One of the things that makes Gym Leader Challenge so fun is that each type has its own unique qualities that you can formulate a strategy around. You really get into the characteristics of each type, which makes deck building and gameplay fun and rewarding. Gym Leader Challenge isn’t just about winning the most games, its about trying to win using your favorite type of Pokémon, and that openness is something that you simply cannot get in other formats right now. Metal type Pokémon are known for their defenses, and let me tell you, they do not disappoint in Gym Leader Challenge. What’s your opponent gonna do when they encounter a 180 HP Archaludon that can’t be damaged by Basic Pokémon? Cry. Whether you’ve been working on growing a beard since 2006 like Byron or fancy yourself as the Steel Clad Defense Girl, Jasmine, you’re in the right place!

Support Pokémon

Metal has everything it needs to be a top contender in Gym Leader Challenge, including a suite of amazing support Pokémon! Revavroom (Scarlet and Violet) is the life of most Metal decks thanks to its Rumbling Engine Ability, which fills the hand to 6 if an Energy is discarded from hand. Hello? Combo Department? This work’s flawlessly with Bronzong’s Metal Links Ability to accelerate those discarded Energy into play. Both Jirachi (Team Up) and Jirachi (Vivid Voltage) are great openers with their respective Abilities, but you can only choose one!

Attackers

Zamazenta is the best revenge attacker in all of Gym Leader Challenge. Even the mighty Wailord (Journey Together) can’t escape the wrath of a Muscle Band or Steely Spirit boosted Retaliate! The question for metal is, usually, who will you pair alongside Zamazenta? Iron Crown (Surging Sparks) is a popular choice to lead the charge, punishing opponents who set up their board with a quick Deleting Slash. Archaludon (Phantasmal Flames) leans into the defensive nature of Metal decks perfectly thanks to its Coated Attack, which deals 120 damage and prevents damage from Basic Pokémon the following turn.

Decklists

Arch Nemesis

Source: Andrew Mahone
FGG 2026 Season Metal Badge - 03/2026

  • Pokémon: 13

    1 Duraludon RCL 138

    1 Archaludon PFL 75

    1 Beldum SIT 117

    1 Metang TEF 114

    1 Bronzor OBF 144

    1 Bronzong PHF 61

    1 Varoom SFA 43

    1 Revavroom PAF 65

    1 Zamazenta CRZ 97

    1 Dialga MEG 95

    1 Iron Crown SSP 132

    1 Cobalion STS 74

    1 Jirachi TEU 99

    Trainer: 36

    1 Lillie's Determination ASC 192

    1 Iono PAF 80

    1 Marnie CPA 56

    1 Arven OBF 186

    1 Cynthia & Caitlin CEC 189

    1 Lusamine CIN 96

    1 Boss's Orders MEG 114

    1 Guzma BUS 115

    1 Professor's Research JTG 155

    1 Bird Keeper DAA 159

    1 Mallow & Lana CEC 198

    1 Hex Maniac AOR 75

    1 Teammates PRC 141

    1 Raihan CRZ 140

    1 Buddy-Buddy Poffin ASC 184

    1 Nest Ball SVI 181

    1 Ultra Ball SVI 196

    1 Quick Ball SSH 179

    1 Poké Pad POR 81

    1 Evolution Incense SSH 163

    1 Evosoda GEN 62

    1 Counter Catcher PAR 160

    1 Metal Saucer SSH 170

    1 Ordinary Rod SSH 171

    1 Super Rod PAL 188

    1 Night Stretcher ASC 196

    1 Field Blower GRI 125

    1 Earthen Vessel PRE 106

    1 VS Seeker PHF 109

    1 Hisuian Heavy Ball ASR 146

    1 Float Stone BKT 137

    1 Escape Board UPR 122

    1 Muscle Band XY 121

    1 Parallel City BKT 145

    1 Mt. Coronet UPR 130

    1 Lost City LOR 161

    Energy: 11

    10 Metal Energy SVE 8

    1 Counter Energy CIN 100

Looking for more ideas or feedback on your deck?

Head over to Tricky Gym Discord’s glc-decklists channel for threads on every archetype to discuss strategy, get suggestions, and browse decklists!
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