New Rotom EX and Zacian Cards Unveiled for Inferno X Expansion

The Inferno X expansion is quickly shaping up to be one of the most experimental waves in the Pokémon Trading Card Game’s Mega Evolution era. While some of the spotlight has fallen on powerhouse Mega Evolutions and flashy EX cards, two recently revealed additions, Rotom EX and Zacian, are bringing a different kind of intrigue. They may not dominate the Standard format outright, but both cards highlight clever design choices that could open the door for creative deck building and unexpected strategies.

Rotom EX

Rotom EX may not boast game-breaking numbers on its own, but its Multi Adapter ability has the potential to shake up how players think about Pokémon Tools.

Ability - Multi Adapter
Your Pokémon with "Rotom" in their name may have up to 2 Pokémon Tool cards attached to them. (If this Pokémon loses this Ability, discard Pokémon Tools from your Pokémon until only 1 remains.)

Thunderbolt - 130 Damage
Discard all Energy from this Pokémon.

On the surface, Rotom EX feels like a quirky side option, but its ability opens up layers of experimentation. Allowing Rotom to carry two Tool cards at once invites synergy with a range of quirky and powerful effects. For instance, equipping dual copies of Power Glass can turn Rotom into a surprising offensive threat, able to hit big numbers with very little setup. While it’s a multi-card combo, the payoff in rogue decks is exactly the kind of creativity many players love to explore.

What makes Rotom EX even more appealing is how it interacts with its non-EX counterparts. Cards like Mow Rotom, Heat Rotom, and Wash Rotom from Destined Rivals all scale their attacks based on the number of Tools in play. When paired with Rotom EX’s ability, the damage output for these single-Prize attackers becomes much more formidable. In this sense, Rotom EX doesn’t just stand alone, it enhances an entire archetype.

Another key note is the rise of Tools like Brave Bangle, which were designed to give single-Prize Pokémon a fighting chance against bulkier EX and Mega Evolution cards. By stacking these buffs with Multi Adapter, players may be able to close the gap against decks that typically dominate the meta. While Rotom EX may not become a mainstay in top-tier Standard lists, its role as a flexible, combo-friendly piece makes it a sleeper hit for creative deckbuilders.

Zacian: Modest Power with Niche Potential

On the other end of the reveal is Zacian, a card that carries far less flash but still has some situational value.

Attack - Limit Break: 50+ Damage
If your opponent has 3 or fewer Prize cards remaining, this attack does 90 more damage.

That condition means Zacian can swing for 140 damage with only two Energy, a respectable number on a single-Prize Pokémon. However, in today’s Standard format, where raw power and consistency reign supreme, Zacian struggles to find a permanent home. Competition from powerhouse attackers, especially its own EX and Mega Evolution forms, makes it difficult for this single-Prizer to carve out a spot.

That said, Zacian shines in more specialized formats, such as Gym Leader Challenge (GLC), where single-Prize Pokémon are the focus and value is measured differently. Its damage threshold and energy cost make it efficient, and its conditional power spike gives it clutch potential in close games.

Even within prerelease events, Zacian may prove a handy card. With limited pools and fewer high-damage attackers available, being able to hit 140 in the late game could easily swing a match in your favor. While it may not be destined for the top tables of major tournaments, Zacian embodies the design philosophy of giving players flexible, situational tools that can shine under the right conditions.

The Bigger Picture

Both Rotom EX and Zacian highlight how Inferno X is more than just about bombastic Mega Evolutions and headline-grabbing EX cards. Instead, these reveals show how smaller, more nuanced designs can foster variety in deck construction. For competitive veterans, Rotom EX is an open invitation to experiment with Tool-based engines, while Zacian provides a reminder that single-Prize attackers still have a role to play in specific formats.

As always, the true impact of these cards will depend on how the metagame evolves after release. With rotations looming and new mechanics being introduced, today’s rogue deck idea could become tomorrow’s tournament staple.

Inferno X launches in Japan on September 26, 2025, with international players gaining access through the upcoming Phantasmal Flames expansion on November 14, 2025.

For players and collectors who want to stay ahead of the curve, you can explore and secure cards, accessories, and more at OBSIDIA TCG, available through. Whether you’re chasing Inferno X highlights or building your next experimental deck, OBSIDIA TCG is a trusted hub for all your Pokémon TCG needs.