Mastering Evolution Incense to Get VMAX Pokémon into Play

Are you looking to get those powerful VMAX Pokémon into play faster? The Evolution Incense item card is an essential tool that can make it happen. In this detailed guide, I‘ll explain everything you need to know about using Evolution Incense to evolve up to VMAX!

Evolution Incense Quickly Fetches VMAX Pokémon

Evolution Incense allows you to search your deck for any Evolution Pokémon card, show it to your opponent, and add it to your hand. This effect lets you skip straight past the Basic card and grab Stage 1 or Stage 2 Pokémon like VMAX.

Playing a VMAX as soon as Turn 2 is possible with the right combination of cards. An ideal opening hand contains a Basic Pokémon, Evolution Incense, and a Rare Candy (to evolve the Stage 1 into VMAX).

Turn 1: Play Basic Pokémon.
Turn 2: Use Evolution Incense to search deck for Stage 1. Play Stage 1. Use Rare Candy to evolve Stage 1 into VMAX!

VMAX Pokémon have far higher HP and stronger attacks than Basics. Getting them into play faster gives you a major advantage against opponents still setting up. This tempo boost is why Evolution Incense is a staple in top competitive decks like Calyrex VMAX and Arceus VSTAR.

VMAX Cards Count as Evolution Pokémon

VMAX cards meet the criteria for Evolution Incense because they are considered Evolution Pokémon. Gameplay-wise, you play them on top of the previous V version just like any other Stage 1 or 2 evolution.

For example, Zacian VMAX evolves from Zacian V. Incense can fetch the Zacian VMAX directly from your deck since it evolves from a lower form.

This is different from Basic Pokémon like Zacian or Zamazenta which Incense cannot search for. So Incense accelerates getting Evolutions out but not Basics.

Top VMAX Targets for Evolution Incense

While Incense can grab any Evolution Pokémon, here are some of the most powerful VMAX Pokémon to target:

Mew VMAX

With free Retreat, solid 270 HP, and ability to copy opponents attacks, versatile Mew VMAX fits into many decks. Incense lets you skip Mew‘s weaker Basic form and get Mew VMAX attacking sooner.

Rayquaza VMAX

Boasting 310 HP and huge single prize 280 damage, Rayquaza VMAX is a dominant attacker. Running 4 Incense ensures you can consistently evolve Rayquaza turn 2.

Suicune VMAX

A strong tech option, Suicune VMAX heals all damage with Aurora Pulse for just 2 Energy. Incense fetching Suicune V allows going straight into the healing VMAX.

Charizard VMAX

Charizard VMAX remains one of the most dangerous attackers with 300 damage for 3 Energy. Use Incense to accelerate getting Charizard‘s Stage 2 evolution ready.

Genesect VMAX

Genesect VMAX‘s Abundant Missile attack hits multiple Pokemon for just 1 Energy. Incense grabbing the Stage 1 Genesect V early enables using this spread damage quickly.

VMAX Pull Rates and Value

The top VMAX Pokémon that Evolution Incense searches for can be quite valuable and difficult to obtain due to their rarity. VMAX cards have around a 1 in 32 ultra rare pull rate in Sword & Shield booster packs.

Here are estimated pack pull rates for VMAX cards:

Rarity	Odds
Any VMAX	1 in 32 packs
Specific VMAX	1 in 536 packs

And the market values of some of the most sought-after VMAX cards:

Pokemon VMAX	Average Value
Umbreon VMAX (Alt Art)	$400+
Rayquaza VMAX (Alt Art)	$250-300
Charizard VMAX (Rainbow)	$200+
Pikachu VMAX (Rainbow)	$150-200

As you can see, the alternate art and rainbow rare versions command extremely high secondary market prices due to very low pull rates. Using Evolution Incense improves your chances of getting to play these rare and powerful VMAX Pokémon.

Decks that Benefit Most from Evolution Incense

While Evolution Incense can be useful in many decks, here are some archetypes that rely on it most for consistent setup:

• Calyrex VMAX – Uses Incense to accelerate getting Calyrex VMAX and Ice Rider Calyrex VMAX into play.
• Arceus VSTAR – Fetches Arceus V and VSTAR for its Ability and Damage Spread attacks.
• Genesect VMAX – Needs Genesect V early for its cheap Abundant Missile attack.
• Rayquaza VMAX – Vital to hit Turn 2 Rayquaza VMAX with Emerald Break.
• Inteleon Engine – Splashes Inteleon line as a utility engine, Incense gets Inteleon V.

Without Evolution Incense, these decks would have much less consistent turn 1 and 2 attackers. Incense solves the problem of being stuck starting with weak Basics or needing Rare Candies for Stage 2‘s.

Using Incense Correctly: Tips and Strategies

Here are some tips to use Evolution Incense effectively in your games:

• Start with Basics – Incense only works if you already have the pre-evolved form in play. Get your basics down first.

• Fetch attackers ASAP – Use your first Incense to get key attacking Pokémon like VMAX into hand for next turn.

• Save some for late game – Keep 1-2 Incense to find tech attackers or counters once you see your opponent‘s strategy.

• Don‘t discard – Try to avoid discarding Incense early unless absolutely necessary. Their search effect is invaluable.

• Search smart – Know if your desired Evolution is still deck vs discarded. Count remaining Incense/Candy to evolve.

• Counter disruption – If your strategy gets disrupted, Incense can help recover your board faster.

• Rare Candy combo – With Rare Candy, go straight from Basic to VMAX in one turn by chaining Incense into Candy.

Following these tips will ensure you maximize value from every Evolution Incense you play.

Combining with Other Deck Search Cards

Evolution Incense becomes even more powerful when combined with other search effect cards like:

• Quick Ball – Discard hand cards to search Basics like your Incense targets.

• Ultra Ball – Discard 2 cards to find key Pokémon or Incense itself.

• Marnie – Draw fresh hand of 5 cards, hopefully what you need or an Incense.

• Professor‘s Research – Deck thin and card draw, ditch hand for 7 new cards.

• Inteleon Engine – Search basically anything; get Incense or what Incense will then grab.

Chaining these search effects together enables digging faster for Incense plus the Pokémon you want to accelerate into play.

Countering VMAX Strategies

While Evolution Incense provides a major advantage, getting those big VMAX Pokémon into play faster also carries risks. Savvy opponents will be prepared with counter tactics:

• Applying early pressure before VMAX is ready
• Using Gusting effects to force up unevolved Basics
• Targeting Basics on bench to disrupt Incense strategy
• Running non-GX/V attackers with low Retreat to take quick KOs
• Tech cards like Tool Jammer, Rugged Helmet to counter VMAX
• Spread damage from the likes of Genesect, Dedenne-GX

When using Incense and VMAX, be mindful of these potential counter tactics. Know your matchup and have backup attackers in case your VMAX gets KO‘d early. Don‘t overcommit to a disrupted VMAX gameplan.

Weighing the Risks of Incense Discard

Evolution Incense does come with a major drawback: you must discard it to use the search effect. Generally, the upside of getting a key Pokémon into hand faster outweighs losing access to the Incense itself.

But in certain situations, you may want to weigh the risks carefully before discarding your Incenses:

• Low number of Incense left in deck
• Already used other search cards in hand
• Need to save Incense to find late game attackers
• Current attacker is still doing fine

Holding Incense until you maximize its value is an advanced play. But the effect is so powerful, often it‘s correct to use Incense ASAP and accept losing them.

Closing Thoughts on Evolution Incense

That covers the key points on how to utilize Evolution Incense to get VMAX Pokémon into play faster! Proper use of Incense provides a tempo advantage that‘s hugely beneficial in today‘s Pokémon TCG metagame.

While Incense has some downsides like necessitating discard, the upside acceleration of crushing VMAX attackers is just too good to pass up in most decks. Combining Incense with other search cards enables consistent turn 1 and 2 board development.

I hope these tips help take your Incense play to the next level. Let me know if you have any other questions! Happy evolving!