Mega Starmie ex becoming staple in Japanese Pokémon TCG tournaments
Kotaku reports the Mega Starmie ex card, based on the mega-evolved Pokémon from Pokémon Legends: Z-A, has begun disrupting competitive Pokémon TCG tournaments overseas after launching in the Japanese Nihil Zero booster set last week.
According to Wargamer, the card’s Jet Blow attack deals 120 damage to the opponent’s active Pokémon and 50 damage to one on their bench, putting constant pressure on opponents. Players are pairing it with the Risky Ruins stadium card, which adds 20 damage to benched Pokémon, and Mega Starmie’s 330 HP makes it difficult to remove quickly.
The card comes in three variants, including a secret illustration that depicts it like a kaiju stomping a city. Its rise follows Mega Starmie’s breakout since October and its anime appearance, and The Pokémon Company appears to be leaning into the design’s chaotic energy as the card becomes a staple in Japanese tournaments.