Darkrai Ex Meets Magnezone: The Unlikely Duo Dominating Pokemon TCG Pocket

by

Summary

  • The Space-Time Smackdown update features Gen 4 Pokemon like Darkrai Ex in a unique deck.
  • The most consistent deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket includes three Pokemon lines of different types and using different Energy types, like Darkrai Ex, Druddigon, and Magnezone.
  • The strategy is to use Druddigon as a wall while stacking Energy on both Darkrai Ex and Magnezone.

In just a few short months since its release towards the end of October 2024, the Pokemon TCG Pocket game has accumulated an impressive collection of over 400 unique cards (excluding secret rares and alternate art cards). Given that deck construction is limited to only 20 cards, winning combinations frequently involve using basic Pokémon or Pokémon Ex cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket. This is due to the fact that two instances of each Pokémon in a two-stage evolutionary line already occupy six out of the available 20 deck slots, so occasionally less can be more. The Space-Time Smackdown expansion has introduced a new top-tier deck within the game, and it’s surprisingly unconventional.

The latest update for the Pokemon TCG Pocket edition, titled Space-Time Smackdown, is primarily focusing on Generation 4 creatures and personalities. This includes the three Sinnoh starters, as well as characters such as Cynthia and Cyrus, along with other notable Pokemon and trainers from this era. Although not all Generation 4 pocket monsters have been included following the addition of new ones in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, popular favorites like Cresselia and Darkrai are now part of the set. Interestingly, Darkrai’s unique deck is constructed around its Ex version and two other Pokemon lines that do not even share its Dark type.

Why Pokemon TCG Pocket’s Best Deck Features Darkrai Ex and Magnezone

It might surprise you, but the top-performing and most reliable Pokemon TCG Pocket deck yet features three distinct Pokemon lines of three different types, employing four varying Energy types for their attacks. Initially, this setup may appear unconventional, but it’s not without reason. The following creatures are involved:

  • Magnemite, Genetic Apex
  • Magneton, Genetic Apex
  • Magnezone, Space-Time Smackdown
  • Druddigon, Mythical Island
  • Darkrai Ex, Space-Time Smackdown

For every card, there are two instances used, which accounts for half of the entire deck. The remaining portion consists of potent Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket cards, such as:

  • Professor’s Research
  • Sabrina
  • Cyrus
  • Leaf
  • Poke Ball
  • Pokemon Communication
  • Giant Cape

Typically, the evolution line of Magnemite relies on Electric Energy for its attacks, but in this deck, it solely depends on Dark Energy. This is due to Magneton possessing the Volt Charge ability, which allows it to acquire one Electric Energy card even if it’s not part of the main pool during each turn. The strategy here is to position Druddigon as a barrier in the active slot while players accumulate Dark Energy on their Darkrai Ex. This triggers Darkrai Ex’s Nightmare Aura ability, dealing 20 damage to the opponent’s active Pokemon. As soon as possible, Magnemite should evolve into Magneton and begin stacking Electric Energy cards. Once it has enough, it can evolve into Magnezone and use its strong attack at no additional cost.

How Pokemon TCG Pocket’s Darkrai and Magnezone Deck Wins

Some versions of the deck leverage Rocky Helmet to complement Pokemon TCG Pocket’s Druddigon, as its Rough Skin ability inflicts 20 damage on attacking Pokemon, which increases to 40 with Rocky Helmet. Druddigon, with 100 HP, functions well as a defensive barrier in the deck, even without the usual Fire and Water Energy typically needed for it to attack. The majority of the damage is dealt by Nightmare Aura, Darkrai Ex’s primary attack, followed by Magnezone’s 110-power attack. This combination is often referred to as the “Darkrai and Magnezone meta” within Pokemon TCG Pocket.

This deck is tough to defeat due to the strategic manipulation on the battlefield by Sabrina and Cyrus, the advantageous card draws from Professor’s Research, and the increased durability provided by Giant Cape. In the interim, the player can effortlessly deal damage to enemy creatures with Darkrai EX and strengthen their Magneton using Electric Energy before evolving it into Magnezone. This is a robust strategy, and energy acceleration has proven to be a crucial element in Pokemon TCG. It’s uncertain if this meta deck will dominate with new cards introduced in future Pokemon TCG Pocket expansions, but it’s probable that a similar strategy will emerge in its place.

Read More

2025-02-18 01:14