Dragon-type Pokemon continue to reign supreme in Pokemon TCG Pocket’s competitive scene, offering devastating attacks and strategic flexibility that make them essential for serious players. With the recent Secluded Springs expansion shaking up the meta, these legendary creatures prove why they’re among the most feared cards in the game.
Table of Contents
Best Dragon-Type Cards Quick Reference
Pokemon | HP | Attack Cost | Key Attack | Damage Output | Special Effect |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dragonite ex | 180 HP | 3 Energy | Giga Impact | 180 damage | One-shots most Pokemon |
Rayquaza ex | 140 HP | 4 Energy | Draco Meteor | 160 spread damage | Random distribution |
Kingdra ex | 160 HP | 2 Energy | Stormy Prison | 90 damage | Prevents retreat |
Dragonair | 80 HP | 2 Energy | Dragon Pulse | 70 damage | Evolution support |
Dratini | 60 HP | 1 Energy | Dragon Tail | 30 damage | Basic starter |
Dragonite ex: The Meta King
Dragonite ex is a powerful Dragon-type Stage Two Pokemon with 180 HP and Giga Impact deals a massive 180 damage, allowing it to one-shot a lot of Pokemon without HP boosters. This makes Dragonite ex the crown jewel of current competitive play.
Why Dragonite ex Dominates:
- Most Dragonite ex decks focus on either a stall or discard strategy using Snorlax ex for stalling and Fossil cards for discarding
- Massive 180 HP provides excellent survivability
- Lyra synergy allows immediate retreat switching to bring back Dragonite ex for consecutive attacks
- No type weakness makes it difficult to counter
Optimal Deck Strategy:
- Straightforward builds using Pom-Pom Oricorio and Zeraora for Energy acceleration, with Oricorio serving as a win condition against unprepared decks
- Start with Snorlax ex as a wall while setting up Dragonite
Rayquaza ex: The Spread Damage Specialist
Draco Meteor costs four Energy but can dish out a total of 200 points of damage randomly split across up to four of your opponent’s Pokemon, both Active and on the Bench. However, Rayquaza ex can put a total of 160 damage on the board but is highly inconsistent and reliant on luck, with 140 HP and colorless energy requirements.
Rayquaza ex Applications:
- Colorless energy requirement makes it simple to integrate into most decks, dealing 160 spread damage per turn
- Perfect for disrupting opponent bench setups
- Excellent against multi-Pokemon strategies
- Flexible deck building options
Kingdra ex: The Control Specialist
Kingdra ex’s Stormy Prison prevents its target from retreating for only 2 Water Energy, dealing 90 damage per hit and effectively imprisoning opponents. This control-focused approach creates powerful strategic advantages.
Kingdra ex Synergies:
- Played alongside Greninja as a way to snipe and use Cyrus to trap vulnerable Pokemon
- Forces opponents into unfavorable positions
- Excellent energy efficiency at only 2 Water Energy
- Strong bench control capabilities
Building Competitive Dragon Decks
Dragon-type cards excel due to their massive damage output and strategic versatility. All Pokemon TCG Pocket best decks are shifting now that Secluded Springs has gone live, but Dragons maintain their competitive edge.
Essential Deck Building Tips:
- Prioritize energy acceleration through Pokemon like Zeraora
- Include switching cards like Lyra for continuous pressure
- Consider Fossil cards for discard synergies
- Balance offense with defensive walls like Snorlax ex
Counter Strategies:
- Use bench-attacking Pokemon like Hitmonlee or Greninja
- Focus on early game pressure before Dragons set up
- Exploit the high energy costs with disruption cards
Current Meta Position
Dragon-type decks currently sit at the top of the competitive tier list, with Dragonite ex decks leading the charge. The combination of raw power, defensive capabilities, and strategic flexibility makes them ideal for both aggressive and control playstyles.
Tier Rankings:
- Tier 1: Dragonite ex variants
- Tier 2: Rayquaza ex spread decks
- Emerging: Kingdra ex control builds
For comprehensive deck guides and advanced strategies, check our TCG competitive section for expert meta analysis and tournament insights.
These Dragon powerhouses continue proving why they’re essential components of any serious competitive collection in Pokemon TCG Pocket.
Download Pokemon TCG Pocket from the official Pokemon website and explore competitive deck guides on Limitless TCG for tournament-level strategies.
FAQs
What Makes Dragon-Types So Powerful in Current Meta?
Dragon-type Pokemon dominate because they combine massive damage output with strategic flexibility and no type weaknesses. Dragonite ex’s 180 damage one-shots most Pokemon, while Rayquaza ex’s spread damage disrupts entire board states. Their high HP totals and diverse energy requirements make them adaptable to various deck archetypes while maintaining consistent threat levels throughout matches.
Which Dragon-Type Card Offers Best Value for Competitive Play?
Dragonite ex provides the highest competitive value due to its straightforward 180 damage output and 180 HP survivability. While requiring Stage 2 evolution, the payoff is immense with consistent one-shot potential. For players seeking flexibility, Rayquaza ex offers colorless energy requirements that fit multiple deck types, though with less reliable damage distribution making it more situational but versatile.