Pre Evolution:

Form Change:

If there’s ever a lesson to be learned about the repercussions of greed with too much Energy, Tentacruel will be the grim reminder, with lethal punishments along the way.

Strategy Points:

• “Strange Tentacles” is distinct not just as a Poke-Power, but it creates a wide range of disruptive scenarios by giving your opponent an Energy, including:
  • Anytime you attach a Special Energy card to a Pokémon, they become an EX. You can use Mewtwo – Level X, Boltund, Suicune – Level X, Bouffalant, Mysterious Shard, and Choice Band for their anti-EX effects throughout the game.
  • Assault Vest drastically dials up your defenses while Scizor and Octillery get heightened attack damage.
  • Huntail, Delphox, Tapu Lele, Cobalion, Butterfree, Mewtwo, Meloetta, Beheeyem, Chimecho, Deoxys, Jellicent, Oranguru, Orbeetle, Wyrdeer, and Xatu are all Pokémon that have attacks that get stronger with more Energy attached to the Defending Pokémon.
  • If your opponent is playing conservatively to not discard Special Energy against Tentacruel, you can use Delinquent, Tsareena, Ambipom, Escavalier, and Gumshoos to take the offensive in potentially getting those Special Energy discarded.
• “Tentacle Strike” has similar strategies to “Strange Tentacles,” but you’re now doing spread damage for zero Energy.
  • You can pair this with Telescopic Sight and Shrine of Punishment for an increased punishment when turning Pokémon into EXs.
  • With a Z-Crystal, Tentacruel will be able to use “Dangerous Poison” for an additional 60 damage bench snipe next time it’s used.
  • Most decks play at least one or two recovery cards on average; placing Energy onto a Pokémon that might not attack a lot for a deck strategy can disrupt the opponent’s initial strategies the entire game.
• “Dangerous Poison” is one of the only ways in Highlander to achieve guaranteed Paralysis. With use of the previous two options, you can easily lock down a big attacker for a Knock Out.
  • Eneporter and Slowking both provide great ways to move Energy around for Tentacruel to inflict Poison and Paralysis.
• “Free Floating” is a great way to pivot Tentacool if you start with it, or as a way to promote a new Active Pokémon before starting your turn. Because of this, you might have games where you may never attach an Energy to Tentacool and Tentacruel as you pose the threat of “Strange Tentacles” and “Tentacle Strike” to your opponent’s board. Wrap is also a good option for possible disruption throughout the game.
• Tentacruel – Level X:
• “Zone of Pollution” spins heal-based strategies on top of their head while further punishing Pokémon-EX. The extra damage counter placed onto Pokémon with a Special Condition opens a wide range of burst damage options with Pokémon like Flareon, Salazzle, Amoongus, Wigglytuff, Golduck, Articuno, and Venusaur.
  • Virbank City Gym, Dust Island, Full Flame, and Wela Volcano Park are great ways to tack on extra damage in addition to the previously mentioned Shrine of Punishment.
  • “Solar Beam” from Tropius and Picnic Basket will add extra damage to the opponent at the cost of your own Pokémon taking the same damage.
• “Hazardous Haze” is one of the only effects in the game that works with non-damage counters. You can get rid of your opponent going for set up sweeping plays with Kommo-O or Haxorus and/or take your own pile of counters with Pokémon like Regigigas and Obstagoon and spin them into concentrated damage on your opponent’s board. The negation of damage modifiers can save Tentacruel from anti-EX effects like Choice Band and the first attacks from Regirock, Regice, and Registeel.