Mega Altaria / Giratina EX

Why this deck is in this tier

This deck currently has the highest tournament winrate. It combines extremely high damage output with Mega Altaria and a very consistent Giratina EX setup, while remaining hard to break thanks to Double Rocky Helmet.

Strengths (key points)

• Highest tournament winrate.
• Extremely high damage ceiling with Mega Altaria.
• Giratina EX builds up quickly and applies huge pressure.
• Double Rocky Helmet is extremely hard for opponents to play around.
• Excellent overall consistency.
• Strong both for win streaks and tournaments.

Weaknesses (to watch)

• Vulnerable to very specific tech answers (e.g. Helio).
• Poor Mega Evolution timing can lose games instantly.
• Requires careful bench management.
• Some opening hands can be risky without early draw.
• Certain matchups are very execution-heavy to play perfectly.

Card list

• ×2 Mega Altaria ex (B1-102)
• ×2 Giratina ex (A2b-35)
• ×2 Indeedee ex (B1-121)
• ×2 Swablu (B1-196)
• ×1 Altaria (B1-197)
• ×2 Poké Ball (P-A-5)
• ×2 Rocky Helmet (A2-148)
• ×2 Professor's Research (P-A-7)
• ×1 Giovanni (A1-223)
• ×1 Cyrus (A2-150)
• ×1 Mars (A2-155)
• ×1 May (B1-223)
• ×1 Sabrina (A1-225)

Required expansions

Other S Tier decks

• Mega Absol EX / Darkrai EX / Hoopa EX
  I rank it in S tier because it can create immediate pressure with several complementary attackers. The list has an excellent balance between damage, mobility, disruption and consistency.
• Mega Sceptile EX / Butterfree
  This is probably one of the most consistent. Caterpie, the draw engine, Quick-Grow Extract and the two Stadiums significantly accelerate the setup of Mega Sceptile EX.
• Mega Lucario EX
  I place Mega Lucario EX in S tier for its combination of speed, damage and flexibility. The list also includes several secondary Pokémon that help it adapt without significantly slowing down the main plan.
• Mega Altaria EX / Espeon / Darkrai
  I rank it in S tier because of its combination of control, status effects and constant pressure. Sleep can deny entire turns while Darkrai and Mega Altaria gradually build an advantage.
• Vespiquen ex / Shuckle ex
  The deck can handle many matchups thanks to Shuckle ex in the early game and Vespiquen ex's 140 damage. The ability to discard a damaged or obsolete Pokémon makes its game plan particularly stable.
• Magnezone / Oricorio / Miraidon ex
  Deck heavily represented in top decks, with Miraidon acting as a flexible finisher and strong sleep-counterplay.

Go further