For enthusiasts of Dark-type decks in Pokémon TCG Pocket, options have historically been limited. Players have largely relied on combinations such as Weezing/Muk or Nidoqueen/Nidoking to build competitive strategies. However, the recent Space-Time Smackdown expansion has injected excitement into the scene with the introduction of two formidable Dark-type ex Pokémon: Darkrai ex and Weavile ex. This opens a new chapter for players eager to enhance their deck versatility.
This guide aims to help you craft a powerful Dark-type deck utilizing both Darkrai ex and Weavile ex, moving away from the control strategies that dominated the previous meta. Here’s our comprehensive Pokémon TCG Pocket Darkrai ex and Weavile ex deck guide and card list to assist you in exploring their capabilities.
Creating a Dark-type Deck with Darkrai ex and Weavile ex
The inclusion of Darkrai ex and Weavile ex offers a promising avenue for Dark-type decks to thrive in the existing competitive environment. These Pokémon primarily serve as attackers, with Darkrai ex also exhibiting the ability to inflict damage on Pokémon lurking on the Bench.
- 2x Darkrai ex
- 2x Weavile ex
- 2x Sneasel
- 2x Spiritomb
- 2x Cyrus
- 2x Rocky Helmet
- 2x Poke Ball
- 2x Professor’s Research
- 2x Pokémon Communication
- 1x Leaf
- 1x X Speed
Your primary goal at the outset should be to position Spiritomb in the Active Spot. This is crucial for setting up your strategy efficiently, which is why we have included multiple Poke Ball, Professor’s Research, and Pokémon Communication cards. These items facilitate quick access to the cards required to optimize your hand.
The combination of Poke Ball and Professor’s Research can enhance your draw power, allowing you to cycle through your deck effectively. Meanwhile, Pokémon Communication is particularly useful for fetching Spiritomb early in the game. Should luck favor you, this strategy could ensure Spiritomb remains active from the start. If necessary, you can temporarily place Sneasel in the Active Spot as well.
Next, work towards getting your Darkrai ex on the Bench as soon as possible. Attach an Energy card to your Active Pokémon, Spiritomb or Sneasel, and start attacking, while simultaneously building up Energy on Darkrai ex. Its Ability, Nightmare Aura, allows you to deal 20 damage to the opponent’s Active Pokémon each time you attach Energy from the Energy Zone to it. This creates a synergistic setup where both Spiritomb and Darkrai ex continually chip away at your opponent’s Pokémon.
Once Darkrai ex has gathered sufficient Energy, it can unleash its primary attack — Dark Prism — for 80 damage. If your Active Pokémon happens to be Weavile ex, you can focus on powering up a second Darkrai ex while attacking with Weavile ex. Given that Darkrai ex and Spiritomb will likely have already damaged the opponent’s Active Pokémon, Weavile ex’s Scratching Nails attack can deal an impressive 70 damage.
To further enhance the annoyances faced by your opponents, integrating two Rocky Helmet Tool cards is highly effective. Essentially, when attached, these Tools deal 20 damage to any attacker that targets the Pokémon they are affixed to. This creates an additional layer of deterrence against attacks, mirroring the Rough Skin Ability of the fierce Druddigon. Be mindful, however, not to attach Rocky Helmet to Weavile ex, as it requires some damage to maximize its attack potential.
Additionally, we’ve included the Cyrus Supporter card as a strategic option to replace Sabrina. While Sabrina offers opponents a choice in selecting their Active Pokémon, Cyrus compels them to bring forth a Benched Pokémon that has sustained damage. This can leave opponents in a tight spot, particularly if they’ve already brought a highly damaged attacker to the bench.
For instance, if Spiritomb has already inflicted damage on your opponent’s Basic Pokémon while you set up Darkrai ex or Weavile ex, you can utilize X Speed to switch in one of your major attackers while forcing your opponent to bring a damaged Pokémon into the Active Spot using Cyrus. It’s an effective strategy for maintaining offensive pressure.
For further insights on Pokémon TCG Pocket, check out our guides on the best decks, as well as a comprehensive rundown of all available Secret Missions within the game.
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