Shortly after the launch of the Pokemon TCG Pocket Shining Revelry set, the Giratina ex and Darkrai ex deck emerged in PvP battles. This powerful combination quickly dominated the competitive scene, although it initially struggled against the prevailing Arceus ex and Dialga ex decks. Nevertheless, Giratina ex has now solidified its status as the standout card of the Shining Revelry era, boasting an impressive win rate of around 55% among top decks.
This guide aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Giratina ex, detailing its performance in TCG Pocket’s PvP, along with strategies for constructing a well-synergized deck around this formidable card.
Overview of Giratina ex
- HP: 150
- Attack (ATK): 130
- Ability: Once during your turn, you may take a Psychic Energy from your Energy Zone and attach it to this Pokémon. Using this Ability ends your turn.
- Weakness: Darkness
- Attack Cost: Three Psychic, one Colorless
- Retreat Cost: Two
- Evolution Line: None
Optimal Deck Strategy for Giratina ex
- Deck Energy Type: Darkness
- Primary Strategy: Stall and chip damage
- Key Cards: Giratina ex, Darkrai ex, Druddigon, Cyrus, Iono, Rocky Helmet
A highly effective deck configuration for Giratina ex focuses on a stall-and-snipe strategy utilizing Darkrai ex. The goal is to position Giratina ex behind a staller card like Druddigon while simultaneously applying pressure to your opponent with Darkrai ex’s sustained damage output.
Decklist: Giratina ex & Darkrai ex
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Alternative 18-Trainer Deck for Giratina ex
Given that Giratina ex is a Basic Pokémon with the ability to generate its own Energy, it is well-suited for a self-sufficient 18-Trainer deck. This configuration aims to ramp up Giratina ex’s effectiveness by the third or fourth turn, utilizing Trainer Cards that enhance damage output while also stalling or disrupting the opponent’s strategy.
Here’s the complete list for the 18-Trainer deck:
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This 18-Trainer deck variant, while strategy-rich, does exhibit vulnerabilities—particularly against the Rampardos and Lucario setup from the previous expansion, which has a remarkable win rate of around 85% against pure Giratina ex decks.
Maximizing Giratina ex Gameplay
To optimize your gameplay with Giratina ex, consider the following strategy:
- Initiate with Stalling: Start with Druddigon, enhancing its effectiveness with a Rocky Helmet to create chip damage while defending against attacks.
- Develop Darkrai ex on the Bench: Allocate all Dark Energy you acquire each turn to Darkrai ex.
- Advance Giratina ex: After charging Darkrai ex, use Giratina ex’s ability, Broken-Space Bellow, to generate Psychic Energy and end your turn.
- Switch to Giratina ex in the Active Spot: Launch a powerful 130-damage attack with Chaotic Impact. Counter enemy threats with Red to neutralize items like Giant Cape or Potion.
- Continue to Feed Darkrai ex Energy: While Giratina ex deals damage, keep pouring Dark Energy into Darkrai ex for an additional 20 damage each turn.
Countering Giratina ex
Giratina ex faces significant threats from Gyarados ex paired with Manaphy, as well as Dialga ex paired with Gholdengo. Each of these combinations boasts around a 65% win rate against Giratina ex and Darkrai ex setups. Additionally, the Arceus ex and Dialga ex configuration from prior expansions presents a formidable challenge as well, with a win rate of approximately 50% against Giratina ex decks.
Performance Insights for Giratina ex
- Meta Share: ~ 13.5%
- Win Rate: ~ 55%
- Tournament Appearances: ~ 2,000
Currently, the synergy between Giratina ex and Darkrai ex presents one of the top win rates in TCG Pocket’s competitive meta. This partnership rivals the popularity of the Arceus ex and Dialga ex setup from the Triumphant Light era. However, as the game evolves, Giratina ex’s share in the meta is poised for rapid growth.
Next up, we’ve got Charizard ex! 🔥 🔥 pic.twitter.com/zzeD3Voa6T — Pokémon TCG Pocket (@PokemonTCGP) March 29, 2025
In conclusion, Giratina ex could be seen as a revival of the much-feared Bench-damage meta, reminiscent of past strategies utilizing Darkrai ex and Magnezone lineups. With Darkrai ex providing distant damage, players can concentrate on developing Giratina ex on the Bench without concerning themselves with Energy allocation. This parallels the former role of Magnezone, yet, as a Basic Pokémon, Giratina ex offers a superior option compared to Stage Two cards.