
| HIGH | 4.99 | USD | |
| MID | 0.08 | USD | TREND![]() |
| LOW | 0.02 | USD |
Skarmory soars into Twilight Masquerade with its signature steel-plated defense and aerial prowess.
This Basic Metal-type offers a combination of reasonable damage output and Fighting-type resistance that could give it a niche in certain tournament builds.
Let's examine whether this armored bird has the cutting edge needed to slice through the competitive meta.
Offensive rating: 4/10Skarmory's offensive capabilities are modest at best.
Cutting Wind delivers 30 damage for a single Metal energy, providing a decent energy-to-damage ratio in the early game.
However, Big Storm requires three energy for just 90 damage, which falls short of the damage ceiling needed in the current meta.
While the Stadium discard effect offers utility, it's situational and doesn't compensate for the underwhelming damage output.
The lack of damage modifiers or secondary offensive effects severely limits Skarmory's knockout potential against evolved Pokémon or those with damage reduction abilities.
Survival rating: 7/10Survival is where Skarmory truly shines.
With 120 HP for a Basic Pokémon, it's reasonably durable against many attacks.
The Fighting resistance (-30) is particularly valuable in a meta where Fighting-type attackers are common.
This resistance effectively raises Skarmory's HP to 150 against Fighting Pokémon, allowing it to potentially survive an additional turn.
However, the Lightning weakness is a significant vulnerability in the current environment where Electric types are prevalent.
The two-energy retreat cost is manageable but can be problematic if you need to pivot quickly without the right support cards.
Versatility rating: 5/10Skarmory offers moderate versatility through its Stadium removal capability attached to Big Storm.
This gives it utility beyond just dealing damage, potentially disrupting opponents' strategies that rely on Stadium cards.
The Metal typing provides some advantages in certain matchups, allowing it to exploit weaknesses of Fairy and Ice types.
However, Skarmory suffers from being too specialized without excelling in any particular area.
It doesn't have the damage output to be a primary attacker, lacks support abilities to be a bench-sitter, and doesn't possess the disruptive potential to function as a tech card against dominant archetypes.
Speed/Setup rating: 5/10Skarmory's setup speed is a mixed bag.
As a Basic Pokémon, it can hit the field immediately, allowing for first-turn Cutting Wind attacks with just one Metal energy attachment.
However, reaching Big Storm requires three energy attachments, typically taking three turns without acceleration support.
This slow ramp-up severely hampers Skarmory's effectiveness in the fast-paced current meta where games can be decided in the first few turns.
While Metal-type support cards can help accelerate energy attachment, the investment required often outweighs the payoff considering the modest 90 damage ceiling.
To maximize Skarmory's potential, focus on energy acceleration and tools that enhance its relatively modest damage output.
Metal-type support Pokémon and trainers that can quickly power up Big Storm will be essential, while cards that capitalize on Stadium manipulation can leverage its discard effect strategically.
Bronzong with Metal Transfer ability provides crucial energy acceleration, allowing Skarmory to power up Big Storm in fewer turns and making its offensive capabilities more relevant in the current fast-paced meta.
Radiant Charizard's Explosive Fire ability can capitalize on Skarmory's Stadium removal, creating a tactical sequence where Skarmory clears the way for Charizard to deal massive damage without Stadium interference.
Tool Jammer helps overcome Skarmory's middling damage output by preventing opponents from using tools that might otherwise reduce damage or boost their Pokémon's survivability against Skarmory's attacks.
Skarmory occupies an awkward middle ground in the current competitive landscape.
While its Fighting resistance and Stadium removal utility give it some strategic value, its underwhelming damage output and three-energy attack cost limit its tournament viability as a primary attacker.
The card performs best as a tech option in Metal-focused decks that can accelerate energy attachment and capitalize on Stadium control.
If you're facing a Fighting-heavy local meta, Skarmory might earn a spot in your deck, but don't expect it to carry matches on its own.
Consider pairing it with energy acceleration support and cards that benefit from Stadium manipulation to maximize its effectiveness.
For serious tournament play, Skarmory remains more of a niche selection rather than a staple powerhouse.
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