
| HIGH | 4.99 | USD | |
| MID | 0.17 | USD | TREND![]() |
| LOW | 0.04 | USD |
Melmetal, the hulking Metal-type Stage 1 Pokémon, brings serious defensive capabilities and respectable offensive power to the battlefield.
This Single Strike variant boasts a solid 150 HP and two attacks that complement its tanky nature.
For competitive players looking for a resilient attacker that can withstand punishment, Melmetal offers unique defensive tech against ability-reliant decks.
Offensive rating: 7/10Melmetal's offensive capabilities center around two distinct attacks.
Ingot Swing deals 80 damage for three energy (one Metal), providing moderate output with a valuable defensive effect.
The real power comes from Blasting Hammer, delivering a substantial 150 damage for four energy (two Metal).
This attack can efficiently trade with most Basic Pokémon V and threaten even VMAXs over two turns.
The damage-to-energy ratio is respectable, though the energy discard requirement creates sustainability issues.
While not the most explosive attacker, Melmetal's damage output is reliable and sufficient for its role as a tank with offensive presence.
The lack of direct damage modification abilities limits its ceiling somewhat compared to premier attackers in the format.
Survival rating: 8/10Survival is where Melmetal truly shines.
With 150 HP as a Stage 1, it surpasses many of its contemporaries.
The Grass resistance (-30) provides valuable coverage against popular threats.
Most impressively, Ingot Swing grants immunity to damage from Pokémon with Abilities during your opponent's next turn—a powerful effect in a meta dominated by ability-reliant attackers.
This conditional immunity can effectively create "free turns" against the right matchups.
The Fire weakness is concerning given the presence of Victini and other Fire attackers, and the heavy four-energy retreat cost severely hampers mobility.
However, with proper energy acceleration and switching options, Melmetal can function as one of the more durable non-V Stage 1 Pokémon available.
Versatility rating: 6/10Melmetal exhibits moderate versatility within specific deck archetypes.
As a Single Strike Pokémon, it benefits from that engine's support cards like Single Strike Energy and Houndoom.
The ability to completely wall damage from ability-based attackers creates unique matchup advantages that few other cards offer.
However, Melmetal struggles against non-ability attackers and decks that can play around its defensive capabilities.
Its energy-intensive attacks limit tech potential, and the Stage 1 evolution line requires dedicated deck space.
While it can function as both a tank and attacker, it doesn't excel at disruption or utility beyond its specific defensive niche.
The card shines brightest in metas heavily populated by ability-reliant attackers but loses value in more diverse environments.
Speed/Setup rating: 5/10Melmetal's setup requirements present notable challenges.
As a Stage 1, it needs evolution support like Rare Candy or reliable ways to search and play Meltan.
More critically, its attacks demand significant energy investment—three energy for Ingot Swing and four for Blasting Hammer.
This typically requires 2-3 turns to power up naturally, though Metal-type acceleration like Metal Saucer can expedite this process.
The energy discard from Blasting Hammer further complicates sustained attacking, necessitating consistent energy attachment or recovery.
Single Strike support helps with Houndoom's ability providing acceleration, but the overall setup remains relatively slow in the current fast-paced meta.
Without dedicated acceleration, Melmetal often arrives too late to impact the prize trade efficiently.
Melmetal thrives in a Single Strike framework with dedicated Metal support.
Energy acceleration is absolutely critical to overcome its hefty attack costs and sustain momentum after Blasting Hammer discards.
Recovery options for discarded energy and tools to improve mobility will significantly enhance its effectiveness.
Tech cards that can handle threats immune to Melmetal's defensive strategy round out an ideal supporting cast.
The Single Strike Houndoom provides crucial energy acceleration, helping Melmetal power up its expensive attacks much faster. Its ability to attach Single Strike Energy directly from the deck dramatically reduces setup time and helps recover from Blasting Hammer's energy discard.
This Item card accelerates Metal Energy from the discard pile, providing perfect synergy with Blasting Hammer's energy discard effect. Metal Saucer creates a sustainable attack loop, allowing Melmetal to repeatedly use its powerful 150-damage attack without running out of energy.
With Melmetal's prohibitive four-energy retreat cost, Switch Cart offers essential mobility. This tool card provides free retreat, eliminating Melmetal's biggest vulnerability and allowing it to pivot between attacking and defending positions without sacrificing energy attachments.
Melmetal carves out an interesting niche in the competitive landscape as a defensive Stage 1 with respectable offensive output.
Its unique ability to completely wall damage from ability-based attackers creates matchup advantages that can swing games, while its 150 HP and Grass resistance provide durability beyond most Stage 1 Pokémon.
However, significant energy requirements, a prohibitive retreat cost, and vulnerability to Fire types prevent it from reaching top-tier status.
Melmetal performs best in Single Strike builds with dedicated energy acceleration, where it can function as a tank that punishes ability-reliant attackers while threatening meaningful damage.
In the right meta and with proper support, this metal behemoth can create favorable prize trades and frustrate opponents who rely heavily on ability-powered attacks.
Consider it a solid role-player rather than a deck-defining centerpiece, but one that can create unique strategic advantages when properly supported.
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