Best Pokémon TCG Pocket Darkness-type Decks & Strategies
Darkness-type Pokémon have long been a force to be reckoned with in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, and Pokémon TCG Pocket is no exception. Whether you're looking to dominate ranked battles or counter popular meta decks, Darkness-type strategies offer high damage output, disruptive abilities, and strong synergy between cards. In this guide, we’ll break down the best Darkness-type decks in Pokémon TCG Pocket, highlighting key cards, strategies, and how to optimize your playstyle for maximum efficiency.
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- Pokémon TCG Pocket Giratina ex Snorlax Deck Guide
- Pokémon TCG Pocket Best Decks Tier List
- Pokémon TCG Pocket Exeggutor EX Deck Guide
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Umbreon and Darkrai ex Deck
The Eevee Grove expansion introduced several new Darkness-type Pokémon, with Umbreon and Darkrai ex forming a powerful duo. This deck leverages Poison Barb's effect and Nihilego's ability to deal up to 30 passive damage. Darkrai ex's 20-damage passive and Umbreon's 40-damage attack can combine for up to 90 damage per turn using just one energy. The deck also benefits from the interaction between Umbreon's attack and the opponent's Basic Pokémon, as it effectively blocks the opponent's next attack.
Key Cards:
- Eevee (2 copies)
- Umbreon (2 copies)
- Darkrai ex (2 copies)
- Nihilego (2 copies)
- Professor's Research (2 copies)
- Poké Ball (2 copies)
- Poison Barb (2 copies)
- Cyrus (1 copy)
- Mars (1 copy)
- Guzma (1 copy)
- Sabrina (1 copy)
- Red (1 copy)
- Red Card (1 copy)
Darkrai ex and Giratina ex Deck
This classic combination has made a comeback in the meta. Darkrai ex's Nightmare Aura ability deals constant pressure to the opponent's active Pokémon, while Giratina ex's ability provides energy acceleration. The deck also includes Druddigon, Cyrus, Red, Poké Ball, Rocky Helmet, Professor's Research, Giant Cape, Leaf, and Sabrina to support the gameplay. The synergy between Darkrai ex and Giratina ex allows for calculated, high-damage plays, making it a strong contender in competitive matches.
Key Cards:
- Giratina ex (2 copies)
- Darkrai ex (2 copies)
- Druddigon (2 copies)
- Cyrus (2 copies)
- Red (2 copies)
- Poké Ball (2 copies)
- Rocky Helmet (1 copy)
- Professor's Research (2 copies)
- Giant Cape (2 copies)
- Leaf (2 copies)
- Sabrina (1 copy)
Darkrai ex and Magnezone Deck
Pairing Darkrai ex with the Magnezone line offers a versatile and high-damage deck. The energy generation and versatility of the deck are enhanced by Magneton's Volt Charge ability, which can retrieve Lightning Energy from the Energy Zone. Darkrai ex's ability and damage output add another layer of threat to the deck. The inclusion of Magnemite, Magneton, Magnezone, Druddigon, Darkrai ex, Poké Ball, Pokémon Communication, Cyrus, Giant Cape, Leaf, Professor's Research, and Sabrina makes this deck a formidable force in the meta.
Key Cards:
- Magnemite (2 copies)
- Magneton (Genetic Apex) (2 copies)
- Magnezone (Space-Time Smackdown) (2 copies)
- Druddigon (Mythical Island) (2 copies)
- Darkrai ex (2 copies)
- Poké Ball (2 copies)
- Pokémon Communication (1 copy)
- Cyrus (1 copy)
- Giant Cape (1 copy)
- Leaf (2 copies)
- Professor's Research (2 copies)
- Sabrina (1 copy)
Alolan Muk ex Deck
For players who prefer control and disruption, the Alolan Muk ex deck is a compelling option. Alolan Muk ex's Chemical Panic attack can apply multiple status conditions, which stack effectively with Weezing's ability to guarantee Poison status. The deck also includes Alolan Grimer, Koffing, Weezing, Koga, Rocky Helmet, Poison Barb, Poké Ball, Professor's Research, Cyrus, and Sabrina to support its gameplay. While it lacks built-in energy acceleration, the deck thrives on gradually wearing down opponents with its status effects and damage output.
Key Cards:
- Alolan Grimer (2 copies)
- Alolan Muk ex (2 copies)
- Koffing (2 copies)
- Weezing (2 copies)
- Koga (2 copies)
- Rocky Helmet (2 copies)
- Poison Barb (2 copies)
- Poké Ball (2 copies)
- Professor's Research (2 copies)
- Cyrus (1 copy)
- Sabrina (1 copy)
Guzzlord ex Deck
The Guzzlord ex deck focuses on disruption through energy denial and chip damage. Guzzlord ex's Grindcore attack uses coin flips to drain the opponent's energy, slowing down their setup. Nihilego assists with poison-based damage, while Celesteela's ability enables free switching with Ultra Thrusters. The deck also includes Beastite, Cyrus, Poké Ball, Professor's Research, Lusamine, Red, and Repel to complete its strategy. This deck is ideal for players who want to deprive opponents of momentum and gradually wear them down with poison pressure and energy control tactics.
Key Cards:
- Guzzlord ex (2 copies)
- Nihilego (2 copies)
- Celesteela (1 copy)
- Beastite (1 copy)
- Cyrus (2 copies)
- Poké Ball (2 copies)
- Professor's Research (2 copies)
- Lusamine (2 copies)
- Red (1 copy)
- Repel (2 copies)
Why Darkness-type Decks Struggle in the Meta
Despite their potential, Darkness-type decks face several challenges in the current meta. One of the main reasons is the introduction of the new Golem card in the Mythical Island mini-set. Golem lineups effectively counter Darkness-type Pokémon and dominate PvP matches and tournaments. Additionally, the meta has shifted in favor of other powerful decks like Buzzwole ex Celesteela, making it difficult for Darkness-type decks to thrive consistently.
People Also Ask
Q1: What are the best Darkness-type cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
A1: Key Darkness-type cards include Scolipede, Weezing, Umbreon, Darkrai ex, Nihilego, Alolan Muk ex, Guzzlord ex, Arbok, Muk, Koga, Sabrina, Professor's Research, X Speed, and Poké Ball. These cards are vital for building competitive Darkness-type decks due to their powerful abilities and synergies.
Q2: How can I counter Darkness-type decks in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
A2: To counter Darkness-type decks, Buzzwole ex Celesteela is a strong option. This Ultra Beast duo can bypass restrictions like Umbreon's Dark Binding ability. Other effective strategies involve using Fighting-type Pokémon, which are strong against Darkness-type Pokémon, and decks that focus on energy denial and disruption.
Q3: Why are Darkness-type decks not dominant in the meta?
A3: Darkness-type decks struggle in the meta primarily due to the introduction of the new Golem card in the Mythical Island mini-set. Golem lineups effectively counter Darkness-type Pokémon and dominate PvP matches and tournaments. Additionally, the meta has shifted in favor of other powerful decks like Buzzwole ex Celesteela, making it difficult for Darkness-type decks to thrive consistently.
Q4: How can I play Pokémon TCG Pocket on PC & Mac?
A4: Yes! You can play Pokémon TCG Pocket with MuMuPlayer which support multi-instance, and offer smooth keyboard and mouse operation.
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Conclusion
While Darkness-type decks may not dominate the meta consistently, they offer unique strategies and opportunities for creative gameplay. With the right card combinations and strategic play, Darkness-type decks can still be competitive and provide an enjoyable experience for players. As the game evolves and new expansions are released, the potential for Darkness-type decks to rise in popularity remains. For now, these best Darkness-type decks provide a solid foundation for players looking to explore the Darkness archetype in Pokémon TCG Pocket.
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