Clobbopus
Chilling Reign (CRE 091)

Clobbopus from the Chilling Reign set is a Basic Fighting-type Pokémon card with 70 HP, featuring a straightforward attack and a common rarity. While it may not be the flashiest card in your collection, its simplicity and versatility make it an interesting choice for both new and seasoned players looking to enhance their deck’s consistency or explore unique strategies.

Comprehensive Review of Clobbopus (Chilling Reign)

1. Card Overview

Clobbopus is a Basic Fighting-type Pokémon with 70 HP. Its single attack, Beat, costs two Colorless Energy and deals 30 damage. The card’s weakness is to Psychic-type attacks (×2), and it has a retreat cost of two Colorless Energy. As a common card in the Chilling Reign expansion, it is readily accessible and easy to include in most decks that benefit from Fighting-type Pokémon.

2. Positive Aspects

• Accessibility: Being a common card, Clobbopus is easy to obtain and can be included as a budget-friendly option in many decks.
• Energy Flexibility: The attack Beat only requires two Colorless Energy, meaning you are not locked into using only Fighting Energy, providing flexibility in multi-type decks.
• Simple Evolution Path: As a Basic Pokémon, Clobbopus is quick to play and can serve as a stepping stone to more powerful evolutions without complicated setup requirements.
• Decent Early Game Presence: With 70 HP and the ability to deal 30 damage early on, Clobbopus can help apply pressure in the opening turns, especially against low-HP opposing Basics.

3. Negative Aspects

• Limited Attack Power: Beat’s 30 damage output is modest and may struggle to keep up with the higher damage potential of other Basic Pokémon.
• Lack of Abilities: Without an Ability or secondary attack, Clobbopus offers little tactical depth compared to other cards.
• Psychic Weakness: A ×2 weakness to Psychic makes Clobbopus vulnerable to popular Psychic attackers, which can quickly knock it out.
• Retreat Cost: Two Colorless Energy for retreat may be a hindrance if you need to switch out Clobbopus in critical situations.

4. Strategic Use Cases: When to Play Clobbopus

Clobbopus shines in certain scenarios, particularly when you need a reliable Basic Pokémon to fill your Bench or start the game. Its flexible energy requirement allows it to fit into various deck archetypes without demanding specialized energy support. If your strategy involves evolving quickly into stronger Fighting-types, Clobbopus is an efficient choice. It can also serve as a low-cost attacker in budget decks or as a placeholder while you set up your main attackers.

However, in matches where your opponent relies heavily on Psychic-type Pokémon or high-damage attackers, Clobbopus may be at risk of being knocked out before it can contribute significantly. Against decks with low-HP Basics or decks that take time to set up, Clobbopus can help establish early board control.

5. Value Assessment: Playability vs. Collectability

When evaluating Clobbopus’s value, it’s important to consider both its utility in gameplay and its appeal to collectors. As a common card, Clobbopus is widely available and does not command high prices on the secondary market. This makes it an excellent choice for players building decks on a budget or those seeking to experiment with different strategies without significant investment.

From a collector’s perspective, Clobbopus lacks the rarity or unique artwork that typically drives demand. However, collectors aiming to complete the Chilling Reign set or those who appreciate the Pokémon’s design will still find value in owning this card. Its primary worth lies in gameplay rather than collectability, making it a practical addition for players rather than investors.

6. Deck-Building Considerations: Why Add Clobbopus?

There are several compelling reasons to include Clobbopus in your Pokémon TCG deck:

• Consistency: As a Basic Pokémon, Clobbopus helps ensure you have enough starting options and can avoid mulligans during setup.
• Energy Versatility: The attack cost allows for inclusion in decks that use multiple energy types, increasing deck-building flexibility.
• Evolution Potential: Clobbopus can quickly evolve into stronger Fighting-types, making it a valuable component in evolution-based strategies.
• Early Game Utility: Its ability to deal 30 damage for two Colorless Energy provides a simple yet effective way to chip away at opposing Pokémon in the early turns.

7. Market Value and Quality/Price Analysis

Clobbopus stands out as a cost-effective option for competitive and casual players alike. Its low market value aligns with its accessibility and common status, making it a smart pick for those looking to build or expand their Fighting-type arsenal without breaking the bank. While it may not offer significant long-term value for collectors due to its abundance, its reliability in play justifies its inclusion in many decks.

For players prioritizing performance over rarity, Clobbopus delivers solid results at minimal expense. Its straightforward design makes it suitable for teaching new players the basics of the game, and its compatibility with a variety of deck types ensures broad appeal.

8. Strategic Tips: How and When to Play Clobbopus

To maximize Clobbopus’s impact, consider the following strategic tips:

• Opening Plays: Use Clobbopus as an opener to establish board presence. Its 70 HP can withstand weak early attacks, and Beat can soften up opposing Basics.
• Energy Management: Take advantage of the Colorless Energy requirement by powering up Clobbopus with any energy type available, ensuring smooth setup even in mixed decks.
• Evolution Strategies: If your deck focuses on evolving into stronger Fighting-types, prioritize getting Clobbopus into play early and evolving as soon as possible to stay ahead of the competition.
• Bench Filler: In situations where you need to fill your Bench for other effects or abilities, Clobbopus is a low-risk, low-cost option.
• Matchup Awareness: Be cautious when facing Psychic-heavy decks, as Clobbopus’s weakness can be exploited. Consider retreating or sacrificing it strategically to protect your key attackers.

9. Synergies and Deck Archetypes

Clobbopus works well in decks that benefit from having multiple Basic Pokémon in play, such as those leveraging abilities that boost the effectiveness of your Fighting-type lineup. Its simple attack cost and ease of play allow it to slot into hybrid decks or serve as a backup attacker when your main strategy is disrupted.

In evolution-focused decks, Clobbopus serves as a reliable foundation, enabling quick transitions to more powerful forms. Decks that capitalize on energy acceleration or bench-filling tactics can also benefit from including Clobbopus, as it helps maintain momentum and board control throughout the match.

10. Adaptation and Flexibility

One of Clobbopus’s greatest strengths is its adaptability. Whether you’re facing aggressive opponents or slower, setup-oriented decks, Clobbopus can be tailored to fit your needs. Use it to absorb hits while setting up your main attackers, or deploy it as a surprise attacker when your opponent least expects it.

Its retreat cost, while not ideal, can be managed with proper planning and support from other cards in your deck. Don’t hesitate to use Clobbopus as a pivot point, switching it in and out as the situation demands to maximize your tactical options.

11. Final Thoughts

In summary, Clobbopus from Chilling Reign is a versatile, accessible, and budget-friendly option for Pokémon TCG players seeking consistency and flexibility. While it may not boast the power or collectability of rarer cards, its straightforward design and practical utility make it a solid choice for a wide range of decks. Whether you’re a beginner learning the ropes or an experienced player refining your strategy, Clobbopus deserves consideration for its role in enhancing deck synergy and early-game stability.

Give Clobbopus a try in your next deck build—its unassuming nature might just surprise you with the value it brings to your matches!