Hatterene
Champion's Path (CPA 020)

Hatterene (Champion's Path 20/73) Review: A Comprehensive Look at a Stage 2 Psychic Pokémon

Hatterene from the Champion's Path set stands out as a Stage 2 Psychic-type Pokémon with 150 HP, a unique ability, and a solid attack that offers both offensive power and self-healing. This review will break down every aspect of Hatterene’s gameplay, market value, and strategic potential, helping you decide if this card deserves a place in your deck or your collection.

Card Overview: Key Features and Stats

• Type: Psychic
• HP: 150
• Stage: Stage 2
• Ability: Hazard Sensor – If Hatterene is in the Active Spot and damaged by an opponent's attack (even if Knocked Out), the Attacking Pokémon becomes Confused.
• Attack: Life Sucker (Psychic, Colorless) – 100 damage. Heal 30 damage from Hatterene.
• Weakness: Darkness ×2
• Resistance: Fighting -30
• Retreat Cost: 2 Colorless
• Rarity: Rare Holo
• Set: Champion's Path

Strengths and Positives of Hatterene

Versatile Ability: Hazard Sensor

One of Hatterene’s main draws is its "Hazard Sensor" ability. Whenever Hatterene is in the Active Spot and takes damage from an opponent’s attack, the attacking Pokémon is immediately Confused—even if Hatterene is Knocked Out. Confusion is a powerful status condition in Pokémon TCG; it forces your opponent to flip a coin before attacking, and on tails, their Pokémon takes 30 damage and the attack fails. This can disrupt aggressive strategies, delay knockouts, and force your opponent to make tough decisions, potentially swinging the tempo of the game in your favor.

Solid Attack with Healing: Life Sucker

Life Sucker does a respectable 100 damage for just two Energy (one Psychic, one Colorless). The added effect of healing 30 damage from Hatterene each time you attack helps it stay longer in play, especially when combined with its decent HP for a Stage 2 Pokémon. This self-sustainability makes Hatterene a persistent threat, particularly against decks that rely on incremental damage rather than massive one-hit knockouts.

Effective Resistance and Decent HP

With 150 HP, Hatterene can withstand several attacks from non-GX/V Pokémon. Its resistance to Fighting (-30) further increases its durability against popular Fighting-type attackers, which often appear in competitive play.

Weaknesses and Drawbacks

Stage 2 Evolution Requirement

Being a Stage 2 Pokémon, Hatterene requires more setup compared to Basic or Stage 1 Pokémon. You must first evolve from Hatenna to Hattrem, then to Hatterene, which can slow down your board development, especially if your deck is not optimized for quick evolution chains.

Darkness Weakness

Hatterene’s ×2 weakness to Darkness means it is vulnerable to many popular meta decks, especially those that capitalize on hitting for double damage against Psychic types. In matchups where Darkness Pokémon are prevalent, Hatterene may struggle to survive even a single hit.

Moderate Retreat Cost

With a retreat cost of two Colorless Energy, switching Hatterene out of the Active Spot can be costly if you’re not running cards to reduce retreat costs or switch your Pokémon. This can occasionally leave Hatterene stranded in unfavorable situations.

When Is Hatterene Most Advantageous?

Hatterene shines in decks designed to control the board through Special Conditions and disruption. Its ability to confuse attackers upon being damaged makes it ideal for stalling tactics or forcing misplays from less experienced opponents. Against decks that lack easy access to switching or healing effects, Hatterene can become a persistent annoyance, racking up passive damage while healing itself with Life Sucker.

It also pairs well with strategies that aim to wear down the opponent over several turns rather than going for quick knockouts. In slower, grindier games where resources are traded back and forth, Hatterene’s self-healing and confusion-inducing ability can tip the scales in your favor.

Situations Where Hatterene May Struggle

Hatterene is less effective against hyper-aggressive decks or those built around Darkness-type attackers, who can easily exploit its weakness. Decks with ample switching options or those that can heal or replace their Active Pokémon will also mitigate the impact of Hazard Sensor. Furthermore, in formats dominated by Basic Pokémon with high damage output, taking the time to set up a Stage 2 like Hatterene can put you at a disadvantage.

Why Add Hatterene to Your Deck?

Hatterene offers a blend of disruption, survivability, and moderate offensive pressure. Its ability to punish opponents for attacking and its capacity to heal make it more than just a straightforward attacker. For players who enjoy outsmarting their opponents with clever plays and making them pay for every attack, Hatterene is a strong candidate for inclusion.

Its synergy with other cards that spread damage, inflict Special Conditions, or manipulate the opponent’s Active Pokémon can create a web of threats that’s difficult to untangle. If your deck already focuses on controlling the pace of the game or exploiting status effects, Hatterene will feel right at home.

Market Value and Collectibility

Quality-to-Value Ratio

Hatterene’s value in the secondary market is influenced by its playability, rarity, and set origin. As a Rare Holo from the sought-after Champion’s Path expansion, it holds appeal for both competitive players and collectors. While it may not be a staple in top-tier meta decks, its unique combination of ability and attack ensures it remains relevant for creative deckbuilders and fans of Psychic-type Pokémon.

For collectors, Hatterene’s holo finish and association with a limited set boost its desirability, especially for those looking to complete Champion’s Path. Even if its competitive viability fluctuates, its collectibility is likely to remain steady due to the set’s popularity and its status as a Rare Holo.

Strategic Advice: When and How to Play Hatterene

Optimal Timing and Board Positioning

Ideally, Hatterene should be brought into play once you’ve established your board and can protect your evolution line from early aggression. Use draw and search effects to accelerate your evolutions, and aim to get Hatterene into the Active Spot when you anticipate your opponent will attack. The threat of confusion can deter opponents from attacking recklessly, especially if they lack ways to switch out or heal their Active Pokémon.

Adapting to Opponents

Against decks with high-damage attackers, use Hatterene as a mid-game pivot rather than your primary attacker. Let it absorb a hit, inflict confusion, and then retreat to a backup attacker or another disruptive Pokémon. Against slower, setup-based decks, Hatterene can take center stage, applying consistent pressure with Life Sucker while healing off chip damage.

Deck Synergies and Strategy Tips

Hatterene works best in decks that can accelerate Psychic Energy and provide reliable evolution support. Cards that allow you to search for evolutions or recover Pokémon from the discard pile synergize well with Hatterene’s Stage 2 nature. Additionally, pairing Hatterene with effects that increase Special Condition damage or punish Confused Pokémon can maximize the utility of Hazard Sensor.

Consider including cards that enable free retreat or switching, allowing you to cycle Hatterene in and out of the Active Spot to repeatedly trigger its ability and keep your opponent guessing. Decks focused on control and attrition will find Hatterene a natural fit, especially if they can leverage the confusion status to stall or chip away at key threats.

Final Thoughts: Is Hatterene Worth It?

Hatterene (Champion’s Path 20/73) is a compelling choice for players who value disruption, sustainability, and tactical flexibility. While it demands thoughtful deck construction and careful timing, its payoff can be significant—confusing attackers, healing itself, and resisting common Fighting-types. Though its Stage 2 status and Darkness weakness present challenges, creative players can build around these limitations to unlock Hatterene’s full potential.

For collectors, Hatterene’s holo rarity and connection to a beloved set make it a worthy addition, whether you’re completing a binder or seeking standout cards for display. For competitive players, it offers a refreshing alternative to straightforward beatdown strategies, rewarding those who enjoy mind games and resource management.

Whether you play for fun, competition, or collection, Hatterene brings a unique flavor to the table—one that can turn the tide of battle and add depth to any Psychic-themed deck. Don’t overlook this Rare Holo; with the right strategy, it might just become the centerpiece of your next winning build.