Stellar Crown - Set Review

9 - Glass Trumpet

Who doesn’t love it? Attaching more energy directly from the discard pile? The Glass Trumpet can do that!

Colorless Pokémon have the advantage of being able to use any Basic Energy type. This is especially useful for Blissey ex, as it can use its ability Happy Switch to move energies to other Pokémon. This is particularly beneficial for Tera-Stellar Pokémon that have new attacks with energy costs of 3 different Basic Energy types, enabling them to attack quickly. Additionally, this meets the condition of the Glass Trumpet right away. Could we possibly see a strong combo with Galvantula ex?

8 - Sparkling Crystal

The first ACE Spec trainer on this list is simple but effective: When Sparkling Crystal is attached to a Tera Pokémon, attack costs are reduced by one energy of any type. The great thing is that it is an item and can be easily searched with Arven or Town Department Store. The reason I think this card only makes it to number 8 is that, except in Dragapult decks, we hardly see decks at the beginning that can't make better use of other ACE Spec cards. But there, it’s the perfect addition to finally counter the Fire + Psychic costs.

7 - Fan Rotom

The ultimate setup Pokémon! Fan Rotom ticks off a lot of points:

• Puts 3 Colorless Pokémon with 100 HP or less into your hand? ✅
• Not limited to Basic Pokémon? ✅
• Can be searched with Buddy-Buddy-Poffin? ✅

Most importantly, another Pokémon in this set is very happy about this support!

6 - Grand Tree

Our second ACE Spec trainer on this list. A large Stadium with even more text. Simply put, once a Basic Pokémon can evolve, you can use Grand Tree to search for the Stage 1 Pokémon from your deck and, if possible, immediately continue with the Stage 2 evolution—all in one turn! A relief for Stage 2 decks. It’s also being actively experimented with in established decks like Charizard ex to protect against de-evolution. Even Pidgeot ex can finally use Pidgeotto because of it. And the great thing is: Colress' Tenacity from Shrouded Fable can directly search for this card.

5 - Terapagos ex

The first and only Tera-Stellar Pokémon on this list. The return of VStar Pokémon, Part 1?

Terapagos ex is a straightforward card that allows you to deal a lot of damage with Unified Beatdown if you have a full bench. Wait, we’ve seen this before!

Origin Forme Palkia VStar, Hisuian Zoroark VStar, and even Pokémon like Raikou V can use this, which makes Terapagos a great addition to these decks, especially since it is a Colorless Pokémon. But we’ll get into that in more detail shortly.

Additionally, Terapagos ex has a very nice Alt-Art version that is among the most beautiful cards of the year.

4 - Crispin

The chef who spoils you! Again, a card where you can immediately shout “Dragapult” because it fits so well. But generally, Crispin is simply good for dragon decks or the complex energy costs of Tera-Stellar Pokémon.

The effect of fetching 2 Basic Energy cards of different types from the deck and attaching one of them directly is incredibly useful for such decks. This simplifies attacking with complicated energy costs. It’s a direct improvement over Geeta from Obsidian Flames, which allowed you to attach 2 Basic Energy cards from the deck to a Pokémon but then prevented you from attacking.

3 - Area Zero Underdepths

The return of VStar Pokémon, Part 2?

Just like Terapagos ex, Area Zero Underdepths comes with a great effect: If a Tera Pokémon is in play, you can have up to 8 Pokémon on your bench. This is a perfect fit for the aforementioned V Pokémon. But other top decks can also take advantage of the increased bench space to gain benefits. More room for support Pokémon or setting up extra space to deal with burdens and risks, such as Rotom V after using a Forest Seal Stone, once the Stadium disappears. This effect will definitely accompany us for a long time and bring up some surprising combos!

2 - Briar

Our only entry with 3 artworks … and rightly so! Briar will significantly influence our gameplay. The effect that allows you to take an extra Prize card if a Tera Pokémon scores a KO can turn the game around instantly! Sure, there's the restriction that you can only use this Supporter if you have 2 Prize cards. But in a world where the Dusknoir line from Shrouded Fable exists, that’s just a formality.

Just imagine a Charizard ex taking 3 Prize cards in a pinch. Got the picture? I think we don’t need to discuss this card any further ;-)

1 - Noctowl

You wouldn’t believe it, but a Holo steals the show! Does anyone remember "Shady Dealings"? If so, you can skip this paragraph.

Otherwise, here’s the explanation: You can search for 2 Trainer cards from your deck if you evolve Noctowl from your hand AND have a Tera Pokémon in play. Many decks have at least one Tera Pokémon in play or can rely on Terapagos ex. Therefore, I see a lot of decks that can benefit from Noctowl. It also works great with Fan Rotom, as you can place Hoothoot on the bench and fetch 1-2 Noctowl to your hand. But watch out for Judge and Iono!

Insider Tip: The Elite Trainer Box for Stellar Crown includes a beautiful promo version of Noctowl!

Where the journey continues...

That was a look at the most influential cards from Stellar Crown. As some entries have already shown, this set is also a treat for collectors!

Let’s not forget the beautiful artworks for Bulbasaur and Squirtle, which finally complete the trio with Charmander from Obsidian Flames.

Whether my predictions hold true or other cards will emerge on top remains to be seen. The first major event where I’ll be present and where Stellar Crown cards will be legal is the Regionals in Dortmund, taking place on September 28th and 29th.

Until then, I remain excited,

Professor Stardust

Image rights: © The Pokémon Company International