Lycanroc
Chilling Reign (CRE 087)

Lycanroc (Chilling Reign 87/198) stands out as a Stage 1, Single Strike Fighting-type Pokémon with 120 HP, an attack that scales with your discard pile, and a visually striking holo-rare finish. This review will guide you through its strengths, weaknesses, strategic uses, collector’s appeal, and synergy within the Pokémon TCG metagame, all in a mobile-friendly format for easy reading on any device.

Card Overview: Lycanroc at a Glance

Lycanroc is part of the Chilling Reign expansion and brings with it the Single Strike mechanic, which is central to many modern deck strategies. With a base HP of 120 and a single attack, Rogue Fangs, Lycanroc is designed for players who appreciate scaling power and tactical play. The attack deals 80 damage, plus an additional 10 for each Single Strike Pokémon in your discard pile, rewarding thoughtful deck construction and discard management. Its Fighting type allows it to target some of the most popular meta threats weak to Fighting, while its Grass weakness and double Colorless retreat cost require careful planning.

Strengths and Advantages

1. Scaling Damage Output: Rogue Fangs’ ability to increase its damage based on the number of Single Strike Pokémon in your discard pile offers late-game potential that can surprise opponents. In the right build, this attack can easily reach triple-digit damage, making Lycanroc a formidable threat against high-HP targets.

2. Single Strike Synergy: As a Single Strike Pokémon, Lycanroc benefits from various support cards and strategies exclusive to this archetype. It fits seamlessly into decks built around aggressive, hard-hitting plays and can be powered up quickly with appropriate energy acceleration methods.

3. Typing Advantage: Fighting type is highly relevant in the current meta, especially against popular Lightning and Darkness types. Many top-tier Pokémon are weak to Fighting, allowing Lycanroc to take crucial knockouts with less setup.

4. Stage 1 Flexibility: Being a Stage 1 means Lycanroc is easier to set up than Stage 2 Pokémon, providing a solid balance between power and speed without requiring excessive deck slots or setup turns.

Weaknesses and Drawbacks

1. Grass Weakness: A ×2 weakness to Grass leaves Lycanroc vulnerable to certain matchups. If your local meta includes strong Grass-type attackers, Lycanroc may struggle to survive long enough to realize its full potential.

2. Limited Attack Options: With only one attack, Lycanroc lacks versatility. If your opponent can mitigate or resist Fighting damage, or if you face situations where you need non-damaging effects, Lycanroc’s utility drops significantly.

3. Retreat Cost: A retreat cost of two Colorless energies can be taxing, especially if you need to pivot out of danger or reposition for another attacker. Decks without switching options may find Lycanroc stuck in the active spot at inconvenient moments.

4. Reliance on Discard Pile: Rogue Fangs requires Single Strike Pokémon in the discard to maximize damage. Early-game, before your discard pile is sufficiently filled, Lycanroc may not hit hard enough to keep up with faster attackers.

Situational Use: When Lycanroc Shines and Struggles

Advantageous Scenarios: Lycanroc excels in mid-to-late game scenarios when your discard pile is well-stocked. Against decks that rely on Lightning or Darkness types, it can deliver devastating blows thanks to type advantage. It is particularly effective as a secondary attacker in Single Strike decks, coming in to clean up after your main attacker has softened up the opponent’s board.

Disadvantageous Scenarios: Early-game, Lycanroc’s damage ceiling is capped unless you’ve efficiently discarded Single Strike Pokémon. Decks that focus on Grass types or can easily heal or negate Fighting damage will pose significant challenges. Additionally, if you’re facing disruption strategies that target your discard pile or energy supply, Lycanroc may struggle to stay relevant.

Why Include Lycanroc in Your Pokémon TCG Deck?

For players building Single Strike-focused decks, Lycanroc offers a scalable, reliable attacker that rewards careful resource management. Its inclusion makes sense if you value adaptability and want a backup plan for when your primary attackers are no longer available. Lycanroc can also serve as a surprise factor, catching opponents off guard with unexpectedly high damage spikes as the game progresses.

Additionally, its Stage 1 status means it doesn’t demand excessive deck space, and its synergy with other Single Strike components helps maintain your deck’s overall efficiency. If you often find yourself running out of steam in the late game or needing a secondary attacker that can close out matches, Lycanroc is a strong candidate.

Value Analysis: Quality, Price, and Collector Appeal

From a gameplay perspective, Lycanroc delivers solid value for its role in Single Strike decks. Its effectiveness increases with experience and understanding of discard management, making it a rewarding choice for players willing to master its mechanics. Compared to other holo rares, Lycanroc holds its own in terms of playability and impact.

On the collector side, Lycanroc’s rare holo status and association with the popular Chilling Reign set boost its desirability. The artwork and holographic finish make it a standout piece in any collection, especially for fans of the Lycanroc evolutionary line or those aiming to complete the set. While not the rarest card, its competitive relevance and visual appeal ensure steady demand among both players and collectors.

Strategic Tips: When and How to Play Lycanroc

1. Timing is Key: Hold Lycanroc until your discard pile has enough Single Strike Pokémon to maximize Rogue Fangs’ damage. Avoid playing it too early unless you have no alternative attackers or need to pressure your opponent.

2. Deck Construction: Include discard outlets and ways to cycle through your deck quickly. Cards that allow you to discard Single Strike Pokémon intentionally will accelerate Lycanroc’s damage output.

3. Energy Management: Ensure your deck can consistently provide Fighting energies. Consider including ways to accelerate energy attachment or recover energies from the discard pile if needed.

4. Board Positioning: Use Lycanroc as a follow-up attacker after your main Single Strike Pokémon has been knocked out. This way, you’ll have more Single Strike Pokémon in the discard, boosting Rogue Fangs’ power.

5. Adapt to Opponent’s Strategy: If you’re facing a deck weak to Fighting, prioritize setting up Lycanroc earlier. Against Grass-heavy decks, use Lycanroc cautiously and only when you can secure a knockout or trade favorably.

Deck Synergies: Maximizing Lycanroc’s Potential

Lycanroc thrives in Single Strike archetypes, where every component is geared toward aggressive, high-damage plays. Cards that let you search for or discard Single Strike Pokémon, as well as those that provide energy acceleration, enhance Lycanroc’s value. Pairing Lycanroc with Pokémon that can soften up opponents or absorb hits early on sets the stage for its powerful Rogue Fangs attack later in the game.

Consider including draw engines and search options that keep your hand and discard pile flowing. The more efficiently you can cycle through your deck, the quicker Lycanroc reaches its peak performance. Additionally, tech choices aimed at countering Grass types or reducing retreat costs can help shore up its weaknesses and keep your strategy flexible.

Final Thoughts: Is Lycanroc Right for You?

Lycanroc (Chilling Reign 87/198) is a dynamic addition to any Single Strike deck, offering late-game firepower and a satisfying payoff for skilled resource management. Its strengths lie in its scaling damage, ease of setup, and synergy with popular deck strategies. While it does have clear weaknesses, particularly to Grass types and early-game tempo, these can be mitigated with smart deckbuilding and play.

Whether you’re a competitive player looking for a versatile attacker or a collector drawn to its unique holo-rare design, Lycanroc holds significant appeal. Its value extends beyond just gameplay, making it a worthy investment for anyone involved in the Pokémon TCG community. Try incorporating Lycanroc into your next deck build and experience firsthand how it can tip the scales in your favor!