The biggest international Pokémon TCG event ever just concluded last weekend, and it was one for the ages!

Among the many surprises, one deck stood out for its versatility and strategic depth: the 14th place Regidrago VSTAR deck from the 2024 North American International Championships.

This deck, crafted by Jacob Eye, flew under the radar but showcased an impressive ability to adapt and dominate.

Regidrago VSTAR is the star of the show, boasting a formidable 280 HP and an extremely versatile attack in Apex Dragon.

This attack allows Regidrago to utilize a plethora of different attacks from various Dragon-type Pokémon, making it a nightmare for opponents who have to anticipate multiple threats.

However, the high attack cost has always been a challenge, which is where Twilight Masquerade comes into play.

Regidrago VSTAR: The Core of the Deck

Regidrago VSTAR is a powerhouse, able to draw from a wide array of Dragon-type attacks.

Apex Dragon’s flexibility means that opponents never know what to expect, making it difficult to strategize against.

This versatility is a key strength of the deck, allowing it to switch tactics on the fly.

Twilight Masquerade: Fixing the Attack Cost

One of the main hurdles for Regidrago VSTAR has been its high attack cost.

Twilight Masquerade provides a solution by facilitating energy management.

This card is essential for ensuring that Regidrago VSTAR can execute its powerful attacks without being hampered by energy constraints.

Legacy Star: Access to Powerful Turns

Legacy Star is another crucial component, enabling significant power spike turns.

By discarding the top seven cards of your deck, you can quickly get essential attackers into the discard pile.

Moreover, retrieving any two cards from the discard pile to your hand offers tremendous strategic advantage, allowing you to reuse powerful resources like Supporter or ACE SPEC cards.

Teal Mask Ogerpon ex: The Deck Engine

Teal Mask Ogerpon ex is the engine that makes the Regidrago VSTAR deck viable.

Its Teal Dance ability not only helps get extra Grass Energy into play but also provides draw power.

This card is indispensable, providing the necessary energy acceleration and consistency to the deck.

Myriad Leaf Shower: A Fallback Plan

While Teal Mask Ogerpon ex primarily serves to fuel Regidrago VSTAR, its Myriad Leaf Shower attack offers a solid fallback plan.

This versatility ensures that you have multiple options at your disposal, making the deck even more adaptable.

Energy Switch Strategy

The Energy Switch cards are vital in this deck, allowing you to transfer energy to Regidrago VSTAR efficiently.

This capability is crucial for executing Apex Dragon as early as possible, giving you a significant advantage in the early game.

Dragon Strike Force: Key Attacks and Strategies

Phantom Dive, executed by Dragapult ex, is one of the most frequently used attacks in the deck.

This attack is not only efficient but also applies pressure to your opponent’s Benched Pokémon, potentially knocking them out before they can evolve.

This is especially effective against popular decks like Gardevior and Lost Box.

Dragapult ex: The Most Used Attack

Dragapult ex plays a central role with its Phantom Dive attack.

By having two copies of Dragapult ex, you increase the likelihood of having it in your discard pile when needed, ensuring that you can consistently apply pressure throughout the game.

Raging Bolt ex: A Powerful Ally

Raging Bolt ex adds another layer of power to the deck with its Bellowing Thunder attack.

This attack can serve as a clean-up move to close out games or eliminate early-game threats, making it a versatile and powerful option.

Hisuian Goodra VSTAR: Defense and Offense

Hisuian Goodra VSTAR’s Rolling Iron attack provides both high damage and defensive capabilities, making Regidrago VSTAR nearly indestructible.

This can create checkmate scenarios where your opponent cannot respond effectively, securing your victory.

Noivern ex: Sneaky Tactics

Noivern ex brings two highly strategic attacks to the deck.

Covert Flight can completely wall out certain decks, while Dominating Echo can halt your opponent’s energy attachments, particularly against decks like Lugia VSTAR.

These tactics add depth and unpredictability to your gameplay.

Utility Pokémon: Supporting Cast

Mew and Cleffa play supportive roles in the deck. Mew’s Restart ability, while not the most powerful, can be crucial in certain scenarios.

Cleffa, with its zero-energy attack and free retreat, provides valuable hand-filling capabilities without significant risk.

Trainer Cards: Keeping the Deck Moving

Trainer cards like Earthen Vessel and Superior Energy Retrieval are essential for maintaining the deck’s momentum.

Earthen Vessel helps with discard synergy and energy retrieval, while Superior Energy Retrieval offers mid to late-game reloads, ensuring you always have the energy needed for your attacks.

Jacob Eye’s Strategy Insights

Jacob Eye’s innovative deck choices and strategies highlight the deck’s potential.

His focus on gusting cards and precise damage calculations showcases the deck’s ability to adapt and respond to different threats effectively.

Match-up Analysis

The Regidrago VSTAR deck performs well against several top-tier decks, including Lugia VSTAR, Gardevior, and Lost Box.

Its ability to switch between different attacks and strategies makes it a formidable opponent in various match-ups.

Gameplay Tips and Tricks

For those looking to master the Regidrago VSTAR deck, understanding the importance of energy management and attack selection is crucial.

Timing your attacks and knowing when to switch tactics can make a significant difference in your gameplay.

Deck Building Tips

To optimize the Regidrago VSTAR deck, focus on balancing your attackers and energy management cards.

Customizing the deck to your playstyle and the current meta can help you achieve the best results.

Card Acquisition and Budget Considerations

Building the Regidrago VSTAR deck requires obtaining several key cards.

Sites like TCGplayer offer a convenient way to purchase these cards, and considering budget alternatives can help you build the deck without breaking the bank.

The Regidrago VSTAR deck stands out for its versatility and strategic depth.

By leveraging a variety of Dragon-type attacks and maintaining robust energy management, this deck can adapt to any situation and dominate the competition.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this deck offers a unique and powerful way to experience the Pokémon TCG.

By following these strategies and tips, you’ll be well-equipped to take on any challenger with your Regidrago VSTAR deck. Happy dueling!