Gameplay FAQs
- This format results in strange card interactions. How should we navigate this?
It’s true that there are many oddities when cards are played. Some effects become useless (e.g., Prime Catcher [TEF 157] becomes useless , as there is no Pokémon on the Raid Boss Pokémon’s Bench to switch into the Active Spot). Other cards, such as Boss’ Orders are interpreted differently, and act as Switch, but a Player can use it on a different Player.
We suggest resolving effects based on the difficulty agreed upon when playing. When in doubt, the decision leading to the most fun should be selected! - Should Weaknesses still exist for Raid Boss Pokémon?
This is a choice that can be made between the Raid Boss and the Players. We suggest not to play with weaknesses, but the Handbook doesn’t weigh in on this. - How should the Raid Boss navigate cards that interact with its hand?
If a card asks the Raid Boss to discard its hand, then there would be nothing to discard. If the Raid Boss is to put cards in its hand, such as Energy Retrieval, then we favour resolving cards one-by-one as they are drawn. - How do cards like Boss’s Orders work?
If the Raid Boss uses Boss’s Orders, then, depending on the game difficulty, at least one of the Players would need to switch a Benched Pokémon to the Active Spot. As a group, you may decide how to resolve Boss’s Orders if a Player plays it, which could include resolving it like the card Switch, which could target a different Player’s Benched Pokémon. - If the Raid Boss Pokémon is attacked by Roaring Moon ex (PAR 124/182) using Frenzied Gouging, which knocks out the Defending Pokémon, how should this be navigated?
In cases like this, we would count this attack as doing the equivalent damage as the Raid Boss Pokémon’s full HP. For example, if Frenzied Gouging were used against M Tyranitar EX #43, we suggest 240 damage should be used. Similarly, we would interpret Togekiss (SSP) #072’s Wonder Kiss ability “When your opponent’s Active Pokémon is Knocked Out, flip a coin. If heads, take 1 more Prize card. The effect of Wonder Kiss doesn’t stack.” the same way. - A player wants to use a GLC deck. Can they?
Sure! Raid Format allows for any type of deck to be used. For a GLC deck, adjust how to calculate how many cards are milled per damage output. For example, if there are three Players, instead of dividing damage output by 30 to get the number of cards to mill, consider dividing by 15 or 20. If only one person plays a GLC deck, then this adjustment could be made to apply to only that player. - A Player has Klefki (SVI 096) in the Active Spot. Another Player is using an older card with a Poké-BODY. Is the Poké-BODY disabled by Klefki’s Mischievous Lock Ability?
Yes, we think that considering Abilities, Poké-POWERS, Poké-BODIES, and Pokémon Powers as all being the same, and all being affected by cards that target Abilities is reasonable. See Justinbasil.com’s discussion on the Eternal format for more information. - Are all Raid Boss Pokémon Basic Pokémon, for the purposes of cards like Klefki (SVI 096)?
Yes. - How do cards that heal damage work in the Raid Boss Deck?
The role of cards with healing effects in Raid Boss Decks isn’t clear in the Handbook. We would suggest one of the following:- Reduce the damage taken next turn by the amount on the card with the healing effect.
- Are cards like Neutralization Zone (SFA) #060 Legal for Players’ decks?
We’re hesitant to start a Ban List. Most Raid Boss Decks should be able to draw into another Stadium to replace cards like Neutralization Zone (SFA) #060. If this is becoming an issue with a group you are playing with, a “Local Ban List” could be considered. Remember, focus on fun!
Keeping Cards Safe
Jumbo sleeves and toploaders exist! A common combination we have seen is BWC 6×9 Photograph Sleeves with Ultra Pro 6×9 Toploaders (via /u/Quuador on Reddit).
This may feel a bit overkill, but will help keep cards safe if you’re particularly concerned about them getting damaged in transit. The jumbo cards have changes sizes over the years; some cards may be loose in these toploaders, but these will hold cards regardless of the size.
The toploaders should fit into Japanese B5-sized cases. The game can be played on standard mats.
A reasonable alternative could be the Pokemon TCG: First Partner Collector’s Binder, which holds the cards unsleeved.
Credits and Acknowledgements
Image acknowledgements:
Sprites from pokemondb.net
Jumbo card collection from: https://www.amazon.ca/Pokemon-Random-Selection-Varies-Vstars/dp/B0B6PWS4R5
Toploader from: https://briquebraque.ca/products/toploader-6-x-9-regular-1-packs-of-25?variant=7147211030580
6” x 9” sleeves from: https://www.cardboardmemories.ca/products/bcw-photograph-sleeves
Pokemon TCG: First Partner Collector’s Binder from: https://www.pokemoncenter.com/product/290-80960/pokemon-tcg-first-partner-collectors-binder
TM spite: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/pokemonlp-utomaikeru/images/e/e6/Bag_TM_Grass_SV_Sprite.png/revision/latest?cb=20221127161955
Colorless Energy logo: https://www.deviantart.com/biochao/art/Colorless-Energy-card-vector-symbol-906615487
Pokémon Card Templates: https://www.papertraildesign.com/pokemon-card-template-free-printable/, this notice is reproduced as per the site copyright statement.
Pokémon Raid Battle Card Images from: https://tcg.pokemon.com/en-us/raid-battle/
Space icons created by Freepik – Flaticon, modified – https://www.flaticon.com/free-icons/space
Raikou Entei Suicune Legendary Jumbo Card from: https://www.ebay.ca/itm/283745293923
Morpeko V-Union from: https://www.amazon.ca/Morpeko-V-Union-Pokemon-SWSH287-SWSH288/dp/B0C4BJF6TG
Most card images are from https://pkmncards.com/