The 2025 Extradimensional Crisis (A3a) set marks the triumphant return of Ultra Beasts to the Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket (TCG Pocket), introducing over 100 new cards that redefine competitive play and collection strategies. This comprehensive Ultra Beast guide explores the mechanics, deck-building synergies, and meta implications of these extradimensional invaders, offering players a complete roadmap to mastering the new expansion. Key highlights include the debut of Ultra Beast ex cards with music-themed moves, innovative Prize card manipulation strategies, and a trio of limited-time Ultra Beast events offering exclusive promo cards like Ultra Necrozma ex.
Introduction to Ultra Beasts in Pokémon TCG Pocket
Ultra Beasts, first introduced in the Sun & Moon era, are extradimensional Pokémon originating from Ultra Space. These enigmatic Ultra Beast creatures are characterized by their alien biology, high base stats, and unique interactions with Prize cards. In Extradimensional Crisis, Ultra Beasts return with updated mechanics, including the Ultra Beast trait that enables synergy with new Trainer cards and Energy acceleration strategies. Notably, this Ultra Beast expansion reintroduces fan-favorite Ultra Beasts like Buzzwole ex and Guzzlord ex, while also debuting Ultra Necrozma ex as the first Dragon-type ex card in TCG Pocket.
The lore of Ultra Beasts ties directly into their gameplay mechanics. Much like their video game counterparts, these Ultra Beast Pokémon disrupt traditional strategies through abilities that manipulate Prize cards, mirroring their "Beast Boost" trait from the core series. For example, Nihilego's More Poison Ability increases damage from Poisoned status effects, while Celesteela's Ultra Thrusters allows seamless Bench rotation. These Ultra Beast mechanics encourage decks built around aggressive Prize card acquisition and positional control.
Extradimensional Crisis Set Overview
Release Timeline and Card Distribution
Extradimensional Crisis (Set Code: A3a) launches globally on May 29, 2025, at 11:00 PM PDT, with regional availability varying by time zone. The Ultra Beast-focused set contains 100+ cards, including:
- 11 Ultra Beasts with the Ultra Beast trait
- 4 ex Pokémon: Buzzwole ex, Guzzlord ex, Tapu Koko ex, and Ultra Necrozma ex
- New Supporter Cards: Lusamine, who retrieves Energy from the discard pile for Ultra Beasts
The set follows a mini-expansion model, supplementing April's Celestial Guardians with Alolan regional Pokémon like Type: Null and Alolan Diglett. Ultra Beast cards are obtainable through:
- Extradimensional Crisis Boosters: Focused on Ultra Beasts and Alolan Pokémon
- Event Promos: Earned through the Ultra Beast Drop and Wonder Pick events
- Rare Picks: Increased Ultra Beast appearance rates during the Mass Outbreak Event (June 22–28)
Visual and Thematic Design
Ultra Beast cards feature a distinct red "Ultra Beast" label beneath their HP and type, with ex variants showcasing crimson GX attack bars instead of the standard blue. The set's trailer highlights the paradoxical blend of alien aesthetics and musical inspiration, as each Ultra Beast's attack corresponds to a music genre—Buzzwole ex's Big Beat and Kartana's Trash Metal being prime examples. This thematic cohesion extends to Ultra Beast event rewards, including a floral display board and Ultra Beast-themed binder covers.
Key Ultra Beast Cards and Their Mechanics
Buzzwole ex: The Prize Card Aggressor
- HP: 140
- Attacks:
- Jet Punch (1 Fighting Energy): 30 damage to Active and Bench Pokémon
- Big Beat (3 Energy): 120 damage + 30 additional damage if the opponent has 3+ Prize cards remaining
This Ultra Beast ex revives the Prize-focused aggression of its Sun & Moon predecessor, punishing opponents who fall behind in Prize collection. Paired with Lusamine, who attaches discarded Energy to Ultra Beasts, Buzzwole ex can chain Big Beat attacks to close games swiftly.
Guzzlord ex: The Energy Disruption Titan
- HP: 170
- Attacks:
- Grindcore (2 Colorless Energy): 30 damage + 1 Energy removal per heads flip
- Tyrannical Hole (3 Darkness + 1 Colorless): 120 damage
With the highest HP among basic ex Pokémon, this Ultra Beast dominates the meta through Energy denial. Its Grindcore attack synergizes with Team Rocket Grunt to strip opponents of resources, countering Energy-reliant decks like Giratina ex. This makes Guzzlord ex a cornerstone of control-oriented Ultra Beast decks.
Ultra Necrozma ex: The Dragon-Type Pioneer
- HP: 150
- Attack: Shoegaze (4 Psychic Energy): 200 damage, mill 3 cards from both decks
As the first Dragon-type ex and a unique Ultra Beast variant, Ultra Necrozma ex introduces mill strategies to TCG Pocket. Shoegaze pressures opponents with high damage and deck depletion, particularly effective against combo decks reliant on specific card combinations.
Deck Building Strategies with Ultra Beasts
Ultra Beast Synergy Core
A competitive Ultra Beast deck should include:
- Energy Acceleration: Zeraora's Thunderclap Flash attaches Lightning Energy automatically, powering attacks for Xurkitree and Tapu Koko ex.
- Prize Manipulation: Lusamine recovers Energy for high-cost Ultra Beast attackers like Guzzlord ex, while Celesteela's Ultra Thrusters maintains board presence.
- Meta Counters: Kartana (60 HP) trades favorably against low-HP threats like Joltik, while Nihilego's poison damage counters bulky tanks.
Sample Ultra Beast Deck List
-
Pokémon (14):
- 3 Buzzwole ex
- 2 Guzzlord ex
- 2 Celesteela
- 1 Ultra Necrozma ex
- 2 Zeraora
- 2 Nihilego
- 2 Type: Null (tech against Ability-lock decks)
-
Trainers (22):
- 4 Lusamine
- 3 Team Rocket Grunt
- 3 Ultra Ball
- 2 Choice Band
- 2 Switch
- 4 Energy Retrieval
- 4 Stadium Cards (Ultra Space)
-
Energy (14):
- 6 Fighting Energy
- 4 Darkness Energy
- 4 Lightning Energy
This Ultra Beast build leverages Guzzlord ex's disruption, Buzzwole ex's Prize pressure, and Zeraora's Energy acceleration to overwhelm opponents.
Upcoming Ultra Beast Events and Promotional Content
Ultra Beast Drop Event (June 3–13)
Players earn Ultra Necrozma ex promo cards by completing solo battles. This Ultra Beast-themed event emphasizes aggressive playstyles, rewarding decks that can achieve quick Knock Outs.
Wonder Pick Event (June 11–21)
Completing missions grants tickets exchangeable for Poipole and Stufful promos. These cards support Ultra Beast evolution chains and secondary strategies.
Ultra Beast Mass Outbreak (June 22–28)
Ultra Beast card appearance rates double in Rare and Bonus Picks, offering optimal Ultra Beast farming opportunities.
Meta Impact and Competitive Play
Current Meta Shifts
The introduction of Ultra Beasts has destabilized the Giratina ex/Darkrai ex dominance, with Guzzlord ex's Energy removal rendering their high-cost attacks unsustainable. Meanwhile, Ultra Necrozma ex mills threaten combo decks like Solgaleo ex, which rely on specific Energy attachments. Ultra Beast archetypes now represent a major meta force.
Tournament Viability
Early testing indicates Ultra Beast decks will occupy Tier 1 status due to:
- Adaptability: Ultra Beast cards like Celesteela and Lusamine enable mid-game pivots.
- Stamina: Guzzlord ex's 170 HP survives most non-supereffective hits.
- Disruption: Ultra Beast Energy removal and Prize acceleration create unfavorable resource trades for opponents.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The Extradimensional Crisis (A3a) set reinvigorates Pokémon TCG Pocket with strategic depth and nostalgic appeal through its Ultra Beast focus. Players should prioritize obtaining Guzzlord ex and Lusamine for competitive Ultra Beast viability, while collectors target Ultra Necrozma ex for its Dragon-type novelty. With three Ultra Beast-themed events running through June, now is the ideal time to experiment with extradimensional strategies. Future updates may expand Ultra Beast synergy with legacy mechanics like Beast Ball, making this Ultra Beast archetype a long-term meta contender.
By mastering these chaotic Ultra Beast invaders from Ultra Space, players can dominate both casual matches and tournament play, proving that sometimes, the best way to win is to think outside this dimension with Ultra Beast power.
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