Hatenna
Chilling Reign (CRE 071)

Summary of Hatenna (Chilling Reign 71/198)

Hatenna is a Basic Psychic-type Pokémon card from the Chilling Reign set, featuring 60 HP, a single attack called Psyshot that deals 20 damage for one Psychic Energy, a weakness to Darkness, resistance to Fighting, and a retreat cost of one Colorless Energy. As a common card, it serves as an accessible entry point to the Hatenna evolutionary line and offers strategic value in certain deck builds.

Comprehensive Review of Hatenna

Card Overview: Stats, Attack, and Attributes

Hatenna stands out due to its simplicity and effectiveness within its role. With 60 HP, it falls within the standard range for basic Pokémon meant to evolve. Its only attack, Psyshot, requires just one Psychic Energy and delivers a straightforward 20 damage. This makes it easy to power up and play early in the match, allowing you to quickly establish a presence on your Bench or apply light pressure to your opponent’s Active Pokémon.

The weakness to Darkness-type attacks (×2) means it must be played cautiously against decks that feature strong Darkness attackers, while the resistance to Fighting (-30) can offer a crucial buffer when facing popular Fighting-type Pokémon. The retreat cost of a single Colorless Energy provides flexibility, making it relatively painless to switch out if needed.

Strengths and Advantages

• Easy Setup: As a Basic Pokémon with a low Energy requirement, Hatenna fits well into decks focused on Psychic strategies or evolution lines. It can be played immediately without prerequisites, helping you build towards more powerful evolutions.
• Energy Efficiency: The single Psychic Energy cost for Psyshot means you can start attacking as soon as Hatenna hits the field, giving you early-game options for chip damage or finishing off weakened opponents.
• Synergy with Evolution: Hatenna’s true potential is unlocked when used as a stepping stone to evolve into stronger forms. It enables consistent access to mid- and late-game threats by providing a reliable foundation for evolution strategies.
• Resistance to Fighting: In formats where Fighting decks are prevalent, Hatenna’s resistance can allow it to survive attacks that would otherwise knock it out, buying valuable time to set up your board.
• Low Retreat Cost: Flexibility in movement is key in many matches. If you need to reposition or save Hatenna from a risky matchup, the retreat cost of one Colorless Energy makes this transition smooth and affordable.

Weaknesses and Limitations

• Low HP: With only 60 HP, Hatenna is vulnerable to most attacks, especially those from evolved Pokémon or high-damage basics. It can be easily knocked out if left exposed.
• Limited Offensive Capability: Psyshot’s 20 damage is modest and unlikely to threaten most opponents beyond the very early game. Hatenna is not designed to be a primary attacker but rather a support piece for evolving.
• Darkness Weakness: Popular Darkness decks can take advantage of Hatenna’s ×2 weakness, making it a liability in those matchups unless carefully protected or benched.
• No Special Abilities: Unlike some Basics that offer draw power, search effects, or other utilities, Hatenna’s lack of abilities means it contributes little beyond its attack and evolution potential.

When to Use Hatenna: Strategic Situations

Hatenna shines in several scenarios:

• Early Game Setup: If your goal is to quickly establish a Psychic-type evolution line, Hatenna is an ideal starting point. Its low Energy requirement means you can begin attacking or preparing to evolve right away.
• Bench Filler: When you need to fill your Bench for cards or abilities that scale with Bench size, Hatenna is a reliable choice due to its low cost and ease of play.
• Against Fighting Decks: If you’re expecting to face Fighting-type attackers, Hatenna’s resistance can help absorb hits that would otherwise be devastating to other basics.

However, there are times when playing Hatenna can be detrimental:

• Facing Darkness Decks: Darkness Pokémon can knock out Hatenna easily due to its weakness. Avoid exposing Hatenna unless you have a clear plan to evolve quickly or protect it.
• High-Damage Meta: In environments dominated by heavy hitters, Hatenna’s low HP can make it a liability, potentially giving up easy Prize cards to your opponent.

Why Add Hatenna to Your Deck?

If you’re running any strategy that involves Psychic evolutions, Hatenna is almost essential. Its inclusion ensures consistency in reaching your higher-stage Pokémon and keeps your deck streamlined. For newer players or those building on a budget, Hatenna’s accessibility and simplicity make it an excellent choice for learning the fundamentals of deck building and evolution chains.

Beyond competitive play, Hatenna appeals to collectors who appreciate the Chilling Reign set or are fans of the Hatenna evolutionary line. Its artwork and connection to later evolutions add sentimental value, especially for those aiming to complete set collections.

Quality/Price Ratio and Collector Value

In terms of quality for its price, Hatenna stands out as a solid investment for both players and collectors. As a common card, it’s readily available and affordable, making it easy to obtain multiples for playsets or collection purposes. While it may not command high prices due to rarity, its utility in Psychic decks and appeal for set completion ensure steady demand.

For collectors, Hatenna’s value is tied to its role in the Chilling Reign set and its place in the evolutionary line. While not rare, it may be sought after by those looking to complete the set or showcase the progression from Basic to final evolution. Its consistent presence in Psychic strategies also maintains its relevance over time.

Strategic Advice: How and When to Play Hatenna

To maximize Hatenna’s impact, consider these strategies:

• Prioritize Early Placement: Get Hatenna onto your Bench as soon as possible, ideally in your opening hand. This increases your chances of evolving quickly and maintaining momentum.
• Protect Against Darkness Threats: If you anticipate facing Darkness decks, keep Hatenna on the Bench and avoid promoting it until you’re ready to evolve. Use switching cards or other methods to minimize its exposure.
• Capitalize on Fighting Resistance: Against Fighting-heavy lists, don’t hesitate to use Hatenna as a temporary wall, absorbing hits while you set up your main attackers.
• Utilize as a Sacrificial Pivot: In situations where you need to reset your Active Pokémon or buy a turn, Hatenna’s low retreat cost makes it a suitable pivot. It can be promoted, retreated, or sacrificed without significant loss.
• Adapt to Opponent’s Board: If your opponent is slow to develop threats, Hatenna can apply chip damage with Psyshot, softening targets for later knockouts by your main attackers.

Deck Synergies and Integration

Hatenna works best in decks that:

• Focus on Psychic Evolutions: Any deck aiming to reach higher-stage Psychic Pokémon will benefit from Hatenna’s reliability and ease of play.
• Value Bench Consistency: Strategies that require a full Bench or benefit from having multiple Pokémon in play can use Hatenna as a low-cost filler.
• Utilize Single-Energy Attacks: Decks that prioritize speed and efficiency will appreciate Hatenna’s ability to attack with minimal setup.

While Hatenna lacks abilities, it can still synergize with cards that accelerate Energy, provide protection, or enhance evolution speed. Look for ways to shield it from damage or retrieve it from the discard pile if needed.

Adapting to Different Matchups

The effectiveness of Hatenna varies depending on the opponent:

• Versus Aggressive Decks: Use Hatenna cautiously, focusing on quick evolution to avoid easy knockouts.
• Versus Control Decks: Take advantage of Hatenna’s low cost to maintain board presence and pressure the opponent’s setup.
• Versus Spread Damage Decks: Protect Hatenna with Bench barriers or healing effects to prevent it from being picked off by spread attacks.

Conclusion: Is Hatenna Worth Including?

Hatenna from Chilling Reign is a staple for Psychic evolution decks and a practical choice for players seeking reliability and ease of use. Its strengths lie in its simplicity, energy efficiency, and synergy with evolution strategies. While it isn’t a powerhouse attacker and must be played thoughtfully to avoid unfavorable matchups, its overall value—both for play and collection—is undeniable.

Whether you’re building a competitive deck, teaching new players, or rounding out your set, Hatenna offers consistent performance at an accessible price. Its role as a foundation for future evolutions ensures it remains a relevant and worthwhile addition to any Psychic-focused collection or deck.