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In the ever-shifting world ofPokemon TCG, rotation is like spring cleaning—some decks come out sparkling, others lose half their furniture. While new cards might swoop in and save the day, it’s also tragic when beloved synergetic cards vanish into the Standard-format void. But don’t toss your whole deck in despair just yet!
With a bit of tweaking, many strategies can still thrive. Take Dragapult ex, for example: even after losing some key cards, this sneaky phantom is still floating strong. In this guide, we’ll break down what’s changed, which cards to consider, and how to keep this deck haunting your opponents.
Dragapult ex Decklist
The table below displays the full list of 60 cards included in this deck, along with their respective card numbers.
3
071/131
072/131
Dragapult ex
073/131
035/131
2
036/131
Fezandipiti ex
1
038/064
025/091
072/182
033/193
076/091
153/167
172/191
142/167
191/198
160/182
061/064
101/131
181/198
106/131
188/193
182/191
175/198
105/131
172/193
167/182
100/131
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This deck does not contain any Pokemon Tools; however, if you wish, you may remove a few cards to add in some Tools that you find appropriate.
If you’re looking to swap out a few cards, here are some alternatives you may consider:
What Changed In The Deck Post-Rotation?
Like many decks after the post-rotation period in Pokemon TCG, the Dragapult ex deck has seen some notable changes. While it has lost several key cards, it still manages to function well.One of the more significant losses was Lance,but fortunately, this gap can be filled with other Supporter cards.
Another card that was highly synergistic with Dragapult ex was Radiant Alakazam—unfortunately, it also had to be cut from the post-rotation list. Rotom V, which previously made drawing cards easier, is another card no longer usable in the post-rotation format. Manaphy, with its ability to protect benched Pokémon, was also a valuable piece of the puzzle that’s now gone.
These losses might sound daunting, but the deck still holds up with other cards that create a sense of harmony.Lumineon V, once commonly paired with Dragapult ex, is another card that’s now rotated out.
In terms of the Journey Together set, there aren’t many cards that pair directly with this deck. However, by swapping out a few cards, you might createnew synergy using options like Lillie’s Ribombee or Salamence ex.That said, even without them, this deck remains far from weak.
Dragapult ex Deck Strategy
Pokemon Cards
The star of the deck is, of course, Dragapult ex itself. Multiple copies of Dragapult ex are included in this list, and since it’s a Tera Pokemon,the ones on your bench will not take damage from opponent attacksthat target benched Pokemon. The deck’s overall strategy is not to knock out your opponent’s active Pokemon but towin by dealing with their bench.
If your opponent doesn’t have bench-sniping Pokemon, you may even want toleave your Drakloaks unevolvedto take advantage of their Recon Directive ability. If bench attacks become a threat, then evolving into Dragapult ex and using its Tera trait to avoid damage is the better call.
Another key Pokemon in this deck is Dusknoir. The idea is to use Dusknoir’s Cursed Blast ability todeal a clean 130 damage before it gets knocked out.Ideally, you’ll use this on a benched Pokemon that have already taken some damage from Dragapult ex’s Phantom Body, setting up easy knockouts.
If your Duskulls get knocked out, their ‘Come and Get You’ attack will help retrieve them from the discard pile—but be warned, in later turns, your opponent may not let that happen easily.
Xatu is another supportive Pokemon in this deck, allowing you to draw two cards every time you attach a Psychic Energy to any of your Pokemon. Setting up your Xatus before you start attaching energy is key to keeping your hand full.
Fezandipiti ex is another functional addition; if one of your Pokemon gets Knocked Out during your opponent’s turn, its ability lets you draw three cards—keeping your hand fresh and your strategy alive.
Oricorio doesn’t bring an overwhelming effect but is still helpful in the early game for healing your many Evolution Pokemon. However, its usefulness tends to wane as the match drags on.
Stadium Cards
The deck includes two Stadium cards: Artazon and Jamming Tower. Artazon is great for early setup, but ideally,you’ll want to get Jamming Tower out first.Since this deck doesn’t use any Tool cards, preventing your opponent from using theirs gives you a serious edge. Prioritize Jamming Tower, but if you can’t draw into it early, Artazon will still get the job done.
Item Cards
Dragon Elixir isessential for keeping Dragapult ex alive,especially in the early and mid-game turns. Accompanying Flute is another valuable tool, as it allows you toflood your opponent’s bench with low-HP Basic Pokemon—perfect targets for Dragapult ex and Dusknoir to clean up, helping you claim prize cards quickly.
Rare Candy is crucial for speeding things up, particularly for evolving Dusknoir and Dragapult ex. However, keep in mind that sometimes it’s better not to evolve Dreepy into Dragapult right away, since Drakloak offers great draw support. That’s why you might want to prioritize using Rare Candy on Duskull instead.
Counter Catcher is situational but strategic. You can intentionally fall behind in prize cards by letting your Dusknoirs get knocked out. This opens up the chance to bring out your opponent’s strongest benched Pokemon andknock them out before they become a threat.
Night Stretcher is especially valuable for retrieving discarded Pokemon and Energy cards. With limited energy in the deck (most of it reserved for Dragapult ex),keeping track of your discard pile is crucial.This card helps you recover essential cards and maintain deck synergy.
Buddy-Buddy Poffin is key for quick setup, allowing you tosearch out support Pokemon like Natu, Duskull, or Dreepydirectly to your bench. Nest Ball also comes in handy, especially for fetching Fezandipiti ex.
Earthen Vessel helps youfind energy quickly and prepare Dragapult ex for attacking.Super Rod is excellent for recovering resources from both the discard pile, keeping your game plan alive even after early losses.
Megaton Blower, meanwhile,gives you the chance to discard the opponent’s Toolcards if you haven’t yet drawn Jamming Tower. Sinceit can also remove Stadium cards, this helps you buy time and keep the upper hand until your key Stadium comes into play.
Supporter Cards
Lance might be gone, but Jacq takes his place as themain evolution searcher in this deck.Jacq makes it easy to find both Dragapult ex and Dusknoir. Crispin supports energy acceleration by fetching both a Psychic and Fire Energy from the deck.
Boss’s Orders remains one of the most disruptive cards, allowing you to target your opponent’s setup Pokemon before they become a problem. Mela, while not always usable, shines when one of your Pokemon is knocked out during the opponent’s turn—letting you retrieve a Fire Energy from the discard and draw until you have six cards in hand.
Briar is another situational but powerful card. you’re able to only play itwhen your opponent has exactly two Prize cards left,and if your Tera Pokemon Knocks Out their Active Pokémon that turn, you take one extra Prize card—which might just be the final push you need to win.
