Unleashing the Power of Rampardos in Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket
The Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket continues to evolve, and with it comes exciting new strategies and gameplay mechanics. One of the most notable additions is the introduction of Rare Candy, which has significantly streamlined the process of playing Stage 2 Pokémon. This enhancement opens up new possibilities for deck building, particularly when it comes to incorporating powerful Pokémon like Rampardos. In this article, we’ll dive into the mechanics of a Rampardos-centered deck that leverages Rare Candy to dominate opponents and secure those coveted victories.
Building the Rampardos Deck
At the heart of this deck is Rampardos, a formidable Fighting-type Pokémon known for its ability to deliver massive damage with minimal Energy cost. The combination of Rare Candy and Rampardos allows players to bypass the usual evolutionary stages, making it easier to get this powerhouse onto the battlefield quickly.
Here is a sample deck list that can help you harness the full potential of Rampardos:
- 2 Rampardos (Space-Time Smackdown: Dialga)
- 2 Rockruff (Celestial Guardians: Lunala)
- 2 Lycanroc (Celestial Guardians: Lunala)
- 2 Rare Candy (Celestial Guardians)
- 2 Skull Fossil (Space-Time Smackdown: Dialga)
- 2 Giant Cape (Space-Time Smackdown: Dialga)
- 1 Poké Ball (Promo)
- 1 Pokémon Communication (Space-Time Smackdown: Dialga)
- 2 Professor’s Research (Promo)
- 1 Lillie (Celestial Guardians: Solgaleo)
- 1 Iono (Shining Revelry)
- 1 Red (Shining Revelry)
- 1 Cyrus (Space-Time Smackdown: Palkia)
The Strategy Behind Rampardos
The primary objective when using this deck is to get Rampardos into play as quickly as possible. Rampardos evolves from Cranidos, which can be obtained via the Skull Fossil Item card. However, thanks to Rare Candy, you can skip the Cranidos stage entirely, allowing you to evolve directly from Skull Fossil to Rampardos as soon as it’s in play.
Rampardos boasts an impressive attack called Head Smash, which delivers a staggering 130 damage with just one Energy. This means that once Rampardos is on the field, you can launch an attack almost immediately. Although 130 damage is formidable and likely enough to take down more fragile opponents in a single hit, you might encounter challenges when facing bulkier Pokémon ex. To bridge the damage gap against these tougher foes, consider utilizing the card Red, which can provide a vital boost to your damage output.
Starting Strong with Rockruff
When constructing your deck, it’s essential to include Rockruff, as it is the only Basic Pokémon in this configuration. The presence of Rockruff guarantees that you’ll draw it during your starting hand, giving you a solid foundation for your strategy. Rockruff is a resilient choice with sufficient HP to withstand most initial attacks, and its low-cost attack enables you to evolve into Lycanroc quickly.
However, players should be cautious with Rockruff’s Signs of Evolution attack, as it only allows you to place Lycanroc in your hand without putting it directly into play. This means that you’ll need to plan your moves carefully to ensure you can evolve Rockruff when the time is right.
Transitioning to Lycanroc
Once Rockruff evolves into Lycanroc, the advantages begin to multiply. Lycanroc’s Blood Fang attack deals an additional 50 damage if the opposing Pokémon has more remaining HP than Lycanroc. This mechanic can be pivotal in matchups against bulkier Pokémon, allowing you to deal significant damage while maintaining a low Energy expenditure.
When you effectively manage your resources, you can have both Rampardos and Lycanroc on the field, each capable of delivering triple-digit damage at a fraction of the Energy cost. This dual-threat strategy can keep your opponents on their toes, forcing them to make tough decisions about which Pokémon to defend against.
Enhancing Your Deck with Support Cards
While the core of your deck revolves around Rampardos and its supporting Pokémon, there are additional Trainer cards that can enhance your strategy. One highly recommended card is Lillie, as it can help mitigate the self-damage Rampardos incurs when its Head Smash attack knocks out an opponent’s Pokémon. Since Rampardos takes 50 damage from its own attack, Lillie can effectively heal 60 damage, keeping Rampardos in the fight longer and out of Knock Out range.
Another valuable addition is Giant Cape, which can boost the HP of your Pokémon, making them even tougher to take down. This added durability can be crucial in extending the lifespan of your attackers and allowing you to apply continuous pressure on your opponents.
Final Thoughts on Rampardos Deck Strategy
As you practice with this Fighting-type deck, you’ll find that its potential lies in the rapid deployment of powerful attackers like Rampardos and Lycanroc. The combination of Rare Candy and strategic support cards creates a dynamic gameplay experience that can catch opponents off guard.
Mastering this deck will require not only an understanding of its mechanics but also the ability to anticipate your opponent’s moves. As you become more familiar with your cards and their interactions, you’ll be well on your way to achieving victory in the Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket.
By embracing the synergy of Rampardos and the supporting cards around it, you’ll be equipped to outplay your opponents and enjoy the thrill of the Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket. So gather your cards, refine your strategies, and get ready to take the Pokémon world by storm!
