Magmortar – Rebel Clash Pokemon Review

Vince

Magmortar makes another appearance in the TCG, this time being in SS Rebel Clash with two attacks. Burst Punch costs RC for 30 damage and also burns the Defending Pokémon, making it 50 damage after Pokémon Checkup, and if the Burn remains on the Defending Pokémon, then residual damage will continue to happen. Ground Burn costs RRC for 80 damage and both players discard the top card of their deck. It then does 100 more damage for each Energy card discarded that way.

The second attack is the redeeming factor of this card. Both of Magmortar’s attacks can be easily fueled by Welder plus a manual attachment, so you got that covered. While 80 damage might be pretty low, if you’re lucky enough, you could deal 180 or even 280 damage. But there are some ways you can manipulate both your and your opponent’s deck. Magcargo’s Smooth Over ability can get you any energy card from your deck to be put on top of it. Then, Chip Chip Ice Axe (despite being banned in Expanded) can let you look at the top 3 cards of your opponent’s deck and, hopefully, put an Energy card you find there on top of your opponent’s deck. If it works out, you’re almost consistently going to deal 280 damage, enough to KO most competitive Pokémon. Even if Chip Chip Ice Axe didn’t cooperate, dealing 180 damage is still good, though it may or may not reach certain thresholds.

Magmortar might try to enjoy certain strategies while it lasts, but once Magcargo leaves rotation, you might have to find other sources of putting a specific card on the top of your deck, though Chip Chip Ice Axe survives another season. For a single prize Pokémon to be doing this much damage, albeit needing specific resources to keep streaming its second attack over and over, it’s definitely worth experimenting.

Ratings:

Standard: 2.5/5

Expanded: 2/5

Limited: 3/5

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