but I see Viridian Forest as the better option.

With Viridian Forest on the field, it’s easier to discard Basic Darkness Energy for Galarian Moltres V’s Ability and to get two Basic Darkness Energy in hand to use with Galarian Moltres EVS. It helps to find Energy whenever I need it, mainly in the first few turns when its usually the hardest to find.

Nine Darkness Energy

Keep in mind that you need six Energy to be able to perform Dark Moon GX, so I believe the minimum count for this deck would be eight. Less than that, you end up having a lot of problems with Energy in the Prize. If you need to retreat Eternatus VMAX to promote Umbreon and Darkrai GX, you would require nine Energy if you don’t have [card name=”Switch” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”183″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Air Balloon” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”156″ c=”name”][/card]. Nine Energy cards is sufficient to accomplish whatever this deck needs.

Other Tech Options

Liepard V

There are three Tools you would like to remove from the format, which are [card name=”Big Charm” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”158″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Metal Goggles” set=”Team Up” no=”148″ c=”name”][/card], and [card name=”Big Parasol” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”157″ c=”name”][/card]. Big Charm is a problem if it is attached to Arceus and Dialga and Palkia-GX, because that way Dread End won’t be enough to take a Knock Out. Removing Metal Goggles is important because Metal Goggles makes it more difficult to pick up Prizes. As for Big Parasol, you want to remove it so that is would be possible to Knock Out Decidueye with Dark Moon GX. Even so, I don’t think the inclusion of [card name=”Liepard V” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”104″ c=”name”][/card] is essential. In the first two cases, the version with Weavile-GX already has answers to deal with these situations, such as Dark Moon GX. Against Big Parasol, the solution is to Knock Out Decidueye with Big Parasol attached using the non-Pokemon V Galarian Moltres or Guzzlord.

Energy Spinner

If you want a last dance with [card name=”Energy Spinner” set=”Unbroken Bonds” no=”170″ c=”name”][/card], the time is now. The big advantage of this Item is in the first turn if you go second, because then you can get three Darkness Energy cards at once — two Energy to for Galarian Moltres and one Energy to attach for the turn. If you choose another Stadium instead of Viridian Forest, then you should play more on Energy Spinner. The sooner you can threaten your opponent with Dark Moon GX with six Energy cards attached, the impact is greater because in addition to Knocking Out the opponent’s Pokemon, he can’t use a Trainer card. Essentially, you’re disrupting your opponent if you can hit Dark Moon GX by the second or third turn.

Dark City

In addition to Viridian Forest, I consider Dark City to be a good Stadium option, as you need to retreat several times during a match. It’s normal to manually retreat in Eternatus VMAX / Weavile-GX as the deck is able to get multiple Energy onto the field, but sometimes saving those energy with Dark City helps to keep six Energy in the field for Dark Moon GX.

Hoopa DAA

[cardimg name=”Hoopa” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”111″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

I like this [card name=”Hoopa” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”111″ c=”name”][/card] as it offers the possibility to deal 90 damage on the first turn. With so many [card name=”Inteleon” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”43″ c=”name”][/card] in the metagame, Hoopa is able to Knock Out Sobble and Drizzile in the first turn. It’s also useful to finish off a Knock Out on a Pokemon VMAX with Dread End as well. Hoopa combines even better if the player chooses to use Dark City to increase the chance of fulfilling the Assault Gate attack’s effect.

Eternatus VMAX / Umbreon VMAX (Post-Rotation)

Without being able to rely on the power of Pokemon-GX, this version of [card name=”Eternatus VMAX” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”117″ c=”name”][/card] with Umbreon VMAX is my clear favorite. The ability Dark Signal allows you to bring a Pokémon from your opponent’s Bench to their Active Spot, perfect when your deck has the ability to consistently do 270 damage from the second turn. This damage dealt is more than enough to Knock Out one of your opponent’s Pokemon V, which means that if you Knock Out two more Pokemon V, you can take all six Prizes and win the match.

[decklist name=”Eternatus” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Eternatus VMAX” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”117″][pokemon amt=”21″]4x [card name=”Eternatus VMAX” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”117″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Eternatus V” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”116″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x Umbreon VMAX (SWSH7 #95)4x Umbreon V (SWSH7 #124)2x [card name=”Galarian Moltres V” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”97″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]4x [card name=”Crobat V” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”31″]4x [card name=”Professor’s Research” set=”Shining Fates” no=”60″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Marnie” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”169″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Boss’s Orders” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”154″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Piers” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”165″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Phoebe” set=”Battle Styles” no=”130″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”Quick Ball” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”179″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Great Ball” set=”Champion’s Path” no=”52″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Air Balloon” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”156″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Energy Switch” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”162″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Pal Pad” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”172″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Tool Jammer” set=”Battle Styles” no=”136″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Rugged Helmet” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”152″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]3x Shopping Center (SWSH7 #157)[/trainers][energy amt=”8″]6x [card name=”Darkness Energy” set=”HeartGold and SoulSilver” no=”121″ c=”deck2″ amt=”6″][/card]2x [card name=”Capture Energy” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”171″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card][/energy][/decklist] 

Key Cards Explanation

Three Umbreon V and Three Umbreon VMAX

The idea with this line is to have a chance to evolve and use the Ability of two Umbreon VMAX in a game, ideally being able to use one of these abilities by the second turn to put pressure on the opponent’s setup. In addition to the ability of Umbreon VMAX, I hope I don’t have to use Umbreon V and Umbreon VMAX attacks. I like the fact that its Weakness is Grass-type and so it isn’t vulnerable to [card name=”Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX” set=”Battle Styles” no=”88″ c=”name”][/card], but the cost and damage of Umbreon V and Umbreon VMAX’s attack doesn’t make up for it.

Shopping Center and the Tool Mechanic

Cards like [card name=”Chaotic Swell” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”187″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Viridian Forest” set=”Team Up” no=”156″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Dark City” set=”Unified Minds” no=”193″ c=”name”][/card], and even [card name=”Dangerous Drill” set=”Team Up” no=”138″ c=”name”][/card] are gone, but [card name=”Path to the Peak” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”148″ c=”name”][/card] still remains, stronger than ever. We already know the impact that this Stadium has on Eternatus VMAX so to solve this problem, it is necessary to use Stadium cards in this list. I searched all the Stadiums available in post-rotation format, and realized that the new Shopping Center could be an option if some adaptations were made. To take advantage of the potential of this stadium, it is necessary that useful Pokemon Tools are part of the deck. While Special Conditions are not a problem in the metagame, [card name=”Air Balloon” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”156″ c=”name”][/card] is the perfect card to retreat your Pokemon, and with Shopping Center the Air Balloon in the deck become more effective.

[cardimg name=”Rugged Helmet” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”152″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

To take advantage of Shopping Center, two other Pokemon Tool cards are better — [card name=”Tool Jammer” set=”Battle Styles” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Rugged Helmet” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”152″ c=”name”][/card]. Thanks to this Stadium, the task of having the Pokemon Tool you want for your Active Spot Pokemon is easier, so effects like those two Tools that need to be attached to the Active Spot Pokemon become viable. The Tool Jammer’s main function is to disable the opponent’s Air Balloon and prevent the opponent from being able to retreat, while the Rugged Helmet helps to remove Energy from the opponent board to slow down their plans.

Final Thoughts

I believe there is a clear difference between the Eternatus VMAX / [card name=”Weavile-GX” set=”Unified Minds” no=”132″ c=”name”][/card] and Eternatus VMAX / Umbreon VMAX — one is stronger at the end of the game, the other is stronger at the beginning of the game. The big advantage of Umbreon VMAX is that it allows you to Knock Out any of your opponent’s Pokemon at the beginning of the game. It is very difficult to use [card name=”Boss’s Orders” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”154″ c=”name”][/card] on turn 2 while you’re still setting up, but with Umbreon VMAX it is possible to use [card name=”Professor’s Research” set=”Shining Fates” no=”60″ c=”name”][/card] and still take a Knock Out on an opponent’s Pokemon on the Bench.

The version with Weavile-GX accepts that you won’t be able to Knock Out an opponent’s Pokemon on the Bench on turn 2, but in exchange you will be able to Knock Out any of your opponent’s Pokemon with [card name=”Umbreon and Darkrai-GX” set=”Unified Minds” no=”125″ c=”name”][/card]’sDark Moon GX or get an extra Prize with [card name=”Guzzlord” set=”Cosmic Eclipse” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card].

Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX remains a problem for Eternatus VMAX, but both lists have the resources to try and win this bad matchup with above-average effects. The Weavile-GX version relies on a powerful Dark Moon GX to take a major Knock Out and prevent the opponent from recovering after. The version with Umbreon VMAX aims to nip the problem in the bud, trying to Knock Out the Pokemon V before they become Pokemon VMAX.

That’s all for today, I hope you enjoyed my analysis on Eternatus VMAX and I’ll see you next time!

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