Pokemon TCG Pocket: 5 Mythical Island cards better than Genetic Apex counterparts

The Mythical Island pack has finally arrived in Pokemon TCG Pocket. It introduces an exciting new Themed Booster Pack, centered around the Mythical Pokemon, Mew. Unlike standard expansions, Themed Booster Packs are smaller and focus on a specific set of Pokemon. This collection brings Mew to the forefront while highlighting various other Pokemon, including Volcarona and Aerodactyl.

That said, some familiar cards have been reintroduced with significant improvements, making them far more effective in the current meta. Here are five cards from Mythical Island that stand out as clear upgrades over their Genetic Apex counterparts.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.

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5 Pokemon TCG Pocket Mythical Island cards that are a better version of their Genetic Apex variants

1) Tauros

Tauros from the Mythical Island pack (Image via The Pokemon Company)

The Mythical Island Tauros brings a noticeable improvement, especially given the dominance of ex cards in the meta.

• Tauros (Genetic Apex): Horn Attack does 50 damage for 2 Colorless Energy.
• Tauros (Mythical Island): Fighting Tackle does 40 damage for 3 Colorless Energy. However, if the opponent’s Active Pokemon is a Pokemon ex, this attack does 80 additional damage, bringing the total to 120 damage.

While the Pokemon TCG Pocket's Genetic Apex Tauros was consistent but underwhelming, this upgrade turns the critter into a specialized ex counter. Its ability to deal up to 120 damage for 3 Energy makes it highly valuable against meta-relevant threats.

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2) Electabuzz

Electabuzz from the Mythical Island pack (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Electabuzz has received a much-needed upgrade in the Mythical Island pack, swapping out its self-destructive tendencies for consistent utility.

• Electabuzz (Genetic Apex): Thunder Punch deals 40 base damage for 2 Lightning Energy. Flip a coin; if heads, it dishes out 40 extra damage. If tails, Electabuzz takes 20 damage.
• Electabuzz (Mythical Island): Thunder Spear deals a solid 40 damage to one of your opponent’s Pokemon for 2 Lightning Energy.

The Pokemon TCG Pocket's Genetic Apex version was risky due to the coin flip and self-damage, making it unreliable. The new Thunder Spear ability offers guaranteed damage and enables you to target Benched Pokemon, making Electabuzz a consistent and strategic attacker.

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3) Raichu

Raichu from the Mythical Island pack (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Raichu’s new iteration in Mythical Island provides excellent bench-clearing potential while improving its durability.

• Raichu (Genetic Apex): Thunderbolt deals a massive 140 damage for 3 Lightning Energy, but you must discard all Energy attached to Raichu.
• Raichu (Mythical Island): Gigashock does 60 damage for 3 Lightning Energy. Additionally, it deals 20 damage to each of your opponent’s Benched Pokemon. Raichu’s HP has also been increased by 20.

The Pokemon TCG Pocket's Genetic Apex Raichu had impressive raw damage, but left itself Energy-drained. The Mythical Island Raichu, on the other hand, trades raw power for spread damage, hitting multiple targets and increasing its strategic value. The 20 extra HP also helps Raichu last longer in battles.

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4) Golem

Golem from the Mythical Island pack (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Golem’s new version not only deals consistent damage but also improves its survivability, addressing this major weakness from its earlier form.

• Golem (Genetic Apex): Double-Edge deals 150 damage for 1 Fighting and 3 Colorless Energy but causes Golem to take 50 damage. With only 160 HP, Golem often survives just a few turns.
• Golem (Mythical Island): Guard Press does 120 damage for 3 Fighting and 1 Colorless Energy. During your opponent’s next turn, Golem takes 30 less damage from attacks.

While the Pokemon TCG Pocket's Genetic Apex Golem sacrificed too much of its own health, the Guard Press ability offers a nice balance of strong damage and defense. The -30 damage reduction can significantly extend Golem’s time on the field, making it a more durable and reliable attacker.

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5) Rapidash

Rapidash from the Mythical Island pack (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Rapidash gets a versatile upgrade that synergizes perfectly with certain Trainer cards, boosting its offensive potential.

• Rapidash (Genetic Apex): Fire Mane does 40 damage for 1 Fire Energy.
• Rapidash (Mythical Island): Rising Lunge deals 40 damage for 1 Fire and 1 Colorless Energy. Flip a coin; if heads, this attack deals 60 more damage, totaling 100 damage. If tails Rapidash just lands 40 damage.

The Genetic Apex Rapidash was limited to low, predictable damage. The Mythical Island version introduces a higher ceiling for damage output with the coin flip mechanic, making it more versatile and powerful. Additionally, when paired with Blaine’s Trainer card, it can potentially reach 130 damage.

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The Mythical Island pack in Pokemon TCG Pocket introduces exciting improvements to several classic cards, making them more relevant in today’s meta.

From Tauros’ anti-ex capabilities to Golem’s defensive boost, these cards add variety and strategic depth to the game.

If you’re looking to strengthen your deck, these upgraded versions are worth keeping an eye on.