Mega Gengar / Darkrai

Why this deck is in this tier

Extremely strong once set up thanks to trainer lock, but relies on a slow and fragile setup.

Strengths (key points)

• Extremely strong Trainer lock thanks to Gengar EX.
• Strong tempo thanks to Igglybuff + Darkrai.
• Can auto-win once fully established.
• Good stalling potential (Sleep + controlled sacrifices).
• Strong Basic Pokémon synergy and cohesive game plan.
• High observed winrate (~80–90%) when it curves well.

Weaknesses (to watch)

• Slow setup (needs 4 Energy).
• RNG reliance (Sleep mechanic).
• Weak early game.
• Loses to specific counters.
• Requires good draws/setup.
• Meta-dependent performance.

Card list

• ×2 Mega Gengar ex (B2b-39)
• ×2 Darkrai (B2b-40)
• ×2 Gastly (A2a-31)
• ×1 Haunter (B2b-101)
• ×2 Igglybuff (A4a-59)
• ×1 Rare Candy (A3-144)
• ×1 Protective Poncho (B1b-147)
• ×2 Professor's Research (P-A-7)
• ×1 Leaf (A1a-68)
• ×1 Poké Ball (P-A-5)
• ×1 Cyrus (A2-150)
• ×1 Pokémon Center Lady (A2b-70)
• ×1 Lillie (A3-155)
• ×1 Copycat (B1-225)
• ×1 Lisia (B1-226)

Required expansions

Other A Tier decks

• Weezing EX / Hoopa EX / Mega Absol EX
  I rank this deck in A tier because of its excellent Energy flexibility: Weezing EX generates passive Poison + Burn damage without monopolizing Energy, allowing Hoopa EX or Mega Absol EX to be powered immediately. The deck is very strong and technical, but effects that prevent Special Conditions and certain specific matchups can significantly reduce its effectiveness.
• Zoroark ex / Darkrai ex / Mega Absol ex
  Very good deck, with Roaring Moon acting like an extra “Sabrina” effect on top of a Supporter, but its anti-Oricorio plan can require a lot of energy.
• Mega Manectric ex / Zeraora / Oricorio
  Deck very aggressive, with Zeraora to start quickly and Elemental Switch to accelerate Mega Manectric ex. Its main limit is that it becomes less comfortable if it cannot take an early point.
• Mega Lucario ex / Hitmontop / Shaymin
  Deck very aggressive, with a lot of draw and Shaymin to ease Riolu or Hitmontop retreats. Its main weakness is draw dependency, since there is only one Lucario and one Mega Lucario ex.
• Magnezone / Oricorio / Ogerpon
  Very strong against the meta thanks to Oricorio + Ogerpon blocking status conditions, with fast pressure from Magnezone. However, it relies on evolution setup.
• Charizard EX / Entei / Ogerpon
  Very fast offensive deck with strong pressure from Charizard EX and Entei, but setup-dependent and vulnerable to bad openings.

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