
| HIGH | 116.00 | USD | |
| MID | 32.80 | USD | TREND![]() |
| LOW | 32.31 | USD |
Arven's Mabosstiff ex charges into the competitive scene with impressive HP and knockout potential.
This Stage 1 Darkness-type Pokémon presents a formidable offensive presence with its high damage ceiling, though requires strategic planning to maximize its effectiveness in tournament play.
Let's break down what makes this card a noteworthy contender for your deck.
Offensive rating: 9/10Arven's Mabosstiff ex packs a serious punch with two distinct attacks.
Vigorous Tackle can deliver a whopping 150 damage for just one energy when undamaged - exceptional energy efficiency that forces opponents to choose between partial damage or allowing a powerful attack.
Boss Headbutt hits for a massive 210 damage, enough to OHKO many non-ex Pokémon and severely damage most Pokémon ex.
While the self-limiting clause prevents consecutive Boss Headbutt attacks, alternating between both attacks creates a powerful offensive rhythm.
The damage output consistently threatens knockouts, though lacks built-in damage modifiers or bypass effects that would elevate it to the highest tier.
Survival rating: 8/10With a substantial 270 HP, Arven's Mabosstiff ex stands among the more durable Stage 1 Pokémon in the current format.
This impressive health pool allows it to potentially survive multiple attacks, giving you time to set up additional attackers or execute your strategy.
However, several factors limit its survivability: a Grass-type weakness that's relevant in the current meta, a heavy three-energy retreat cost that creates mobility issues, and no inherent defensive abilities or damage reduction effects.
Most critically, as a Pokémon ex, it surrenders two prize cards when knocked out, making each loss particularly costly to your game position.
Versatility rating: 7/10Arven's Mabosstiff ex demonstrates moderate versatility within certain archetypes.
As a Darkness-type, it counters Psychic Pokémon effectively and benefits from established Darkness support cards.
Its variable attack costs (one energy for Vigorous Tackle, three for Boss Headbutt) allow for some flexibility in energy acceleration strategies.
However, the card suffers from the typical limitations of Stage 1 evolution lines - requiring two card slots and evolution timing.
While it functions primarily as a mid-game attacker, it lacks utility abilities or effects that would enable it to play supporting roles.
Its specific damage conditions also make it somewhat matchup-dependent.
Speed/Setup rating: 6/10Arven's Mabosstiff ex requires moderate setup investment.
As a Stage 1, you must first establish Arven's Maschiff, then evolve - consuming at least one turn in the process.
The one-energy Vigorous Tackle provides early game potential if you can quickly evolve, but maximizing damage output requires maintaining a damage-free Pokémon, which becomes increasingly difficult as the game progresses.
For Boss Headbutt, the three-energy requirement demands either energy acceleration support or multiple attachment turns.
The alternating attack pattern also requires planning, as Boss Headbutt cannot be used consecutively.
Evolution consistency tools like Ultra Ball and Rare Candy alternative effects become essential to streamline this setup process.
To maximize Arven's Mabosstiff ex's potential, pair it with energy acceleration, damage control, and consistency boosters.
Dark Patch or similar energy acceleration tools help power up Boss Headbutt quickly, while healing cards like Manaphy or Potion-style effects maintain the damage bonus for Vigorous Tackle.
Evolution support cards streamline the Basic-to-Stage 1 transition.
Accelerates energy attachment to quickly power up Boss Headbutt, bypassing the normal one-attachment-per-turn limitation and enabling faster offensive pressure with the more powerful attack.
Provides crucial card draw while setting up Mabosstiff, helping you find evolution pieces and energy. Its Water-type coverage also complements Mabosstiff by addressing Fire-type threats that might trouble other Dark Pokémon.
Its healing ability helps keep Mabosstiff damage-free, maintaining the bonus damage condition for Vigorous Tackle throughout multiple turns and maximizing overall damage output consistency.
Arven's Mabosstiff ex emerges as a solid mid-tier attacker with knockout potential that rewards strategic play.
Its greatest strengths lie in its impressive HP and damage output, delivering significant value when properly supported.
To maximize its effectiveness, focus on accelerating energy attachment for Boss Headbutt while using healing effects to maintain Vigorous Tackle's bonus damage.
The card performs best in decks that can manage its evolution requirements and heavy retreat cost, potentially pairing with other Darkness attackers for typing synergy.
While not format-defining, it can serve as a powerful secondary attacker in the right build.
Players facing it should prioritize applying small amounts of damage to neutralize Vigorous Tackle's bonus, turning this powerful Stage 1 into a more manageable threat in the competitive landscape.
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