Is Regidrago VSTAR Good, and What’s the Best Build?
Hello all PokéBeach readers! Here is Gabriel again with another Pokémon TCG article and this time I’m going to talk about a deck that many players are curious to know if it’s any good; [card name=”Regidrago VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card].
[cardimg name=”Lugia VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”139″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
The new Silver Tempest collection has only just been released, but some things can already be confirmed and one of them is that [card name=”Lugia VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”139″ c=”name”][/card] is exceptionally strong. Other writers here at Pokébeach have already written a lot of content about Lugia VSTAR, so I won’t delve too deeply into this subject, but it’s important to include this new deck among the best in the format and therefore it’s important to take into account all the impact that Lugia VSTAR will have on the format — most decks cannot handle the great power of this deck without having to change the lists.
Since Lugia VSTAR will be well covered by other writers, I decided to address other less impactful novelties of the new expansion and address the doubts that many players like me must also have once and for all, by determining if Regidrago VSTAR is actually any good. Another deck that I had doubts about was [card name=”Regieleki VMAX” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”58″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Vikavolt V” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”60″ c=”name”][/card], which I covered in my previous article.
When I decided to study Regidrago VSTAR, I decided to go after the main combinations that could make Regidrago VSTAR work, so after researching some lists, I arrived at the five variations of Regidrago VSTAR that have the most potential:
- Regidrago VSTAR / Lost Box: The idea is to energize Regidrago VSTAR through the Mirage Gate and use good single-Prize Pokémon like [card name=”Cramorant” set=”Lost Origin” no=”50″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Snorlax” set=”Lost Origin” no=”143″ c=”name”][/card].
- Regidrago VSTAR / Rillaboom: [card name=”Rillaboom” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”14″ c=”name”][/card] is the best way to power up Regidrago VSTAR, but for that, you have to pay a high price in your overall consistency.
- Regidrago VSTAR / Arceus VSTAR: [card name=”Arceus VSTAR” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”123″ c=”name”][/card] makes any Pokémon V work due to its powerful Starbirth VSTAR Power and Trinity Nova attack, but is this the best combination?
- Regidrago VSTAR / Mew: [card name=”Mew” set=”Celebrations” no=”11″ c=”name”][/card] from Celebrations helps with consistency and speeds up the process of finding resources, but a lot of space for [card name=”Scoop Up Net” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”165″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Switch” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”183″ c=”name”][/card] are sacrificed.
- Solo Regidrago VSTAR: The simplest and most straightforward variant. It uses as much consistency as possible through Trainers to try to perform the complex deck setup.
All of these variants can be found in competitive online tournaments, but no one is sure which of these variants is the best. I believe that many players have already understood that making Regidrago VSTAR work is not an easy task, as powering up and discarding Pokémon with the resources we have today is not that easy. That’s why I decided to test all five of these variants and then try to find out which one is the best of them, or at least the variant I liked the most.
How Regidrago VSTAR Works
Before starting to analyze each variant, it is important to understand how [card name=”Regidrago VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card] works and what each Pokémon on the list is used for. The VSTAR Power from Regidrago VSTAR is an important part of the strategy as it provides consistency and helps to discard cards that we can take advantage of later. Usually, you need to use this VSTAR Power to get an attack off on the second turn, depending on the variant.
[cardimg name=”Dragonite” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”131″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
Below I will analyze all five lists of Regidrago VSTAR, but the same Dragon-type Pokémon will be used in practically all of them, which are [card name=”Duraludon VMAX” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”123″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Giratina VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”131″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Garchomp V” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”117″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Hisuian Goodra VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card], and depending on the variant, [card name=”Dragonite” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”131″ c=”name”][/card]. These are by far the best options we have in the format right now, and they work consistently. Other options like [card name=”Flygon V” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Flapple” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”120″ c=”name”][/card], and [card name=”Appletun” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”121″ c=”name”][/card] can be good, but they are situational and sometimes insufficient even in the matchup that should be good. Another important point is not to exaggerate the number of options for Regidrago VSTAR, as with each new option you put on the list, one more consistency card will probably have to be removed. About four to six Pokémon options is a good amount to play, more or less than that and you can already have problems discarding Pokémon, or consistency issues due to having too many Pokémon.
To better understand what exactly each of these Pokémon is for, here’s a brief breakdown:
- Duraludon VMAX: Deals the most consistent damage of the attackers, and the damage isn’t affected by any effects on the opponent’s Pokémon, meaning you can KO [card name=”Miltank” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”126″ c=”name”][/card]. 220 damage will also KO most Pokémon V in the format.
- Hisuian Goodra VSTAR: the ideal attack to deal with single-Prize decks like Lost Box or [card name=”Regigigas” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”130″ c=”name”][/card], as it deals 200 damage and reduces 80 damage on the next turn. If the reduction is still not enough, [card name=”Hyper Potion” set=”Champion’s Path” no=”54″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Crystal Cave” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”144″ c=”name”][/card] can be a good solution.
- Giratina VSTAR: This will be the attack chosen to Knock Out Pokémon VSTAR. In the format, there is [card name=”Radiant Gardevoir” set=”Lost Origin” no=”69″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”V Guard Energy” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”169″ c=”name”][/card] which can take a Pokémon out of range of Giratina VSTAR’s KO, but to counter that, you can add [card name=”Choice Belt” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”135″ c=”name”][/card] if you feel you need it.
- Garchomp V: One of the most interesting attacks of the options, the Sonic Strike attack does 220 damage to one of the opponent’s Pokémon, which means that you can KO almost any Pokémon V even on the opponent’s Bench.
- Dragonite: This is a Pokémon that doesn’t go into every variant of Regidrago VSTAR because not every variant needs Energy acceleration. Versions of Lost Box, [card name=”Rillaboom” set=”Shining Fates” no=”13″ c=”name”][/card], and [card name=”Arceus VSTAR” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”123″ c=”name”][/card] do not, but versions that rely on [card name=”Gardenia’s Vigor” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”143″ c=”name”][/card] need Dragonite to gain peace of mind. Knocking Out a single-Prize Pokémon or even [card name=”Crobat V” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”104″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Lumineon V” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] and accelerating Energy leaves you free to make whatever move you want the next turn.
[premium]
Regidrago VSTAR / Rillaboom
[decklist name=”Regidrago VSTAR / Rillaboom” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Lumineon V” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”40″][pokemon amt=”20″]3x [card name=”Regidrago VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”201″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]4x [card name=”Regidrago V” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”135″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Rillaboom” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”14″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]3x [card name=”Grookey” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”11″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]1x [card name=”Giratina VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”131″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Duraludon VMAX” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”123″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Hisuian Goodra VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”136″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Garchomp V” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”TG23″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Pyukumuku” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”77″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Radiant Greninja” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”46″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Crobat V” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Lumineon V” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”40″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”30″]2x [card name=”Marnie” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”169″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Irida” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”147″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Serena” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”164″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Professor’s Research” set=”Celebrations” no=”24″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Boss’s Orders” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”154″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”Quick Ball” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”179″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”150″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Evolution Incense” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”163″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Rare Candy” set=”Celestial Storm” no=”142″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Energy Search” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”161″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Switch” set=”Black and White” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Energy Recycler” set=”Battle Styles” no=”124″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Lost Vacuum” set=”Lost Origin” no=”162″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Stormy Mountains” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”161″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”10″]7x [card name=”Grass Energy” set=”EX Ruby and Sapphire” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”7″][/card]3x [card name=”Fire Energy” set=”EX Ruby and Sapphire” no=”108″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
This is the variant I liked the least, as it is the most inconsistent of all. If your goal is to play with [card name=”Regidrago VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card] for fun, then [card name=”Rillaboom” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”14″ c=”name”][/card] may be the version that offers you the best experience as it has the most powerful way to power up Regidrago VSTAR, however, the chance of seeing your entire deck working will be low, especially in a competitive environment where on the second turn you already need to be taking KOs and starting to prepare another attacker for the next turn.
Regidrago VSTAR is already a space-consuming package, and having to bundle it with a Stage Two Pokémon will only make things worse — it’s no use having strength if you don’t have consistency. In order to fit all the cards necessary for the meta, it was necessary to reduce copies of everything, so all the resources are limited and, sometimes, not enough…
Regidrago VSTAR / Mew
[decklist name=”Regidrago VSTAR / Mew” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Radiant Greninja” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”46″][pokemon amt=”17″]3x [card name=”Mew” set=”Celebrations” no=”11″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Regidrago VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”136″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Regidrago V” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”135″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Crobat V” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Garchomp V” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”117″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Duraludon VMAX” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”123″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Giratina VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”131″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Hisuian Goodra VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”136″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Dragonite” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”96″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Radiant Greninja” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”46″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”33″]4x [card name=”Gardenia’s Vigor” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”143″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Serena” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”164″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Boss’s Orders” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”154″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Marnie” set=”Champion’s Path” no=”56″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”Quick Ball” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”179″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Scoop Up Net” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”165″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”150″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Switch” set=”Black and White” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Primal Clash” no=”127″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Energy Search” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”161″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Energy Retrieval” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”160″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Pokégear 3.0″ set=”Unbroken Bonds” no=”182″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Evolution Incense” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”163″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Air Balloon” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”156″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]2x [card name=”Training Court” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”169″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”10″]7x [card name=”Grass Energy” set=”EX Ruby and Sapphire” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”7″][/card]3x [card name=”Fire Energy” set=”EX Ruby and Sapphire” no=”108″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
From the beginning, it was the list that I thought would work the most, and afterward, it was the one that disappointed me the most. I’m particularly a fan of the mechanics of [card name=”Mew” set=”Celebrations” no=”11″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Scoop Up Net” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”165″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Radiant Greninja” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”46″ c=”name”][/card], and a high Item count, but for [card name=”Regidrago VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card] I didn’t see that translate into consistency. I felt that I was using Pokémon and Items that weren’t achieving what the deck really needs to do, which is playing Gardenia’s Vigor, setting up two [card name=”Regidrago V” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”135″ c=”name”][/card], evolving one of them into VSTAR, discarding Pokémon, and then attacking.
Mew’s mechanic only works for certain decks and Pokémon, but unfortunately, Regidrago VSTAR is not one of them.
Regidrago VSTAR / Lost Box
[decklist name=”Regidrago Lost Box” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Lumineon V” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”40″][pokemon amt=”17″]4x [card name=”Comfey” set=”Lost Origin” no=”79″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Regidrago V” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”135″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Regidrago VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”136″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Cramorant” set=”Lost Origin” no=”50″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Snorlax” set=”Lost Origin” no=”143″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Radiant Greninja” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”46″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Duraludon VMAX” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”220″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Giratina VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”131″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Hisuian Goodra VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”136″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Garchomp V” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”117″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Lumineon V” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”40″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”32″]4x [card name=”Colress’s Experiment” set=”Lost Origin” no=”190″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]1x [card name=”Serena” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”164″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Boss’s Orders” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”154″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Roxanne” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”150″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”Quick Ball” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”179″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Scoop Up Net” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”165″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Mirage Gate” set=”Lost Origin” no=”163″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”150″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Evolution Incense” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”163″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Switch” set=”Black and White” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Escape Rope” set=”Primal Clash” no=”127″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Ordinary Rod” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”171″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Training Court” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”169″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Temple of Sinnoh” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”155″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”11″]7x [card name=”Grass Energy” set=”EX Ruby and Sapphire” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”7″][/card]4x [card name=”Fire Energy” set=”EX Ruby and Sapphire” no=”108″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
[cardimg name=”Snorlax” set=”Lost Origin” no=”TG10″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
Although it is still not a combination that has perfect synergy, it is already the variant that I like the most as it eliminates the need to attack with Regidrago VSTAR on turn two and shares the responsibility of taking Prizes with [card name=”Cramorant” set=”Lost Origin” no=”50″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Snorlax” set=”Lost Origin” no=”143″ c=”name”][/card]. This Lost Box mechanic manages to win games on its own, so Regidrago VSTAR comes in as a secondary attacker, but still fundamental to the strategy.
As the Regidrago VSTAR package consumes a lot of space in the deck, all the resources of the Lost Box mechanic had to be reduced, so the list has only one Cramorant, one Snorlax, and does not have [card name=”Sableye” set=”Lost Origin” no=”70″ c=”name”][/card]. These Pokémon can help you for a couple of turns, after that Regidrago VSTAR has to come into action.
Even with more turns to be able to prepare Regidrago VSTAR and discard your attacking options, the mechanics of Lost Box still cause you problems, and there are fewer resources available to discard cards than there really should be. Care must also be taken not to banish a good attacker to the Lost Zone with [card name=”Colress’s Experiment” set=”Lost Origin” no=”155″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Comfey” set=”Lost Origin” no=”79″ c=”name”][/card]’s Flower Selecting.
In the end, it’s a combination that works reasonably well, but still with several synergy problems. I still don’t see the competitive potential for this variant.
Regidrago VSTAR / Arceus VSTAR
[decklist name=”Regidrago Arceus” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Radiant Greninja” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”46″][pokemon amt=”19″]4x [card name=”Arceus V” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”122″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Arceus VSTAR” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”123″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]3x [card name=”Regidrago VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”136″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Regidrago V” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”135″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Crobat V” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Duraludon VMAX” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”123″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Hisuian Goodra VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”136″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Giratina VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”131″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Garchomp V” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”117″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Radiant Greninja” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”46″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”27″]4x [card name=”Marnie” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”169″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Professor’s Research” set=”Celebrations” no=”24″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Serena” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”164″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Boss’s Orders” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”154″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Raihan” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”152″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”Quick Ball” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”179″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”150″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Evolution Incense” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”163″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]1x [card name=”Switch” set=”Black and White” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]2x [card name=”Temple of Sinnoh” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”155″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Path to the Peak” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”148″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”14″]6x [card name=”Grass Energy” set=”EX Ruby and Sapphire” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”6″][/card]4x [card name=”Fire Energy” set=”EX Ruby and Sapphire” no=”108″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Double Turbo Energy” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”151″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
Finally, a variant that makes sense to me! This is a standard [card name=”Arceus VSTAR” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”123″ c=”name”][/card] list, but switches the secondary attackers to [card name=”Regidrago VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card], an obvious and dull combination, but which in the end makes more sense than many other Arceus VSTAR combinations that are seen out there getting results.
[cardimg name=”Gardenia’s Vigor” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”184″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
In Arceus VSTAR lists it is common for us to see combinations with [card name=”Flying Pikachu VMAX” set=”Celebrations” no=”7″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Espeon VMAX” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”65″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Hisuian Decidueye VSTAR” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”84″ c=”name”][/card], but it makes more sense that instead of using two or three different attacking Pokémon in the same deck, use one Pokémon and have the option to use as many attacks as you want (in this case, four). The highlight of Regidrago VSTAR is being able to bring the greatest versatility of attacks that an Arceus VSTAR deck could have, and the highlight of Arceus VSTAR is being able to offer time for Regidrago VSTAR to get its Pokémon in the discard and get it powered up without having to depend on a bad Supporter like [card name=”Gardenia’s Vigor” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”143″ c=”name”][/card] or a mechanic without synergy like Lost Box or [card name=”Rillaboom” set=”Shining Fates” no=”13″ c=”name”][/card].
Even though Regidrago VSTAR offers all these options, Arceus VSTAR needs a perfect answer, and despite being good and having good options, it’s still not the ideal paring. Regidrago VSTAR may be the strongest and most complete Pokémon for an Arceus VSTAR deck, but that doesn’t mean it’s the most suitable answer for the metagame. Flying Pikachu VMAX and Espeon VMAX continue to be more effective, as when they enter the field they can decide a match against the best decks in the game.
Straight Regidrago VSTAR
[decklist name=”Straight Regidrago VSTAR” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Radiant Greninja” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”46″][pokemon amt=”16″]3x [card name=”Regidrago VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”136″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]4x [card name=”Regidrago V” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”135″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Crobat V” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Leafeon V” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”7″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Garchomp V” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”117″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Duraludon VMAX” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”123″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Hisuian Goodra VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”136″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Giratina VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”131″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Dragonite” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”131″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Radiant Greninja” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”46″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”34″]4x [card name=”Gardenia’s Vigor” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”143″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Serena” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”164″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Boss’s Orders” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”154″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Marnie” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”169″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”Trekking Shoes” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”156″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Quick Ball” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”179″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”150″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Switch” set=”Black and White” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Energy Search” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”161″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Evolution Incense” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”163″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Energy Retrieval” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”160″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”2″][/card]3x [card name=”Training Court” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”169″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”10″]7x [card name=”Grass Energy” set=”EX Ruby and Sapphire” no=”104″ c=”deck2″ amt=”7″][/card]3x [card name=”Fire Energy” set=”EX Ruby and Sapphire” no=”108″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
And finally, we have the list that I liked the most, which is the version of straight [card name=”Regidrago VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card], depending only on Supporters and Items to achieve the strategy. What makes me believe that this deck is capable of running only with Gardenia’s Vigor is that you have good attacks that make up for having to use this bad Supporter two or three times in the game. With [card name=”Garchomp V” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”117″ c=”name”][/card] you can KO benched Pokémon V without needing [card name=”Boss’s Orders” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”132″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Hisuian Goodra VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card] reduces damage by 80, which means your Pokémon will probably be protected for a turn and will have time to power up another benched attacker, and [card name=”Dragonite” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”131″ c=”name”][/card] allows you to accelerate Energy.
[cardimg name=”Regidrago VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”136″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
The idea of this list is to be able to attack on the second turn, even if it’s still not ideal, and then from turn three you can play at your own pace, using whatever attacks you want. The advantage of this version is being able to have more space in the list to invest in all the side effects that Regidrago VSTAR has because it is not enough just to play the Regidrago VSTAR package, it is necessary to remember that [card name=”Giratina VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”131″ c=”name”][/card] banishes Energy to the Lost-Zone, and Garchomp V discards Energy and therefore needs [card name=”Energy Retrieval” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”160″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Training Court” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”169″ c=”name”][/card]. We also play a full set of [card name=”Evolution Incense” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”163″ c=”name”][/card], in addition to the maximum counts of [card name=”Quick Ball” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”237″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”150″ c=”name”][/card], and [card name=”Trekking Shoes” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”156″ c=”name”][/card] to help with discards. Regidrago VSTAR takes a lot of space in a list to work well.
This variant is the best competitive experience you can have with Regidrago VSTAR in my opinion, as it offers the necessary resources to do what the deck needs, from the beginning to the end of the game.
Matchups
Lugia VSTAR (30/70)
In this matchup, the best chance to win is to take advantage of the fact that Regidrago VSTAR only attacks with basic Energy and insert tech cards like [card name=”Temple of Sinnoh” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”155″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Roxanne” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”150″ c=”name”][/card], or [card name=”Marnie” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”169″ c=”name”][/card]. Lugia VSTAR, [card name=”Yveltal” set=”Shining Fates” no=”46″ c=”name”][/card], and [card name=”Radiant Charizard” set=”Pokemon GO” no=”11″ c=”name”][/card] with [card name=”Choice Belt” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”135″ c=”name”][/card] can KO Regidrago VSTAR with one attack, even with [card name=”Radiant Gardevoir” set=”Lost Origin” no=”69″ c=”name”][/card] on the field. The problem is finding space on the list for these techs, but if you’re going to think competitively, they’re necessary to succeed.
Regigigas (40/60)
The idea is that you use Hisuian Goodra VSTAR’s attack, however, even with the 80 damage reduction, you will still get Knocked Out after two or three turns, so you should already prepare another Regidrago VSTAR on the Bench, and possibly even a third. To improve this matchup you need to invest in healing cards like [card name=”Hyper Potion” set=”Champion’s Path” no=”54″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Crystal Cave” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”144″ c=”name”][/card], but the problem is what to take out of the list.
Mew VMAX (30/70)
[card name=”Mew VMAX” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”114″ c=”name”][/card]’s speed and consistency for KOing your Pokémon is superior, but you can win this matchup by KOing three Pokemon V, either with [card name=”Boss’s Orders” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”132″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Serena” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”164″ c=”name”][/card], or copying [card name=”Garchomp V” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”117″ c=”name”][/card] to KO the opponent’s [card name=”Genesect V” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”185″ c=”name”][/card].
Knocking Out Genesect V with Garchomp V’s attack is my preferred option, because if Mew VMAX used Genesect V’s Techno Blast attack, then it cannot attack on the next turn, which gives the opponent one more barrier to attacking you. The more cards the opponent needs to use, the greater the chance of him missing the move he needs.
For this matchup, [card name=”Regidrago VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card] rosters usually use [card name=”Flygon V” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”106″ c=”name”][/card], but I don’t like it because the damage done by this Pokémon is still insufficient if the opponent uses [card name=”Oricorio” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”42″ c=”name”][/card]. If you are going to use a tech for this matchup, much better [card name=”Drapion V” set=”Lost Origin” no=”118″ c=”name”][/card].
Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR (50/50)
Of all the matchups in the metagame, this is the only one where you can play comfortably with Regidrago VSTAR without having to invest in a tech, although [card name=”Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] is the most consistent deck in the format and Regidrago VSTAR has its flaws.
The low Bench of this deck can be a good advantage to reduce Palkia VSTAR’s damage, and the damage dealt by [card name=”Giratina VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”131″ c=”name”][/card] can Knock Out Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR in one attack.
Final Thoughts
[cardimg name=”Mewtwo and Mew-GX” set=”Sun and Moon Black Star Promos” no=”SM191″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
After testing and analyzing five lists of Regidrago VSTAR, I can come to the conclusion that none of these variants pleased me to the point of becoming a competitive option — they all suffer from consistency issues. It seems like there’s a card or other that doesn’t exist in the format for this mechanic to be good. In the recent past, we had [card name=”Mewtwo and Mew-GX” set=”Unified Minds” no=”71″ c=”name”][/card] and cards that facilitated this mechanic to work including [card name=”Viridian Forest” set=”Team Up” no=”156″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Giant Hearth” set=”Unified Minds” no=”197″ c=”name”][/card] Stadiums; both discarded cards from the hand and fetched Energy from the deck. If a Stadium like this existed in the format, Regidrago VSTAR would be more consistent and therefore potentially competitive. Regidrago VSTAR’s power with all these good attack options is competitively viable, and the meta presence is perfect as Regidrago VSTAR has no Weakness, it only attacks with basic Energy, so it doesn’t suffer for [card name=”Temple of Sinnoh” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”155″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Path to the Peak” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”148″ c=”name”][/card]. The only problem is making the deck a little bit more consistent.
Regarding the metagame, Regidrago VSTAR still doesn’t have the perfect answers and direct interventions in the list are necessary to consistently beat [card name=”Lugia VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”139″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Mew VMAX” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”114″ c=”name”][/card], and [card name=”Regigigas” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”130″ c=”name”][/card], something already extremely difficult since the list is already tight to try to make the deck work, and investing in techs will only further damage the consistency of the deck.
I hope that this article has better clarified your doubts about the [card name=”Regidrago VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card] and that you have understood why this Pokémon is not competitive yet. That’s all for today guys, I hope you enjoyed it, and see you next time!
[/premium]
