Summary
- The new Bidoof card in Pokemon TCG Pocket may be a game changer with it halving opponents' HP.
- Some players devise strategies to use Bidoof as a counter to stallers.
- However, others see Bidoof as a glass cannon with limited utility.
A new Bidoof card in the third expansion of Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket is leaving many players scratching their heads, unable to determine whether it's overpowered or a waste of a slot in the deck. The new Bidoof card is just one of many additions coming to Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket at the end of January, but it may be one of the most talked-about.
A Normal-type Pokemon introduced in the game franchise's fourth generation, Bidoof is one of the earliest Pokemon players can encounter in Pokemon Diamond and Pearl. There's nothing particularly noteworthy about its stats, though it possesses the ability to learn almost every HM move in early Pokemon games, and its utility in helping players move around the world has earned it a lot of fans.
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While Bidoof's meme-worthy popularity hasn't typically resulted in it being a particularly useful Pokemon in battle situations, that may or may not be changing in the mobile card battler. Pokemon TCG Pocket's Space-Time Smackdown set is launching globally between January 19-20, depending on time zone, and it includes a Bidoof card with some very unusual qualities. The basic Pokemon sports 60 HP and has a retreat cost of two colorless energy, but its single two-colorless-energy move, Super Fang, has the potential to be a game changer. Instead of dealing a set amount of damage, the leaked card's text shows that it reduces an enemy Pokemon's HP by half, rounded up, seemingly making it a great counter for high-HP opponents.
Pokemon TCG Pocket Fans Are Split Over Leaked Bidoof Card
This move would potentially make Bidoof a great early-match pick for opponents with bulky Pokemon who haven't had enough time to build up energy for an attack. For example, Pokemon TCG Pocket's Venusaur ex is usually hard to take down with its 190 HP, but an attack from this Bidoof card would potentially deal 90 HP of damage to an undamaged Venusaur ex, making for an unprecedented energy-to-damage cost economy. Some players, like Reddit user BigTea 25, are devising strategies to use Bidoof as a counter to Druddigon's passive Rough Skin ability, as many players simply put up Druddigon as a wall that deals defensive damage while stalling and stacking energy on benched Pokemon. Additionally, the Bidoof's moderate retreat cost means using a Leaf trainer card would allow it to swap out without spending any energy.
Other players are less convinced of this card's utility, seeing it as a glass cannon that can deal one or two big attacks but not actually take down another Pokemon, as its damage only halves the opponent's current HP rounded down. That's a big liability for some players with matches that end after one player gets three points. Still, some players, like Reddit user KaguraRikkei are sussing out workarounds, like adding it to a Pokemon TCG Pocket Greninja deck and having Greninja use its Water Shuriken ability to finish off opponents from the bench.
- Released
- October 30, 2024
- Developer(s)
- DeNA, Creatures Inc.
- Publisher(s)
- The Pokemon Company
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- Yes
WHERE TO PLAY
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket lets you easily collect Pokémon cards. Creatures Inc. Has created exciting new visual effects for cards that are only possible digitally.
Pokémon cards, played with by people in 89 countries, are now closer to you than ever!
Enjoy Pokémon cards anytime, anywhere, on your mobile device!
■ You can open packs every day to get cards!
Collect cards every day! You can open two booster packs every day at no cost to collect Pokémon cards featuring heartwarming illustrations from the past as well as all-new cards exclusive to this game.
■ New Pokémon cards!
Immersive cards, a brand-new kind of card, make their debut here! With new illustrations that have a 3D feel, immersive cards will make you feel like you’ve leapt into the world of the card’s illustration!
■ Trade cards with friends!
You can trade certain cards with friends. Use the trade feature to collect even more cards!
■ Show off your collection!
You can use binders or display boards to showcase your cards and share them with the world!
■ Casual battles—alone or with friends!
You can enjoy casual battles during quick breaks in your day! Ranked matches are now available for players who'd like to battle even more.
