The Darkrai EX and Weavile EX deck is a Darkness-type offensive build centered around Weavile EX from the Spacetime Clash set. This deck is known for its energy efficiency, requiring only a single attack to be effective, and for the deadly synergy between Darkrai EX and Spiritomb, which can secure critical knockouts.
As a Stage 1 Pokémon, Weavile EX sets up quickly and capitalizes on Darkrai EX’s Nightmare Aura ability, which deals damage every time an Energy is attached. However, this deck may struggle against Grass-type opponents with low-cost attacks such as Exeggutor EX.
Deck Overview
Here’s the Darkrai EX and Weavile EX deck in all its strength:
Key Cards in the Deck
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Weavile EX ×2: Main attacker with low-cost attacks and amplified damage against already damaged Pokémon.
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Darkrai EX ×2: Secondary attacker and strategic card that deals passive damage through Nightmare Aura.
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Spiritomb ×2: A key Pokémon to spread damage early and unlock the potential of Weavile EX and Cyrus.
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Cyrus ×2: Lets you choose a damaged opponent’s Pokémon and drag it to the active spot for a targeted KO.
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Dawn ×2: Support card to enhance deck stability and smooth early game setup.
Gameplay Strategies
Early Game
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Play Spiritomb in the active spot to start spreading damage from turn one.
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Set up Sneasel and Darkrai EX on the bench to prepare your offensive setup.
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Use Poké Ball and Professor’s Research to find your evolution cards early.
Mid Game
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Evolve into Weavile EX and begin attacking with boosted damage.
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Attach Energy to Darkrai EX to activate Nightmare Aura and build pressure.
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When possible, use Cyrus to pull already damaged Pokémon into the active spot for key knockouts.
Late Game
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Weavile EX keeps dishing out heavy damage with support from Darkrai EX.
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Spiritomb and Darkrai EX maintain field control with passive and spread damage.
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Use Cyrus to force crucial knockouts and secure the win.
Match-Ups: Strengths and Weaknesses
Favorable Match-Ups
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Mewtwo EX Decks → Psychic-type Pokémon are weak to Darkness, making Weavile EX a devastating counter.
Unfavorable Match-Ups
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Exeggutor EX Decks → Grass-types like Exeggutor EX can knock out Sneasel before it evolves, dismantling one of the deck’s core strategies.
Optimization Tips
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Honchkrow: A solid alternative to Weavile EX with a similar but more defensive playstyle.
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Replace Cyrus with Blue: Blue can offer more endurance during key turns where you need to hold back.
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Add X Speed: Useful for easier retreating of damaged Pokémon, maintaining tempo and control.
Where to Buy the Cards
The key cards for this deck can be found in the following booster packs:
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Promo-A Pack: Includes support cards like Poké Ball and Professor’s Research.
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Spacetime Clash (Dialga Pack): Features Weavile EX and Darkrai EX.
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Spacetime Clash (Palkia Pack): Contains key cards like Spiritomb for spread-damage strategies.
Check official retailers or online platforms for deals and special bundles.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The Darkrai EX and Weavile EX deck is currently one of the strongest in the Pokémon Pocket TCG meta, thanks to its speed, energy efficiency, and devastating synergy between Spiritomb, Weavile EX, and Darkrai EX.
However, it requires careful energy management and a well-planned strategy to avoid early knockouts from Grass-type decks. If played correctly, this deck can deliver fast, decisive victories.
FAQ About the Deck
What is the main strength of the Darkrai EX and Weavile EX deck?
Its ability to deal high damage at a low energy cost, especially through Weavile EX and Darkrai EX’s Nightmare Aura.
Can I play this competitively without spending too much?
Not really. The deck isn’t F2P-friendly, but there are affordable substitutes like Honchkrow or other Darkness-type cards.
How do I counter the Exeggutor EX deck?
Use aggressive strategies to knock out Exeggutor before it builds up energy, or include support cards like Blue for extra protection.
Are two Weavile EX enough in the deck?
Yes, two copies ensure consistency, though competitive players may run three for better draw chances.
Should I include healing cards in the deck?
Yes, especially against spread-damage decks or if you lack retreat options like X Speed.
What decks counter this one most effectively?
Low-cost Grass-type decks with fast pressure can disrupt your setup before you evolve Sneasel or start dealing heavy damage.
Source: Game8