Eldegoss V
Champion's Path (CPA 005)

Eldegoss V from the Champion's Path set stands out as a versatile Basic Grass-type Pokémon V card, offering both strategic utility and collector's appeal. With 180 HP, the Happy Match ability, and the Float Up attack, it has carved a unique niche in competitive and casual decks alike.

Card Overview: What Makes Eldegoss V Special?

Eldegoss V is a Basic Pokémon with 180 HP, making it reasonably sturdy for a support-focused card. Its Grass typing gives it synergy in many popular archetypes, though its true value lies in its ability and flexible attack. The card’s rarity as a Rare Holo V from the highly sought-after Champion’s Path set further boosts its desirability among players and collectors.

In-Depth Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Happy Match Ability: This is the star feature of Eldegoss V. When played from your hand onto the Bench, you may return any Supporter card from your discard pile to your hand. In a game where timely use of Supporters can turn the tide, recycling a key card—be it for draw power, disruption, or combo potential—can be game-defining.
• Universal Attack Cost: Float Up requires only two Colorless Energy, making it splashable in any deck regardless of type. This flexibility ensures that Eldegoss V isn’t limited to just Grass decks.
• Self-Recycling: The option to shuffle Eldegoss V and all attached cards back into your deck after using its attack not only removes a vulnerable two-Prize Pokémon from harm’s way but also allows you to reuse its ability later in the game if you have ways to search it out again.
• Low Retreat Cost: With just one Colorless Energy needed to retreat, Eldegoss V can easily pivot out of the Active spot when needed.

Weaknesses

• Fire Weakness: As a Grass-type Pokémon, Eldegoss V is doubly weak to Fire, which can be a significant liability in certain matchups where Fire decks are prevalent.
• Limited Damage Output: Float Up’s 50 damage is modest, making Eldegoss V ill-suited as a primary attacker. Its main role is support, so relying on it for knockouts will rarely be effective.
• Two-Prize Liability: Being a Pokémon V, knocking out Eldegoss V grants your opponent two Prize cards. If left exposed, it can become an easy target for your opponent to advance their win condition.

When to Play Eldegoss V: Strategic Scenarios

Eldegoss V shines brightest in situations where you need to recover a crucial Supporter from your discard pile—whether that’s to draw more cards, disrupt your opponent, or execute a game-winning combo. It’s particularly valuable in late-game scenarios, enabling a comeback by recycling powerful Supporters you’ve already used.

However, it’s important to time its play carefully. Dropping Eldegoss V onto your Bench too early can make it a target before you truly need its ability. Ideally, you want to play it at a moment when you can immediately capitalize on the Supporter it retrieves, minimizing the risk of it being stranded on your Bench.

Potential Drawbacks: When Eldegoss V Can Backfire

There are scenarios where Eldegoss V may not be the optimal choice. In matchups against aggressive Fire decks, its weakness can be exploited for quick knockouts. Additionally, if your deck does not rely heavily on Supporters or has alternative means of recovery, the utility of Happy Match diminishes.

Another consideration is bench space. In fast-paced games, every Bench slot is precious. If your strategy demands multiple attackers or other support Pokémon, Eldegoss V might crowd out higher-priority cards.

Why Add Eldegoss V to Your Deck?

The primary reason to include Eldegoss V is its unparalleled ability to recycle Supporters. Many decks, especially those that rely on a specific sequence of Supporters, benefit greatly from this effect. Whether you’re playing a control deck that needs repeated access to disruption, or a combo deck that hinges on chaining certain actions, Eldegoss V provides consistency and flexibility.

Its attack, while not game-breaking, offers an emergency out—allowing you to remove Eldegoss V from the board and potentially reuse it later. This self-recycling capability is rare and can be leveraged for both defensive and strategic purposes.

Market Value: Playability vs. Collectibility

Eldegoss V’s value in the market reflects its dual appeal. From a playability standpoint, its inclusion in many top-tier decks over recent formats has kept demand steady. Players appreciate cards that enhance consistency and provide comeback potential, both of which Eldegoss V delivers.

On the collector side, being part of the Champion’s Path set—a special expansion with limited availability—adds to its allure. The card’s Rare Holo V status and distinctive artwork make it a centerpiece for many collections. Even as metagames shift, Eldegoss V’s unique utility ensures it remains a relevant and desirable card.

When weighing its quality and price, Eldegoss V offers excellent value. Its impact in gameplay justifies its cost, and its collectibility provides lasting appeal beyond the current meta.

Strategic Advice: Maximizing Eldegoss V’s Potential

Optimal Timing

Save Eldegoss V for moments when retrieving a Supporter will have immediate impact. For instance, if you need to disrupt your opponent’s hand or draw into a specific combo piece, plan to play Eldegoss V just before your turn’s critical action. This approach minimizes the window where your opponent can target it.

Bench Management

Consider your Bench space carefully. If your deck relies on several support Pokémon, ensure you don’t clog your Bench with unnecessary cards. Eldegoss V is best used as a single-copy tech rather than a staple in multiples, unless your strategy is built around frequent Supporter recovery.

Using Float Up Wisely

Float Up is not just an attack; it’s an escape route. If Eldegoss V is threatened or you foresee no further need for its presence, attacking and shuffling it back into your deck can deny your opponent easy Prizes. This tactic is especially valuable in tight games where every Prize counts.

Deck Synergies

Eldegoss V fits seamlessly into strategies that require recurring access to Supporters. Decks that cycle through their resources quickly or employ disruptive tactics can maximize its ability. Additionally, decks with strong search capabilities can retrieve Eldegoss V from the deck after it’s shuffled back, enabling multiple uses throughout a match.

Pairing Eldegoss V with cards that allow for rapid setup or energy acceleration can help mitigate its otherwise low offensive output. Furthermore, decks that leverage healing or bounce effects can further extend its utility on the Bench.

Adapting to Opponents and Game States

Against aggressive decks, prioritize using Eldegoss V’s ability quickly and consider removing it from play with Float Up to avoid giving up easy Prizes. Against slower, control-oriented decks, you can afford to keep Eldegoss V on the Bench longer, leveraging its presence for potential follow-up plays.

If facing decks with Bench sniping capabilities, be mindful of when and how you deploy Eldegoss V. Protect it with Bench barriers or time its appearance to minimize risk.

Conclusion: Is Eldegoss V Worth It?

Eldegoss V’s combination of consistency, flexibility, and self-recycling makes it a standout support card in the Pokémon TCG. While it comes with risks—such as its Fire weakness and two-Prize liability—its benefits far outweigh its drawbacks for most decks. Its market value is justified by both its playability and collectibility, ensuring it remains a wise investment for players and collectors alike.

If you’re looking to enhance your deck’s reliability or add a versatile piece to your collection, Eldegoss V is a choice you won’t regret. Give it a try in your next build and experience firsthand the difference a single well-timed Supporter can make!