No matter which trading card game you play, each one has its own fiercely competitive metagame. Between digital access to sets and each game's myriad professional players, metagames can be solved incredibly quickly. Thankfully, even in metagames that have been largely solved, there's still room for creativity.
With this in mind, there are always a handful of underrated cards that are just waiting to be utilized. Today, we'll be looking at exactly those, highlighting the most underrated Pokemon from the Eevee Grove set.
These cards may not be consistently winning tournaments, but we feel that they have a pretty good chance to do so with either the right piloting, the right deck list, or both.
Some of the Eeveelutions
We’re starting off this list with what some might consider the lesser half of the Eeveelutions. Espeon, Umbreon, Glaceon, and Vaporeon all have eye-raising capabilities, but they're not being utilized right now.
Espeon plays well against any opposing Pokemon that rely on a large amount of energy. The only issue facing this eeveelution is that it needs some added firepower to close the gap for lethal thresholds.
Umbreon counters a lot of Basic-stage Pokemon. This can come in handy when facing all those Basic-stage ex Pokemon.
Played at the right time, and that opposing Giratina ex that continuously plagues the tournament scene will be forced to do nothing once hit.
Glaceon and Vaporeon have the definitive benefit of all the Water-focused Trainer cards like Misty or Irida.
Glaceon pairs nicely with Greninja, ensuring that nowhere on the board is safe.
Vaporeon, on the other hand, is basically Guzzlord ex at home; an accelerated energy discard can wreak havoc on the frontlines.
Appletun and Vanillish
As part of the Sweets Relay line-up, Appletun and Vanillish don’t get a lot of spotlight, even though they can be used with Alcremie.
While they may not be able to match Slurpuff in the potential damage and health department, they make up for it with both speed of activation and varied amounts of support.
Vanillish can take advantage of the previously mentioned Irida to stay on the board longer, Appletun has access to Leaf Cape, and Erika. Both Pokemon activate with just 1 energy and at a comparative damage base to Slurpuff.
When either of these two tag out for Alcremie, it’ll be much easier for Alcremie to bridge lethal thresholds with its Sweets Overload.
Togedemaru
We’re travelling to joke territory for this one, but we can see a good amount of potential in this Roly-Poly Pokemon.
On its own, Togedemaru’s Bristling Spikes isn’t going to impress anyone, especially at the cost of two Metal energy. But with a little help from: a Skarmory (Space-Time Smackdown), some attrition damage tools (Rocky Helmet or Poison Barb), and additional damage Trainer cards like Giovanni, Red, or Sophecles,
All this combined, you have a recipe for some surprising damage burst while forcing the opponent into a protracted fight. You can even throw in an Adaman to squeeze out some extra attrition damage.
There’s a bit of catharsis here when you’re able to force dominating Pokemon like Solgaleo ex to bend to a funny little Roly-Poly.
Melmetal
In terms of damage to energy requirements, we have to admit that Melmetal isn’t the fastest.
However, this version of the Pokemon comes with respectable damage output and a comparatively robust body. Notably, this is on top of a Single-point Pokemon.
Enter Meltan from Genetic Apex, and the answer to Melmetal’s prayers. Assuming your opponent just doesn’t knock out your Meltan in one hit, you’re looking at a second turn activation of Melmetal’s 90 damage Mega Punch.
Toss on a Giant Cape and maybe use an Adaman and you can ensure that even a Charizard ex will have a hard time taking out this Pokemon in time.
As far as partners go, a player could look at Dusk Mane Necrozma and Lusamine if you happen to have both. Once Melmetal goes down, Lusamine can easily accelerate Necrozma’s energy requirement for fast clean-up.
Or you could lean into the Type:Null/Silvally line to continue this hyper-aggressive attack pattern. With how fast Meltmetal can go online, you’re a bit spoiled for time to build up energy for your next frontline unit.