The release of Shining Revelry has shaken up the Pokémon TCG Pocket meta, with Giratina ex emerging as a powerhouse that’s reshaping competitive play. This powerful Psychic-type Pokémon offers incredible versatility and game-changing abilities that make it a centerpiece in several top-tier decks.
Why Giratina ex Is Taking Over
Giratina ex’s dominance stems from its unique ability “Broken-Space Bellow”, which allows it to attach a Psychic Energy from the deck to itself at the end of your turn. This self-powering mechanic enables Giratina ex to quickly build up energy without relying on support Pokémon or energy acceleration cards.
Its attack, “Chaotic Impact”, deals a hefty 130 damage for 4 energy, making it a formidable attacker once powered up. While it does inflict 20 damage to itself, this drawback is often outweighed by Giratina ex’s 150 HP and the potential to include healing options in the deck.
Top Giratina ex Deck Variants
Several powerful deck builds have emerged around Giratina ex. Here are some of the most effective:
Giratina ex + Darkrai ex
This deck combines the energy acceleration of Giratina ex with the consistent damage output of Darkrai ex. The strategy revolves around using Giratina’s ability to build energy, then transferring it to Darkrai for powerful attacks.
Key cards:
- 2 Giratina ex (Shining Revelry)
- 2 Darkrai ex (Space-Time Smackdown)
- 2 Druddigon (Mythical Island)
- 1 Sabrina (Genetic Apex)
- 2 Leaf (Mythical Island)
- 1 Red (Shining Revelry)
- 1 Cyrus (Space-Time Smackdown)
- 1 Iono (Shining Revelry)
- 2 Poké Ball (Promo-A)
- 2 Professor’s Research (Promo-A)
- 2 Potion (Promo-A)
- 2 Giant Cape (Space-Time Smackdown)
The deck uses Dark Energy to power both Giratina ex and Darkrai ex, with Druddigon serving as a tanky pivot Pokémon. Trainer cards provide consistency and healing options to keep your main attackers in the fight.
Giratina ex + Mew ex
This variant swaps out Darkrai ex for Mew ex, creating a more flexible attacking core. Mew ex’s ability to copy attacks makes it a versatile partner for Giratina ex.
Key changes:
- Replace Darkrai ex with 2 Mew ex
- Add 2 Budding Expeditioner
- Adjust energy and trainer lineup as needed
The Mew ex variant offers more adaptability, allowing you to copy your opponent’s attacks or use Giratina’s powerful Chaotic Impact as needed.
Giratina ex + Arceus ex
For a more aggressive build, pairing Giratina ex with Arceus ex and Dawn creates a deck capable of early pressure and massive damage output.
Key additions:
- 1-2 Arceus ex
- 2-3 Dawn
- 1 Shaymin
This deck aims to use Dawn to accelerate energy onto Arceus ex for quick attacks, while Giratina ex builds up in the background. Shaymin helps manage Giratina’s self-damage.
Playing Giratina ex Effectively
To maximize Giratina ex’s potential:
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Energy management: Always use Broken-Space Bellow at the end of your turn, but remember it ends your turn immediately. Plan your other actions first.
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Timing is crucial: Build up energy on the bench when possible, bringing Giratina ex into the active spot when it’s ready to attack.
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Healing is key: Include cards like Potion or Pokémon Center Lady to offset Chaotic Impact’s self-damage.
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Watch for counters: Be cautious of Dark-type Pokémon and effects that can remove energy, as they can severely hinder Giratina ex’s effectiveness.
Weaknesses and Counterplay
While powerful, Giratina ex isn’t invincible. Dark-type Pokémon can exploit its weakness, and decks that can remove energy (like those using Team Rocket Grunt) can disrupt its strategy. Additionally, fast decks might overwhelm Giratina ex before it can fully power up.
Players facing Giratina ex should consider:
- Including Dark-type attackers in their deck
- Using cards that remove energy from the opponent’s Pokémon
- Applying early pressure to knock out Giratina ex before it becomes a threat
Giratina ex has undoubtedly left its mark on the Pokémon TCG Pocket meta. Its flexibility and power make it a top choice for competitive players, but mastering its use requires careful deck building and strategic play. As the meta continues to evolve, it’ll be exciting to see how players adapt to and around this new powerhouse Pokémon.