One significant distinction between the Pokémon TCG and its digital monster-collecting equivalent is the spotlight on non-fully evolved Pokémon. In the RPGs, unless you’re pulling off a clever strategy with an Eviolite, bringing a team of fully evolved Pokémon to battle seems the only way to go. In contrast, the TCG encourages you to evolve your key players mid-game. Occasionally, basic and stage-one Pokémon shine through with unique abilities that their final forms simply can’t match. The latest example of this is Doublade from Perfect Order.
While fully evolved Aegislash from Perfect Order has decent damage output with its Metal Slash attack (230 power), it requires a hefty four energy, leaving Aegislash unable to strike the following turn. In comparison, Doublade boasts an impressive Weaponized Swords attack that dishes out 60 damage for each Honedge, Doublade, and Aegislash in your hand.
This means Doublade’s damage can fluctuate from 0 (if you’re holding no relevant cards) to a staggering 600 (if you have 3 Honedges, 3 Doublades, and 4 Aegislashes in hand). While reaching that max is highly improbable—given that the highest HP Pokémon cards only boast 380 hit points—you won’t need to chase such high numbers.
Drawing multiple cards has always been more manageable in the Pokémon TCG compared to many rivals. Utilizing cards like Dawn, Poké Pad, and Hilda, you can quickly amass a hand full of swords, ensuring you’re always ready to deploy Doublade’s dual-wielding prowess for maximum damage.
The Pokémon Company clearly believes in Doublade’s potential. Not only is it one of the four promotional cards available in the Perfect Order: Build and Battle Box, but it also features an illustration rare variant, distinguishing it from the standard artwork of both Honedge and Aegislash.
Have you tried your hand with Doublade? Share your experience—whether you overwhelmed your opponents or if they blocked your strikes—on the Wargamer Discord.
Doublade is a common card, but for a glimpse at some of the rarest Pokémon cards available, check out this list!
