Dragon-type cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket are rare. Currently, there are only four Dragon Pokemon in the game, three of which belong to the same Evolution line. Given the limited Pokemon pool, building a meta deck based on this archetype may not seem feasible, especially since almost all of them are dual-type!
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Pokemon Pocket: The Best Darkness-Type Deck
Darkness decks often rise and fall quickly in Pokemon Pocket’s META, but this Scolipede lineup may actually withstand the fluctuations.
That said, there is one specific Dragon-type deck in Pokemon Pocket that’s shown great potential. In this guide, I’ll walk you through each step of building this setup and show you how to utilize its power in PvP. I’ll also explain why Dragon decks are struggling in Pocket’s meta and what you can do to compensate for their weaknesses.
The Best Dragon-Type Type
Currently, the only Dragon-type deck with any level of consistency is the Dragonite-Druddigon lineup. You can replicate this setup by including Dragonite’s Evolution line (Dratini and Dragonair), a couple of Druddigons, and the following Trainer Cards: Leaf, Sabrina, Potion, Poke Ball, Professor’s Research, and X Speed.
Here’s how to build the Dragonite-Druddigon deck:
|
Card |
Quantity |
|---|---|
|
Dratini |
2 |
|
Dragonair |
2 |
|
Dragonite |
2 |
|
Druddigon |
2 |
|
Leaf |
2 |
|
Sabrina |
2 |
|
Professor’s Research |
2 |
|
Poke Ball |
2 |
|
Potion |
2 |
|
X Speed |
2 |
Deck Synergies:
- You start by tanking damage with Druddigon.
- While Druddigon is Active, you build up Dragonite on the Bench.
- Once you’re Dragonite is ready, you Retreat Druddigon with Leaf and start attacking.
Since Dragonite has an AoE attack, you will likely win the match with a couple of Dragonite attacks.
I analyzed ten recent Pokemon Pocket tournaments and found only one Dragon-type player. The worst part is that the sole Dragon deck placed 127th, which is concerning for the archetype.
However, one Dragon-type Pokemon has been consistently used in top-tier, well-performing decks: Druddigon. Unlike Dragonite, which is a bit clunky, Druddigon provides straightforward utility. You can use it as a tanky wall that chips away at the enemy’s HP with zero Energy.
Why Dragon Decks Aren’t Competitive
There are two major reasons why Dragon decks haven’t gained traction in the meta: 1) You’re working with a limited pool of only four Pokemon, and 2) Key players of the archetype (Dragonite and Druddigon) are dual-type Pokemon, which is a significant drawback in Pocket due to the RNG-based Energy distribution.
How to Counter Dragon Decks
Almost all Dragon decks use the same strategy: stall the enemy with a wall and build on the Bench. If you’re looking for a counterstrategy, go with a Bench-attacking deck using Hitmonlee, Greninja, or even Zebstrika. These cards allow you to bypass Dragon decks’ walls and deal early damage to disrupt Evolutions.
It’s important to note that Dragons in Pokemon TCG Pocket aren’t weak to any other types. As such, you need to rely more on abilities and synergies than type weaknesses. And what better way to counter a stall-oriented deck than attacking its Bench with snipers?
