The Most Powerful Pokémon Cards of All Time

PDF download Download Article
Build your deck around the world’s strongest Pokémon cards and start winning
PDF download Download Article

There are thousands of different Pokémon cards, so how do you know which ones pack a serious punch when they’re in your deck? Whether you’re playing competitively or casually with friends, there are tons of Pokémon cards to use that have powerful abilities, strong attacks, and high defenses. Rather than searching for the best cards on your own, we’ve broken down which ones to look for and why they’re a great addition to your collection. Once you start playing with any of these cards, you’ll easily be able to take down your opponent in any match.

1

Mega Mewtwo EX (BREAKthrough)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Mewtwo is already one of the most powerful Pokémon, so it makes sense that its mega evolution packs a real punch. Psychic Infinity inflicts an additional 30 damage points for each Energy card you’ve played onto this Pokémon. The attack isn’t affected by Weakness, so you can knock out your opponent really quickly. [1]
    • Mega Mewtwo EX has 210 HP (Hit Points), so it also puts up a great defense.
    • Make sure you also have a Mewtwo EX card in your deck since you’ll need to play that before you can use Mega Mewtwo EX.
    2. Advertisement
2

Charizard VSTAR (Brilliant Stars)

PDF download Download Article
  1. This special Charizard card has the “Star Blaze” VSTAR Power that deals a whopping 320 damage to your opponent. Pair that one-time power with its Explosive Fire attack that deals 100 extra damage if Charizard is also damaged, and you have one of the strongest cards in the game. [2]
    • Charizard VSTAR has 280 HP, so it can take a few big hits from your opponents as well.
    • You’ll need to play Charizard V before you’re able to play Charizard VSTAR, so put a couple of copies in your deck.
3

Copperajah VMAX (Rebel Clash)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Copperajah has one of the beefiest defenses in the game with a total of 340 HP. This card packs a punch too since its Dangerous Nose attack does an added 100 damage to Basic Pokémon (a card labeled Basic in the top left corner). If you play the 4 Energy cards required on this card, the G-Max Hammer attack deals 240 damage to wipe out your opponent’s Hit Points. [3]
    • Put a Copperajah V card in your deck since you’ll need to play this card.
    2. Advertisement
4

Shaymin EX (Roaring Skies)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Shaymin EX’s “Set Up” ability activates as soon as you play it and lets you draw back up to 6 cards so you have more options in your hand. With Shaymin’s Sky Return attack, it deals damage before it returns to your hand with all the cards attached to it. [4]
    • Shaymin EX only has 110 HP, but it’s still powerful since it can easily return to your hand to avoid other attacks.
    • Shaymin EX is banned from competitive play, but you can still use it to play Pokémon for fun.
5

Arceus VSTAR (Brilliant Stars)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Use Arceus’ “Starbirth” VSTAR Power to search your deck for any 2 cards and put them in your hand so you can play them right away. Arceus’ Trinity Nova Attack also deals 200 damage and lets you find 3 basic Energy cards in your deck to attach to your Pokémon so they’re able to attack sooner. [5]
    • Arceus VSTAR has 280 HP, so it’s great defensively too.
    • Keep a copy of Arceus V in your deck since you’ll need to play it first before you’re able to play this card.
    2. Advertisement
6

Mega Gengar EX (Phantom Forces)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Use Phantom Gate to choose any attack from one of your opponent’s Pokémon and use it as your own as long as you have the Energy requirement. Pit Mega Gengar EX against other powerful Pokémon to damage them just as much as they damage you. [6]
    • Gengar has 220 HP.
    • Since Mega Gengar EX is a mega evolution, you’ll need a Gengar EX in your deck to play this.
7

Lysandre’s Trump Card (Phantom Forces)

PDF download Download Article
  1. As soon as you play Lysandre’s Trump Card, you and your opponent each shuffle your discard piles into your decks. Since you normally lose the game when you run out of cards in your deck, playing this card at the right time could help you make a comeback and win. [7]
    • Lysandre’s Trump Card is banned in competitive matches, but you can still use it if you’re playing Pokémon casually.
    2. Advertisement
8

Mewtwo EX (Legendary Treasures)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Mewtwo EX was one of the most powerful cards when it was released. Use its powerful X Ball attack to do an additional 20 damage for every Energy card on Mewtwo and the defending Pokémon. Since Mewtwo EX already needs 2 Energy to use the attack, you’ll already deal 60 damage. [8]
    • Mewtwo EX has 170 HP and is only weak against other Psychic cards, so it’s tough to take down unless your opponent also has a Mewtwo.
    • Mewtwo EX’s Psydrive attack deals 120 damage, but also makes you remove an Energy attached to the card.
9

Mewtwo & Mew Tag Team GX (Unified Minds)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Using Mewtwo & Mew’s “Perfection” ability lets you use attacks from any card on your Bench or in your discard pile with “GX” or “EX” in its name as long as you have the Energy. With its Miraculous Duo GX attack, you’re able to deal 200 damage and heal all the damage on all of your Pokémon. [9]
    • Mewtwo & Mew Tag Team GX has 270 HP.
    • Since this card is a Basic Pokémon, you’re able to play it right away without other prerequisites.
    2. Advertisement
10

Tapu Lele GX (Guardians Rising)

PDF download Download Article
  1. As soon as you play Tapu Lele GX, look for a Trainer card with the “Supporter” label in your deck and add it to your hand. Since Supporters have a wide variety of powerful abilities, Tapu Lele lets you make surprising plays when your opponent least expects it. [10]
    • Tapu Lele GX has 170 HP, but it doesn’t have any weaknesses so it’s great at defending.
    • Tapu Lele GX also has the powerful Energy Drive attack, which does 20 damage for each Energy attached to both Active Pokémon that isn’t affected by weaknesses or resistances.
    • Use the “Tapu Cure” GX Power once per game to heal all the damage from 2 of your Benched Pokémon.
11

Cleffa (Call of Legends)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Even though Cleffa may look weak at first glance with only 30 HP, it’s surprisingly resilient in a match. Use its Eeeeeeek attack to shuffle your hand into your deck and draw 6 new cards. Even though the attack puts Cleffa to sleep, its “Sweet Sleeping Face” ability prevents it from taking damage until it wakes up. [11]
    • Use Cleffa in the early game since it’s a colorless card that fits into any deck and lets you look for stronger cards in the meantime.
    2. Advertisement
12

Charizard GX (Burning Shadows)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Charizard GX’s Crimson Storm attack does 300 damage at the cost of 3 red Energy cards attached to it. Even more impressive is this card’s “Raging Out” GX attack that forces your opponent to discard a total of 10 cards off the top of their deck. Near the end of the game, using this ability could force your opponent to lose if they run out of cards. [12]
    • Even Charizard GX’s weakest attack does 70 damage so it’s perfect for taking out weaker Pokémon.
    • Charizard GX has 250 HP, so it’s a great defensive Pokémon too.
    • Charizard GX evolves from Charmeleon, so put a copy in your deck.
13

Aggron VMAX (Brilliant Stars)

PDF download Download Article
  1. At 330 HP, Aggron VMAX is one of the most powerful defenses in the game. Use its Crackling Stomp attack to deal 150 damage and make your opponent discard from their deck. When you get 5 Energy on this card, Aggron’s Max Take Down does 270 damage to quickly knock out another Pokémon. [13]
    • Aggron VMAX does 30 damage to itself each time it uses Max Take Down, so be careful if it's already been hurt.
    2. Advertisement
14

Mega Aggron EX (Primal Clash)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Mega Aggron EX’s Megaton Slam attack normally does 120 damage. If you flip a coin and land on heads, the damage doubles and inflicts 240 points to your opponent’s HP. If you land on tails, however, then all of your Benched Pokémon take 20 damage instead. It’s a risky play, but it may be worth it to knock out a strong Pokémon with a single hit. [14]
    • Mega Aggron EX has 240 HP, so it’s great for absorbing strong attacks too.
    • Play Aggron EX before you play this card.
15

Dhelmise VMAX (Shining Fate)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Dhelmise VMAX has 330 HP, so it’s one of the strongest Grass-types in the card game. Attack with its Swinging Chain to deal 30 damage unaffected by Resistance for each green Energy attached to the card. Once you have a few more Energy attached to Dhelmise EX, use its Max Anchor attack every other turn to deal a whopping 240 damage. [15]
    • Make sure you have Dhelmise V in your deck since you’ll need it to evolve into Dhelmise VMAX.
    2. Advertisement
16

Mega Ampharos EX (Ancient Origins)

PDF download Download Article
  1. When you attack with Mega Ampharos EX, choose if you want to deal 50 extra damage and paralyze the defending Pokémon. If you do, Mega Ampharos also takes 30 points of damage, but your opponent’s paralyzed Pokémon won’t be able to hurt you until they heal. [16]
    • Mega Ampharos EX has a total of 220 HP.
    • Make sure you have an Ampharos EX in your deck so it can evolve into this Pokémon.
17

Radiant Greninja (Astral Radiance)

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you discard an Energy card from your hand, use Radiant Greninja’s “Concealed Cards” ability and draw 2 more cards. When you’re ready to attack, use Moonlight Shuriken and discard 2 Energy attached to this card to deal 90 damage to 2 different Pokémon. [17]
    • Radiant Greninja has 130 HP.
    • You can only have 1 Radiant Pokémon in your deck at a time.
    2. Advertisement
18

Zoroark GX (Shining Legends)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Use this card’s “Trade” ability to discard a card from your hand to draw 2 new cards. When it’s time to attack, use Riotous Beating to deal 20 damage for each Pokémon you have in play. Otherwise, use the GX attack Trickster to use one of your opponent’s attacks against them. [18]
    • Zoroark GX has 210 HP.
    • Make sure you have a Zorua GX in your deck so it can evolve into this card.
19

Mega Venusaur EX (Evolutions)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Mega Venusaur EX’s Crisis Vine attack only hits for 120 damage, but its special ability stops the defending Pokémon right in its tracks. Once you leave your opponent paralyzed and poisoned, they take damage every turn but they’re not able to damage any of your Pokémon. [19]
    • Mega Venusaur EX has 230 HP.
    • Make sure you put a Venusaur EX in your deck since you’ll need it to play this card.
    2. Advertisement
20

Lucario & Melmetal GX (Unbroken Bonds)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Use Lucario and Melmetal GX’s Full Metal Wall attack to protect your Steel-type Pokémon so they take 30 less damage for the rest of the game. Pair that with heavy-hitting attacks that let you find gray Energy cards or deal 150 damage, and this tag team packs a serious punch. [20]
    • Lucario & Melmetal GX have 260 HP, so they’re perfect for defending against other powerful Pokémon.
21

Malamar EX (Phantom Forces)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Whenever you attach an Energy card to Malamar EX, your opponent’s active Pokémon is put to sleep and can’t attack. Once your opponent is vulnerable, use the MAXamar attack and flip a coin for each Energy card attached to Malamar EX. For each heads, you hit your opponent for 60 damage. [21]
    • Malamar EX has 170 HP.
    • Since this card is a Basic Pokémon, you don’t need to play any other cards before playing this one.
    2. Advertisement
22

Mega Gardevoir EX (Primal Clash)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Use the Brilliant Arrow attack to deal a bonus 30 damage for every purple Energy attached to any of your Pokémon, even the ones on your bench. Mega Gardevoir EX is the perfect addition to a Psychic-type deck since it has the potential to do loads of damage,. [22]
    • Mega Gardevoir EX has 210 total HP.
    • You’ll need Gardevoir EX in your deck in order to play this card.
23

Mega Rayquaza EX (Roaring Skies)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Mega Rayquaza EX is already pretty strong with 230 HP, but its Wild ability reduces incoming damage from Grass, Water, Fire, and Electric Pokémon by 20 points. Pair this impressive ability with the massive 300-damage Dragon Ascent attack, and this card is sure to sweep the most powerful of opponents. [23]
    • Dragon Ascent makes you discard 2 Energy attached to Mega Rayquaza EX, so time your attack when you have a few extra Energy in your hand to play.
    • You’ll have to play Rayquaza EX first before you’re able to play this card.
    2. Advertisement
24

Black Kyurem EX (Legendary Treasures)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Since Black Kyurem is a Basic Pokémon, you don’t need any other cards to evolve or play it. Use its Dragon Fang attack to deal 60 damage and have a chance to paralyze your opponent after a coin flip landing on heads. When you want to take out a chunk of your opponent’s HP, use Freeze Shock to deal 150 damage. Just plan according since you can’t use it 2 turns in a row. [24]
    • Black Kyurem EX has 180 HP.
25

Coalossal VMAX (Vivid Voltage)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Coalossal VMAX’s Eruption Blast only requires 1 orange Energy to use, and it has the potential to deal up to 130 damage and gain Energy if it's the top card of your deck. Once you get 4 Energy built up on Coalossal, perform its G-Max Volcalith attack to burn 240 HP from the defending Pokémon. [25]
    • Coalossal VMAX has 330 HP, so it’s one of the strongest Pokémon cards in the game.
    • This card evolves from Coalossal V, so ensure you have a copy in your deck.
    2. Advertisement
26

Alolan Golem GX (Crimson Invasion)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Once you get 2 yellow and 2 neutral Energy attached to this card, use Super Electromagnetic Tackle to hit your opponent for 200 damage. Alolan Golem takes 50 damage each time you use the attack, but it can withstand a few hits with 250 total HP. Once per game, use Heavy Rock GX to deal 100 damage and prevent your opponent from playing cards during their next turn. [26]
    • Put an Alolan Graveler in your deck since you’ll need it to evolve into Alolan Golem.
    • You’re only able to use a GX attack once during a match, so use it when your opponent is planning a big move.
27

Gyarados VMAX (Evolving Skies)

PDF download Download Article
  1. With a total of 330 HP, Gyarados VMAX is really difficult for your opponent to knock out once you’re able to play it. Attack with its Hyper Beam to deal 120 damage and make your opponent discard an Energy card. Unleash the Max Tyrant attack to do 240 damage and take a huge chunk out of the defender’s Hit Points. [27]
    • Make sure you have a Gyarados V in your deck since you’ll need it to evolve into this card.
    2. Advertisement
28

Mega Charizard Y EX (Flashfire)

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you’re able to play the 2 red Energy and 3 neutral Energy required for this Charizard’s Crimson Dive attack, you’ll knock out most opposing Pokémon with a single hit. Just be careful since any time this card attacks, it also does 50 damage to itself. [28]
    • Mega Charizard Y EX has a total of 220 HP.
    • Mega Charizard Y EX requires Charizard EX to evolve.
29

Mega Charizard X EX (Flashfire)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Even though your turn ends as soon as you play it, Mega Charizard has 230 HP so it can take some damage. Its Wild Blaze attack deals 300 damage, but it takes 5 Energy and requires you to discard 5 cards from your deck each time you use it. [29]
    • Keep a Charizard EX in your deck since you’ll need to play it first before playing its mega evolution.
    2. Advertisement
30

Claydol (Celebrations - Classic Collection)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Once during your turn, use Claydol’s ability to take 2 cards from your hand and put them on the bottom of your deck. After that, draw back up to 6 cards in your hand. Since you’re able to get rid of unwanted cards to find the ones you want, this card combos perfectly when you’re searching for a heavy-hitting Pokémon. [30]
    • Claydol has 80 HP.
    • You’ll need a Baltoy card in play before you’re able to play Claydol.
31

Shadow Lugia (Promotional)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Shadow Lugia was only released as a promotion for Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness for the GameCube. Even though its extra-large size doesn’t fit with the other cards in your deck, this collector’s card has the only attack that does 4 digits of damage. [31]
    • Shadow Lugia has 300 HP, so it could take a few hits if you did use it in a game.
    • Since this card is oversized and it doesn’t shuffle into a standard deck, this card is normally just a collectors item rather than used in official matches. If you do use it in a game, let the other player know you have a special card you’d like to use.
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Have Your Pokémon Cards Professionally Graded
      How to
      Play With Pokémon Cards
      How to
      Know If Pokémon Cards Are Fake
      How to
      Create a Powerful Pokémon TCG Deck
      How to
      Value Your Pokémon Cards
      The Best Places to Sell Pokémon Cards Online or In-Person
      Base Set Pokémon Card Values (First Edition, Shadowless, & Unlimited)
      How to
      Make Your Own Custom Pokémon Card
      How to
      Organize Pokémon Cards
      How to
      Tell if Pokémon Cards are Shadowless & How to Value Them
      How to
      Trade Pokemon with John GBA Lite
      How to
      Get Rare Pokémon Cards
      How to
      Evolve Pokémon in Pokémon TCG
      How to
      Set Up Cards in the Pokémon Card Game
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.serebii.net/card/breakthrough/064.shtml
      2. ↑ https://www.cbr.com/strongest-pokemon-cards-of-all-time/
      3. ↑ https://screenrant.com/best-cards-pokemon-tcg-sword-shield-rebel-clash-ranked/#copperajah-vmax-secret
      4. ↑ https://www.cbr.com/strongest-pokemon-cards-of-all-time/
      5. ↑ https://www.cbr.com/strongest-pokemon-cards-of-all-time/
      6. ↑ https://www.serebii.net/card/phantomforces/035.shtml
      7. ↑ https://www.wargamer.com/pokemon-trading-card-game/most-powerful-pokemon
      8. ↑ https://www.cbr.com/strongest-pokemon-cards-of-all-time/
      9. ↑ https://www.wargamer.com/pokemon-trading-card-game/most-powerful-pokemon
      1. ↑ https://screenrant.com/pokemon-tcg-celebrations-best-classic-cards-mewtwo-claydol/
      2. ↑ https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Cleffa_(HeartGold_%26_SoulSilver_17)
      3. ↑ https://www.wargamer.com/pokemon-trading-card-game/most-powerful-pokemon
      4. ↑ https://www.wargamer.com/pokemon-trading-card-game/most-powerful-pokemon
      5. ↑ https://www.serebii.net/card/primalclash/094.shtml
      6. ↑ https://www.wargamer.com/pokemon-trading-card-game/most-powerful-pokemon
      7. ↑ https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/M_Ampharos-EX_(Ancient_Origins_28)
      8. ↑ https://www.dicebreaker.com/games/pokemon-trading-card-game/best-games/best-astral-radiance-cards-pokemon
      9. ↑ https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Zoroark-GX_(Shining_Legends_53)
      10. ↑ https://youtu.be/4_fi3NBWGwY?t=141
      11. ↑ https://pokemonblog.com/2019/05/19/close-look-at-reshiram-charizard-gx-and-lucario-melmetal-gx-from-pokemon-tcg-sun-moon-unbroken-bonds/
      12. ↑ https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-tcg-best-ex-cards/#malamar-ex-from-phantom-forces
      13. ↑ https://www.serebii.net/card/primalclash/106.shtml
      14. ↑ https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/M_Rayquaza-EX_(Roaring_Skies_61)
      15. ↑ https://www.serebii.net/card/legendarytreasures/100.shtml
      16. ↑ https://youtu.be/NituEflEX7s?t=125
      17. ↑ https://youtu.be/OIrhy5uzoVA?t=123
      18. ↑ https://youtu.be/KETbrbSNzCU?t=55
      19. ↑ https://www.serebii.net/card/flashfire/013.shtml
      20. ↑ https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/M_Charizard-EX_(Flashfire_69)
      21. ↑ https://screenrant.com/pokemon-tcg-celebrations-best-classic-cards-mewtwo-claydol/
      22. ↑ https://screenrant.com/pokemon-card-strongest-shadow-lugia-scyther-hitmonchan-charizard/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 101,203 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Harmony N.

        Nov 19, 2023

        "Good for me to know. I want to collect one day. I wanted to know which ones are the best for gambling and ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement