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The Penguin That Learned to Soar- Empoleon!

RogueChomp

Team DBT
Member
Emperor of the Meta

Introduction:

Once part of a popular deck back in 2007-2008, this Pokémon is making its comeback in the upcoming BW-on format. After being nearly neglected during HGSS-on, this Pokemon will benefit from the slower format and the decrease of Zekeels. It’s fast, it’s consistent, it’s strong, it’s Empoleon!

29-empoleon.jpg

A remake of the HGSS Jumpluff, Empoleon sports a high HP, a great attack, and an amazing ability. It broke the ice in a few Spring Battle Roads during HGSS-on, proving it had potential, but wasn’t a tier 1 deck just yet. However, the new format is just around the corner and this star is about to shine.

Empoleon variants are based around having a lot Pokémon in play, preferably a lot Empoleons. It takes quick prizes with Attack Command and completely run through your opponent, both early and late game. Its ability, Diving Draw, makes it even easier to swarm Empoleons, and draw into needed supporters, trainers, or energies. Diving Draw also helps get rid of unneeded cards.

Popular Empoleon Variants Include:


-Empoleon/Terrakion NV. This variant is most commonly used because Empoleon usually has an unfavorable matchup against Zekeels, but with Terrakion, not only does this deck put loads of pressure on your opponent, but now you can stop them from scrapping your Empoleons with an Eviolited Zekrom. Terrakion is the best pair with Empoleon in my opinion, because not only is it a great attacker for solid damage and revenge prizes, but it stops Darkrai EXs, Zekroms, Regigigas EXs, Zekrom EXs, Raikou EX, and can 2HKO nearly all of the other EXs. However, Tornadus EX challenges Terrakion with its high HP and resistance so watch out.

-Empoleon/Accelgor DE. This variant doesn't focus on Empoleon as much of an attacker, though it can obviously double as one, but as a draw support. Empoleon can thin your deck and help you hit the consistent Deck and Cover, a truly annoying and threatening thing to do. The lock can be kept up for quite a while, and with an added Musharna NXD you could have your opponent drawing and passing each turn. This deck has gotten its fair share of hype, gaining recognition as the second best Empoleon variant, but it has problems with Raikou EX because they can OHKO Empoleons and snipe out your Accelgors quickly.

-Empoleon/Roserade DRX. This variant is used for speed, swarm, flexibility, and consistency. With Roserade from DRX, you can get a pinch Pokémon Catcher, Rare Candy, Supporter, Empoleon, Switch, etc. to win you the game or simply to put you farther ahead in the prize trade. However, this deck has a worse Zekeels matchup than Empoleon/Terrakion, but with its ability to swarm multiple Empoleons turn 2 or 3, it isn’t a variant that should be ignored.

- Empoleon/Landorus EX Landorus EX has been hyped ever since the Japanese scans of it came out, and there is no reason it shouldn't have been. With the ability to take quick KOs, resist Kos with Max Potion, and draw into needed cards with Diving Draw, Empoleon/Landorus EX is one of the most, if not the most popular Empoleon variant around. It very fast, with the ability to hit Kos on Tynamos, Deino NV, and set up KOs beginning from Turn 1. Not only that, but Landorus EX has great typing. It can easily lay a smack down on Darkrais and Raikous with Land Judgement and Hammerhead. It also has the ability to OHKO Hydreigons, Klingklangs, Blastoises, etc. Empoleon/Landorus is definitally a variant to test, test against, or watch out for, because its speed, prize denial, and damage output could leave you in the dust.

-Empoleon/Dusknoir BC With the release of Boundaries Crossed, new variants of Empoleon decks appeared, namely Empoleon/Dusknoir. Empoleon/Dusknoir is a deck that requires skill and thought, as to where to move damage with Sinister Hand, and how much damage you should move. Empoleon can let out consistent treams of damage, and with Dusknoir, that damage is basically going anywhere. Add in Max Potion or Landorus EX, and knockouts could be coming out of nowhere everywhere. This deck has gotten its fair share of placements at Cities, and is not a variant that should be looked down upon.

-Many more!
Empoleon is such a versatile card that it can be paired with nearly anything, from Ninetails DRX to Musharna NXD. I chose the three that I thought would be most the popular and playable.

Since Empoleon/Terrakion is the most played variant, it will be the one that we will discuss.

Sample List for Empoleon/Terrakion:

4-2-4 Empoleon
3 Emolga
2 or 3 Terrakion

15/16 Pokémon

4 Rare Candy
3 Switch
4 Pokémon Catcher
2 or 3 Ultra Ball/Pokémon Communication
4 N
3 Level Ball
4 Juniper
3 Skyla
2 Pluspower
3 Energy Switch/EXP Share
1 Super Rod
1 Computer Search
34 Trainers/Supporters

Depending on your amount of Terrakion, you could run Energy counts such as:
4 WLFM Blend/Fighting
6-7 Water
10-11 Energy

This is a preference list, from either you want Energy Switch or EXP share, the amount of Terrakion you want, and if you want Blend or Fighting. Lets take a deeper look inside why the list is the way it is.
You can find the staples here. I will be explaining the not so common cards, and this link will help you if you need to learn about staples and what-not.

Emolga- This was a match made in heaven for Empoleon. Not only is it a perfect set-up card to fill your bench, it can knock out Swablus with a WLFM Blend Energy and has free retreat. This card also has a pretty high HP for a non-legendary basic.

Level Ball- You gotta have some way to get Piplups out right? Level Ball is a great card in this deck because it can search out Emolga, Piplup, and Prinplup, all necessary cards to set up.

Terrakion- Our revenge killer and Zekeels and Darkrai variant counter. This card can take easy KOs without being KOd back, which is amazing. It also hits a huge part of the meta for weakness.

Energy Switch/EXP Share- The choice of which you like is up to you but both of them serve the same purpose, charging up Terrakion. I personally like Energy Switch more because it can surprise your opponent, can't be Tool Scrappered away, and you can use more than one per turn. However, EXP share is more reliable because you need Energy Switch in hand for it to work and for EXP share you don't need multiple Energy in play.

Switch- This card is necessary, especially in the Terrakion variant. Terrakion has a heavy 4 retreat, and if they Pokémon Catcher it to the active and you don't play switch, you are in a bad situation. It also helps in getting out of Paralysis lock, which can really annoy your opponent.

Ultra Ball/Pokémon Communication- These cards are for searching out my Empoleons and Terrakions. You need these for speed and getting Empoleons out as fast as possible.

Rare Candy- A staple in any Stage 2 deck, Rare Candy gives this deck consistency and speed. Now you can easily get out an Empoleon out Turn 2 and start attacking from there.

Skyla- Skyla searches you deck for a Trainer card. Any trainer card. This Gym Leader can assist you in getting a supporter, a Rare Candy, a pinch Catcher, a Switch, or anything to get a T2 Empoleon swarm ready and going. It is amazing in Stage 2 decks like this and will be played.


Techs You Can Include:


- Virizion NV
Arguably one of the best starters in BW-on, Virizion can find a place in this deck if you're not so fond of Emolga. Showing off an awesome HP for a basic and a bearable retreat, its attack, Double Draw can allow you to set up and draw into cards you need. If your adventurous, you could use this as a secondary attacker. It can Leaf Wallop Tynamos and other weak basics to take quick and easy KOs if your not fully set up T2. This card could also work as a counter to the mirror match as it can OHKO most of the pokemon in Empoleon/Terrakion and it has a resistance to Empoleon. Definitely a tech to consider.

- Max Potion
This card could fit right in to Empoleon/Terrakion if the player is willing enough to include it. When you have lots of damage on an Empoleon, Max Potion allows you to avoid being KO'd by healing it off then being able to attach again. The synergy between Empoleon's low energy attack and Max Potion is great and worth considering, as it may save you during the game.

- Mew EX
One big problem Empoleon has is trying to fight off a Mewtwo with 6+ energy. Mew EX solves this problem easily. With the aid of the aforementioned Energy Switch, Mew EX could come out of nowhere and Revenge KO their Mewtwo with its ability to copy X Ball or even simpler, Attack Command. The problem with this tech is that it is easily, and I mean EASILY, KO'd by non-EX Pokemon like Zekrom and Garchomp, so play it down strategically in order to not lose 2 prizes.

- Terrakion EX
I've seen Terrakion EXs in Empoleon/Terrakion many times and let me tell you, it is a great attacker and energy accelerator. With a bulky 180 HP and uncommon weakness, this card can take out most Pokémon in the metagame in 1 to 2 hits. It may sound like such a great card at first but you must know when to play it. It takes 3 turns to set up its second attack, and by that time you could have easily taken some prizes with Empoleon. It's a great card, but it has its downsides. I prefer the normal Terrakion because really, Empoleon doesn't need energy acceleration. The regular Terrakion also doesn't give off 2 prizes.

- Rayquaza SR
One of the cards getting tons of hype is back in Empoleon! Usually seen in other decks, Rayquaza SR could fit in perfectly in Empoleon, as it can donk, take Tynamo KOs, Gible KOs, Swablu KOs, Deino (Dragon Type) KOs, and it is easily compatible with WLFM Blend Energy. Using Rayquaza is a risky move though, not only does starting with it stink if you can't donk or KO, but its heavy retreat could be susceptible to Catcher stalling. It also can discard necessary resources and aid in decking you out.

- Giant Cape
Empoleon has a pretty high HP, but if you ever want it to be even higher, this is the card for you. As a tool, Giant Cape gets your HP up to 160. That's a lot of HP, but it isn't always necessary to have that much. It does help against Accelgor, as they no longer have the KO going into their turn. It can be easily Tool Scrappered and really doesn't help often, but it sure can help in some situations.

- Rescue Scarf
The "twin" to Rescue Energy, Rescue Scarf can boost consistency and allow you to get Empoleons and benched Pokémon back very easily. If you play do Rescue Scarf, don't rely on it too much, or you could be Tool Scrappered and possibly lose an Empoleon that you thought you were going to get back. Rescue Scarf is definitely a card to consider teching.

- Tool Scrapper
Tool Scrapper has one use and one use only- Scrapping tools. It can help in many situations, from thwarting a Garbodor to removing an Eviolite to KO something. I definitely suggest putting it in, as it doesn't have many down sides and helps in many matchups.

-Milotic DRX
One of the lesser techs, Milotic DRX can be used to search out 3 of ANY card in your deck. Amazing right? Wrong! While you can use this card, it takes at least a 2-2 line to set it up, that's four card spaces that could go to speed or consistency. It is also completely pointless if your opponent plays an N during their next turn. If it were a basic, it would be an amazing tech but right now, only the adventurous souls would dare to risk using this card.

-Stunfisk DRX
If you want a quick spreader, Stunfisk is the way to go. It can OHKO Tynamos T1, allowing a donk, and can set up KOs. It is essentially a double pluspower. Its second attack could be used as a lock to annoy Hydreigons, Sableyes, Altarias, Emolgas, Darkrais etc, to stall your opponent and prevent them from setting up. It has a hefty 3 retreat though, so it is very easy to Catcher stall.

-Mewtwo EX
This money munching behemoth can be an inclusion to Empoleon, especially variants that run Energy Switch. With higher HP than Mew EX, this counter to other Mewtwos could win you 3 prizes before being KOd after a late game N.

-Rocky Helmet
Rocky Helmet? Why would anyone include that in Empoleon? Well I'll tell you why: It helps. Garchomp has to work around attacking you, as if they hit you they may be KOing themself after you attack command them for 120. Its a double pluspower and could be a potential thing to watch out for. It assists in KOing EXs, either with Terrakion or Empoleon, because Eviolites set you back a little. Just consider using this. Its ability to annoy and test your opponents playing ability is nearly unmatched.

-Landorus EX
The feared Landorus is back in its Therian form, ready to help out Empoleon and seize the meta. Like Stunfisk, this 180 HP genie can snipe out your opponents Dark Deinos and Tynamos, set up KOs, and get you early game KOs that could start from T1. While having an unfavorable weakness to Keldeo EX and Empoleon mirror, it has a great resistance and typing and benefits from Max Potion very well. It does, however, have 3 retreat, which is a lot. One of its lesser pros that could be used in Empoleon is the fact that it can OHKO many pokemon in the format with its second attack.

The Matchups:

Garchomp Altaria- Slightly Favorable to Favorable

You could argue that Garchomp KOs Empoleon each turn, but Empoleon can also KO an Altaria each turn. Empoleon has Terrakion as a backup attacker, which can 2 Shot Garchomp and gets two shotted in return (if you managed to KO the Altarias). They can get many Altarias, so be careful of straying away from the Garchomps to try to take out every Altaria. The matchup is all about speed and Empoleon has to get set up the fastest in order to KO Altarias and win. Not to mention that Emolga can KO Swablus if you run WLFM Blend.

Terrakion EX Variants- Slightly Unfavorable to Slightly Favorable

You have a faster deck and can two shot their Terrakion EX. However, they have the ability to play of a small bench, making your damage out put around 80 or 90 if you have a full bench. Tool Scrapper is a great card in this matchup, allowing you to remove pesky EXP Shares, Eviolites, and the occasional Rescue Scarf. Terrakion provides a solid attacker as well. A late game Tool Scrapper and N could put Terrakion EX in a pickle. The one huge thing that makes this slightly unfavorable is Mewtwo EX. With Terrakion EX, they can abuse Potion to make it live longer and accelerate countless energies onto a Mewtwo. From there, they can run through your Empoleons. This is a matchup in which a Mew EX would help a lot.

Hydreigon Variants- Slightly Favorably to Favorable

If they are playing Darkrai, and most variants will, Terrakion is a star in this matchup. It has the ability to OHKO Darkrais and Sableyes, which could easily put you ahead in the prize trade. Hydreigon tends to be a problem though, as it can still abuse Max Potion and can run through every Pokémon in your deck. Sableyes can endlessly Catcher your Terrakions, so make sure never to put down more than you need. Other than that, you should feel fine going into this matchup, as Empoleon has the speed and weakness advantage to beat it.

Mirror (Empoleon Variants)- Even

Of course its even, you're both running the same deck. As far as I'm concerned, there are no "techs" that help you in the mirror match. Try to attack as early as possible and KO their attempts to get Empoleons out. If you run into Aerodactyl, KO them before the Empoleons can start KOing you, because they have an extra boost that you don't. Terrakion is great for KOing the small Pokémon like Piplup, Prinplup, Emolga, and even Aerodactyl, and it supports an even 2 Hit KO trade with Empoleon. If you run Virizion and the energy to use Leaf Wallop, go for it. With resistance to Empoleon and hitting Terrakion for weakness, this set up attacker could act as a hero in the mirror matchup.

Accelgor Variants- Slightly Unfavorable - Unfavorable

With 4 Switch, you have a great matchup vs. the pesky ninja. However, Gothitelle tends to give you problems, so you have to KO them early. Also, Empoleon has the magic 70 multiple HP, which means that Accelgor KOs it with poison going into their turn. You have to out-speed, outplay, and get some luck to win this matchup. If they don't play trainer lock however, you can win the matchup easily, just don't waste Switches early.

Eels Variants- Favorable

Empoleon can out-speed this deck, especially in BW-on. With Terrakion, you can KO their Zekrom EXs, Raikou EXs, and Zekroms. Mewtwo tends to give you problems, but you can 2 shot it with Empoleon or 1 shot it with Mew EX. Usually, they have to work off of a big bench, so that benefits you as well. As long as you can get a fast start, KO their Eels, and set up Terrakion, you shouldn't have a hard time.

Garbodor Varients- Slightly Unfavorable to Favorable

Sure, they lock your ability, but how much does that really affect you? If you run supporters, this matchup shouldn't be a problem. Just KO their attackers, because going after Garbodor is pointless because you don't need your ability. The matchup you should watch out for is Garbodor/Terrakion. Terrakion with Eviolite can run through an Empoleon before getting KOd, which causes for an even prize trade. That matchup is Slightly Unfavorable to Favorable because a smart player will play off of a small bench while a dumb one will keep benching Terrakions, Trubbishes, etc. Max Potion is the card to need in this matchup.

Conclusion:

Overall, Empoleon, though it's a penguin, could soar to new heights in the BW-on format. Having a high HP, a great attack, and an awesome ability are only some of the things that make it the great deck it is. It has great matchups across the board and has the potential to tear up the metagame. Expect to see this at tournaments, because if you're not prepared, you could be left with a frostbite.
 
Very Nice Article! I'm running this deck as one of my 2 main decks (After I get more Terrakions/Roserades). Just a few things I'd like to point out to maybe help out future readers:

-Mew EX's Description: While you have its fragility and use of countering loaded mewtwos listed, the method of employing said defeat to mewtwo is lackluster. Mew fits better into Empoleon decks not because it's not mewtwo, but because it has a better option than using X-Ball! Mew EX uses Attack Command to take out mewtwo, so I'd list that as option #1 for taking down the pesky Megacat.

Garchomp/Altaria Matchup: This should be in Empoleons favor, not 50/50. Garchomp is only 2KOing Empoleon at any given time (If you let them get 4 Altaria in play, something's wrong with you dude...), where Empoleon's near guaranteed a 2KO against the Land Shark. Consistency shouldn't be used as a factor, for they're pretty even (Diving Draw vs. Dragon Call). Pokemon Catcher just better amplifies Empoleon's lead over Garchomp, as you can take down their support pokemon in one hit...Garchomp can't (Unless you're running a Roserade Variant, in which case they can knock down the damage you do by 10); this only applies to the prize trade, though, as you're still 2KOing each other most likely (So not avoiding 2KOs/allowing OHKOs, etc). Just saying Empoleon is the favorite of this matchup.

Garbador Matchup: What you have listed is correct for terms of matchup, but the "Big Threat" you mention (Garbador/Terrakion) is moot. You say Terrakion's running through an Empoleon and a half per Terrakion...They're an even prize trade. It all depends on who gets the KOs faster, really (and Terrakion's forced to move at your pace for the most part due to Retaliate's effect). Not to mention you run your own Terrakions, Matching prize trade shouldn't be too hard, and getting ahead's as easy as holding onto a catcher for the right moment.

Mirror Matchup: The only thing I'd add here is that Virizion's godly in the mirror; Running a few prisms (Maybe 3WLFM/2Blend/RestWater) allows Virizion to 1. Stall Empoleon a little bit (Water resistance) 2. Nail Terrakion for SE Damage and 3. Double Draw later if you manage to stay alive. Not the best card, but a Virizion-incorperated deck will have an easier time over a non-Virizion-incorperated deck.

Giant Cape: You're not giving this card enough merit in Empoleon decks. It prevents the OHKO from Hydreigon (Yeah, he attacks too) and Accelgor from benefitting from the magic number. It also keeps Virizion healthier should you use her against Empoleon decks, and can give Piplup that little buffer at the beginning of the game should it some to it. I'd emphasize this card a lil more; it's not perfect, but it's good enough to merit more than a "meh" mention.

And now for something I think you should add to the tech list: Mewtwo EX. Yes, he's in a lot of decks. Yes, he is here to fulfill around the same purpose as Mew EX, but there's merits to running Mewtwo. First off, in a Terrakion variant, Mewtwo is far superior thanks to Energy Switch. Why, you ask? The higher HP, that's why. Empoleon's great for being a fast deck that can stay ahead of the game in the prize race, which Mew Hinders.....big time. Mewtwo's normally-regarded-as-fragile 170HP is why it's better than Mew (alongside energy switch), as it becomes harder for your opponent to capitalize on losing their Mewtwo (That IS why you would bench him). In non-Terrakion Variants (Or variants that run no Energy Switches), Mew EX is clearly the better choice, as he can attack Mewtwo for 1 energy, which is able to be set up in one turn.


You don't have to incorporate anything I said, but it might be worth a look. Empoleon's strong, and you have a good analysis; I just think what I said will make it even better.
 
Deoxysmatter said:
Garchomp/Altaria Matchup: This should be in Empoleons favor, not 50/50. Garchomp is only 2KOing Empoleon at any given time (If you let them get 4 Altaria in play, something's wrong with you dude...), where Empoleon's near guaranteed a 2KO against the Land Shark. Consistency shouldn't be used as a factor, for they're pretty even (Diving Draw vs. Dragon Call). Pokemon Catcher just better amplifies Empoleon's lead over Garchomp, as you can take down their support pokemon in one hit...Garchomp can't (Unless you're running a Roserade Variant, in which case they can knock down the damage you do by 10); this only applies to the prize trade, though, as you're still 2KOing each other most likely (So not avoiding 2KOs/allowing OHKOs, etc). Just saying Empoleon is the favorite of this matchup.

Actually, with 2 Altaria's, Garchomp can OHKO Empoleon and Terrakion. They run Blend WFLM, so Dragonblade won't be uncommon. Making Garchomp more favorable.
 
Empoleon becomes much better with the plasma frigate stadium. No weakness! It also helps zekeels though.
 
A small deckbuilding point: the list you used has 9 supporters and 2 Random Receiver. Replacing those RR with supporters would improve the deck‘s consistency slightly. It wouldn‘t cost you any speed either, because you already run a “bad“ supporter (Cheren). With Smeargle and Junk Arm out of the picture, RR reduces your chance of drawing supporters later in the game. The deck thinning it provides is insignificant, because a draw supporter seems like a good thing to have at any point in the game.

Not a huge point, because the difference is only a few percents at most, but it seems relevant for a deck that‘s supposed to be the most consistent around.

Edit@above: Why would you want to cram effectively dead Plasma Energies and a Stadium that doesn‘t help consistency into your deck when Terrakion solves the same problem rather more effectively?
 
Deoxysmatter said:
Very Nice Article! I'm running this deck as one of my 2 main decks (After I get more Terrakions/Roserades). Just a few things I'd like to point out to maybe help out future readers:

-Mew EX's Description: While you have its fragility and use of countering loaded mewtwos listed, the method of employing said defeat to mewtwo is lackluster. Mew fits better into Empoleon decks not because it's not mewtwo, but because it has a better option than using X-Ball! Mew EX uses Attack Command to take out mewtwo, so I'd list that as option #1 for taking down the pesky Megacat.

Edited Attack Command in. How did I forget that :p

Garchomp/Altaria Matchup: This should be in Empoleons favor, not 50/50. Garchomp is only 2KOing Empoleon at any given time (If you let them get 4 Altaria in play, something's wrong with you dude...), where Empoleon's near guaranteed a 2KO against the Land Shark. Consistency shouldn't be used as a factor, for they're pretty even (Diving Draw vs. Dragon Call). Pokemon Catcher just better amplifies Empoleon's lead over Garchomp, as you can take down their support pokemon in one hit...Garchomp can't (Unless you're running a Roserade Variant, in which case they can knock down the damage you do by 10); this only applies to the prize trade, though, as you're still 2KOing each other most likely (So not avoiding 2KOs/allowing OHKOs, etc). Just saying Empoleon is the favorite of this matchup.

However, Garchomp OHKOs Empoleon, as they are more consistent and Altarias cannot be Catcher KOd every turn, unless you some how draw into a catcher every turn. Garchomp can usually 2hko Empoleon as well.

Garbador Matchup: What you have listed is correct for terms of matchup, but the "Big Threat" you mention (Garbador/Terrakion) is moot. You say Terrakion's running through an Empoleon and a half per Terrakion...They're an even prize trade. It all depends on who gets the KOs faster, really (and Terrakion's forced to move at your pace for the most part due to Retaliate's effect). Not to mention you run your own Terrakions, Matching prize trade shouldn't be too hard, and getting ahead's as easy as holding onto a catcher for the right moment.

Mirror Matchup: The only thing I'd add here is that Virizion's godly in the mirror; Running a few prisms (Maybe 3WLFM/2Blend/RestWater) allows Virizion to 1. Stall Empoleon a little bit (Water resistance) 2. Nail Terrakion for SE Damage and 3. Double Draw later if you manage to stay alive. Not the best card, but a Virizion-incorperated deck will have an easier time over a non-Virizion-incorperated deck.

Virizion is a more difficult tech to attack with as now you need Grass. If you put in prism, now you can't energy switch/EXP share, super rod, and its more suspectible Enhanced Hammer. Adding the proper energy for Virizion would mess up other matchups...

Giant Cape: You're not giving this card enough merit in Empoleon decks. It prevents the OHKO from Hydreigon (Yeah, he attacks too) and Accelgor from benefitting from the magic number. It also keeps Virizion healthier should you use her against Empoleon decks, and can give Piplup that little buffer at the beginning of the game should it some to it. I'd emphasize this card a lil more; it's not perfect, but it's good enough to merit more than a "meh" mention.

That's hoping that they don't run Tool Scrapper of course. In the Darkrai Matchup, a smart D/H player wouldn't go Aggro-Hydreigon. They would use Darkrai to spread damage and take many KOs on Empoleons and Terrakions.

And now for something I think you should add to the tech list: Mewtwo EX. Yes, he's in a lot of decks. Yes, he is here to fulfill around the same purpose as Mew EX, but there's merits to running Mewtwo. First off, in a Terrakion variant, Mewtwo is far superior thanks to Energy Switch. Why, you ask? The higher HP, that's why. Empoleon's great for being a fast deck that can stay ahead of the game in the prize race, which Mew Hinders.....big time. Mewtwo's normally-regarded-as-fragile 170HP is why it's better than Mew (alongside energy switch), as it becomes harder for your opponent to capitalize on losing their Mewtwo (That IS why you would bench him). In non-Terrakion Variants (Or variants that run no Energy Switches), Mew EX is clearly the better choice, as he can attack Mewtwo for 1 energy, which is able to be set up in one turn.

Good Point


You don't have to incorporate anything I said, but it might be worth a look. Empoleon's strong, and you have a good analysis; I just think what I said will make it even better.



TheBugManiac said:
A small deckbuilding point: the list you used has 9 supporters and 2 Random Receiver. Replacing those RR with supporters would improve the deck‘s consistency slightly. It wouldn‘t cost you any speed either, because you already run a “bad“ supporter (Cheren). With Smeargle and Junk Arm out of the picture, RR reduces your chance of drawing supporters later in the game. The deck thinning it provides is insignificant, because a draw supporter seems like a good thing to have at any point in the game.

Not a huge point, because the difference is only a few percents at most, but it seems relevant for a deck that‘s supposed to be the most consistent around.

Edit@above: Why would you want to cram effectively dead Plasma Energies and a Stadium that doesn‘t help consistency into your deck when Terrakion solves the same problem rather more effectively?

What i was thinking was that Empoleon draws throught its deck enough, so why would it need TOO many supporters. I gave my reason for Cheren, but guess I'll change the RRs for a N and a Juniper.
 
I'll be honest, I completely forgot about Garchomp's second attack...my bad. And about the D-H deck, I completely agree...but that's why we have such a max-potion abusing deck, right? (Yeah yeah, tool scrapper. The list should only run 2 otherwise risking consistency).

As for the RReciever...I think they should stay in. Empoleon needs to get to its supporters faster so they can be used, but running too many might mess up your late game and force you to rush. Using RReciever means you can use less supporters total, but have the same chance of drawing into them. Might be a minor difference, but if i could even remember the times I lost a match because I decked out one turn too early...
 
I have had more problems with not drawing my supporters when I needed to recover than with drawing so many they clog my hand. Empoleon can discard excess supporters anyway. Just my two cents, but feel free to disagree, it‘s your show.
 
The Roserade variant is actually very very buttery with consistency. It allows a lot of room for flexibility by allowing you to add 1 of techs, Max Potion, Enhanced Hammer, Tool Scrapper, etc. You won't need them every game but knowing that you can search them when you do is pretty nice.

I've also found Stunfisk is a great addition to the deck in any variant. He's not the worst starter in the world, the spread damage makes up for the lack of PPs that the deck doesn't run and he can pick up KOs on Tynamos for a single energy.
 
I gotta say, this is an amazing article, it helped me a lot when I needed help with my EmopoleRade deck. I have come acrossed a tech, that, most people probably wouldn't even dream of putting into and EmopleRade deck. Grass Energy. Yes, I know, it's an awkward tech, it's horrible, it's clunky, but actually try it. It allowed me to better the match-up against Empoleon/Terrkion, RaiEels and Garbador/Terrakion. You can stall and hit Terrakions for weakness. It also helps against Hydregion variants, because they don't run switch. It's flippy, but it's worth the risk, believe me.
 
Thanks :D

idk about grass. As it may help, nearly every deck in format runs switch so it won't be that much of a thing to get around. Also, Its pretty situational. If you get Nd late game into a Grass and you need a water, then it becomes more difficult even with diving draw. Plus, you can't run too many, as you will just draw into them in the most inconvenient times and if you run too little it/they may be prized.
 
I run two in mine, which should be the MAX of Grass Energy. And while it is situational, let's look at the decks it helps against:

Anything with Terrakion meaning Garbador variants, Mewtwo/Terrakion, Garchomp (preferance), Ho-oh. Empoleon/Terrakion Now, that's quite a bit of the meta.

Hydregion, honestly, how many Hydregion decks run switch? Paralock kills this deck.

Let's be honest, Paralysis hurts Eels without Junk Arm, they only have a limited amount of switch, and if you Catcher their Eels up early, they have to use Switch there, and with Paralock, there's another. And they won't hit the switch EVERY time, granite, you won't get the flip every time, but when you do, it's gonna hurt them.

It's a good tech, and it's not hard to draw into, given the amount of draw support you have.
 
thebigpercantofratatata said:
ok u ned mor than 2 ways to serch out empo, u need at lest 4 for sur and plus power is not god

With Empoleon, Pluspwer lets u hit the magic 130 or add to your damage output.
 
PlusPower is really important in this deck so you can get around your opponent filling their bench up to 1 spot less than you want it to be.
 
RogueChomp said:
Eels Variants- Favorable

Empoleon can out-speed this deck, especially in BW-on. With Terrakion, you can KO their Zekrom EXs, Raikou EXs, and Zekroms. Mewtwo tends to give you problems, but you can 2 shot it with Empoleon or 1 shot it with Mew EX. Usually, they have to work off of a big bench, so that benefits you as well. As long as you can get a fast start, KO their Eels, and set up Terrakion, you shouldn't have a hard time.

Just curious, but aren't Eels faster than a stage 2?
They are a stage one, searchable by Level Ball, which makes it super fast. You only have the draw support... They also hit you with weakness via Raikou EX and Rayquaza EX is a Dragon, so he can hit you consistently for the whole game. You would have to play a catcher in order to get the retaliate ko, and I can use catcher to bring up your Terrakion. Of course this is theorymon when you read it, but I've tested it and Empoleon isn't faster one bit,
 
Eels has trouble hitting with a good lightning attacker T2 in this format. Assuing you get the Empoleon T2, it is faster. Empoleon is pretty much dead in this format, however.
 
iisnumber12 said:
Eels has trouble hitting with a good lightning attacker T2 in this format. Assuing you get the Empoleon T2, it is faster. Empoleon is pretty much dead in this format, however.

Depends what your start is. If you start with something like, Shiny Ray and you have ultra ball and discard two lightings, you can get a tynamo, then go on from there. Use your supporter etc. Eels are faster than you using rare candy for your attacker. How consistent is that? What are you odds? Sure you have Skyla, but Skyla can only get you one. So you have to hit the second card (Stage 2, Ultra Ball, etc.)
 
CrystalEyeMonster said:
iisnumber12 said:
Eels has trouble hitting with a good lightning attacker T2 in this format. Assuing you get the Empoleon T2, it is faster. Empoleon is pretty much dead in this format, however.

Depends what your start is. If you start with something like, Shiny Ray and you have ultra ball and discard two lightings, you can get a tynamo, then go on from there. Use your supporter etc. Eels are faster than you using rare candy for your attacker. How consistent is that? What are you odds? Sure you have Skyla, but Skyla can only get you one. So you have to hit the second card (Stage 2, Ultra Ball, etc.)

Actually, Rayeels is definitally slower, and Zekeels relies on Multiple Stage1s to even attack, with Energies in discard. Empoleon relies on 1 Stage 2 and a full bench, and with an ability that thins and draws its simple.
 
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