The latest set in Pokémon TCG Pocket has introduced a new card that has players buzzing, and it’s not one that’s focused on dealing heavy damage. While the set features many powerful cards capable of overwhelming opponents, there’s one card that’s shaking things up with its potential to cause frustration: Bastiodon.
What Makes Bastiodon a “Troll” Card?
The card in question, Bastiodon, has the ability called Guarded Grill, which allows you to reduce an opponent’s attack by 100 if you successfully land a heads on a coin flip. This unique ability can completely neutralize the majority of attacks from non-EX Pokémon, and even turn the tables on some EX Pokémon by leaving their attacks weak and ineffective.
While Bastiodon may not be an offensive powerhouse, its ability to shut down powerful attacks has made it a standout card in the Space-Time Smackdown set.
A Reddit post discussing this card’s impact quickly gained traction, with over 6,400 upvotes and 370 comments from players eager to discuss its potential. The card was humorously dubbed an “absolute unit” due to its defensive capabilities.
How's nobody talking about this ABSOLUTE UNIT?
byu/Beiconqueso02 inPTCGP
Synergies and Strategies with Bastiodon
What makes Bastiodon even more intriguing is how it can be paired with other cards to create frustrating scenarios for opponents. One popular combo discussed online involves pairing Bastiodon with Hypno, which has an ability to put your opponent to sleep.
When your opponent is asleep, they have to flip a coin to attack, and if they fail to land a heads, they can’t attack. In this scenario, you also get to flip a coin to determine if Bastiodon can take damage or avoid it entirely, leading to a lot of uncertainty for your opponent. One player even compared this mechanic to Dungeons & Dragons, given its reliance on luck and coin flips.
Moreover, Bastiodon’s ability allows it to survive powerful attacks like Charizard EX’s Crimson Storm, which typically does 200 damage. This makes Bastiodon one of the rare Pokémon that can withstand such a potent move, adding another layer of strategy for its use.
The Challenges of Using Bastiodon
Despite its potential, Bastiodon does come with its drawbacks. It is a Stage Two Pokémon that evolves from a Fossil, meaning it’s not easy to get onto the battlefield quickly. Plus, it has a retreat cost, which could hinder mobility and make it difficult to get out of tough situations once it’s in play.
However, once Bastiodon is set up, it can be extremely difficult for opponents to get through. Some players have recommended pairing it with Shaymin and Butterfree, both of which have healing abilities, allowing you to keep Bastiodon in play for extended periods and maintain its defense against incoming attacks.
Can Bastiodon Truly Be an “Absolute Unit”?
In the right circumstances, Bastiodon can indeed be a disruptive force, especially when paired with consistent healing and the ability to block attacks. But as with all “troll” cards, its success largely depends on luck.
Getting the necessary Shield Fossil in your hand early on and successfully landing heads on coin flips are key factors in making Bastiodon a reliable and frustrating defensive wall.
Final Toughts
Whether or not it can live up to the hype remains to be seen, but it’s clear that this new card has the potential to shake up the current Pokémon TCG Pocket meta. So, if you’re lucky enough to pull it in your pack, be ready to use it to its full, frustrating potential!