[Update 11 Nov 2024] This deck has recently begun to fall off largely due to the relatively slow pace of its setup. Despite its consistency and high overall power level, the deck’s lack of speed often creates difficulties in the early game and has thus led to a general decline in its metagame status.

[Update 22 Oct 2024] A new variant of this deck has emerged following Ryuki Okada’s victory at the Dortmund Regionals. The new deck variant includes the Dusknoir card from Night Wanderer [SV6a] as well as the Tatsugiri card from Mask of Change [SV6]. These cards simplify the deck’s setup process while also adding a more reliable draw engine.

[Update 18 Sep 2024] This deck is once again on the rise due to the increasing prevalence of a new deck variant. The two standout cards in that variant are Crispin and Sparkling Crystal; both cards are from Stellar Miracle [SV7] and assist with Energy ramping.

[Update 31 Jul 2024] There’s now a genuine possibility that the Dragapult ex deck could be seen in decent numbers at Worlds after all. Several top players have reported success when trialing a new deck variant that includes the Pidgeot ex card from Ruler of the Black Flame [SV3].

[Update 17 Jul 2024] After a hot start, this deck’s place in the metagame has declined rapidly. Not only did not many players make use of it at the Pokémon North America International Championships (NAIC); the revival of the Charizard ex deck has put the Dragapult ex in an even tougher spot meta-wise. Thus, don’t expect the Dragapult ex deck to make a big impact at Worlds.

[Update 19 Jun 2024] A new variant of the Dragapult ex deck has begun to emerge. This variant includes the Neo Upper Energy card from Wild Force [SV5K]. The idea is to attach Neo Upper Energy to Dragapult ex because Dragapult ex is a Stage 2 Pokémon, thus allowing the card to supply the deck’s titular card with two of every Energy type at the same time and therefore immediately allowing it to attack with Phantom Dive.

The recent release of Mask of Change [SV6] brought with it countless new cards—and of these, arguably none have had a more significant impact on the Pokémon TCG than Dragapult ex. With a massive HP count, a devastating attack, and synergy with several key supporting pieces, it’s no wonder that the Dragapult ex deck rapidly established itself as a major player in the current meta; it’s likely to remain one of the meta’s staples for the foreseeable future.

The deck’s titular card needs just two Energy cards to use Phantom Dive, an attack which not only deals a massive 200 damage but also allows the player to arrange six more damage counters across the opponent’s Benched Pokémon in any way deemed suitable. Coupled with its gargantuan 320 HP, its lack of a weakness, and its retreat cost of just one, Dragapult ex is an absolute powerhouse which can easily be any deck’s centerpiece.

Likely taking inspiration from the Espathra ex/Xatu deck, the Dragapult ex deck utilizes the Xatu card from Terastal Starter Set Mewtwo ex [SVEM] as its primary support card. Its Ability of Clairvoyant Sense grants the player the opportunity to draw two cards after attaching a Psychic Energy card to a Benched Pokémon. Adding to this, the Rotom V card from Lost Abyss [S11] adds further card-drawing options by way of Instant Charge, its Ability that’s made it a mainstay of countless leading tournament decks including this one.

The total cost of all the cards in a Dragapult ex deck is 7,620 JPY (~US$50).

In other TCG-related news, check out the Iron Leaves ex card from Cyber Judge [SV5M]. 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.