(For the deck’s competitive history before October 2024, please refer to the gallery.)

[Update 25 Mar 2025] Rotation has already severely harmed this deck’s status in Japan; it will do so internationally as well from 11 April. That’s because with rotation, this deck loses access to a whopping five cards: Rotom V from Lost Abyss [S11], Lumineon V from Star Birth [S9], Radiant Alakazam from Incandescent Arcana [S11a], and Forest Seal Stone and Lance, both from Paradigm Trigger [S12].

[Update 5 Mar 2025] A new deck variant which includes the Charizard ex card from Ruler of the Black Flame [SV3], a card better known as the headliner of the iconic Charizard ex deck, has started making the rounds among some players. That variant also often includes the Hero’s Cape card from Cyber Judge [SV5M].

In addition, there’s also been another Dragapult ex deck variant to recently arise; it includes the Maximum Belt card from Wild Force [SV5K].

[Update 14 Feb 2025] The addition of the Iron Thorns ex card from Crimson Haze [SV5a] has given rise to another tournament-viable variant of this deck. Much like the Dusknoir build, the Iron Thorns ex variant of the Dragapult ex deck slows the pace of the game down in order to grant the player ample time and opportunities to set up a board advantage.

[Update 12 Feb 2025] The Dragapult ex deck is once again on the ascent due to the impact of the ever-present Budew card from Terastal Festival ex [SV8a]. This is for several reasons. First off, Budew slows the tempo of the game; the Dragapult ex deck benefits from a slower game pace. Budew has also caused the decline of the Regidrago VSTAR deck—one of the Dragapult ex deck’s main counters. Recent tournament results attest to this fact: four Dragapult ex deck players finished in the top 16 at Champions League Osaka while five made the top 12 of the Mérida Regionals.

Additionally, while not necessarily the most common pick, a new variant which some Dragapult ex deck players have taken to includes Klefki from Violet ex [SV1V]. The inclusion of Klefki serves as counterplay against offensively-oriented decks played at a rapid pace such as the Klawf/Terapagos ex and Miraidon ex decks.

[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.

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.