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 for Pokemon TCG Pocket is 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 in Pokemon TCG Pocket is getting an upgrade that could make it a new contender in the meta.
The Space-Time Smackdown set will 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 to Pokemon TCG Pocket since 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.
Pokemon TCG Pocket's Next Set Focusing on Gen 4 May Be Putting the Cart Before the Horse
Pokemon TCG Pocket's next expansion is set to introduce a lot of Gen 4 Pokemon, but doing so raises some questions and concerns.
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
With Pokemon 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 with Mythical Island bringing more Gen 2 mons to the game, the set didn't bring any new Metal-type cards to the game. As a result, the only Metal-Type cards currently in Pokemon TCG Pocket include:
- Mawile
- Pawniard
- Bisharp
- Meltan
- Melmetal
Of these Metal types, Melmetal is the strongest and can form the basis for a decent deck. However, Pokemon TCG Pocket's EX cards are 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 the Pokemon TCG Pocket meta.
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 most important aspect of battle in Pokemon 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 a deck full of Metal and Colorless types that 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.
- Released
- October 30, 2024
- Developer(s)
- DeNA, Creatures Inc.
- Publisher(s)
- The Pokemon Company
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- Yes
WHERE TO PLAY
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket lets you easily collect Pokémon cards. Creatures Inc. Has created exciting new visual effects for cards that are only possible digitally.
Pokémon cards, played with by people in 89 countries, are now closer to you than ever!
Enjoy Pokémon cards anytime, anywhere, on your mobile device!
■ You can open packs every day to get cards!
Collect cards every day! You can open two booster packs every day at no cost to collect Pokémon cards featuring heartwarming illustrations from the past as well as all-new cards exclusive to this game.
■ New Pokémon cards!
Immersive cards, a brand-new kind of card, make their debut here! With new illustrations that have a 3D feel, immersive cards will make you feel like you’ve leapt into the world of the card’s illustration!
■ Trade cards with friends!
You can trade certain cards with friends. Use the trade feature to collect even more cards!
■ Show off your collection!
You can use binders or display boards to showcase your cards and share them with the world!
■ Casual battles—alone or with friends!
You can enjoy casual battles during quick breaks in your day! Ranked matches are now available for players who'd like to battle even more.
