Hydrapple ex
The big green wall built to beat Dragapult.
What this deck is
A slower, sturdier deck designed specifically to out-last the faster decks in the format. Its attacker has a huge 330 HP and heals itself every turn.
Where Dragapult races, Hydrapple grinds. It aims to still be standing when the opponent has run out of steam.
- 1Survive the early turns while building up Energy with Ripening Charge.
- 2Heal damage each turn to stay above knockout range.
- 3Grow Syrup Storm into a hit big enough to knock out almost anything.
- 4Take over the late game once the attacker is fully loaded.
Who it suits
A patient player who enjoys defence and the slow squeeze rather than racing for early knockouts.
Top players and results
Hydrapple ex is a dedicated counter to Dragapult rather than a tournament-topper. Its Grass and Meganium shell has reached the money at events such as the Los Angeles Regional, and a related Grass deck took Top 4 at Australia's Melbourne Regional.
Other decks
Dragapult ex
The deck to beat in 2026.
MidrangeN's Zoroark ex
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AggroRaging Bolt ex
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ComboAlakazam Powerful Hand
The budget single-prize deck with a clever maths puzzle at its heart, and the 2026 Senior world champion deck.
AggroMega Greninja ex
A new-era sniper with a very high ceiling.
MidrangeOgerpon Box
A flexible toolbox built around the many faces of Ogerpon.
ControlSlowking Seek Inspiration
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ControlCrustle
A Grass wall the big ex decks cannot get past.
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