Zoroark / Miltank — The Best Single-Prize Deck

Hello everyone! As I’m writing this, I’m trying to prepare for Milwaukee Regionals, but I’m having a hard time deciding what to play. Palkia just took all eight spots in the Melbourne Top 8, which is completely insane. Among my list of potential decks to play is [card name=”Zoroark” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”103″ c=”name”][/card] Toolbox, which is a deck that has historically been terrible, but is now in a good spot thanks to the addition of [card name=”Miltank” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”126″ c=”name”][/card]. I think this is the best single-Prize deck out there right now, even better than the [card name=”Regigigas” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”130″ c=”name”][/card] deck. This is the deck I will be covering today. It’s something of an anti-meta deck, but it has lots of options and versatility. I certainly wasn’t expecting the deck to turn out as good as it has. Here is my current list:

Deck List

[decklist name=”zoro worms” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Zoroark” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”103″][pokemon amt=”25″]4x [card name=”Zoroark” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”103″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Zorua” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”102″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Bibarel” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”121″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Bidoof” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”120″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Miltank” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”126″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Wormadam” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”77″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Wormadam” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”98″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]2x [card name=”Burmy” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”9″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Jolteon” set=”Vivid Voltage” no=”47″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Eevee” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”205″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Mightyena” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”96″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Golisopod” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”18″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Pumpkaboo” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”76″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Radiant Hawlucha” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”81″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Manaphy” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”41″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”28″]3x [card name=”Marnie” set=”Champion’s Path” no=”56″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]4x [card name=”Professor’s Research” set=”Champion’s Path” no=”62″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”150″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Evolution Incense” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”163″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Level Ball” set=”Battle Styles” no=”129″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Quick Ball” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”179″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Memory Capsule” set=”Vivid Voltage” no=”155″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Choice Belt” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”135″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”2″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”7″]3x [card name=”Double Turbo Energy” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”151″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]4x [card name=”Twin Energy” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”174″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card][/energy][/decklist] 

[cardimg name=”Zoroark” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”103″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

This deck often functions as a counter box deck, but it also has the option to go aggressive with attackers like [card name=”Wormadam” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”77″ c=”name”][/card]. The Pokemon lineup is designed to be adaptive as possible, and to be able to combat a variety of meta decks. The Trainer lineup is as straightforward as they come: we rely heavily on [card name=”Bibarel” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”121″ c=”name”][/card] to get out of the opening hand, so we want to establish Bibarel on turn two as consistently as possible. The Trainer cards also help us find a constant stream of Zoroark, which is normally a difficult task but is now quite easy. Three copies of [card name=”Memory Capsule” set=”Vivid Voltage” no=”155″ c=”name”][/card] are included to activate [card name=”Jolteon” set=”Vivid Voltage” no=”47″ c=”name”][/card]’s Ability, and thanks to Bibarel and the Supporters, the deck can usually draw into at least one Memory Capsule early in the game. Jolteon is the key for beating Inteleon decks, namely [card name=”Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card].

[card name=”Electrode” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”88″ c=”name”][/card] is a tech card that gets discussed a lot, but I haven’t found it to be necessary — the deck already has plenty of capable attackers that do not KO themselves. [card name=”Flapple” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”120″ c=”name”][/card] is another consideration, and it’s a card that I originally tested with, but in practice I found that I rarely used it. It’s not very good, especially when the presence of Miltank already discourages opponents from playing down too many Pokemon.

[card name=”Wormadam” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”77″ c=”name”][/card] is a fantastic all-purpose attacker that gives the deck some agency and initiative, taking it from a deck that is purely reactive to one that can actually apply some pressure. Wormadam’s typing allows it to combat both Fighting-weak and Metal-weak Pokemon, namely [card name=”Arceus VSTAR” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”123″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Ice Rider Calyrex VMAX” set=”Chilling Reign” no=”46″ c=”name”][/card], and although Arceus will often have [card name=”Dunsparce” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”207″ c=”name”][/card] in play, Wormadam at least forces them to do so and punishes them if they don’t. We also play two Burmy; since Wormadam is an attacker we will almost always use, we can commit deck spaces to Burmy and allow Zoroark to become other Pokemon (or even more Wormadam). That said, Wormadam’s damage output isn’t that high, especially at the beginning of the game. This is why other Pokemon and strategies are required.

Miltank is part of what makes this deck so strong, adding a win condition and forcing the opponent to have an answer. Sometimes, all you have to do is remove the opponent’s counters to Miltank and you win the game. However, they still can use Boss’s Orders and Cross Switcher to take Prize cards off your Benched Pokemon, and because of this, using Miltank requires you to keep track of what your opponents can and are likely to do, as well as your own board. Sometimes you have to balance and pivot between Miltank and other attackers. Sometimes you have to commit to a  board of only Miltank. Games involving Miltank win conditions are extremely variable, but at the very least, it’s a decent attacker and a roadblock for the opponent. Miltank can also slow the game down at the beginning, which is nice when you’re trying to set up. I’m even considering adding a third Miltank to the deck.

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[card name=”Mightyena” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”96″ c=”name”][/card] is the fairly obvious attacker against [card name=”Mew VMAX” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”114″ c=”name”][/card]. [card name=”Radiant Hawlucha” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”81″ c=”name”][/card] helps Mightyena OHKO through any opposing [card name=”Oricorio” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”42″ c=”name”][/card], especially since [card name=”Choice Belt” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”135″ c=”name”][/card] will not always be available. Unfortunately, you can’t keep Choice Belt or Energy through a Zoroark transformation, so that’s something to keep in mind. If the opponent plays around Mightyena, your other attackers should be able to take care of theirs. [card name=”Golisopod” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”18″ c=”name”][/card] is quite strong in the Mew matchup as well as some others. Hitting for Grass Weakness is great against [card name=”Hisuian Samurott VSTAR” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”102″ c=”name”][/card], for example.

[card name=”Pumpkaboo” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”76″ c=”name”][/card] is primarily included as a counter to [card name=”Temple of Sinnoh” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”155″ c=”name”][/card]. Temple of Sinnoh is most commonly included as a one-of in decks like Palkia, so one Pumpkaboo is usually enough. In matchups where Pumpkaboo isn’t needed, you can still discard it to power up Wormadam. [card name=”Manaphy” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card] is a counter to [card name=”Radiant Greninja” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”46″ c=”name”][/card], and it retains its usefulness against the less-common [card name=”Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX” set=”Battle Styles” no=”88″ c=”name”][/card].

You may notice a lack of [card name=”Boss’s Orders” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”154″ c=”name”][/card]. This is mostly due to limited deck space and an emphasis on consistency. This deck is perfectly content to deal with whatever is in the opponent’s Active, and there are many times in the game where it can’t really capitalize off of Boss’s Orders anyway. This deck deals relatively little damage in the early game, and sometimes you are going with Miltank Routs anyway. Boss’s Orders just seems a bit situational and underpowered in this deck. I have not yet tested with it, but I haven’t found myself wanting it either.

Matchups

Mew – Favorable

The Mew matchup is favorable, and there are several important cards you need to keep track of. For the most part, you set up as normal. You can ignore Jolteon, Pumpkaboo, and Manaphy. Wormadam is somewhat less useful in this matchup than others, but you still may use it depending on how the game plays out. Focus on setting up multiple Zoroark that can transform into Mightyena, since Mightyena is the only way to deal with Mew VMAX itself. You also want to conserve Choice Belts — if Radiant Hawlucha is Prized or Knocked Out, you will need Choice Belt to KO Mew VMAX if they have any Oricorio on their Bench.

Zoroark itself can KO Mew V with a Choice Belted Night Daze. This doesn’t always come up, but it’s a worthwhile use of a Choice Belt if you can pull it off. Zoroark and Miltank can also KO Meloetta. Naturally, it’s best to use Miltank for this when possible so that you can conserve Zoroark. Golisopod can also pull off Knock Outs if your opponent isn’t careful. If you need to burn Memory Capsules, stick them on Pokemon that will never need a Choice Belt (such as Bibarel). In general, the key to this matchup is setting up well and using the optimal attacker for the situation.

Palkia – Favorable

[cardimg name=”Jolteon” set=”Vivid Voltage” no=”47″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

This deck also boasts a favorable Palkia matchup thanks to the inclusions of Jolteon and Miltank. The first priority is setting up a Jolteon with Memory Capsule attached. This is important against the [card name=”Inteleon” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”58″ c=”name”][/card] version, albeit less so against the turbo version. Against the turbo version, we prioritize Miltank and Manaphy, and sometimes ignore Jolteon depending on the list and situation. I will mostly be discussing the Inteleon version, as that version is more common and more difficult to deal with than the turbo version, which just can’t beat Miltank.

If they are threatening to attack with Palkia, just go in with Miltank with Jolteon on the Bench. Be sure to keep several Zoroark around in case they draw into Boss and KO Jolteon. [card name=”Manaphy” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card] is only sometimes useful in this matchup. It can be used in the early game if they are threatening to attack with Greninja, but it’s useless once you establish Jolteon. For example, if you go first and get the turn-two Jolteon, there’s no need for Manaphy at all. You are going to want Mightyena or Wormadam ready to go so that you can KO Inteleon in one hit. Wormadam is the preferred attacker for this, as Mightyena is more difficult to set up. Once you deal with their single-Prize attackers, you can go back into Miltank.

Arceus – Depends

As we all know, there are many different Arceus decks. They’re not quite as popular as before, but they haven’t completely fallen off yet. For the Inteleon version, we apply a similar strategy as we do against Palkia: get a fast Jolteon, and use Miltank to slow the game down. Against non-Inteleon versions, Miltank can be a win condition depending on their list. Even if they have a counter, Golisopod and Wormadam can do enough damage to win a Prize trade. Alternatively, you could still use Miltank to win once the counters are removed. Overall, the matchup against Arceus isn’t conclusively as good as Palkia or Mew — there are just so many variables.

Regigigas – Unfavorable

It’s anyone’s guess how popular Regigigas will be at the upcoming Milwaukee Regionals and NAIC. This matchup is winnable but definitely unfavorable. You are simply trying to trade single-Prize Pokemon six times in a row, so you need to get the first KO. Even if you manage that, though, you need to be extremely careful with your resources. Attack first with a manually-evolved Wormadam, and then set up every Wormadam and Zoroark you have access to over the course of the game. That’s exactly six attackers, which will all be required. It is somewhat difficult to do this while also getting enough damage for Wormadam. Most of the Pokemon in the deck are useless in this matchup, so they can be discard fodder for Wormadam’s attack. Try and get Manaphy on your Bench quickly to avoid getting destroyed by Regieleki. If their first Active Pokemon is Regieleki, Regice, or Regigigas, you can hit for Weakness and more likely get the first KO.

Blissey – Favorable

Miltank is the win condition, even though it barely does any damage in this matchup. Their only option to hit your Miltank is with their Miltank, and this deck has Wormadam to destroy their Miltank. Once we get rid of their Miltank, they can’t do anything against our Miltank. On top of that, if they don’t put down Dunsparce for some reason, Wormadam can also OHKO Blissey V.

Other

Ice Rider is a free matchup because of the Metal-type Wormadam. Inteleon toolbox decks are free because of Jolteon and trading single-Prize Pokemon. [card name=”Origin Forme Dialga VSTAR” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”114″ c=”name”][/card] is free because of Miltank. Even if they have a counter, they probably only have one, and it can be taken out with Wormadam.

Another List

[decklist name=”milk zoro” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Zoroark” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”103″][pokemon amt=”22″]3x [card name=”Zoroark” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”103″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Zorua” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”102″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Bibarel” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”121″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Bidoof” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”120″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Jolteon” set=”Vivid Voltage” no=”47″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Eevee” set=”Fusion Strike” no=”205″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]3x [card name=”Miltank” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”126″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Mightyena” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”96″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Poochyena” set=”Vivid Voltage” no=”103″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Yveltal” set=”Celebrations” no=”19″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Radiant Hawlucha” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”81″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Manaphy” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”41″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Eiscue” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”47″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”25″]3x [card name=”Boss’s Orders” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”154″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Marnie” set=”Champion’s Path” no=”56″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]4x [card name=”Professor’s Research” set=”Champion’s Path” no=”62″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”150″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Quick Ball” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”179″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Memory Capsule” set=”Vivid Voltage” no=”155″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Cape of Toughness” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”160″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Evolution Incense” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”163″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Ordinary Rod” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”171″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”13″]4x [card name=”Capture Energy” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”171″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Twin Energy” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”174″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Powerful Colorless Energy” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”176″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]1x [card name=”Water Energy” set=”XY” no=”134″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/energy][/decklist]Surprise! It’s another deck. This deck is similar to the previous one, but also different in a few key ways. This deck is slower and less aggressive, but more tailored to counter specific meta decks. I don’t know which version is better.

There is less reliance on Zoroark here, as there are fewer attackers that it can transform into. As a result, we play a copy each of Eevee and Poochyena. Poochyena creates a double-pronged threat against Mew and Inteleon, and you can attach something like a Capture Energy to it to create a threat, which is something that Zoroark can’t really take advantage of.

[cardimg name=”Yveltal” set=”Celebrations” no=”19″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

This deck is highly reliant on facing something that it is designed to counter, and as a result, is weaker against random stuff. However, these two decks still play quite similarly. The original version of this deck was made by my friend Andrew, and he played it first at the Full Grip event, but the list has gone through several revisions since that point.

[card name=”Yveltal” set=”Celebrations” no=”19″ c=”name”][/card] creates an additional threat against Mew; the other deck did not have it because it was focused more on aggression than disruption. Yveltal is great against Meloetta in the event that Miltank cannot KO it. [card name=”Eiscue” set=”Evolving Skies” no=”47″ c=”name”][/card] is another addition to the deck in order to deal with the Regi deck, which has a hard time finding Boss’s Orders. Some versions don’t even play Boss. If something happens to the Eiscue, [card name=”Ordinary Rod” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”171″ c=”name”][/card] gives it another chance. This deck can more easily take advantage of Ordinary Rod because it doesn’t play Wormadam, so there’s no direct anti-synergy. Finally, in accordance with the added reliance on Miltank and less overall aggression, we have [card name=”Cape of Toughness” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”160″ c=”name”][/card] and Boss’s Orders. Miltank is more of a win condition here, and it also has to take out potential counters by itself. This can be achieved with Boss and [card name=”Powerful Colorless Energy” set=”Darkness Ablaze” no=”176″ c=”name”][/card].

Matchups

Mew – Favorable

The Mew matchup is tricky but still favorable. Miltank is a lot more important here than you would expect. You also need to set up multiple Zorua and Poochyena on the Bench, as they will attempt to snipe them down with Boss’s Orders. If they attack into Miltank with Meloetta, you need to respond with another Miltank. Alternatively, you can use Yveltal to neuter the Meloetta. If they use Max Miracle, you can use Mightyena to take out the Mew VMAX. If they Boss around Miltank and Psychic Leap back into the deck, keep applying pressure with Miltank. If they try for an infinite Psychic Leap loop at the end of the game, manually power up Mightyena to counter it. Yveltal is also a bit of a trump card that can randomly come in and swing games if they are not properly playing around it.

Palkia – Favorable

Similarly to the other version of the deck, you want to establish a quick Jolteon and Miltank here. Zoroark can transform into Jolteon in case it gets KO’d. As for our counters to Inteleon, you should have Cape and Powerful Colorless Energy on Miltank to get a few relevant attacks off. Also relevant is Mightyena — it requires two Energy attachments, but its capability to OHKO Inteleon makes it well worth it.

Arceus – Depends

This matchup is similar to the other version. However, if they are packing a counter to Miltank such as [card name=”Hisuian Decidueye V” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”83″ c=”name”][/card], it’s much more difficult to deal with. You need to Boss and attack into that thing with Miltank as soon as possible, all the while preparing Mightyena to take it out with its 160-damage attack.

Regigigas – Slightly Favorable

This matchup is much better with this deck thanks to Eiscue. The entire matchup revolves around setting it up. Manaphy is also useful on the Bench, but if you can establish Eiscue, you win. If not, you lose. If they play Escape Rope plus Boss, or [card name=”Regieleki” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”51″ c=”name”][/card], they can also win with those cards, but the Regi deck has a difficult time finding Boss on demand, so you can usually set up Eiscue with a Water Energy and a [card name=”Twin Energy” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”174″ c=”name”][/card] and keep it around long enough to claim the win. Worth noting is that sometimes, you need to dig through a lot of cards to find the Water Energy, and you need to be careful not to deck out. Eiscue only does 70 damage, and they can use [card name=”Scoop Up Net” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”165″ c=”name”][/card] to heal Regigigas after it takes two attacks. They can buy themselves a lot of time, so try and conserve [card name=”Marnie” set=”Champion’s Path” no=”56″ c=”name”][/card] and cards to put back with it.

Blissey – Favorable

This is slightly more difficult with this deck than with the other version. Our Miltank does have Powerful Colorless Energy this time around, but we don’t have Wormadam. Depending on their board and our amount of Powerful Colorless Energy, we may be able to take out their Miltank with ours. If not, it’s up to Mightyena. Eiscue is a potential option for this matchup as well, but it gets foiled by [card name=”Crushing Hammer” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”159″ c=”name”][/card].

Other

We don’t have Wormadam for Ice Rider, but we still have Jolteon. Miltank gets buffs with Cape and Powerful Colorless Energy, and Mightyena can still OHKO Inteleon (for free if they have the VMAX in play). Ice Rider is an overall favorable matchup. Again, other Inteleon decks struggle against Jolteon, and Dialga folds to Miltank. It is very difficult for us to deal with something like [card name=”Aegislash V” set=”Vivid Voltage” no=”126″ c=”name”][/card], however.

Conclusion

These Zoroark decks are tricky to play, but they are extremely well positioned in the meta right now. We are still early in the Astral Radiance format, so it can be difficult to justify playing an anti-meta deck, but these decks are just so versatile. [card name=”Miltank” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”126″ c=”name”][/card] is an incredibly strong card, and building around it to counter its counters makes so much sense. If you like these grindy, slow, meticulous decks, definitely give them a shot! There’s a bit of a learning curve, and you do occasionally lose to the top-tier decks, but their matchups and consistency feel great.

Thanks for reading!

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