Dragapult ex

Dragapult ex is the deck to beat this month. It sets up a Stage 2 line through Dreepy and Drakloak, then uses Phantom Dive to take a Prize card and spread six damage counters across your opponent’s Bench in the same attack. That spread is what makes it so strong: every turn it softens up the next two or three knockouts, so a well-played game often ends with a double knockout that the opponent never saw coming.

The list is built around consistency. Drakloak’s Recon Directive digs for the right card every turn, Lillie’s Determination refreshes your hand early, and Buddy-Buddy Poffin and Poké Pad find the Basics you need on turn one. Munkidori moves damage from your own Pokémon onto your opponent’s, which turns small leftover counters into knockouts. Fezandipiti ex and Unfair Stamp are the comeback package for when you fall behind on Prizes.

It plays at a medium pace. You rarely attack on turn one, so the early game is about protecting your Dreepy and getting two Drakloak in play. Risky Ruins and Crushing Hammer slow the opponent down while you set up. Players who have not used Stage 2 decks before should expect a few awkward opening hands; the skill is in choosing which Pokémon to Bench and when to start attacking.

For UK players it is also one of the cheaper top decks to build. Most of the list is common and uncommon cards at our £0.99 minimum. The expensive cards are Meowth ex and Unfair Stamp, and both can be swapped for budget alternatives while you test the deck.