As the landscape of Pokémon TCG Pocket continues to change, decks utilizing Magnezone and Skarmory are becoming increasingly effective when constructed thoughtfully. This digital trading card game remains popular, especially with its recent expansion focused on the Sinnoh region, which has revitalized gameplay. In addition, a new mini-set called Triumphant Light is set to release in late March 2025, further enhancing the game’s card library.
Pokémon TCG Pocket has maintained a balance between established decks that still hold their ground and new decks designed to counter them or leverage their unique strengths. This dynamic has fostered a vibrant environment for the digital TCG, and hopefully, it will continue to thrive with upcoming expansions. Even if some decks may not appear to be as powerful, they can still offer a viable option for players who want to incorporate their favorite cards without feeling overly disadvantaged.
Magnezone & Skarmory Complete Card List
Leveraging New Strengths
The Magnezone and Skarmory deck is straightforward, but its effectiveness can be somewhat rigid. Although it lacks many alternative card options, it can be easier to assemble than other high-tier decks by simply opening the two daily card packs. Here’s a breakdown of the necessary cards for this deck and where you can find them:
| Cards | Sets |
|---|---|
| Two Magnemite | Any Space-Time Smackdown |
| Two Magneton | Genetic Apex Pikachu |
| Two Magnezone | Any Space-Time Smackdown |
| Two Skarmory | Any Space-Time Smackdown |
| One Heatran | Space-Time Smackdown Dialga |
| Two Sabrina | Genetic Apex Charizard |
| Two Giant Cape | Space-Time Smackdown Dialga |
| Two Rocky Helmet | Space-Time Smackdown Palkia |
| One Cyrus | Space-Time Smackdown Palkia |
| Two Pokéball | Promo A Shop |
| Two Professor Oak | Promo A Shop |
The only card you could possibly substitute is Heatran. However, this would mean replacing it with another Steel or Electric Pokémon that can serve as a low-cost tank. The rest of these cards are essential for this deck’s strategy, making it difficult for opponents to counter your moves effectively.
Best Strategies for Winning with Magnezone & Skarmory
Accelerate Your Setup
The Magnezone and Skarmory deck has a knack for countering the many powerful Water-type decks while maintaining its strength in neutral matchups. Your priority should be to get Skarmory into play, equipped with one of the game’s invaluable Pokémon Tools. This will activate its Metal Arms ability, allowing it to deal 50 damage early in the game. Skarmory’s durability in the early rounds is further enhanced if it has a Giant Cape attached.
After Skarmory is active, your next focus should be to get Magnezone onto the bench. Aim to evolve to Magneton as quickly as possible and use its Volt Charge ability to accumulate Energy. It’s ideal to keep Magneton unevolved for as long as possible, as evolving it into Magnezone means losing access to Volt Charge. Magnezone requires that energy because its signature move, Thunder Blast, discards one Energy with each use, but by then, your opponent should be on defense, allowing Magnezone to finish the job effectively.
At this point, having the right Trainer cards ready is crucial. Sabrina can help remove a threat your opponent has established, and Cyrus, one of the top Supporter cards, can bring any weakened Pokémon back into play for a finishing blow. The other two Trainer cards without tools are there to draw cards and accelerate your setup.
Finally, know that Heatran is included primarily to soak up damage and buy you some time. While its attack is powerful, it requires three Steel Energy to use and inflicts 20 damage on itself. This is why it is the only card that can be swapped out; while you could consider replacing it with another heavy hitter, it’s best to stick with a reliable tank.
Overall, the combination of Magnezone and Skarmory creates a versatile deck that can secure victories across a range of competitive scenarios. It can ramp up quickly, and once it does, few decks can stand in its way. Though it may not be top-tier, it certainly has the potential to compete with the best when played strategically in Pokémon TCG Pocket.
