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Pokemon TCG Pocket (PTCGP)

Best Darkrai ex Decks and Card List

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Pokemon TGC Pocket - Darkrai ex Best Deck Build and How to Play

This guide will show you how to build some of the strongest Darkrai ex Decks. We'll cover the best Darkrai ex Deck builds, how to use them, as well how to beat Darkrai ex Decks, and more!

Best Darkrai ex Decks

Darkrai ex Deck Variants Strengths and Weaknesses
Mega Absol ex and Pom-Pom Oricorio Deck Icon Mega Absol ex and Pom-Pom Oricorio Deck
[★ Best ★]
Strengths:
• Inexpensive Attack in Darkness Claw, which can 2HKO most ex Pokemon.
• Darkness Claw can be disruptive if it can discard a Supporter card from your opponent's hand.
• Pom-Pom Oricorio is immune to any attacks from ex Pokemon thanks to its Ability.
Weaknesses:
• Mega Absol ex has low HP compared to other Mega ex Pokemon.
Mega Absol ex and Weezing Deck Icon Mega Absol ex and Weezing Deck
[★ New ★]
Strengths:
• Mega Absol ex has an inexpensive Attack in Darkness Claw, which can 2HKO most ex Pokemon.
• Nihilego is able to increase Weezing's effectiveness with its Ability, More Poison.
Weaknesses:
• Mega Absol ex has low HP compared to other Mega ex Pokemon.
Dragalge ex and Nihilego ex Deck Icon Dragalge ex and Nihilego Deck
[★ New ★]
Strengths:
• Dragalge ex can Poison the opponent's Pokemon with its Ability.
• Nihilego can increase the Poison damage accumulated by the opponent.
• Darkrai ex's Ability can further increase the damage taken by the opponent's Active Pokemon.
Weaknesses:
• The Pokemon on the team have low-damage moves.
Giratina ex and Darkrai ex Deck Icon Giratina ex and Darkrai ex Deck Strengths:
• Rewards passive turns with Energy acceleration.
• Can be partnered with Darkrai ex for passive damage on the Defending Pokemon using Nightmare Aura.
Weaknesses:
• Can get punished for loading up on Energy by Pokemon like Gallade ex.
• Chaotic Impact also damages Giratina ex, making it easier to KO.
Umbreon ex and Greninja Icon Umbreon ex and Greninja
[★ Best ★]
Strengths:
• Umbreon ex's Dark Chase Ability allows you to gust up an opponent's Benched Pokemon without the use of Cyrus.
• Water Energy is run in the deck to allow Greninja to attack, which is useful for matchups against Pom-Pom Oricorio.
• Sylveon ex's Ability increases the deck's consistency in finding necessary evolution cards and Trainer cards.
Weaknesses:
• Umbreon ex does not deal much damage by itself.

Mega Absol ex and Pom-Pom Oricorio

Darkrai ex ×1 Oricorio ×2 Pichu ×2 Mega Absol ex ×2
Leaf ×1 Giant Cape ×2 Cyrus ×2 Pokemon Center Lady ×2
Poke Ball ×2 Red Card ×2 Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

Mega Absol ex is played with Pom-Pom Oricorio in this deck that aims to control and limit its opponent's options.

Pichu is used to quickly set up Pom-Pom Oricorio, while Mega Absol goes the offensive and discards your opponent's Supporters.

Giant Cape and Pokemon Center Lady are in the deck to ensure that Mega Absol ex is healthy for as long as possible, as having it get KOd would immediately make you lose the match.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) No cards needed from this expansion.
Mythical Island (A1a) Leaf x 1 (Mew Pack)
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Darkrai ex x 1 (Dialga Pack)
Giant Cape x 2 (Dialga Pack)
Cyrus x 2 (Palkia Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) Pokemon Center Lady x 2 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Celestial Guardians Oricorio x 2 (Solgaleo Pack)
Extradimensional Crisis No cards needed from this expansion.
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea Pichu x 2 (Lugia Pack)
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising Mega Absol ex x 2 (Mega Gyarados Pack)
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Red Card x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)

Mega Absol ex and Weezing

Koffing ×2 Weezing ×2 Darkrai ex ×1 Nihilego ×2
Mega Absol ex ×1 Sabrina ×1 Cyrus ×2 Poison Barb ×2
Copycat ×2 X Speed ×1 Poke Ball ×2 Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

This deck allows you to inflict Poison on your opponent in order to make up for Mega Absol ex's relatively low damage output. You can attach Poison Barb to your Pokemon in the Active Spot, then have Nihilego on your Bench to increase the Poison damage every turn.

Weezing's Gas Leak can inflict Poison when Weezing is in the Active Spot, which works well with Nihilego's More Poison Ability.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) Koffing x 2 (Mewtwo Pack)
Weezing x 2 (Mewtwo Pack)
Sabrina x 1 (Charizard Pack)
Mythical Island (A1a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Darkrai ex x 1 (Dialga Pack)
Cyrus x 2 (Palkia Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) No cards needed from this expansion.
Celestial Guardians Poison Barb x 2 (Lunala Pack)
Extradimensional Crisis Nihilego x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea No cards needed from this expansion.
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising Mega Absol ex x 1 (Mega Gyarados Pack)
Copycat x 2 (Mega Gyarados Pack)
Promo-A X Speed x 1 (Promo-A Pack)
Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)

Dragalge ex and Nihilego Deck

Darkrai ex ×1 Nihilego ×2 Skrelp ×2 Dragalge ex ×2
Sabrina ×1 Rocky Helmet ×2 Cyrus ×1 Mars ×1
Pokemon Center Lady ×2 Red ×1 May ×1 Poke Ball ×2
Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

Poison your opponent using either Dragalge ex or Nihilego. For the most part, you'll want to have Dragalge ex in your Active Spot, while Nihilego and Darkrai ex stay on the Bench.

Nihilego automatically boosts the Poison damage the opponent takes through its More Poison Ability, and Darkrai ex can deal an additional 20 damage to the opponent's Active Pokemon if you attach Energy onto it even while it's on the Bench.

Dragalge ex benefits more from being in the Active Spot, so that it can make use of its Poison Point Ability. Attach a Rocky Helmet to it to further punish your opponent when attacking Dragalge ex.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) Sabrina x 1 (Charizard Pack)
Mythical Island (A1a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Darkrai ex x 1 (Dialga Pack)
Rocky Helmet x 2 (Palkia Pack)
Cyrus x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Mars x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) Pokemon Center Lady x 2 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Red x 1 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Celestial Guardians No cards needed from this expansion.
Extradimensional Crisis Nihilego x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea No cards needed from this expansion.
Secluded Springs Skrelp x 2 (Suicune Pack)
Mega Rising Dragalge ex x 2 (Mega Blaziken Pack)
May x 1 (Mega Blaziken Pack)
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)

Alternate Card Suggestions

Alternate Cards Possible Cuts

Red Card
(P-A 006)

・Red Card can help prevent opposing Pokemon from evolving and healing their Poison status.
・It is recommended to keep at least one Pokemon Center Lady card, so that Dragalge ex can recover.

Giratina ex and Darkrai ex Deck

Darkrai ex ×2 Giratina ex ×2 Sabrina ×1 Leaf ×1
Leaf ×1 Giant Cape ×2 Rocky Helmet ×2 Cyrus ×1
Mars ×1 Pokemon Center Lady ×2 Guzma ×1 Poke Ball ×2
Red Card ×1 Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

Darkrai ex pairs nicely with Giratina ex, being Pokemon who reward you simply by being on the field.

You can simply play out your turns by attaching Energy to Darkrai ex and ending your turn with Giratina ex's Broken-Space Bellow. Darkrai ex's Nightmare Aura can put opposing Pokemon into KO range for Giratina ex's Chaotic Impact.

Once Giratina ex or Darkrai ex are ready to attack, switch out your Active Pokemon with Leaf. Use Red to reach important HP benchmarks when Darkrai ex's incremental damage isn't enough.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) Sabrina x 1 (Charizard Pack)
Mythical Island (A1a) Leaf x 1 (Mew Pack)
Leaf x 1 (Mew Pack)
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Darkrai ex x 2 (Dialga Pack)
Giant Cape x 2 (Dialga Pack)
Rocky Helmet x 2 (Palkia Pack)
Cyrus x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Mars x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) Giratina ex x 2 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Pokemon Center Lady x 2 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Celestial Guardians Guzma x 1 (Lunala Pack)
Extradimensional Crisis No cards needed from this expansion.
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea No cards needed from this expansion.
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Red Card x 1 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)

Umbreon ex and Greninja Deck

Froakie ×2 Greninja ×2 Darkrai ex ×2 Umbreon ex ×2
Eevee ×2 Giant Cape ×1 Rare Candy ×2 Lyra ×2
Poke Ball ×2 Red Card ×1 Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

Umbreon ex's Dark Chase is made even more effective when played with Greninja's Water Shuriken.

These two Pokemon allow you to have precision in the damage and KOs that you take. While you may not always have the highest damage output, this deck's strength is in its ability to target and gust any Pokemon.

Consider loading up Umbreon ex first with Energy, instead of Darkrai ex because Umbreon ex will be able to attack for 80 sooner.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) Froakie x 2 (Charizard Pack)
Greninja x 2 (Charizard Pack)
Mythical Island (A1a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Darkrai ex x 2 (Dialga Pack)
Giant Cape x 1 (Dialga Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) No cards needed from this expansion.
Celestial Guardians Rare Candy x 2 (Any Pack)
Extradimensional Crisis No cards needed from this expansion.
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea Umbreon ex x 2 (Ho-Oh Pack)
Eevee x 2 (Any Pack)
Lyra x 2 (Lugia Pack)
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Red Card x 1 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)

Alternate Card Suggestions

Alternate Cards Possible Cuts

Eevee
(A3b 055)

• You can use Eevee Grove's Eevee to give you the option to draw a card instead of a guaranteed Pokemon search. This is useful for finding important Trainer Cards like Supporters or Rare Candy.

Other Darkrai ex Decks

Other Darkrai ex Decks
Darkrai ex and Weezing Icon Darkrai ex and Weezing Weavile ex and Weezing Deck Icon Weavile ex and Weezing Darkrai ex and Greninja Deck Icon Darkrai ex and Greninja
Umbreon and Giratina ex Deck Icon Umbreon and Giratina ex Deck Weavile ex and Darkrai ex Deck Icon Weavile ex and Darkrai ex [Darkrai ex and Magnezone Deck Icon Darkrai ex and Magnezone Deck
Tyranitar and Giratina ex Deck Icon Tyranitar and Giratina ex Deck [Arceus ex and Darkrai ex Icon Arceus ex and Darkrai ex [Arceus ex and Darkrai ex Icon Umbreon ex and Giratina ex
Zoroark and Darkrai ex Deck Icon Zoroark and Darkrai ex Deck - -

Darkrai ex and Weezing Deck

Weezing ×2 Koffing ×2 Spiritomb ×1 Darkrai ex ×2
Koga ×2 Leaf ×2 Giant Cape ×2 Cyrus ×2
Potion ×1 Poke Ball ×2 Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

This Darkrai ex build aims to start with Koffing and Weezing to pile on damage, and set up KOs for Darkrai ex later. It has access to a Weezing and Koga package, enabling you to deal incremental damage with Gas Leak's poison.

Poison damage + Darkrai ex's Nightmare Aura + Darkrai ex's Dark Prism Attack makes for a total of 110 damage, which is enough to KO most Pokemon if they have already taken damage in the previous turns.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) Weezing x 2 (Mewtwo Pack)
Koga x 2 (Mewtwo Pack)
Mythical Island (A1a) Koffing x 2 (Mew Pack)
Leaf x 2 (Mew Pack)
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Spiritomb x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Darkrai ex x 2 (Dialga Pack)
Giant Cape x 2 (Dialga Pack)
Cyrus x 2 (Palkia Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) No cards needed from this expansion.
Celestial Guardians No cards needed from this expansion.
Extradimensional Crisis No cards needed from this expansion.
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea No cards needed from this expansion.
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A Potion x 1 (Promo-A Pack)
Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)

Alternate Card Suggestions

Alternate Cards Possible Cuts

Potion
(P-A 001)

• You can cut Spiritomb for an additional copy of Potion to increase your Pokemon's survivability.

Weavile ex and Weezing Deck

Koffing ×2 Weezing ×2 Sneasel ×2 Weavile ex ×2
Darkrai ex ×1 Koga ×1 Sabrina ×1 Leaf ×2
Giant Cape ×2 Dawn ×1 Poke Ball ×2 Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

Weavile ex and Weezing leans less on Darkrai ex, and more into Weezing and Weavile ex working in tandem.

Use Weezing to deal incremental damage using its Gas Leak Ability, and either switch out with Leaf or scoop Weezing up with Koga, into Weavile ex's Scratching Nails for 70. This one-two combo works a lot similarly to Scolipede and Weezing ex, but quicker and more consistent but for less damage.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) Koffing x 2 (Mewtwo Pack)
Weezing x 2 (Mewtwo Pack)
Koga x 1 (Mewtwo Pack)
Sabrina x 1 (Charizard Pack)
Mythical Island (A1a) Leaf x 2 (Mew Pack)
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Sneasel x 2 (Palkia Pack)
Weavile ex x 2 (Palkia Pack)
Darkrai ex x 1 (Dialga Pack)
Giant Cape x 2 (Dialga Pack)
Dawn x 1 (Dialga Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) No cards needed from this expansion.
Celestial Guardians No cards needed from this expansion.
Extradimensional Crisis No cards needed from this expansion.
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea No cards needed from this expansion.
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)

Alternate Card Suggestions

Alternate Cards Possible Cuts

Koga
(A1 222)

• You can cut Leaf for a second copy of Koga to increase the consistency of scooping up your Weezing and denying your opponents points.

Darkrai ex and Greninja Deck

Froakie ×2 Frogadier ×2 Greninja ×2 Druddigon ×2
Darkrai ex ×2 Leaf ×2 Pokemon Communication ×1 Giant Cape ×1
Cyrus ×2 Poke Ball ×2 Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

Darkrai ex is also a great partner for Greninja. Druddigon can stall until Greninja is set up, with Darkrai ex dealing passive damage with Nightmare Aura. Greninja also naturally synergizes with Cyrus, allowing you to gust up anything it can snipe.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) Froakie x 2 (Charizard Pack)
Frogadier x 2 (Charizard Pack)
Greninja x 2 (Charizard Pack)
Mythical Island (A1a) Druddigon x 2 (Mew Pack)
Leaf x 2 (Mew Pack)
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Darkrai ex x 2 (Dialga Pack)
Pokemon Communication x 1 (Dialga Pack)
Giant Cape x 1 (Dialga Pack)
Cyrus x 2 (Palkia Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) No cards needed from this expansion.
Celestial Guardians No cards needed from this expansion.
Extradimensional Crisis No cards needed from this expansion.
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea No cards needed from this expansion.
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)

Alternate Card Suggestions

Alternate Cards Possible Cuts

Rocky Helmet
(A2 148)

• A second copy of Rocky Helmet can help put even more damage on the field, putting your opponent's Pokemon even closer to KO range for Darkrai.
• Rocky Helmet is even more effective when attached to Druddigon because its damage can stack with Rough Skin.

Umbreon and Giratina ex

Darkrai ex ×2 Giratina ex ×2 Umbreon ×2 Eevee ×2
Sabrina ×1 Giant Cape ×2 Cyrus ×1 Mars ×1
Pokemon Center Lady ×1 Red ×1 Poke Ball ×2 Red Card ×1
Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

Umbreon effectively walls Basic Pokemon at the cost of only one Energy. This allows you to set up a Giratina ex on your Bench, or repeatedly attach Energy to Darkrai ex for incremental damage.

Giratina ex is used as a finisher. It can also be used to counter evolved Pokemon that Umbreon cannot deal with.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) Sabrina x 1 (Charizard Pack)
Mythical Island (A1a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Darkrai ex x 2 (Dialga Pack)
Giant Cape x 2 (Dialga Pack)
Cyrus x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Mars x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) Giratina ex x 2 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Pokemon Center Lady x 1 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Red x 1 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Celestial Guardians No cards needed from this expansion.
Extradimensional Crisis No cards needed from this expansion.
Eevee Grove Umbreon x 2 (Eevee Pack)
Eevee x 2 (Eevee Pack)
Wisdom of Sky and Sea No cards needed from this expansion.
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Red Card x 1 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)

Weavile ex and Darkrai ex Deck

Sneasel ×2 Weavile ex ×2 Darkrai ex ×2 Sabrina ×1
Leaf ×2 Giant Cape ×2 Cyrus ×2 Dawn ×2
Red ×1 Poke Ball ×2 Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

This Darkrai ex variation has access to a devastating 90 damage play with Dawn.

Attach an Energy to a benched Darkrai ex, triggering Nightmare Aura dealing 20 to your opponent's Active Pokemon, then use Dawn to transfer it to your Active Weavile ex, and attack with Scratching Nails for 70. This deck can achieve this combo fairly easily.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) Sabrina x 1 (Charizard Pack)
Mythical Island (A1a) Leaf x 2 (Mew Pack)
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Sneasel x 2 (Palkia Pack)
Weavile ex x 2 (Palkia Pack)
Darkrai ex x 2 (Dialga Pack)
Giant Cape x 2 (Dialga Pack)
Cyrus x 2 (Palkia Pack)
Dawn x 2 (Dialga Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) Red x 1 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Celestial Guardians No cards needed from this expansion.
Extradimensional Crisis No cards needed from this expansion.
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea No cards needed from this expansion.
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)

Alternate Card Suggestions

Alternate Cards Possible Cuts

Rocky Helmet
(A2 148)

• Cutting Giant Cape for Rocky Helmet can help put more damage on the board, which helps with Weavile ex's Scratching Claws' damage condition.

Darkrai ex and Magnezone Deck

Magneton ×2 Druddigon ×2 Magnemite ×2 Magnezone ×2
Darkrai ex ×2 Sabrina ×1 Leaf ×2 Pokemon Communication ×1
Giant Cape ×1 Cyrus ×1 Poke Ball ×2 Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

Darkrai ex and Magnezone has positive matchups against most top decks, including Palkia ex decks, and other Darkrai ex decks.

Druddigon is the best early-game stall Pokemon, which is perfect for Darkrai ex and Magnezone which are rewarding payoffs for the late-game. Druddigon's Rough Skin + an Energy attachment to Darkrai ex will result in 40 damage per turn, all while Magneton charges in the Bench with Volt Charge.

The deck uses Space-Time Smackdown Magnemite over Genetic Apex Magnemite because of its Attack's Colorless Attack Cost, which it can use for Darkness Energy.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) Magneton x 2 (Pikachu Pack)
Sabrina x 1 (Charizard Pack)
Mythical Island (A1a) Druddigon x 2 (Mew Pack)
Leaf x 2 (Mew Pack)
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Magnemite x 2 (Any Pack)
Magnezone x 2 (Any Pack)
Darkrai ex x 2 (Dialga Pack)
Pokemon Communication x 1 (Dialga Pack)
Giant Cape x 1 (Dialga Pack)
Cyrus x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) No cards needed from this expansion.
Celestial Guardians No cards needed from this expansion.
Extradimensional Crisis No cards needed from this expansion.
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea No cards needed from this expansion.
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)

Tyranitar and Darkrai ex Deck

Darkrai ex ×2 Giratina ex ×1 Larvitar ×2 Pupitar ×1
Tyranitar ×2 Sabrina ×1 Red ×1 Rare Candy ×2
Guzma ×1 Dark Pendant ×2 Lyra ×1 Poke Ball ×2
Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

The Giratina ex and Darkrai ex core with a 2-1-2 Tyranitar line gives the deck a single-point alternative to Giratina ex who can also deal 130 damage.

Tyranitar can also deal with the likes of Pom-Pom Oricorio which the pair of Giratina ex and Darkrai ex struggle against. Larvitar and Pupitar can both help in Pom-Pom Oricorio matches as well.

Once you have enough Darkness Energy on your Pokemon, evolve Pupitar into Tyranitar, which can use its Energy Plunder Ability to take all the Darkness Energy on your board and swing for 130 with Buster Tail.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) Sabrina x 1 (Charizard Pack)
Mythical Island (A1a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Darkrai ex x 2 (Dialga Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) Giratina ex x 1 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Red x 1 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Celestial Guardians Rare Candy x 2 (Any Pack)
Guzma x 1 (Lunala Pack)
Extradimensional Crisis No cards needed from this expansion.
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea Larvitar x 2 (Ho-Oh Pack)
Pupitar x 1 (Ho-Oh Pack)
Tyranitar x 2 (Ho-Oh Pack)
Dark Pendant x 2 (Ho-Oh Pack)
Lyra x 1 (Lugia Pack)
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)

Alternate Card Suggestions

Alternate Cards Possible Cuts

Rocky Helmet
(A2 148)

• Cutting Giant Cape for Rocky Helmet can help put more damage on the board, which helps with Weavile ex's Scratching Claws' damage condition.

Arceus ex and Darkrai ex

Darkrai ex ×2 Arceus ex ×2 Komala ×2 Magby ×1
Pichu ×2 Mantyke ×1 Leaf ×2 Giant Cape ×1
Mars ×1 Red ×2 Poke Ball ×2 Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

Mantyke, Pichu, and Magby can quickly set up an Arceus ex on the Bench thanks to their no-cost Attacks that accelerate Energy.

Darkrai ex can sit on the Bench and have Energy attached to it, dealing passive damage with its Nightmare Aura Ability.

Komala is in the deck as a way to damage Pom-Pom Oricorio.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) No cards needed from this expansion.
Mythical Island (A1a) Leaf x 2 (Mew Pack)
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Darkrai ex x 2 (Dialga Pack)
Giant Cape x 1 (Dialga Pack)
Mars x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) Arceus ex x 2 (Arceus Pack)
Shining Revelry (A2b) Red x 2 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Celestial Guardians Komala x 2 (Solgaleo Pack)
Extradimensional Crisis No cards needed from this expansion.
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea Magby x 1 (Ho-Oh Pack)
Pichu x 2 (Lugia Pack)
Secluded Springs Mantyke x 1 (Suicune Pack)
Mega Rising No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)

Umbreon ex and Giratina ex Deck

Darkrai ex ×2 Giratina ex ×2 Nihilego ×1 Umbreon ex ×2
Eevee ×2 Mars ×1 Red ×1 Poison Barb ×1
Lyra ×2 Silver ×1 Poke Ball ×2 Red Card ×1
Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

The Giratina ex and Darkrai ex core with a 2-2 Umbreon ex line gains the ability to target down any Pokemon on your opponent's bench if they have damage on them.

Lyra gives the deck added mobility, allowing you to switch out Pokemon as long as they have damage.

Silver can be disruptive, denying your opponents of a Supporter card for their turn.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) No cards needed from this expansion.
Mythical Island (A1a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Darkrai ex x 2 (Dialga Pack)
Mars x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) Giratina ex x 2 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Red x 1 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Celestial Guardians Poison Barb x 1 (Lunala Pack)
Extradimensional Crisis Nihilego x 1 (Buzzwole Pack)
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea Umbreon ex x 2 (Ho-Oh Pack)
Eevee x 2 (Any Pack)
Lyra x 2 (Lugia Pack)
Silver x 1 (Ho-Oh Pack)
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Red Card x 1 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)

Zoroark and Darkrai ex Deck

Darkrai ex ×2 Tyrogue ×2 Zorua ×2 Zoroark ×2
Sabrina ×1 Leaf ×2 Rocky Helmet ×2 Cyrus ×1
Mars ×1 Red ×1 Poke Ball ×2 Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

Tyrogue functions as this deck's early-game attacker, providing chip damage without needing any Energy. Rocky Helmet and Darkrai ex's Ability can provide additional damage, whittling down the opponent's HP even more.

Zoroark can be brought into the Active Spot once the opponent is in its KO range. It can nullify damage done to it after knocking a Pokemon out, which allows it to survive the next turn.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) Sabrina x 1 (Charizard Pack)
Mythical Island (A1a) Leaf x 2 (Mew Pack)
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Darkrai ex x 2 (Dialga Pack)
Rocky Helmet x 2 (Palkia Pack)
Cyrus x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Mars x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) Red x 1 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Celestial Guardians No cards needed from this expansion.
Extradimensional Crisis No cards needed from this expansion.
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea Tyrogue x 2 (Ho-Oh Pack)
Secluded Springs Zorua x 2 (Suicune Pack)
Zoroark x 2 (Suicune Pack)
Mega Rising No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)

Darkrai ex Deck Strategy Guide

Passive Damage with Druddigon and Darkrai ex

Druddigon at your forefront ensures that your opponent is always taking damage whenever they attack into it. Attach your Darkness Energies to Darkrai ex to do 20 to your opponent's Active with Nightmare Aura while you charge up your Magneton with Volt Charge.

Try to charge it up about twice or thrice before evolving into Magnezone to ensure that you will at least get two Thunder Blasts with it. Be sure to also bench another Pokemon so that your Magneton isn't susceptible to Sabrina plays as it's easily KOd because of its rather low 80 HP.

Late-Game Payoffs

Once set up, Magnezone can start firing off 110 damage Thunder Blasts. Nightmare Aura's incremental 20 damage helps it hit important HP benchmarks such as Celebi ex's 130 HP or Mewtwo ex and Dialga ex's 150 HP.

How to Beat Darkrai ex Decks

Attack Darkrai ex for Weakness

Grass-types can deal increased damage to Darkrai ex, with the most efficient Grass-type for this purpose being Exeggutor ex and its 1 Energy Tropical Swing. Druddigon helps immensely in this matchup, by forcing Exeggutor ex to attack into it and get into KO range for Darkrai ex or Magnezone afterwards.

Leafeon ex can also threaten KOs and damage on our Pokemon with its ability to set up fast.

Best Leafeon ex Decks and Card List

Superior Value or Tempo

Going second is always disadvantageous in Pokemon TCG Pocket. However some decks are able to break through its first turn restrictions, such as Misty decks.

A lucky Misty high roll can overwhelm a Darkrai ex deck before it's able to set anything up. It simply cannot withstand an Articuno ex hitting for 80 as early as turn 2, or a turn 1 Palkia ex Dimensional Storm.

Pokemon TCG Pocket Related Guides

Decks

Best Meta Decks Tier List

Mega Rising Decks

Mega Altaria ex Deck IconMega Altaria ex Indeedee ex Deck Icon Indeedee ex Greninja ex Deck IconGreninja ex Mega Blaziken ex Deck IconMega Blaziken ex
Mega Absol ex Deck IconMega Absol ex Mega Gyarados ex Deck IconMega Gyarados ex Hydreigon Deck IconHydreigon Jolteon ex Deck Icon Jolteon ex
Mega Ampharos ex Deck IconMega Ampharos ex Melmetal ex Deck IconMelmetal ex Luxray Deck Icon Luxray Goodra Deck IconGoodra
Mega Pinsir ex Deck IconMega Pinsir ex Hitmonchan ex Deck IconHitmonchan ex Dragalge ex Deck IconDragalge ex Whimsicott ex Deck Icon Whimsicott ex
Rapidash ex Deck IconRapidash ex Tauros ex Deck IconTauros ex Golurk Deck IconGolurk Mega Pidgeot ex Deck IconMega Pidgeot ex

Top Decks in the Meta

S Tier Tier
Mega Altaria ex and Chingling DeckMega Altaria ex and Chingling Deck Greninja ex and Suicune ex DeckGreninja ex and Suicune ex Deck Mega Absol ex and Hydreigon DeckMega Absol ex and Hydreigon Deck -
A+ Tier Tier
Mega Blaziken ex and Heatmor DeckMega Blaziken ex and Heatmor Deck Pom-Pom Oricorio and Magnezone DeckPom-Pom Oricorio and Magnezone Deck Decidueye ex DeckDecidueye ex Deck -
A Tier Tier
Mega Absol ex and Pom-Pom Oricorio DeckMega Absol ex and Pom-Pom Oricorio Deck Mega Absol ex and Weezing DeckMega Absol ex and Weezing Deck Hydreigon DeckHydreigon Deck Espeon ex and Indeedee ex DeckEspeon ex and Indeedee ex Deck
B Tier Tier
Mega Blaziken ex and Entei ex DeckMega Blaziken ex and Entei ex Deck Mega Gyarados ex and Milotic DeckMega Gyarados ex and Milotic Deck Indeedee ex and Giratina ex DeckIndeedee ex and Giratina ex Deck Luxray DeckLuxray Deck
Pom-Pom Oricorio and Greninja DeckPom-Pom Oricorio and Greninja Deck Giratina ex and Darkrai ex DeckGiratina ex and Darkrai ex Deck Guzzlord ex and Naganadel DeckGuzzlord ex and Naganadel Deck -
C Tier Tier
Mega Pinsir ex and Leafeon ex DeckMega Pinsir ex and Leafeon ex Deck Mega Ampharos ex and Raikou ex DeckMega Ampharos ex and Raikou ex Deck Hitmonchan ex and Lucario DeckHitmonchan ex and Lucario Deck Jolteon ex and Jolteon DeckJolteon ex and Jolteon Deck
Tapu Koko ex and Pom-Pom Oricorio DeckTapu Koko ex and Pom-Pom Oricorio Deck SR Pikachu ex and Pom-Pom Oricorio DeckSR Pikachu ex and Pom-Pom Oricorio Deck Crobat and Arceus ex DeckCrobat and Arceus ex Deck Goodra and Indeedee ex DeckGoodra and Indeedee ex Deck
D Tier Tier
Rapidash ex and Ninetales DeckRapidash ex and Ninetales Deck Tauros ex and Hydreigon DeckTauros ex and Hydreigon Deck Whimsicott ex and Meowscarada DeckWhimsicott ex and Meowscarada Deck Dragalge ex and Nihilego DeckDragalge ex and Nihilego Deck
Golurk DeckGolurk Deck Aegislash and Togedemaru DeckAegislash and Togedemaru Deck Mega Pidgeot ex and Raikou ex DeckMega Pidgeot ex and Raikou ex Deck -

List of All Decks

Core Expansion Decks
Mega Rising Logo
(B1)
Aegislash
Dragalge ex
Greninja ex
Golurk
Goodra
Hitmonchan ex
Hydreigon
Indeedee ex
Jolteon ex
Luxray
Mega Absol ex
Mega Altaria ex
Mega Ampharos ex
Mega Blaziken ex
Mega Gyarados ex
Mega Pidgeot ex
Mega Pinsir ex
Melmetal ex
Rapidash ex
Tauros ex
Whimsicott ex
Secluded Springs Logo
(A4a)
Altaria
Celebi
Dugtrio
Entei ex
Galarian Cursola
Jumpluff ex
Latios
Miltank
Poliwrath ex
Raikou ex
Slowking
SS Eelektross
Suicune ex
Zoroark
Wisdom of Sea and Sky Logo
(A4)
Crobat ex
Donphan ex
Espeon ex
Ho-oh ex
Kingdra ex
Lanturn ex
Lugia ex
Magcargo
Raikou
Scizor
Shuckle ex
Skarmory ex
Steelix
Umbreon ex
WSS Gyarados
WSS Tyranitar
Xatu
Eevee Grove Logo
(A3b)
Alcremie
Dragonite ex
Espeon
Flareon ex
Glaceon
Jolteon
Leafeon
Primarina ex
Slurpuff
Snorlax ex
Sylveon ex
Umbreon
Vaporeon
Extradimensional Crisis Logo
(A3a)
Alolan Dugtrio ex
Blacephalon
Buzzwole ex
Guzzlord ex
Lycanroc ex
Naganadel
Nihilego
Pheromosa
Shiinotic
Silvally
Stoutland
Tapu Koko ex
Ultra Necrozma ex
Celestial Guardians Logo
(A3)
Alolan Muk ex
Alolan Ninetales
Alolan Raichu ex
Araquanid
Banette
Crabominable ex
Decidueye ex
Dhelmise ex
Incineroar ex
Kommo-o
Lunala ex
Mimikyu
Passimian ex
Pom-Pom Oricorio
Rayquaza ex
Solgaleo ex
Tsareena
Turtonator
Vikavolt
Wishiwashi ex
Shining Revelry Logo
(A2b)
Beedrill ex
Bibarel ex
Dondozo
Gholdengo
Giratina ex
Lucario ex
Meowscarada
Paldean Clodsire ex
Pawmot
SR Charizard ex
SR Pikachu ex
Tinkaton ex
Wugtrio ex
Triumphant Light Logo
(A2a)
Abomasnow
Arceus ex
Bronzong
Carnivine
Crobat
Donphan
Garchomp ex
Gengar
Glaceon ex
Heatran
Houndoom
Leafeon ex
Origin Forme Palkia
Probopass ex
Snorlax
Staraptor
TL Tyranitar
Space-Time Smackdown Logo
(A2)
Bastiodon
Darkrai ex
Dialga ex
Empoleon
Gallade ex
Garchomp
Infernape ex
Lickilicky ex
Lucario
Luxray
Magnezone
Mesprit
Mismagius ex
Pachirisu ex
Palkia ex
Porygon-Z
Rampardos
Rhyperior
Togekiss
Torterra
Weavile ex
Yanmega ex
Mythical Island Logo
(A1a)
Aerodactyl ex
Celebi ex
Golem
Gyarados ex
Mew ex
Pidgeot ex
Scolipede
Genetic Apex Logo
(A1)
Aerodactyl
Alakazam
Arbok
Arcanine ex
Articuno
Articuno ex
Blastoise
Blastoise ex
Centiskorch
Charizard
Dragonite
Exeggutor ex
Frosmoth
GA Charizard ex
GA Gyarados
GA Pikachu ex
Gengar ex
Greninja
Kabutops
Kingler
Lapras ex
Machamp ex
Marowak ex
Melmetal
Mewtwo ex
Moltres ex
Ninetales
Omastar
Pidgeot
Poliwrath
Primeape
Raichu
Starmie ex
Venusaur
Venusaur ex
Weezing
Wigglytuff ex
Zapdos
Zapdos ex

Best Rental Deck Tier List

Deck-Building Guides and Lists

Lists of Decks by Type
Best F2P Beginner Decks Best Non-ex Decks
Which ex Starter Deck Should You Get? List of Rental Decks
Best 18 Trainers Decks Best Trainerless Decks for Solo Battle Missions
List of Meme or Troll Decks List of Ultra Beast Decks
Best Eeveelution Decks Best Baby Pokemon Decks
Deck-Building Guides
Deck Building Guide How Rental Decks Work
Staple Cards for Decks -
Deck Analyses
Deck Matchup Statistics 10 Match Tests vs Pikachu ex Deck - Statistics

Comment

2 Anonymous Anonymous 10 months

GA Magnemite requires Lightning energy, whereas STS requires Colorless.

1 Anonymous Anonymous 10 months

The Darkrai/Magnezone deck should use Genetic Apex Magnemite. It has the same stats but 10 extra damage. No reason to pick the spacetime version.

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