What Is the Strongest Pokémon Card? Complete 2025 Guide

Since the launch of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) in 1996, thousands of cards have been released. Some are sought after for their rarity or monetary value, while others stand out mainly for their power in competitive play.

But how do you define the “strongest” Pokémon card? Is it based on attack power, strategic abilities, or historical impact in tournaments? This guide will help you understand the criteria and discover the most powerful cards in the TCG.

Defining What Makes a Card “Strong”

There are several ways to evaluate a Pokémon card’s strength:

  • Raw attack power – the maximum damage it can deal in a single attack.

  • Special abilities – powers that disrupt your opponent or enhance your strategy.

  • Competitive performance – proven results in official Pokémon tournaments.

  • Versatility – the ability to fit into various decks and game formats.

The Most Powerful Cards in Pokémon TCG History

1. Arceus VSTAR (Sword & Shield – Brilliant Stars)

  • Why it’s strong: Its VSTAR Power “Starbirth” lets you search for any two cards in your deck, offering massive strategic control.

  • Tournament impact: Widely used in competitive decks from 2022–2023.

2. Mewtwo & Mew-GX (Sun & Moon – Unified Minds)

  • Why it’s strong: Copies the attacks of any Pokémon-GX or EX on your bench or in your discard pile.

  • Advantage: Unmatched flexibility, making it nearly impossible for opponents to predict your next move.

3. Pikachu Illustrator

  • Actual in-game power: Low (promotional card, not designed for battle).

  • Why it’s iconic: The rarest and most expensive card in the world, sold for over $5 million CAD.

4. Zoroark-GX (Sun & Moon – Shining Legends)

  • Why it’s strong: Its “Trade” ability enables fast card draw, while “Riotous Beating” delivers consistent, scalable damage.

  • Impact: Meta-defining deck between 2017 and 2019.

5. Rayquaza VMAX (Sword & Shield – Evolving Skies)

  • Why it’s strong: Attack power scales with the Energy in your deck, enabling huge damage while maintaining card control.

Browse our single Pokémon cards to find your next rare addition!

The Strongest Cards in 2025

  • Charizard ex (Scarlet & Violet – Obsidian Flames): High damage output with strong synergy in Fire decks.

  • Miraidon ex: Highly competitive thanks to its “Tandem Unit” ability that quickly sets up your bench.

  • Lugia VSTAR: Dominated multiple championships with its ability to revive powerful Pokémon from the discard pile.

Competitive vs. Collectible Strength

  • For competitive play: A card’s strength depends on the current legal format and metagame. A card that’s powerful today may become obsolete in 1–2 years.

  • For collecting: Value is tied to rarity, condition, edition, and demand — not battle performance.

At Rémi Card Trader, we offer a wide selection of graded cards, professionally authenticated and evaluated by trusted organizations. Whether you’re looking to grow your collection or invest in rare pieces, every card is carefully chosen for quality and pristine condition.

Tips for Identifying and Acquiring the Strongest Pokémon Cards

  • Follow results from official tournaments (World Championships, Regional Championships).

  • Check reference sites like PokéBeach or LimitlessTCG to track the most competitive decks.

  • Buy or trade through trusted specialty stores like Rémi Card Trader to ensure authenticity and condition.

  • Have your powerful cards graded to maintain their value and protect them over time.

Making the Right Choice

Determining the strongest Pokémon card depends on perspective:

  • Competitively: Cards like Arceus VSTAR, Lugia VSTAR, and Miraidon ex currently dominate.

  • Historically and for collecting: Pikachu Illustrator and certain Charizard editions remain unmatched in fame and value.

To stay ahead, it’s crucial to follow the metagame, new releases, and major sales. A card that’s powerful today could be replaced by another in the next expansion. For personalized advice or to find the most sought-after cards, contact our team or visit our store to connect with fellow collectors.

Back to Trading Card Blog