Lanturn ex, the card ruins any opponent's strategy in Pokémon TCG Pocket

Lanturn ex arrived in Pokémon TCG Pocket as one of the most annoying—and effective—cards in the new Marine and Celestial Saber set.

With its ability to paralyze or confuse the opponent's Pokémon Active, this underwater Electric-type has a unique impact: it reduces the opponent's chances to act to a minimum, completely disrupting traditional strategies. But how is it played and how effective is it really?

A control striker that confuses and paralyzes

Lanturn ex's central mechanic revolves around its Blinking Signal attack, which costs one Lightning Energy and two Colorless. The move deals 80 damage, but its true value lies in its additional effect: after a coin flip, the opponent will be Confused or Paralyzed, depending on the result.

The most interesting aspect is that both conditions can stack, reducing the opponent's chances to a mere 25%. This means Lanturn ex doesn't stand out for its direct damage, but for its control potential, preventing the opponent from taking actions for several turns.

Access and evolution: how can you get it?

Lanturn ex is part of Chinchou's evolutionary line and is a Stage 1 card. You can obtain it in packs from the Marine and Celestial Saber set, specifically in Lugia-themed packs. It is also available for pack-opening points: 500 for the standard version and 1,250 for the Super Rare and Special Art Rare rarities.

Remember that you need a Chinchou first to play it, but once on the field, it is a constant threat.

Strategic advantages and weaknesses

With 150 HP, Lanturn ex can stay in play for quite some time. As a Stage 1, you can get it into action quickly. However, like any ex card, it is worth two prizes when knocked out, which represents a considerable risk.

Another weakness is that you can't control whether the effect will be paralysis or confusion, and some cards like Steel Vest or abilities like Arceus ex's Mythic Luster make its status effects useless.

How to use it in your deck?

Lanturn ex can shine both as a main control card and in hybrid Lightning-type decks. Combined with cards like Pikachu ex or Zapdos, it enables strategies that block opponents, forcing them to spend resources to attack.

Additionally,  it can act as a "bridge" to more offensive cards, slowing down the opponent while you prepare your finishing moves.

Pros and cons of using Lanturn ex

Advantages

• Its attack always causes paralysis or confusion.
• It has good endurance with 150 HP.
• It evolves quickly as a Stage 1.

Disadvantages

• You can't choose the status effect.
• As an ex, it gives two prizes if defeated.
• Some cards and abilities completely counter it.