Pokémon TCG Pocket: Why Porygon-Z is the Ultimate Troll Deck
The Space-Time Smackdown expansion has introduced one of the most unpredictable metas in Pokémon TCG Pocket. Players are using all kinds of strategies, from hard-hitting powerhouses like Palkia ex to slow-burn disruption decks featuring Darkrai ex. But one deck stands out—not because it dominates the game, but because it drives opponents absolutely crazy. That deck belongs to Porygon-Z.
This quirky Pokémon has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most frustrating cards to play against, and here’s why.
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Why Porygon-Z is Gaining Popularity
Porygon-Z is a colorless-type Pokémon with 140 HP and a retreat cost of two energy. It has just one attack, Buggy Beam, but that’s all it needs to make life miserable for opponents. Buggy Beam deals 80 damage and requires three energy to use, which seems pretty standard. The problem for opponents is its additional effect.
When Buggy Beam hits, it randomly changes the type of energy your opponent gets next turn. This means if they desperately need a fire energy to power up their Charizard, they might end up with a psychic energy instead. If they’re running a deck that relies on a specific energy type, this effect can completely ruin their strategy.
This attack can:
- Disrupt energy strategies, making it impossible for some decks to function.
- Stall opponents by forcing them to waste turns waiting for the right energy.
- Turn every turn into a frustrating guessing game of whether they’ll get what they need.
At its worst, it slows the game down and forces players into a game of chance. At its best, it can shut down entire decks by denying them the energy they need to attack.
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The Downsides of Porygon-Z
Yes, Porygon-Z isn’t perfect. It takes some effort to set up, and there are a few key weaknesses that can make it difficult to use effectively.
- It requires setup – Since it’s a Stage 2 Pokémon, you need to evolve it from Porygon and then Porygon2, meaning you have to wait a few turns to get it into play.
- Its attack is expensive – Buggy Beam requires three energy, which can be slow to power up.
- It doesn’t have high durability – With only 140 HP, it can be knocked out in just a couple of turns by stronger Stage 1 Pokémon.
Because of these drawbacks, players often pair Porygon-Z with cards like Dialga ex, which can help manipulate time and energy, and support Pokémon Tool cards like Giant Cape to boost its survivability.
Porygon-Z isn’t a deck that wins every match, but it’s one that makes every match unforgettable. While it may not be the strongest deck in the game, it has a unique ability to disrupt strategies, frustrate opponents, and turn every battle into a game of chance.
For players who enjoy unpredictable, chaotic gameplay, Porygon-Z is the perfect choice. After all, sometimes the best deck isn’t the one that wins—it’s the one that makes your opponent rage-quit.
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