Dragapult ex — The New Tier S?
Hello to all PokeBeach readers! This is Gabriel Semedo back again with another Pokemon TCG article. This time, I’ll be discussing [card name=”Dragapult ex” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”200″ c=”name”][/card] and how it’s generating a lot of hype, especially with the arrival of the new Stellar Crown set.
[cardimg name=”Dragapult ex” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”200″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
Lately, every new Pokemon TCG collection has made a considerable impact on the metagame. Twilight Masquerade introduced [card name=”Teal Mask Ogerpon ex” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”211″ c=”name”][/card], along with the rise of [card name=”Raging Bolt ex ” set=”Temporal Forces” no=”208″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Regidrago VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card] decks. Temporal Forces brought us Raging Bolt, Future Box, and Ancient Box, while Paradox Rift introduced [card name=”Iron Hands ex” set=”Paradox Rift” no=”248″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Roaring Moon ex” set=”Paradox Rift” no=”251″ c=”name”][/card]. Obsidian Flames saw the rise of [card name=”Charizard ex” set=”Paldean Fates” no=”234″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Pidgeot ex” set=”Obsidian Flames” no=”225″ c=”name”][/card], but with each new set, the metagame has consistently reinvented itself. However, it seems that Stellar Crown may not follow that trend.
It’s still too early to determine the true impact of Stellar Crown, as it has only just been released, but many players worldwide have already been testing the new cards. From everything I’ve tried in Stellar Crown, Cinderace ex and Galvantula ex show good potential, but I still don’t feel confident enough to present them in an article. The decks that have caught my attention the most are [card name=”Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] / Terapagos ex and straight Terapagos, although they still seem slightly below top-tier decks like Charizard ex and Regidrago VSTAR.
While the new Pokemon haven’t yet stood out among players testing Stellar Crown, there is one well-known Pokemon that has been drawing attention in Japan: Dragapult ex. The reason for this is that the new set features two cards that directly address one of Dragapult ex’s biggest weaknesses—being able to attach the necessary Energy to attack. The task of attaching both a Psychic Energy and a Fire Energy to Dragapult ex has proven more difficult than it seemed, often causing the deck to underperform. However, with the introduction of the Supporter card Crispin and the ACE SPEC Pokemon Tool Sparkling Crystal, it appears that this issue has been resolved, or at least significantly mitigated.
In today’s article, I want to delve deeper into the Dragapult ex / Pidgeot ex deck and explore all the reasons why this deck is standing out in the metagame at the start of this new format.
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Dragapult ex / Pidgeot ex Deck List
[decklist name=”Dragapult / Pidgeot” amt=”60″ caption=”” cname=”Fezandipiti ex” set=”Shrouded Fable” no=”38″][pokemon amt=”19″]3x [card name=”Dragapult ex” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”130″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Drakloak” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”129″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]4x [card name=”Dreepy” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”128″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Pidgeot ex” set=”Obsidian Flames” no=”164″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Pidgey” set=”Obsidian Flames” no=”162″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Manaphy” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”41″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Radiant Charizard” set=”Crown Zenith” no=”20″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Hawlucha” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”118″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Rotom V” set=”Lost Origin” no=”58″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Lumineon V” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”40″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Fezandipiti ex” set=”Shrouded Fable” no=”38″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/pokemon][trainers amt=”34″]4x [card name=”Arven” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”166″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]3x [card name=”Iono” set=”Paldea Evolved” no=”185″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]2x [card name=”Boss’s Orders” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”154″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Professor Turo’s Scenario” set=”Paradox Rift” no=”240″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Mela” set=”Paradox Rift” no=”167″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]4x [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Dark Explorers” no=”102″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Buddy-Buddy Poffin” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”223″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]4x [card name=”Rare Candy” set=”EX Sandstorm” no=”88″ c=”deck2″ amt=”4″][/card]2x [card name=”Nest Ball” set=”Sun and Moon” no=”123″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]2x [card name=”Counter Catcher” set=”Crimson Invasion” no=”91″ c=”deck2″ amt=”2″][/card]1x [card name=”Pal Pad” set=”Ultra Prism” no=”132″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Earthen Vessel” set=”Shrouded Fable” no=”96″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Super Rod” set=”Paldea Evolved” no=”188″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Night Stretcher” set=”Shrouded Fable” no=”61″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Lost Vacuum” set=”Lost Origin” no=”162″ c=”deck2″ divide=”yes” amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Defiance Band” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”169″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card]1x [card name=”Forest Seal Stone” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”156″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/trainers][energy amt=”7″]3x [card name=”Fire Energy” set=”EX Ruby and Sapphire” no=”108″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]3x [card name=”Psychic Energy” set=”EX Ruby and Sapphire” no=”107″ c=”deck2″ amt=”3″][/card]1x [card name=”Neo Upper Energy ” set=”Temporal Forces” no=”162″ c=”deck2″ amt=”1″][/card][/energy][/decklist]
Card Explanation
Four Dreepy, Two Drakloak and Three Dragapult ex
I believe this is the ideal line for a deck focused on [card name=”Dragapult ex” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”200″ c=”name”][/card], as this composition allows you to have one or two [card name=”Drakloak” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”129″ c=”name”][/card] on the field for draw power and consistency, fulfilling a similar role to [card name=”Bibarel” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”121″ c=”name”][/card] in [card name=”Charizard ex” set=”Paldean Fates” no=”234″ c=”name”][/card] decks, in addition to enabling Dragapult ex to attack.
Two Pidgey and Two Pidgeot ex
Previously, Dragapult ex decks were even more dependent on [card name=”Pidgeot ex” set=”Obsidian Flames” no=”225″ c=”name”][/card], as only Pidgeot ex could search for [card name=”Neo Upper Energy ” set=”Temporal Forces” no=”162″ c=”name”][/card]o allow Dragapult ex to attack more consistently and quickly. However, with Sparkling Crystal, you can now search for this Pokemon Tool using one of the four copies of [card name=”Arven” set=”Paldean Fates” no=”235″ c=”name”][/card] in the deck.
One Manaphy
In the current format, if you really want to protect your Benched Pokemon, [card name=”Rabsca ” set=”Temporal Forces” no=”24″ c=”name”][/card] is ideal, as it prevents both damage and attack effects. However, if like me, you don’t want to dedicate precious deck space for this, then at least include a [card name=”Manaphy” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card] to protect against [card name=”Kyurem” set=”Shrouded Fable” no=”47″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Radiant Greninja” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”46″ c=”name”][/card].
If [card name=”Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”40″ c=”name”][/card] returns to the format due to the new Area Zero Underdepths Stadium, Radiant Greninja’s Moonlight Shuriken attack will also see a resurgence.
One Radiant Charizard
[cardimg name=”Radiant Charizard” set=”Crown Zenith” no=”20″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
Most Dragapult ex lists from Japan use [card name=”Radiant Alakazam” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”59″ c=”name”][/card] instead of [card name=”Radiant Charizard” set=”Crown Zenith” no=”20″ c=”name”][/card], but this only makes sense if you’re running a [card name=”Dusknoir” set=”Shrouded Fable” no=”70″ c=”name”][/card] line as well. The single Prize offered by Radiant Charizard would be negated by the Knock Out of [card name=”Dusclops” set=”Shrouded Fable” no=”69″ c=”name”][/card] or Dusknoir, and the extra damage from these Pokemon can be managed by Radiant Alakazam.
In my list, I opted for simplicity and consistency, as I believe that if the Dragapult ex deck can manage the basics, it will already be one of the best. Radiant Charizard fits this role perfectly. At the end of the game, all you need is a Fire Energy and a [card name=”Nest Ball” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”255″ c=”name”][/card], and you’ll have the strongest attack in the deck. Trying to setup two Dragapult ex in the same match is sometimes difficult, so having an easier way to launch a strong attack is crucial.
Radiant Alakazam and Dusknoir are great cards for Dragapult ex, but they are more of a “luxury” – they only make sense after you’ve already set up, evolved, and energized your Dragapult ex. In my opinion, the biggest issue with Dragapult is precisely those setup turns.
One Hawlucha
If the main [card name=”Regidrago VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card] lists around the world use [card name=”Hawlucha” set=”Paldean Fates” no=”175″ c=”name”][/card] to Knock Out 70 HP Pokemon with Dragapult ex’s attack, then why wouldn’t the Dragapult ex deck itself use it?
The best answer is that the Regidrago VSTAR deck can attack with Dragapult ex on the second turn with more consistency than this Dragapult ex deck. However, I believe that with the new cards, your Dragapult ex will be able to attack more frequently.
Another important point is that Hawlucha doesn’t necessarily need to appear in the second turn. It can be useful at any point in the game. There are numerous scenarios where Hawlucha can be instrumental. For example, it’s only possible to Knock Out [card name=”Teal Mask Ogerpon ex” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”211″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Fezandipiti ex” set=”Shrouded Fable” no=”92″ c=”name”][/card] thanks to the 10 damage Hawlucha places on both of them.
One Rotom V
Gone are the days when it was mandatory to include [card name=”Rotom V” set=”Lost Origin” no=”177″ c=”name”][/card] in Stage 2 deck lists, but I still really like this Pokemon, especially in this Dragapult ex deck, where theory differs from practice.
In theory, the Dragapult ex deck should function normally, attacking with Dragapult ex on the second turn while trying to setup another Dragapult ex over the course of the game. However, in practice, I sometimes find myself unable to attach for the turn, or I fail to use Crispin, or Sparkling Crystal ends up among the Prize cards. In these situations, when you can’t attack with Dragapult ex because you are just short of Energy, Rotom V’s Ability becomes invaluable, ensuring you don’t miss anything for the next turn.
This is an issue that Charizard ex decks don’t face, as Charizard ex has an incredible Ability that completely solves this problem.
One Lumineon V
While Rotom V is optional in today’s meta, [card name=”Lumineon V” set=”Crown Zenith GG” no=”GG39″ c=”name”][/card] is more necessary than ever. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve used Lumineon V to search for Crispin or Arven on the second turn to attack with Dragapult ex—something that wasn’t possible before.
One Fezandipiti ex
This Pokemon has dramatically improved the draw power of several decks in the format, especially Stage 2 decks. If it’s possible to make a consistent Dragapult ex deck without relying on Bibarel, it’s because Fezandipiti ex provides consistency at the most crucial moments of the match, such as when you’re setting up, and the opponent is targeting your [card name=”Dreepy” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”128″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Pidgey” set=”Obsidian Flames” no=”207″ c=”name”][/card].
Fezandipiti’s draw power, combined with Drakloak’s Ability, offers excellent consistency, so you won’t even miss Bibarel.
Four Arven
More than ever, this deck needs four copies of [card name=”Arven” set=”Paldean Fates” no=”235″ c=”name”][/card]. This is the Supporter that will bring you the necessary cards for your setup, and after your setup, it is the card that will allow you to power up your Pokemon through [card name=”Earthen Vessel” set=”Shrouded Fable” no=”96″ c=”name”][/card] and Sparkling Crystal.
Three Iono
If you don’t use [card name=”Unfair Stamp” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”165″ c=”name”][/card], then you need to use at least three copies of [card name=”Iono” set=”Paldean Fates” no=”237″ c=”name”][/card], both to have the option of disrupting your opponent’s hand whenever possible, and for the sake of consistency.
Two Boss’s Orders
You’ll probably see some Dragapult ex lists playing with just one copy of [card name=”Boss’s Orders” set=”Rebel Clash” no=”189″ c=”name”][/card], but I don’t think that’s the right call, even though Dragapult ex can deal damage to your opponent’s Pokemon on the Bench. It is precisely because Dragapult ex doesn’t deal high damage to your opponent’s Active Spot Pokemon that you need Boss’s Orders to take a Knock Out on some lower HP Pokemon ex on the Bench.
One Professor Turo’s Scenario
This is a good card to have, especially when you want to remove a Radiant Charizard from the Active Spot. Other than that, this Supporter provides a series of small advantages, such as using Hawlucha’s Ability more than once, removing a Rotom V from the field, or getting rid of a heavily damaged Dragapult ex.
One Crispin or Mela
If you’re still playing a League Challenge or League Cup in the format without Stellar Crown, then use [card name=”Mela” set=”Paradox Rift” no=”254″ c=”name”][/card] instead of Crispin.
Although Mela is a much less effective Supporter in helping to setup Dragapult ex, the card can still allow you to attach an additional Fire Energy, which makes all the difference when attacking with Dragapult ex.
Crispin helps significantly more and works much better, as you can use it at any time, unlike Mela, which can only be used if one of your Pokemon is Knocked Out. This new Supporter lets you search for two different Basic Energy cards from the deck, attach one of them to your Pokemon, and keep the other in your hand. It essentially resolves all Dragapult ex’s Energy-related problems.
One Pal Pad
Primarily to return Professor Turo’s Scenario and Crispin back into the deck, though I believe that, unlike Charizard ex, Pal Pad isn’t as essential for Dragapult ex. If I need space in the list to insert another card I’m interested in, such as [card name=”Technical Machine: Evolution” set=”Paradox Rift” no=”178″ c=”name”][/card], this would be one of cards I would replace.
Four Rare Candy
I believe this one is self-explanatory, as it’s a deck with two Stage 2 Pokemon, and you need to evolve as quickly as possible.
Four Buddy-Buddy Poffin
Another self-explanatory card, as it’s a Stage 2 deck where the Basic Pokemon have 70 HP or less.
Four Ultra Ball
Unfortunately, in the current format, [card name=”Ultra Ball” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”186″ c=”name”][/card] is the only item capable of consistently searching for Evolution Pokemon.
Two Nest Ball
I’d like to use more copies of [card name=”Nest Ball” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”255″ c=”name”][/card] if possible, but the list is already out of space. Keep this Item for situations where you need to grab Fezandipiti ex or Radiant Charizard near the end of the game. Avoid using Nest Ball without reason just to clear it from your hand.
Two Counter Catcher
[cardimg name=”Counter Catcher” set=”Paradox Rift” no=”264″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
Two copies of [card name=”Counter Catcher” set=”Paradox Rift” no=”264″ c=”name”][/card] have been staples in just about every Stage 2 deck list since last year’s Latin America International Championships. You’ll see it in [card name=”Gardevoir ex” set=”Paldean Fates” no=”233″ c=”name”][/card] and Charizard ex lists.
The reason players don’t forgo two copies of Counter Catcher is that this card has the power to turn a game around when you’re at a disadvantage, as the Counter Catcher plus Iono combo almost always causes issues for your opponent. In this Dragapult ex deck, I like this combo even more, as the attack allows you to spread damage, and you don’t always need to Knock Out an opponent with Dragapult ex’s attack. Sometimes it’s better not to Knock Out anything, as your opponent won’t be able to use Fezandipiti ex’s Ability, leaving them with a bad hand, and allowing your Dragapult ex to attack more often.
One Earthen Vessel
This card is essential for consistently powering up Dragapult ex. Ideally, you’d want two copies to avoid the problem of a single copy being stuck among your Prizes, but again, the lack of space doesn’t allow it.
One Super Rod
This is a mandatory card, and ideally, you’d use two copies of [card name=”Super Rod” set=”Paldea Evolved” no=”276″ c=”name”][/card], but I decided to make the bold choice of using a [card name=”Night Stretcher” set=”Shrouded Fable” no=”61″ c=”name”][/card] instead of a second Super Rod, and I’ll explain why.
One Night Stretcher
Regardless of whether you use one or two Super Rods, I found that I really like Night Stretcher and noticed some benefits that Super Rod couldn’t offer.
Night Stretcher provides much more consistency when making critical plays during moments when your draw power is weak, or when you don’t have Pidgeot ex on the field. Night Stretcher can be searched for by Arven and lets you recover the Energy needed for Dragapult ex, be it Psychic or Fire Energy. It also makes it easy to return Radiant Charizard or Fezandipiti ex directly to hand.
One Lost Vacuum
This space could have been used for a Stadium card like [card name=”Temple of Sinnoh” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”214″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Collapsed Stadium” set=”Lost Origin” no=”215″ c=”name”][/card], which are among the most used Stadiums in the format, but I opted for [card name=”Lost Vacuum” set=”Lost Origin” no=”217″ c=”name”][/card] because this Item lets you remove both Stadium and Pokemon Tool cards. I believe removing Tools can be vital, especially in mirror matches.
Another key point is that [card name=”Raging Bolt ex ” set=”Temporal Forces” no=”208″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Teal Mask Ogerpon ex” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”211″ c=”name”][/card] is swiftly gaining popularity in Japan, and [card name=”Bravery Charm” set=”Paldea Evolved” no=”173″ c=”name”][/card] can be a big nuisance to deal with.
One Defiance Band
This Pokemon Tool is essential for Dragapult ex, as it boosts the damage of its attack from 200 to 230, allowing you to Knock Out Pokemon ex and Pokemon V with up to 230 HP.
One Sparkling Crystal / Neo Upper Energy
If you’re using the Dragapult ex deck to compete in League Challenge or League Cup in the old Standard format without Stellar Crown, swap Sparkling Crystal for [card name=”Neo Upper Energy ” set=”Temporal Forces” no=”162″ c=”name”][/card] to get similar benefits.
Neo Upper Energy has its advantages, and in certain situations, it’s superior to Sparkling Crystal. If you have a great setup and Pidgeot ex on the field, Neo Upper Energy is better because it completely takes care of Dragapult ex’s Energy costs with just one Energy, allowing you to attach a Defiance Band as well.
Sparkling Crystal, however, will help in more difficult situations where your setup is weak, and Pidgeot ex isn’t on the field.
One Forest Seal Stone
This is another card that needs no explanation. If you’re using Pokemon V and playing Arven, then adding a copy of [card name=”Forest Seal Stone” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”156″ c=”name”][/card] is a must.
Three Fire Energy and Three Psychic Energy
This is the ideal Energy count for ensuring you can power up Dragapult ex. Even if three copies of the same Energy are in the Prizes, you can still attack with Sparkling Crystal.
Matchups
This deck has been around for a while, but only now has it gained relevance again due to the new cards. Previously, it wasn’t possible to take a [card name=”Dragapult ex” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”200″ c=”name”][/card] / [card name=”Pidgeot ex” set=”Obsidian Flames” no=”225″ c=”name”][/card] deck seriously because the deck would often lose to itself due to its inability to meet the Energy costs.
Now that Dragapult ex / Pidgeot ex is a truly competitive deck, capable of meeting your strategic needs, it is possible to carry out a metagame analysis, taking into account that Dragapult ex can develop its strategy with consistency.
Regidrago VSTAR (60/40)
In this matchup, it makes a significant difference whether the [card name=”Regidrago VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card] deck is using [card name=”Raging Bolt ex ” set=”Temporal Forces” no=”208″ c=”name”][/card] or not. In most lists, players only use [card name=”Giratina VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”212″ c=”name”][/card], and this has a major impact, as Dragapult ex can’t be Knocked Out in a single attack.
The primary challenge in this matchup is the setup, as we know Regidrago VSTAR can Knock Out low-HP Pokemon using Dragapult ex and [card name=”Kyurem” set=”Shrouded Fable” no=”47″ c=”name”][/card]. If you manage to evolve two Dragapult ex, the matchup becomes favourable, unless the opponent is running Raging Bolt ex.
Gardevoir ex (50/50)
[cardimg name=”Munkidori” set=”Shrouded Fable” no=”72″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]
This matchup appears favourable for Dragapult ex, but in practice, it’s very even due to [card name=”Munkidori” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”95″ c=”name”][/card], especially if your opponent manages to put two of them onto the field. Your main target in this matchup is Munkidori, because without it, your opponent won’t be able to clean up the damage, allowing you to score multiple Knock Outs later.
Another challenge is [card name=”Technical Machine: Devolution” set=”Paradox Rift” no=”177″ c=”name”][/card], which every Gardevoir ex list includes. All of the World Championship deck lists used this Tool, so don’t be surprised by its appearance. Instead, play knowing that you will expect the Tool card to come into play. That’s why you run two [card name=”Drakloak” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”129″ c=”name”][/card] as well.
Charizard ex (70/30)
The main reason for using Dragapult ex is the deck’s advantage against [card name=”Charizard ex” set=”Paldean Fates” no=”234″ c=”name”][/card]. The back-and-forth of attacks will end up much more favourable for you, and managing the game well should lead to victory.
While Charizard ex deals between 180 and 300 damage to your Dragapult ex, you’ll be doing 200 damage plus 60 to your opponent’s Pokemon on the Bench. In practice, it’s like you’re attacking twice per turn while Charizard attacks only once. [card name=”Rabsca ” set=”Temporal Forces” no=”24″ c=”name”][/card] can be a problem early on if the opponent sets up quickly, so you should aim to Knock it Out as soon as possible.
Another two cards you should be looking out for are [card name=”Dusclops” set=”Shrouded Fable” no=”69″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Dusknoir” set=”Shrouded Fable” no=”70″ c=”name”][/card], which could potentially turn the tide and steal your victory, so whenever possible, Knock Out your opponent’s Duskull with Dragapult ex.
Raging Bolt ex / Teal Mask Ogerpon ex (30/70)
This is Dragapult ex’s worst matchup, but victory is still possible. Raging Bolt ex can consistently Knock Out Dragapult ex in a single attack, something few other decks in the format can do. To make things worse, Dragapult ex cannot KO Raging Bolt ex in one attack, forcing you to target another benched Pokemon, like [card name=”Squawkabilly ex” set=”Paldean Fates” no=”223″ c=”name”][/card] or [card name=”Teal Mask Ogerpon ex” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”211″ c=”name”][/card], with help from [card name=”Hawlucha” set=”Paldean Fates” no=”175″ c=”name”][/card].
In this matchup, [card name=”Radiant Charizard” set=”Crown Zenith” no=”20″ c=”name”][/card] is crucial for securing the last two Prizes, as it serves as a single-Prize Pokemon, offering your opponent an odd Prize while dealing 250 damage to KO Raging Bolt ex.
Final Thoughts
Dragapult ex has always been a strong deck, but the issue was the setup. The most successful variants used to run Charizard ex or [card name=”Xatu” set=”Paradox Rift” no=”72″ c=”name”][/card] to help with Energy acceleration. Now, with Crispin and Sparkling Crystal, Dragapult can operate solo, without needing another Pokemon for Energy acceleration, making the deck much more consistent overall.
Dragapult’s capability to use its full potential explains its recent success in Japan, and I believe it will perform well in the West if the metagame remains as it is. However, once Dragapult ex / Pidgeot ex becomes a force to reckon with, the metagame will adjust accordingly. We’ll likely see an increase in the popularity of Raging Bolt ex, and adaptations to existing decks—such as adding a copy of Raging Bolt to Regidrago VSTAR—will be common in the future.
That’s all for today, everyone! I hope you enjoyed this article, and see you next time!
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