Gholdengo ex card art displaying the Make It Rain attack
Gholdengo ex card art displaying the Make It Rain attack

When Does Gholdengo Learn Make It Rain: A Comprehensive Guide

Gholdengo learns Make It Rain right from the start, as it’s the Pokémon’s signature move, and this article will explore Gholdengo’s Make It Rain attack, including its strategic advantages, deck-building considerations, and gameplay tactics, all provided by LEARNS.EDU.VN. Dive in to master this powerful ability and enhance your Pokémon TCG skills, uncovering key strategies and expert insights. Discover advanced techniques, energy management tips, and competitive deck strategies to maximize your winning potential.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Gholdengo’s Make It Rain

Gholdengo’s Make It Rain is its signature move, available from the moment it evolves from Gimmighoul. This attack is central to Gholdengo’s strategy in the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG). Understanding how Make It Rain works is crucial for anyone looking to build a successful Gholdengo deck. Make It Rain allows players to discard Energy cards from their hand to deal significant damage, with the damage increasing for each Energy card discarded.

1.1. The Basics of Make It Rain

Make It Rain isn’t just an attack; it’s a game-changer. As explained by experts at LEARNS.EDU.VN, the attack’s effectiveness lies in its scalability. The more Energy cards you discard, the higher the damage output. This makes Gholdengo a potentially devastating attacker, capable of knocking out even the toughest Pokémon in a single hit. The key is efficient Energy management and strategic discarding.

1.2. How to Obtain Gholdengo

To use Make It Rain, you first need to obtain Gholdengo. In the Pokémon TCG, this involves evolving Gimmighoul. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  • Find Gimmighoul: Include multiple Gimmighoul cards in your deck to increase your chances of starting with one or drawing it early.
  • Evolve Gimmighoul: Use evolution cards or abilities that allow you to evolve Gimmighoul into Gholdengo.
  • Energy Cards: Ensure you have a sufficient number of Energy cards in your deck to fuel Make It Rain.
  • Trainer Cards: Include Trainer cards that help you draw more cards, search your deck for Energy, and accelerate Energy attachment.

According to Pokémon TCG strategy guides, a well-rounded deck with these components will significantly improve your ability to effectively use Gholdengo and its Make It Rain attack.

1.3. Initial Impressions and Competitive Play

When Gholdengo ex was first introduced in the Paradox Rift expansion, it quickly garnered attention for its potential. Early iterations of Gholdengo decks experimented with support Pokémon like Bibarel and Scizor. However, the deck gained significant traction when Kazuki Takahashi integrated Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR into the strategy, achieving a Top 4 finish at the Champions League Kyoto. This innovation provided both early-game aggression and late-game knockout potential, solidifying Gholdengo’s place in competitive play.

The inclusion of Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR addressed Gholdengo’s initial struggles with early game pressure. Palkia’s Subspace Swell attack, requiring only two Energy cards, allowed for efficient damage output while setting up Gholdengo for later turns. This synergy was a crucial turning point, enhancing the deck’s overall versatility and competitive viability.

2. Key Features of the Make It Rain Attack

The Make It Rain attack is defined by several key features that make it both powerful and strategically interesting. Understanding these features is essential for mastering the attack and building effective decks around it.

2.1. Damage Scaling

The primary feature of Make It Rain is its damage scaling. The attack’s damage output directly correlates with the number of Energy cards you discard from your hand. Typically, each Energy card discarded adds a specific amount of damage, allowing for exponential damage growth. This scaling effect means that with enough Energy in hand, Gholdengo can potentially Knock Out any Pokémon in the game with a single attack.

2.2. Energy Discard Mechanic

The Energy discard mechanic is both a strength and a weakness. While discarding Energy increases damage, it also depletes your resources. Strategic Energy management is crucial to ensure you don’t run out of Energy too quickly. Cards that allow you to retrieve discarded Energy or accelerate Energy attachment become vital in sustaining the attack over multiple turns.

2.3. Coin Bonus Ability

Gholdengo’s Coin Bonus ability is a key component of its consistency. This ability allows you to draw cards, helping you maintain a steady stream of Energy and Trainer cards in your hand. Consistent card draw is essential for setting up the necessary resources to maximize the damage output of Make It Rain.

2.4. Versatility and Adaptability

Make It Rain’s versatility allows it to adapt to different game situations. Whether you need to deal a small amount of damage early in the game or a massive amount of damage late game, Make It Rain can be adjusted accordingly. This adaptability makes Gholdengo a strong choice in a variety of matchups.

2.5. Synergies with Other Cards

Make It Rain synergizes well with a variety of other cards in the Pokémon TCG. Energy retrieval cards, draw support cards, and damage boosting cards can all enhance the effectiveness of the attack. Building a deck that maximizes these synergies is key to unlocking Gholdengo’s full potential.

3. Optimizing Gholdengo’s Make It Rain in Pokémon TCG

Optimizing Gholdengo’s Make It Rain involves strategic deck building, efficient energy management, and smart gameplay decisions. Here are several key strategies to maximize the effectiveness of this powerful attack:

3.1. Strategic Deck Building

Building a Gholdengo deck requires careful consideration of card ratios and synergies. Key components of an optimized deck include:

  • Multiple Gimmighoul and Gholdengo: Ensuring a consistent presence of these Pokémon is crucial.
  • Energy Cards: A high count of Energy cards is necessary to fuel Make It Rain.
  • Draw Support: Cards that allow you to draw additional cards help maintain a steady stream of resources.
  • Energy Retrieval: Cards that retrieve discarded Energy ensure you don’t run out of resources.

3.2. Efficient Energy Management

Energy management is critical to the success of a Gholdengo deck. Avoid discarding Energy unnecessarily and prioritize using Energy retrieval cards to replenish your resources. Additionally, consider using cards that accelerate Energy attachment to quickly power up your Gholdengo.

3.3. Smart Gameplay Decisions

Making smart gameplay decisions involves knowing when to use Make It Rain and when to conserve Energy. Consider the following:

  • Early Game: Focus on setting up your board and conserving Energy for later turns.
  • Mid Game: Start using Make It Rain to take strategic Knock Outs on your opponent’s key Pokémon.
  • Late Game: Unleash the full power of Make It Rain to Knock Out high-HP Pokémon and secure the win.

3.4. Card Synergies

Maximizing card synergies can significantly enhance the effectiveness of Make It Rain. Some key synergies include:

  • Energy Retrieval Cards: Superior Energy Retrieval and Energy Retrieval allow you to reuse discarded Energy.
  • Draw Support Cards: Cards like Worker and Irida help you draw additional cards and find key resources.
  • Damage Boosting Cards: Cards that increase damage output can help you achieve one-hit Knock Outs more easily.

3.5. Utilizing PokéStop

PokéStop is a valuable Trainer card that can help you discard and draw cards, potentially setting up powerful Make It Rain attacks. However, be mindful of the potential downside of discarding useful Trainer cards.

3.6. Incorporating Palkia VSTAR

The integration of Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR into Gholdengo decks has proven highly effective. Palkia provides early-game aggression with its Subspace Swell attack, while also setting up Gholdengo for later turns. This synergy allows for a more versatile and adaptable strategy.

4. Mastering Energy Acceleration for Make It Rain

Energy acceleration is a crucial aspect of playing Gholdengo effectively. It involves using cards and abilities to quickly attach Energy cards to your Pokémon, allowing you to power up Make It Rain more efficiently.

4.1. Importance of Energy Acceleration

Without sufficient Energy, Make It Rain’s damage output is limited. Energy acceleration ensures you have enough Energy to discard for maximum damage, enabling you to Knock Out even the toughest Pokémon in a single hit.

4.2. Key Energy Acceleration Cards

Several cards in the Pokémon TCG can help accelerate Energy attachment. Some of the most effective include:

  • Superior Energy Retrieval: Allows you to retrieve multiple Energy cards from the discard pile.
  • Irida: Searches your deck for a Water-type Pokémon and a Trainer card, helping you find key Energy acceleration tools.
  • Earthen Vessel: Discards a card from your hand to search for two basic Energy cards, providing quick Energy access.
  • Radiant Greninja: Its Concealed Cards ability lets you discard an Energy card to draw two cards, effectively thinning your deck and potentially finding more Energy.

4.3. Strategies for Efficient Energy Attachment

Efficient Energy attachment involves strategic use of Energy acceleration cards and abilities. Consider the following:

  • Prioritize Energy Attachment: Focus on attaching Energy to your Gholdengo as quickly as possible.
  • Use Abilities Wisely: Utilize abilities like Radiant Greninja’s Concealed Cards to discard Energy and draw additional cards.
  • Plan Ahead: Anticipate your Energy needs for future turns and plan your attachments accordingly.

4.4. Balancing Energy Acceleration with Card Draw

While Energy acceleration is crucial, it’s also important to maintain a steady stream of cards in your hand. Balance Energy acceleration with card draw to ensure you have the resources you need to execute your strategy effectively.

5. Card Synergies to Boost Make It Rain’s Power

Card synergies are essential for maximizing the potential of Make It Rain. Combining the right cards can significantly increase the attack’s damage output and overall effectiveness.

5.1. Key Synergy Cards

Several cards in the Pokémon TCG synergize particularly well with Make It Rain. Some of the most effective include:

  • Superior Energy Retrieval: As mentioned earlier, this card allows you to retrieve multiple Energy cards from the discard pile, providing a valuable source of Energy for Make It Rain.
  • Worker: This Supporter card allows you to discard two cards from your hand and draw three new cards. This can help you discard excess Energy to boost Make It Rain’s damage while also refreshing your hand.
  • Cross Switcher: This Trainer card allows you to switch one of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon with their Active Pokémon, potentially bringing a weaker Pokémon into the Active Spot for an easy Knock Out.
  • Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR: Its Star Portal VSTAR Power allows you to attach up to 3 Water Energy from your discard pile to your Pokémon V in any way you like, providing a massive Energy boost.

5.2. Building a Synergistic Deck

Building a deck that maximizes these synergies involves careful consideration of card ratios and strategic card choices. Aim for a deck that provides consistent Energy acceleration, draw support, and damage boosting capabilities.

5.3. Examples of Effective Synergies

Here are a few examples of how these synergies can be used in practice:

  • Superior Energy Retrieval + Make It Rain: Use Make It Rain to discard Energy, then use Superior Energy Retrieval to retrieve the discarded Energy and use Make It Rain again on the following turn.
  • Worker + Make It Rain: Use Worker to discard excess Energy from your hand, boosting Make It Rain’s damage while also drawing new cards to potentially find more Energy or Trainer cards.
  • Cross Switcher + Make It Rain: Use Cross Switcher to bring a weak Pokémon into the Active Spot, then use Make It Rain to Knock Out the Pokémon and take a Prize card.
  • Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR + Make It Rain: Use Star Portal to attach multiple Water Energy cards to your Gholdengo, then use Make It Rain to unleash a massive amount of damage.

5.4. Adapting to Different Matchups

Different matchups may require different synergies. Be prepared to adapt your strategy based on your opponent’s deck and play style. For example, against decks that rely on Special Energy, consider including cards that disrupt Special Energy attachment.

6. Common Misconceptions About Gholdengo and Make It Rain

There are several common misconceptions about Gholdengo and its Make It Rain attack. Addressing these misconceptions can help players better understand the Pokémon and its strategic potential.

6.1. Misconception 1: Gholdengo is Only a Late-Game Attacker

One common misconception is that Gholdengo is only effective as a late-game attacker. While it’s true that Make It Rain’s damage scales with the number of Energy cards discarded, Gholdengo can also be effective in the early and mid-game with strategic Energy management and support from cards like Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR.

6.2. Misconception 2: Make It Rain Always Requires Discarding a Lot of Energy

Another misconception is that Make It Rain always requires discarding a large number of Energy cards to be effective. While discarding more Energy does increase damage, even discarding a few Energy cards can be enough to Knock Out weaker Pokémon or set up for future attacks.

6.3. Misconception 3: Gholdengo Decks Are Unreliable

Some players believe that Gholdengo decks are unreliable due to their reliance on Energy cards and draw support. However, with proper deck building and strategic play, Gholdengo decks can be highly consistent and competitive.

6.4. Misconception 4: Gholdengo is Weak Against All Special Energy Decks

While Gholdengo decks can struggle against decks that heavily rely on Special Energy due to potential disruption, this isn’t always the case. Tech cards that counter Special Energy can mitigate this weakness.

6.5. Misconception 5: Gholdengo is Easy to Play

Despite its straightforward attack, mastering Gholdengo requires careful planning, resource management, and adaptability. It’s not simply a matter of discarding Energy and attacking; strategic decision-making is crucial for success.

7. Advanced Strategies for Maximizing Make It Rain

Maximizing Make It Rain’s potential requires more than just basic deck building and Energy management. Here are some advanced strategies to elevate your Gholdengo gameplay:

7.1. Resource Management

Effective resource management is crucial. Preserve key Trainer cards and Energy cards for optimal moments. Avoid discarding essential resources early in the game unless necessary.

7.2. Strategic Retreating and Switching

Knowing when to retreat or switch your Pokémon can be a game-changer. If your Gholdengo is in danger, retreat to a Benched Pokémon and use switching cards to bring it back into the Active Spot when the time is right.

7.3. Predicting Opponent’s Moves

Anticipate your opponent’s strategies and prepare accordingly. If you know they are setting up a powerful attack, disrupt their setup with Trainer cards or target their key Pokémon with Make It Rain.

7.4. Mastering the Mulligan

A strategic Mulligan can significantly improve your starting hand. If your initial hand lacks essential cards like Gimmighoul or Energy, don’t hesitate to Mulligan for a better start.

7.5. Adapting to Meta Changes

The Pokémon TCG meta is constantly evolving. Stay informed about the latest deck trends and adapt your Gholdengo deck accordingly. Consider tech cards that counter popular strategies.

7.6. Energy Denial Tactics

Employing Energy denial tactics can disrupt your opponent’s strategy. Cards that discard Energy from your opponent’s Pokémon can slow them down and give you an advantage.

8. How Make It Rain Affects Meta-Game Strategies

Gholdengo’s Make It Rain has a significant impact on meta-game strategies, influencing deck building and gameplay decisions across the Pokémon TCG landscape.

8.1. Influence on Deck Building

The presence of Gholdengo in the meta-game forces players to consider including cards that can counter its strategy. This includes cards that disrupt Energy attachment, increase HP, or provide resistance to attacks.

8.2. Impact on Gameplay

Gholdengo’s Make It Rain also influences gameplay decisions. Players must be cautious about overextending their resources and leaving themselves vulnerable to a potential one-hit Knock Out.

8.3. Counter Strategies

Several counter strategies have emerged in response to Gholdengo’s popularity. These include:

  • Energy Disruption: Cards that discard Energy from your opponent’s Pokémon can slow down their Make It Rain attacks.
  • High HP Pokémon: Pokémon with high HP can withstand multiple Make It Rain attacks, giving you more time to set up your own strategy.
  • Resistance: Pokémon with resistance to Metal-type attacks can reduce the damage from Make It Rain.
  • Ability Lock: Abilities that prevent opponents from using abilities provide a huge advantage.

8.4. Adapting to the Meta

To stay competitive in a meta-game dominated by Gholdengo, players must adapt their decks and strategies accordingly. This may involve including tech cards that counter Gholdengo or developing entirely new strategies that can exploit its weaknesses.

9. Tips for New Players Using Make It Rain

If you’re new to the Pokémon TCG and want to try playing with Gholdengo and its Make It Rain attack, here are some tips to help you get started:

9.1. Start with a Simple Deck List

Begin with a basic Gholdengo deck list that includes multiple copies of Gimmighoul, Gholdengo, Energy cards, and draw support cards. Avoid overly complex strategies until you have a solid understanding of the basics.

9.2. Practice Energy Management

Focus on learning how to manage your Energy resources effectively. Avoid discarding Energy unnecessarily and prioritize using Energy retrieval cards to replenish your resources.

9.3. Learn the Basic Rules of the Game

Before you start playing with Gholdengo, make sure you have a good understanding of the basic rules of the Pokémon TCG. This includes the turn sequence, card types, and attack mechanics.

9.4. Play Against Different Opponents

Playing against a variety of opponents can help you learn different strategies and improve your gameplay. Try playing against friends, family, or other players at your local game store.

9.5. Watch Tournament Gameplay

Watching professional Pokémon TCG players compete in tournaments can provide valuable insights into advanced strategies and deck building techniques. Look for videos on YouTube or Twitch.

9.6. Be Patient and Persistent

Mastering Gholdengo and Make It Rain takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t win every game. Be patient, persistent, and keep learning from your mistakes.

10. The Future of Gholdengo and Make It Rain in Pokémon TCG

The future of Gholdengo and Make It Rain in the Pokémon TCG looks promising. As new expansions are released, new cards and strategies will emerge, potentially enhancing Gholdengo’s power and versatility.

10.1. Potential New Cards

Future expansions may introduce new cards that synergize well with Make It Rain. This could include new Energy acceleration cards, draw support cards, or damage boosting cards.

10.2. Evolving Strategies

As the meta-game evolves, new strategies for playing Gholdengo will likely emerge. Players will continue to experiment with different deck builds and gameplay techniques to maximize the Pokémon’s potential.

10.3. Impact on Competitive Play

Gholdengo is likely to remain a competitive force in the Pokémon TCG for the foreseeable future. Its unique attack mechanic and strategic depth make it a popular choice among both casual and competitive players.

10.4. Community Contributions

The Pokémon TCG community will continue to contribute to the evolution of Gholdengo strategies. Online forums, social media groups, and tournament reports will provide valuable insights and inspiration for players looking to improve their gameplay.

10.5. Continued Innovation

Innovation will be key to keeping Gholdengo competitive. Players will need to continue exploring new card combinations and strategies to stay ahead of the curve.

11. FAQs About Gholdengo and Make It Rain

Here are some frequently asked questions about Gholdengo and its Make It Rain attack:

Q1: When Does Gholdengo Learn Make It Rain?

Gholdengo knows Make It Rain from the moment it evolves from Gimmighoul. It’s its signature attack.

Q2: How much damage does Make It Rain do?

Make It Rain does more damage for each Energy card you discard from your hand. The exact amount of damage per Energy card varies depending on the specific card.

Q3: What are the best cards to pair with Gholdengo?

Some of the best cards to pair with Gholdengo include Superior Energy Retrieval, Worker, Cross Switcher, and Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR.

Q4: How do I counter a Gholdengo deck?

Counter strategies for Gholdengo decks include Energy disruption, high HP Pokémon, resistance, and ability denial.

Q5: Is Gholdengo a good choice for new players?

Gholdengo can be a good choice for new players, but it requires a solid understanding of Energy management and deck building.

Q6: How do I manage my Energy effectively with Gholdengo?

To manage your Energy effectively, avoid discarding Energy unnecessarily and prioritize using Energy retrieval cards to replenish your resources.

Q7: What is the role of Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR in a Gholdengo deck?

Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR provides early-game aggression and Energy acceleration, setting up Gholdengo for later turns.

Q8: Can Make It Rain Knock Out a Pokémon in one hit?

Yes, with enough Energy discarded, Make It Rain can Knock Out even the toughest Pokémon in one hit.

Q9: How does the Coin Bonus ability help Gholdengo?

The Coin Bonus ability allows you to draw cards, helping you maintain a steady stream of Energy and Trainer cards in your hand.

Q10: What are some common mistakes to avoid when playing Gholdengo?

Common mistakes to avoid include discarding Energy unnecessarily, neglecting draw support, and failing to adapt to different matchups.

By understanding the intricacies of Gholdengo and its Make It Rain attack, players can unlock its full potential and achieve success in the Pokémon TCG. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new player, mastering Gholdengo can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. For more in-depth strategies, deck-building tips, and expert advice, visit LEARNS.EDU.VN.

1 Understanding Gholdengo's Make It Rain
2 Key Features of the Make It Rain Attack
3 Optimizing Gholdengo's Make It Rain in Pokémon TCG
4 Mastering Energy Acceleration for Make It Rain
5 Card Synergies to Boost Make It Rain's Power
6 Common Misconceptions About Gholdengo and Make It Rain
7 Advanced Strategies for Maximizing Make It Rain
8 How Make It Rain Affects Meta-Game Strategies
9 Tips for New Players Using Make It Rain
10 The Future of Gholdengo and Make It Rain in Pokémon TCG
11 FAQs About Gholdengo and Make It Rain
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    th, td {
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    th {
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<body>

  <h2>Example Table</h2>

  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th>Header 1</th>
        <th>Header 2</th>
        <th>Header 3</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
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        <td>Row 1, Cell 1</td>
        <td>Row 1, Cell 2</td>
        <td>Row 1, Cell 3</td>
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        <td>Row 2, Cell 1</td>
        <td>Row 2, Cell 2</td>
        <td>Row 2, Cell 3</td>
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Here’s a sample table code:

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Card Name</th>
      <th>Description</th>
      <th>Synergy with Make It Rain</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Superior Energy Retrieval</td>
      <td>Retrieves multiple Energy cards from the discard pile.</td>
      <td>Provides a valuable source of Energy for Make It Rain.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Worker</td>
      <td>Discards two cards, draws three new cards.</td>
      <td>Helps discard excess Energy to boost Make It Rain’s damage and refreshes your hand.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Cross Switcher</td>
      <td>Switches one of your opponent's Benched Pokémon with their Active Pokémon.</td>
      <td>Allows you to bring a weaker Pokémon into the Active Spot for an easy Knock Out.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR</td>
      <td>Attaches up to 3 Water Energy from your discard pile to your Pokémon V.</td>
      <td>Provides a massive Energy boost, enabling powerful Make It Rain attacks.</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

This is how the table code will appear:

Card Name Description Synergy with Make It Rain
Superior Energy Retrieval Retrieves multiple Energy cards from the discard pile. Provides a valuable source of Energy for Make It Rain.
Worker Discards two cards, draws three new cards. Helps discard excess Energy to boost Make It Rain’s damage and refreshes your hand.
Cross Switcher Switches one of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon with their Active Pokémon. Allows you to bring a weaker Pokémon into the Active Spot for an easy Knock Out.
Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR Attaches up to 3 Water Energy from your discard pile to your Pokémon V. Provides a massive Energy boost, enabling powerful Make It Rain attacks.

Gholdengo ex card art displaying the Make It Rain attackGholdengo ex card art displaying the Make It Rain attack

Alternate text: Detailed card art of Gholdengo ex, emphasizing its powerful Make It Rain attack.

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Remember, continuous learning and adaptation are key to mastering the Pokémon TCG. Embrace the challenge, explore new strategies, and have fun along the way. Visit learns.edu.vn to discover more educational content and unlock your full potential.

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