A fresh batch of card reveals from Japan’s upcoming Storm Emeralda set dropped this week, and there’s a lot to unpack. From a punishing Mega Evolution ex to a self-healing tank and a split Stadium that doubles all healing, these cards hint at a metagame where staying power matters just as much as raw damage output. According to PokeBeach, Storm Emeralda releases in Japan on 31 July 2026, with the English equivalent Delta Reign following on 6 November 2026.
Mega Golisopod ex Headlines the Grass Lineup
The centrepiece of this reveal is Mega Golisopod ex, a 340 HP Grass-type Stage 1 that evolves directly from Wimpod. Its first attack, Finishing Blow, costs a single Grass Energy and deals 60 damage, but adds another 160 if the opposing Active Pokémon already has any damage counters on it. That’s 220 for one Energy on a softened target, which is an absurdly efficient rate. Its second attack, Quatro Hold, swings for 160 at three Colourless Energy and locks the Defending Pokémon from retreating, setting up a nasty two-turn loop. The obvious trade-off is the Mega Evolution ex rule: when it goes down, your opponent scoops up three Prize cards. You’ll need to protect it carefully.
Wimpod, its pre-evolution, comes with a cheeky Ability called Punk Out that reduces its Retreat Cost to zero whenever your opponent has a Pokémon ex in play. Given how ex-heavy the current format is, that’s essentially a permanent free retreat, making it easy to keep Wimpod safe on the Bench until you’re ready to evolve.
Alongside the Golisopod line, we also got Cacnea and Cacturne. Cacturne’s Punishing Needle attack is the one to watch - it deals 10 base damage plus 50 more for each of your opponent’s Pokémon in play that has an Ability. In a format packed with Ability-reliant setups, that number can climb fast. Against a board with four Ability-bearing Pokémon, you’re looking at 210 damage for a single Grass Energy. Not bad for a Stage 1 with no ex drawback.
Wishiwashi ex and a Healing Engine
Wishiwashi ex takes a very different approach. This 260 HP Basic Water-type has the Ability Ocean Gain, which heals 50 damage from itself once per turn while it’s in the Active Spot. Its attack, Hydro Splash, needs four Energy (three Water, one Colourless) to hit for 220. That’s a hefty investment, but the self-sustain from Ocean Gain makes it genuinely difficult to one-shot outside of Lightning-type matchups. Paired with the right support, Wishiwashi ex could become a real wall.
And that support might just be in the same set. Legendary Ocean Trench is the latest split Stadium - a two-card Stadium that must be played with both halves simultaneously. Its effect is simple but potent: whenever any Pokémon in play is healed, double the amount of HP restored. Slap that alongside Wishiwashi ex’s Ocean Gain and you’re healing 100 damage per turn for free. That’s a huge ask for aggressive decks trying to chip away at it.
The healing theme doesn’t stop there. Delicious Rice Balls is an Item card that heals 30 damage from your Active Pokémon, plus an additional 30 for each copy already in your discard pile. Play the fourth copy and you’re restoring 120 damage in one go - or 240 under Legendary Ocean Trench. That’s a full heal for most Pokémon in the format.
Trainers Rounding Out the Package
Two more Trainer cards complete the reveal. Custom Vest is a Pokémon Tool that reduces damage taken from Mega Pokémon ex attacks by 60, though it can’t be attached to Mega Pokémon ex themselves. It’s a clear counterplay card designed to keep the new Mega mechanic in check - if Mega Golisopod ex and its ilk become dominant, expect Custom Vest to see plenty of play as a tech option.
Aarune is a Supporter that lets you search your deck for up to three Supporter or Stadium cards in any combination, putting them straight into your hand. That’s exceptionally strong consistency, particularly for decks that rely on split Stadiums like Legendary Ocean Trench, since you can grab both halves in a single search. It also just makes finding your key Supporters for the following turns far more reliable.
All in all, this batch of Storm Emeralda reveals paints a picture of a set that rewards staying on the board rather than trading one-hit knockouts. Between Wishiwashi ex’s passive regeneration, the Legendary Ocean Trench doubling effect, and Delicious Rice Balls stacking up in the discard pile, healing strategies could become a genuine archetype when Delta Reign arrives in November.
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