[Update 4 Oct 2024] The emergence of a new deck variant has restored the Charizard ex deck to metagame relevance. This variant includes the Technical Machine: Evolution from Future Flash [SV4M] to accelerate the deck’s setup via earlier evolution as well as the Thorton card from Lost Abyss [S11] for flexibility and pivoting options.

[Update 13 Sep 2024] Despite a solid showing at Worlds, this deck is likely to significantly fall off once the new Pokémon TCG tournament season begins at the upcoming Baltimore Regionals. This is because the current metagame prioritizes decks which set up their primary attackers quickly—something that isn’t possible with this deck simply because Charizard ex is a Stage 2 card. Hence, time might very well be running out on this iconic deck’s stint at or near the top of the meta once and for all.

[Update 16 Jul 2024] As things have unfolded, it has turned out that this deck might be a major factor at Worlds after all. This is because many of the decks which are now peaking are those which have unfavorable matchups against the Charizard ex deck.

[Update 19 Jun 2024] After a long run at the top of the meta, this deck has finally fallen off—and to say it has come crashing down to earth would be a severe understatement. The Charizard ex deck has been almost nowhere in sight during the final stages of recent tournaments. It’s clearly been supplanted by decks which better fit the current meta and as such, is unlikely to feature much at the upcoming World Championships.

[Update 18 Apr 2024] Another variant of this deck has recently begun to emerge in tournament play. While still a relatively niche pick, some players have taken to adding the Regieleki card from the Time Gazer [S10D] expansion set.

This variant usually makes use of disruption cards played alongside Regieleki and as of now, is primarily played by North American and Australian players.

[Update 15 Apr 2024] Confirming its place as the single most dominant deck of the current meta, Shinya Kaneko won the Japan-exclusive Champions League Aichi tournament with this deck. Like Reklev, Kaneko used the Bibarel build which has now become the predominant variant of the Charizard ex deck.

As if that weren’t enough, three of the four semifinalists at Champions League Aichi used the Charizard ex deck. This deck is well on its way to going down as one of the greatest of all time.

[Update 8 Apr 2024] To further underscore this deck’s excellence, Norwegian player Tord Reklev just won the Pokémon Europe International Championships (EUIC) with it. Notably, Reklev deviated from the Delphox V build, instead opting to use a Bibarel card from Star Birth [S9] for additional support.

It should not come as any surprise that when the Terastallization mechanic was introduced to the Pokémon TCG, the Dark-type Tera form of Charizard proved to be far and away the most desired card of a Terastallized Pokémon. Not only is Charizard one of the most iconic Pokémon—its Dark-type Tera form had already been depicted in various other forms of Pokémon media; none of its other Tera forms had been given anything close to such a spotlight.

The deck’s main card lives up to the hype. Found in Shiny Treasure ex [SV4a], two Fire-type Energy cards are all that Charizard ex requires to use the devastating Burning Darkness attack. With a base damage of 180, this attack adds 30 more for every Prize Card the opponent has taken. It’s the perfect way to jumpstart a comeback or deal a crucial blow in a late-game situation.

This deck is built around a tandem of top-tier offensive threats; the second is the Delphox V card from Lost Abyss [S11]. This card is sure to keep opponents on their toes as its Magical Fire attack inflicts 120 damage on one opposing Benched Pokémon, allowing for easy pick-offs.

The cumulative cost of every card in a Charizard ex deck that uses the Dark-type Tera form of Charizard is a minimum of ¥4,000 (~US$27).

In other TCG-related news, check out the Genesect V card from Fusion Arts [S8]. Alternatively, you can also head over to the SNKRDUNK App via the banner below and find the top trending and latest single cards and boxes.