Pokemon TCG Pocket’s next expansion, titled Space-Time Smackdown, is set to arrive on January 29 and will focus on Gen 4 mons like Turtwig, Chimchar, Piplup, and the Legendaries Dialga and Palkia. While a new set forPokemon TCG Pocketis exciting regardless of the cards it features, Space-Time Smackdown is of particular interest for fans hoping to see more from one underrepresented type. With Dialga EX being one of the set’s featured cards, the Metal-type inPokemon TCG Pocketis getting an upgrade that could make it a new contender in the meta.
TheSpace-Time Smackdown setwill feature over 140 new cards for players to collect, many of which will likely help shape a new meta for the game. With the last set, Mythical Island, not being a full-sized expansion, Space-Time Smackdown will be the largest addition toPokemon TCG Pocketsince the game’s release in October 2024. However, out of all these new cards, Dialga EX might be the most exciting addition Space-Time Smackdown will bring to the game.
Dialga EX is Already the Clear Star of Pokemon TCG Pocket’s Space-Time Smackdown Set
Pokemon TCG Pocket is Severely Lacking Strong Metal-Type Cards
WithPokemon TCG Pocket’s first set, Genetic Apex, focusing primarily on Gen 1 critters, it makes sense that it would be light on Metal-type cards since the Steel type wasn’t introduced until Gen 2. Even withMythical Island bringing more Gen 2 monsto the game, the set didn’t bring any new Metal-type cards to the game. As a result, the only Metal-Type cards currently inPokemon TCG Pocketinclude:
Of these Metal types, Melmetal is the strongest and can form the basis for a decent deck. However,Pokemon TCG Pocket’s EX cardsare the strongest in the game, so building a deck without one already puts the player at a disadvantage against those who do use one in their deck. With Dialga EX offering the Metal type some serious power, decks utilizing this type finally have the foundation for a viable build in thePokemon TCG Pocketmeta.
Dialga EX has a solid 150 HP and a retreat cost of only two energy, meaning it should be fairly bulky while easy to switch out using a Trainer Card like X Speed or Leaf. Having a strong, 100-damage attack like Heavy Impact also gives Dialga EX a great way to quickly and reliably dispatch opposing EX mons before they become too much of a threat, even if it does have a 4-energy cost.
Dialga EX Could Make Dual-Type Decks More Viable
Perhaps what makes Dialga EX most interesting is its Metallic Turbo attack, which allows the player to attach two Metal energy to one of their Benched Pokemon. Since energy manipulation is the mostimportant aspect of battle inPokemon TCG Pocket, this move gives Dialga EX a serious advantage. Players could potentially use it to stack energy on a second Dialga EX on their Bench over two turns, before switching it out with their active one to attack with Heavy Impact immediately.
This ability also does not require players to attach the Metal energy to a Metal-type card, meaning it could form the base of a solid dual-type deck. A great strategy would be to build adeck full of Metal and Colorless typesthat can both benefit from receiving Metal energy from Dialga EX’s Metallic Turbo, allowing players to quickly get energy on their Benched cards. Similarly, taking advantage of other cards that have Colorless energy in the cost of their attacks—such as Venusaur EX—would allow players to create dual-type decks of Metal and one other type of card, where the Metal energy from Dialga EX can fill in the needed Colorless energy.
Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience the fun of collecting Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) cards with Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, an upcoming game for iOS and Android devices from Creatures Inc., the original developers of the Pokémon TCG, and DeNA Co., Ltd. In this game, you will be able to open two booster packs every day at no cost. you’re able to collect digital cards featuring nostalgic artwork from the past as well as brand-new cards that are exclusive to Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket.Be on the lookout for new “immersive cards,” which will make you feel as though you’ve leapt into the world of the card’s illustration.
