The much-awaited Pokémon TCG Pocket expansion, Space-Time Smackdown, is scheduled to drop on January 29, but leaks have already started popping up online, revealing key cards that could shake up the game’s competitive scene. Presumably datamined, these early card reveals give insight into how the expansion will impact the current meta-dominated landscape, particularly against Mewtwo ex-decks.
Among the brighter new additions is Weavile ex, a long-awaited counter to Mewtwo ex, which, despite the last several updates, remains one of the best cards in the game: Weavile ex’s Dark-type attacks can be used efficiently from turn two to destroy significant damage against Mewtwo ex. This also boosts Dark-type decks that have largely played poison-based tactics until now.
For those who enjoy disrupting opponents, Porygon-Z brings an element of unpredictability to battles. With a powerful attack that randomly changes the opponent’s energy type generation, it can easily send strategies up in smoke since missing a single crucial energy is disastrous in the fast format of Pokémon TCG Pocket. It may not be a game-winner per se, but it will frustrate players and possibly lead to interesting deck-building.
Another significant card is Bidoof, which makes its Pokémon TCG Pocket debut with a super effective Super Fang move that halves an opponent’s HP. Of course, the Bidoof itself may not be nearly as tough as others, the idea of immediately and potentially devastatingly dropping the opponent’s HP from a high-HP card like Pikachu ex or Gyarados ex is indeed a huge potential threat.
One significant addition comes in the form of Rocky Helmet, a new Pokémon Tool card. Many decks already run Druddigon for its retaliatory damage and 100 HP durability, making it a very consistent tank while building energy on your benched Pokémon. Rocky Helmet boosts this strategy because each time that opponent attacks with it, Rocky Helmet does 40 damage. With this item in play, Druddigon is expected to remain a staple in many competitive decks.
With Space-Time Smackdown’s release just days away, these leaks hint at a major shift in Pokémon TCG Pocket’s gameplay meta. Players are already speculating on new strategies and deck builds, making this one of the most exciting expansions yet for both collectors and competitive battlers alike.
