Pokémon TCG Pocket has introduced a groundbreaking set called Space-Time Smackdown, revolutionizing the mobile card game landscape with an array of new cards and mechanics. This expansion predominantly shines a spotlight on Generation 4 Pokémon, rectifying previous gaps in their roster, particularly concerning Metal and Darkness types, which were not adequately represented in the earlier Genetic Apex set that was primarily focused on Generation 1 creatures. Notably, the Darkness type, which was in dire need of reinvigoration, sees significant improvements with the introduction of several formidable new cards poised to shake up the current metagame.
Historically, the absence of Dark and Steel Pokémon in the mainline games until Generation 2 constrained options for Darkness and Metal types in Pokémon TCG Pocket, particularly in the initial set centered around Generation 1. Although the game categorized Poison types under Darkness, only a limited selection of Pokémon like Golbat, Muk, and Arbok represented this type in Genetic Apex. Curiously, no EX cards for Darkness were found in either that set or Mythical Island. With the arrival of Space-Time Smackdown, players now gain access to an expanded arsenal of Generation 4 Pokémon, finally equipping the Darkness type with the tools necessary to compete against the best decks available in the metagame.
A New Dawn for Darkness Type in Pokémon TCG Pocket
Establishing a Powerful Darkness Type Deck
To maintain competitiveness in the current meta, most decks in Pokémon TCG Pocket rely on strong EX cards. Prior to the release of Space-Time Smackdown, the Darkness types struggled without any EX cards, making it challenging to construct a robust deck. In a striking turn of events, the new expansion introduces several impactful Darkness-type cards, including two critical EX cards that elevate the type’s potential to rival the dominating Psychic decks featuring top-tier Pokémon like Mewtwo EX and Mew EX.
Newly Added Darkness-Type Cards in Space-Time Smackdown
- Murkrow
- Honchkrow
- Sneasel
- Weavile EX
- Poochyena
- Mightyena
- Stunky
- Skuntank
- Spiritomb
- Crust
- Drapion
- Croagunk
- Toxicroak
- Darkrai
- Darkrai EX
Among the standout new additions to the Darkness type are Croagunk and Toxicroak. These Pokémon provide players with unique mechanics to inflict damage while rewarding bench strategies. Both feature the Group Beatdown attack, allowing players to flip coins corresponding to the number of Pokémon they have in play; Croagunk inflicts 20 damage per heads, while Toxicroak is capable of hitting for 40. While relying on coin flips can seem unpredictable, lucky players can dish out significant damage through effective stacking.
Essential Additions: Darkrai EX and Weavile EX
The introduction of Darkrai EX and Weavile EX marks a pivotal enhancement to the Darkness type in Pokémon TCG Pocket. Weavile EX, with its sole attack Scratching Nails, requires only one Darkness energy and delivers a base damage of 30. Its strength lies in its synergy with already damaged opponents, potentially enabling a whopping 70 damage for a minimal energy cost.
On the other hand, Darkrai EX stands out as a leading figure among the new Darkness cards. As a basic Pokémon, it boasts an exceptional ability combined with a powerful attack. Its Dark Prism move inflicts 80 damage at the cost of two Darkness and one Colorless energy. More impressively, Darkrai EX’s ability, Nightmare Aura, allows it to deal 20 additional damage to the opponent’s active Pokémon each time a Darkness energy is attached, ensuring continuous pressure even when afflicted by status conditions.
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