Summary
Lightning-type Pokemon make up the fourth smallest group inPokemon TCG Pocket’s latest expansion, Space-Time Smackdown. With just 12 cards, they account for only 7.74% of the 155 new Pokemon in the set, limiting the chances of game-changing additions for this archetype. However, despite their small numbers, some of these new Lightning-type Pokemon have made a notable impact onTCG Pocket’s metagame.
This list ranks five of them from least to most effective based on their performance, synergy, and projected influence in the game. Here arethe best Lightning-type Pokemonfrom the Space-Time Smackdown set.
Ranking Criteria
The ranking evaluates the performance of all Lightning-type Pokemon fromthe Space-Time Smackdown setbased on three key aspects:
5Rotom
The New Counter for Tools
Pokemon TCG Pocket’s Space-Time Smackdown reshaped deck-building strategies by introducing a new Trainer Card type:Pokemon Tools. Players can now boost their Pokemon’s durability with a Giant Cape, grant them Druddigon’s Rough Skin ability using a Rocky Helmet, or cure Special Conditions with a Lum Berry. But Rotom is here to counter all of that!
Rotom’s ability lets it deal an extra 30 damage to Pokemon equipped with Tools, bringing its total power to an impressive 50 for just oneColorless Energy.
Some might argue that few decks currently rely heavily on Pokemon Tools, making Rotom’s ability less impactful. However, Space-Time Smackdown introduced only three of these Trainer Cards, and more are almost certainly on the way. As the number of meta-relevant Tools grows, Rotom is poised to become one ofthe most valuable Lightning-type Pokemonin the game.
4Electabuzz
A Member of the Self-Sufficiency Movement
A noticeable trend in Space-Time Smackdown decks is the rise of self-sufficient Lightning-type builds. While this shift was initiated—and is still dominated—by Magnezone, the new Electabuzz is also playing a key role. With its ability to charge itself, Electabuzz helps bring Electivire, a powerful damage dealer, onto the board as quickly as possible.
The main drawback of using Electabuzz is that it requires being in the Active Spot, making it vulnerable to early knockouts. However, the introduction of Volkner in this expansion has significantly reduced that risk.
With Volkner, players can wait until they have two discarded Energies before playing Electabuzz. This allows them to retrieve one Lightning Energy from the discard pile and attach it to Electabuzz. Then, using its attack, they can generate another (that’s two Energies already). Finally, Volkner enables them to summon two more Lightning Energies from the discard pile, setting up Electivire’s 120-damage attack efficiently.
3Electivire
Volkner’s addition toPokemon TCG Pockethas introduced a powerful new synergy for the Lightning archetype, with Electivire being one of its biggest beneficiaries. On its own, Electivire is a risky play—without at least four Lightning Energy, it deals only 40 damage, which is underwhelming for a Stage One Pokemon. However, when combined with Volkner, it can unleash a surprise 120-damage attack.
Volkner allows players to retrieve two discarded Lightning Energy and attach them to Electivire, enabling them to power it up on the Bench without generating new Energy. This can be a game-changer in terms of battle economy, as opponents may underestimate a Benched Electivire, assuming it’s harmless due to a lack of Energy.
2Luxray
The In-And-Out Assassin
Luxray follows a similar success story to Electivire inPokemon TCG Pocket’s Space-Time Smackdown set. Its synergy with Volkner allows it to deal massive damage without requiring excessive Energy generation.
By default, Luxray’s attack, Volt Bolt, needs three Lightning Energy to deal 120 damage, but it discards all three after each use. Without Volkner, this move would be far too risky. However, thanks to Volkner’s Energy-retrieving ability, Luxray becomes one of the most lethal Lightning-type Pokemon in the game.
Notably, Luxray has no retreat cost. This means that after its first attack, players can Bench it, use Volkner to recover two of its discarded Energy, reposition Luxray in the Active Spot at no cost, and unleash another 120-damage attack.
Players can check how many Lightning Energy cards are in their discard pile by tapping on it. This can help them plan their Volkner plays more effectively.
1Magnezone
Pokemon Pocket’s New Meta
With its meta-defining performance, Magnezone is undeniably the best Lightning-type Pokemon inTCG Pocket’s new set. Initially overlooked, this powerhouse quickly rose to dominance once players discoveredits devastating synergy with Darkrai ex, one of the other top-tier cards from the Space-Time Smackdown expansion.
Magnezone’s surge in popularity is largely tied to the rise of self-sufficient decks, which enable more creative dual-type strategies. One of the most successful builds to emerge is the unlikely partnership between Magnezone and Darkrai ex, forming a new Ability-focused archetype with an impressive 50%+ win rate.
Players are leveraging Genetic Apex’s Magnemite, whose Ability generates Energy to set up Magnezone on the Bench. This allows them to runa deck with only Darkness-type Energy, as Magnezone powers itself, freeing up all available Energy for Darkrai ex. This strategy has proven to be a direct counter to the current meta, solidifying Magnezone as the most impactful card of the new expansion.
