Summary
There are only 69 unique new cards inPokemon TCG Pocket’s Extradimensional Crisis expansion, but it remains a cohesive and still very interesting set to collect and build decks with. This is not necessarily because of the addition of Ultra Beast types for Pokemon cards, though some of these critters do have incredibly powerful attacks and/or abilities, but rather because of the diversity the set creates. There are many good decks in the current format, even though the biggest threats seem to be decks with Buzzwole Ex and Pheromosa or Silvally and Rampardos, but one newPokemon TCG Pocketcard makes for an interesting gameplay loop that distances itself from meta builds.
A fun part of thedeckbuilding process inPokemon TCG Pocketis to use new cards to enable some old ones, with the example of the new Shiinotic being paired with Celestial Guardians' Solgaleo Ex to counter the most used decks so far in the form of Buzzwole Ex and Silvally. As more meta picks and counters will emerge in the next week or so, it’s worth keeping an eye on some of the new Extradimensional Crisis cards that stand out. Such is the case with Blacephalon, which has an incredibly powerful attack that comes with a massive drawback.
Pokemon TCG Pocket’s Blacephalon Strategy Explained
Pokemon TCG Pocket’s Blacephalonhas a whopping total of 100 HP, no ability, a Retreat Cost of 2, weakness to Water, and a single attack that costs 3 Energy. However, that attack is called Beat Punk, and it deals 130 damage with the caveat that Blacephalon deals 70 damage to itself, remaining at 30 HP at best if not killing itself. This is a very strong attack for a basic, non-Ex card, so while the drawback is huge, it makes building a Blacephalon deck worth it because this Pokemon only yields one point on KO.
Blacephalon and Lusamine Are a Match Made in Heaven
Blacephalon works wonders with the newLusamine Supporter card inPokemon TCG Pocket, which provides an Ultra Beast card with up to two Energy from the discard pile, meaning one can potentially attack with Blacephalon immediately or the turn after. The problem with this strategy is that the Energy discard pile is filled only when other Pokemon with Energy attached to them are defeated, so one needs to have at least two Energy on a critter when it’s KOed to use Lusamine. Blacephalon itself can fuel Lusamine for a second Blacephalon, though, as it’s rather easy for this Pokemon to be KOed given its 70 self-damage as part of Beat Punk.
Still, Blacephalon can one-shot the newTapu Koko Ex inPokemon TCG Pocket, for example, or even Silvally with a Giant Cape attached to it, and it can wear down (or outright KO) multiple meta threats with a single hit. It most likely won’t be on the field for a second attack, but it can be used as a finisher after starting with a different Pokemon and then fueling Blacephalon with Lusamine. Even Giratina Ex will be KOed with a single Beat Punk if it has attacked once or if Blacephalon players use Red.
The Best Blacephalon Decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket So Far
The current strategy to play Blacephalon seems to be all about Ninetales from Genetic Apex, which has 90 HP and attacks for 90 with just 2 Energy, at the cost of discarding one of them. However, players can take Ninetales' damage to the next level withPokemon TCG Pocket’s Blaine, Red, or Giovanni, making it deal up to 120, 110, or 100 damage, respectively. After Ninetales is defeated, one can use Lusamine on Blacephalon to finish the job.
Another option can beTurtonator with Kiawe from Celestial Guardians, as Turtonator has 130 HP and attacks for 90, but it needs three Fire Energy. However, Kiawe provides Turtonator (and Alolan Marowak) with two Fire Energy at the cost of ending the turn. This can be used on the very first turn of a match, though, meaning that Turtonator can then attack for 90 and possibly KO the opposing active Pokemon in one hit. Once Turtonator is defeated, though, Blacephalon is there to finish the game - and vice versa. These decks haven’t topped the charts just yet, but they seem a good way to play the new Ultra Beast.
