Orbeelte VMAX is a crad I've been anticipating for a while, and though it's not quite what I hoped for, I think I can definitely make it work. Here's a rough list leaning more heavily into spread and movement over raw damage output with Orb.
Pokemon (18):
Trainer (29):
Energy (13):
The theory behind the list is to use Orbeetle VMAX's ability and a ton of switch/retreat-reducing cards to throw multiple Orbeetle in the active and lay a bunch of spread damage down on the opposing side. Jirachi, the Amazing rare from Champions Path, is used as extra draw support with flexible movement thanks to U-turn board, basically allowing for an Acro Bike pivot after an opponent KO's something. I have a Roxie/Weezing engine enabled largely by PokeComm, and a Sabeleye V mode as a nice finisher if my opponent doesn't play a ton of energy, thereby making Orbeetle's attack underpowered.
Poor matchups I can easily spot for this deck as it stands are Centiskorch, Charizard, and Togekiss VMAX, as well as Decidueye and maybe Eternatus VMAX, though I think the nature of the dual modes allows for a pivot between the two that can mitigate a lot of the problems, at least in regards to the first two. Centiskorch and Charizard will like to pile enrgy, so if I'm able to keep my Orbeetle's alive for long enough, I can definitely handle it using those, though I think at least one of them will start to decline if the Gulp Missile Cramorant deck picks up any sort of traction. Decidueye and Togekiss are going to be a coin toss because of the different methods of control they bring to the table, and Etertnatus might be an issue because it benefits from Black Market, which is instrumental in making the more favorable Sableye V mode work.
Good matchups I can see for this deck are Zacian, Coalossal VMAX, and anything that can die to Crazy Claws after 3 turns or less of Orbeetle spread, namely PikaRom if it's still around.
Would love some feedback on alternative partners for Orb, since I don't think Sableye is a top-tier partner for it, though I do think it pairs well with the spread element, and is personally one of my favorite cards ever printed.
Edit 1: Need some non-item switch tech for VikaV matchup, cutting a Prof.'s and a Marnie for 2 Bird Keeper. Now looking for things to cut to add a control element at the suggestion of @JFlo
Pokemon (18):
- Orbeetle V (3)
Orbeetle V – Grass – HP180
Basic Pokemon
[G] Flatter: 20 damage. You may switch this Pokemon with 1 of your Benched Pokemon.
[G][C] Mystery Wave: 50+ damage. This attack does 30 more damage for each Energy attached to your opponent’s Active Pokemon.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
Basic Pokemon
[G] Flatter: 20 damage. You may switch this Pokemon with 1 of your Benched Pokemon.
[G][C] Mystery Wave: 50+ damage. This attack does 30 more damage for each Energy attached to your opponent’s Active Pokemon.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
- Orbeetle VMAX (3)
Orbeetle VMAX – Grass – HP310
VMAX Pokemon – Evolves from Orbeetle V
Ability: Wonder Beam
Once during your turn (before your attack), if this Pokemon is your Active Pokemon, you may put 1 damage counter on each of your opponent’s Pokemon.
[G][C] G-Max Wave: 50+ damage. This attack does 50 more damage for each Energy attached to your opponent’s Active Pokemon.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
VMAX Pokemon – Evolves from Orbeetle V
Ability: Wonder Beam
Once during your turn (before your attack), if this Pokemon is your Active Pokemon, you may put 1 damage counter on each of your opponent’s Pokemon.
[G][C] G-Max Wave: 50+ damage. This attack does 50 more damage for each Energy attached to your opponent’s Active Pokemon.
When your Pokemon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
- Jirachi CHP (4)
Jirachi – Metal – HP70
Basic Pokemon
Ability: Dream Oracle
Once during your turn, if this Pokemon is your Active Pokemon, you may look at the top 2 cards of your deck. Put 1 of them into your hand and return the other 1 on top of your deck.
[P][F][M] Amazing Star: Search your deck for up to 7 Basic Energy cards and attach them to your Pokemon in any way you like. Then, shuffle your deck.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: Grass (-30)
Retreat: 1
Basic Pokemon
Ability: Dream Oracle
Once during your turn, if this Pokemon is your Active Pokemon, you may look at the top 2 cards of your deck. Put 1 of them into your hand and return the other 1 on top of your deck.
[P][F][M] Amazing Star: Search your deck for up to 7 Basic Energy cards and attach them to your Pokemon in any way you like. Then, shuffle your deck.
Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: Grass (-30)
Retreat: 1
- Weezing COE (4)
- Crobat V (2)
- Sableye V (2)
Trainer (29):
- Marnie (3)
- Professor’s Research (3)
- Bird Keeper (2)
- Black Market PS (1)
- U-turn Board (4)
- Boss' Orders (2)
- Switch (4)
- Quick Ball (4)
- Roxie (2)
- Pokemon Communication (4)
Energy (13):
- Grass (4)
- Aurora (4)
- Dark (2)
- Capture (3)
The theory behind the list is to use Orbeetle VMAX's ability and a ton of switch/retreat-reducing cards to throw multiple Orbeetle in the active and lay a bunch of spread damage down on the opposing side. Jirachi, the Amazing rare from Champions Path, is used as extra draw support with flexible movement thanks to U-turn board, basically allowing for an Acro Bike pivot after an opponent KO's something. I have a Roxie/Weezing engine enabled largely by PokeComm, and a Sabeleye V mode as a nice finisher if my opponent doesn't play a ton of energy, thereby making Orbeetle's attack underpowered.
Poor matchups I can easily spot for this deck as it stands are Centiskorch, Charizard, and Togekiss VMAX, as well as Decidueye and maybe Eternatus VMAX, though I think the nature of the dual modes allows for a pivot between the two that can mitigate a lot of the problems, at least in regards to the first two. Centiskorch and Charizard will like to pile enrgy, so if I'm able to keep my Orbeetle's alive for long enough, I can definitely handle it using those, though I think at least one of them will start to decline if the Gulp Missile Cramorant deck picks up any sort of traction. Decidueye and Togekiss are going to be a coin toss because of the different methods of control they bring to the table, and Etertnatus might be an issue because it benefits from Black Market, which is instrumental in making the more favorable Sableye V mode work.
Good matchups I can see for this deck are Zacian, Coalossal VMAX, and anything that can die to Crazy Claws after 3 turns or less of Orbeetle spread, namely PikaRom if it's still around.
Would love some feedback on alternative partners for Orb, since I don't think Sableye is a top-tier partner for it, though I do think it pairs well with the spread element, and is personally one of my favorite cards ever printed.
Edit 1: Need some non-item switch tech for VikaV matchup, cutting a Prof.'s and a Marnie for 2 Bird Keeper. Now looking for things to cut to add a control element at the suggestion of @JFlo
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