In the current environment of the Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, ex cards are the prominent players with their exceptional damage capabilities. With the recent arrival of more ex cards in the Space-Time Smackdown expansion, there’s heightened motivation for players to experiment with unique decks that can truly shine in PvP matches. Among the deck variety, an intriguing Wormadam deck has surfaced, presenting a clever counter to the overwhelming presence of Infernape ex and Darkrai ex decks, showcasing strategic advantages that surpass brute force.
This deck leverages lesser-known Pokémon, beneficial tool cards, and tactical supporter cards to put substantial pressure on your opponent. For those aiming to break away from the more conventional options, like the widely-used Celebi ex Grass-type deck, exploring the hidden strength of three Metal-type Pokémon—Wormadam, Heatran, and Skarmory—can be a game-changer. This deck suits players who prefer a calculated, multifaceted approach to competitive gameplay, which offers various strategies and countermeasures to claim victory.
Three Metal-Type Cards Deliver Exceptional Damage
Focusing on three specific Pokémon cards, this deck seeks to effectively compete with the current meta. The Space-Time Smackdown expansion introduced Wormadam with three different types: Metal, Grass, and Fighting. This strategy highlights the damage capabilities of the Metal-type Wormadam. Its attack, “Iron Head,” can result in astronomical damage. Requiring two Metal Energy, it starts with 50 damage, and players can flip coins until they hit tails, with each heads adding 30 more damage. This potential output is formidable enough to take down any card in play, including popular choices like Darkrai ex and Celebi ex.
Another card that plays a crucial role in this deck is Skarmory. This basic Metal-type Pokémon needs only one Metal Energy to unleash its attack, “Metal Arms,” making it capable of dealing damage right from the first turn. While it deals a base of 20 damage, it can inflict an extra 30 damage when equipped with a tool card. The Giant Cape offers an additional 20 HP, allowing Skarmory to remain in play longer, setting the stage for a Wormadam evolution. Alternatively, the Rocky Helmet deals 20 damage to the attacker when Skarmory is hit, posing a constant threat to popular meta decks.
Combining Skarmory with tool cards such as the Giant Cape or Rocky Helmet maximizes impact. The enhancements in damage and HP can be pivotal, enabling Skarmory to disrupt your opponent’s plans while buying crucial time for Wormadam’s evolution.
Lastly, Heatran completes this deck as another vital component. This basic card boasts 120 HP and delivers a striking 110 damage with its “Steel Tackle” attack. It’s important to note that it inflicts 20 damage to itself. Heatran’s standing power can significantly threaten ex cards in the current scene, while it can also serve as a stalling card to develop support for other Pokémon. The “Steel Tackle” attack necessitates three Metal Energy, indicating that it’s ideal to bring Heatran in from the bench for a decisive strike.
Complete Wormadam Deck Card List
Various Trainer Cards Bolster This Strategy
This deck also features a selection of often-overlooked Trainer cards designed to enhance competitiveness within the meta. The tool cards, Giant Cape and Rocky Helmet, are crucial for increasing damage output while providing protection for the limited Pokémon available. The Giant Cape grants an additional 20 HP, whereas the Rocky Helmet retaliates with 20 damage each time the Pokémon it’s attached to is attacked. It’s most effective to attach these tools to Skarmory, who will typically be the active Pokémon during the initial rounds.
| Card Name | Quantity | Card Type | Attacks + Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burmy | 2 | Basic | Tackle: 10 Damage |
| Wormadam | 2 | Stage 1 | Iron Head: 50+ Damage + Flip a coin until tails; each heads adds 30 damage. |
| Skarmory | 2 | Basic | Metal Arms: 20+ Damage + If this Pokémon has a Tool attached, deal 30 more damage. |
| Heatran | 1 | Basic | Steel Tackle: 110 Damage + This Pokémon deals 20 damage to itself. |
| Cyrus | 2 | Supporter | Switch one of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon with damage into the Active Spot. |
| Dawn | 1 | Supporter | Move an Energy from a Benched Pokémon to your Active Pokémon. |
| Giovanni | 2 | Supporter | During this turn, your Pokémon’s attacks do +10 damage to the Active Pokémon. |
| Professor’s Research | 2 | Supporter | Draw two cards. |
| Rocky Helmet | 2 | Tool | If the Pokémon this card is attached to is damaged, deal 20 damage to the Attacking Pokémon. |
| Giant Cape | 2 | Tool | The attached Pokémon gets +20 HP. |
| Poké Ball | 2 | Item | Put a random Basic Pokémon from your deck into your hand. |
Supporter cards are integral to the success of this deck, with Cyrus, Giovanni, and Professor’s Research playing vital roles. Cyrus allows you to swap an opponent’s Benched Pokémon with damage into the Active Spot, enabling you to target weakened Pokémon from Skarmory or Wormadam and finish them off with Heatran’s strong attack.
Opting for a deck comprising fewer Pokémon and more Trainer cards can enhance consistency. This strategy boosts your chances of drawing essential Pokémon while minimizing the likelihood of cycling through unneeded cards, streamlining your approach to ensure you draw what you need each turn.
Giovanni adds an extra 10 damage to your attacks, which can make the difference in claiming a knockout or just falling short. It’s most effective when paired with Wormadam and Heatran’s attacks for maximal effect. Meanwhile, Professor’s Research aids in cycling through your deck faster, ensuring you draw the necessary evolution for Wormadam along with tool cards for Skarmory.
Optimal Strategy for Winning with a Wormadam Deck
This Deck Can Outperform Meta Decks
For an ideal strategy, place Skarmory in the Active Spot and attach a tool card right away. This action prepares it for longer play and boosts its attack after placing your first Energy card. After that, set Burmy and Heatran on the Bench. Use Professor’s Research to sift through your deck to find the necessary cards.
You can utilize the Dawn supporter card to transfer energy from a Benched Pokémon to the Active one, which is particularly helpful for readying Heatran’s attack “Steel Tackle.”
Next, you can swap Skarmory for Wormadam, offering a significant advantage since this deck encompasses no ex cards, meaning a mere one Prize card is lost if Skarmory is knocked out. If the swap goes smoothly, attach a tool card to Wormadam.
Then you can employ Iron Head, which, depending on your luck with coin flips, may overcome your opponent’s ex card. Following that, you can bring in Heatran to finish the game with Steel Tackle, using Dawn to transfer any necessary Energy. This approach significantly boosts your chances of succeeding against the prevailing meta in Pokémon TCG Pocket.
