The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has been a favorite for collectors and competitive players alike for decades. With the release of Pokémon TCG Pocket, digital card battling has taken the fan experience to another level. Among the cards that players chase in this mobile version, Darkrai EX stands out as one of the most sought-after cards due to its powerful ability, rare pull rates, and synergy in competitive decks.
If you’ve been grinding through packs and still can’t seem to snag one, don’t worry. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Darkrai EX — including its stats, abilities, the methods to obtain it, best strategies for using it in decks, and pro tips to maximize your chances of success.
Whether you’re a casual collector or an aspiring competitive player, this guide will help you get one step closer to adding Darkrai EX to your arsenal.
What is Darkrai EX in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
Darkrai EX is a Basic Darkness-type Pokémon EX card in Pokémon TCG Pocket. Here’s why it’s such a big deal:
- HP: 140 (decent survivability for a Basic EX)
- Attack: Dark Prism – deals 80 damage, which is solid for a two-energy attack.
- Ability – Nightmare Aura: Whenever you attach a Darkness Energy from your Energy Zone to Darkrai EX, it deals 20 damage to your opponent’s Active Pokémon — even while it sits on your Bench.
This ability is where Darkrai EX truly shines. Unlike many Pokémon that only function when active, Darkrai EX provides passive chip damage that builds pressure every turn. Over time, this can soften up opponents, allowing your main attackers to sweep through their lineup.
Because of its bench-damage utility and synergy with Darkness strategies, Darkrai EX has become a core card in many competitive builds.
Why Darkrai EX is Important for Competitive Decks
- Bench Utility: It deals damage even when not in the active slot.
- Energy Synergy: Pairs well with decks that accelerate or recycle Darkness Energy.
- Meta Disruption: Constant chip damage forces opponents to rethink their defensive strategy.
- Deck Versatility: Can be slotted into multiple Darkness decks without needing to be the main attacker.
For players who enjoy control decks, chip damage decks, or energy-based combos, Darkrai EX is an invaluable piece.
Methods to Get Darkrai EX in Pokémon TCG Pocket
Now that you know why it’s so powerful, let’s cover the practical side: how to actually obtain Darkrai EX.
1. Pulling from Booster Packs – Space-Time Smackdown: Dialga Pack
Darkrai EX belongs to the Space-Time Smackdown (A2) expansion. Within this expansion, the Dialga Pack is the one that contains Darkrai EX.
- Pull Rates: As with most EX cards, the pull rate is very low. While exact odds aren’t public, players report needing dozens (sometimes hundreds) of packs to pull one.
- Variants: Certain versions, like 2-Star rarities, are even harder to pull.
👉 Tip: Concentrate your openings on Dialga packs only. Opening packs from other expansions will not only reduce your chances but also give you Pack Points from the wrong set (which won’t help for crafting).
2. Crafting with Pack Points
If RNG isn’t on your side, crafting is the most reliable path.
- Each time you open packs, you earn Pack Points (usually from duplicates).
- To craft Darkrai EX, you’ll need around 500 Pack Points.
- Important: You must use Pack Points earned from the Space-Time Smackdown expansion. Points from other expansions won’t count.
👉 Tip: Save all your A2 Pack Points exclusively for Darkrai EX. Don’t waste them on filler cards unless absolutely necessary.
3. Premium Pass and Promo Versions
Sometimes, Darkrai EX is offered as a special promo card through the Premium Pass system.
- Example: Promo version P-A 042 was once released as part of a Premium Pass reward.
- These promo versions are unobtainable through booster packs and only come via timed events.
👉 Tip: Always check ongoing events, missions, and Premium Pass rewards. If Darkrai EX is on the list, it’s often easier (and cheaper) to secure it this way than gambling on packs.
4. Trading with Other Players
In some cases, Darkrai EX can be acquired through player-to-player trading.
- Not all versions may be tradeable.
- Make sure to double-check the rarity, star rating, and condition (digital authenticity) before trading.
- Because of its popularity, expect high trade demands.
👉 Tip: Look for players with duplicates. They may be more willing to trade fairly if they already own multiple Darkrai EX copies.
5. Patience and Persistence
Let’s be honest: Darkrai EX is a chase card. Most players will not get it quickly. The key is to combine strategies:
- Open packs strategically.
- Save Pack Points.
- Watch Premium Pass promos.
- Explore trades.
If you combine all four, your odds of obtaining Darkrai EX go up significantly.
Step-by-Step Plan to Get Darkrai EX
- Target Dialga packs from the Space-Time Smackdown set.
- Save all Pack Points from this set — don’t spend them early.
- Once you have ~500 Pack Points, craft Darkrai EX if you haven’t pulled it yet.
- Monitor Premium Pass events for exclusive promo versions.
- Engage in trading boards or in-game communities if available.
- Stay patient — RNG may take time, but persistence pays off.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Don’t scatter pack openings. Stick to one expansion to build both pull chances and usable Pack Points.
- Check event calendars. Pokémon TCG Pocket often rotates promos.
- Avoid wasting Pack Points. Hold them until you can afford Darkrai EX.
- Track your pulls. Keeping a log helps you know when crafting is more efficient than random chance.
- Join communities. Reddit, Discord, and forums often share event alerts and trade opportunities.
How to Use Darkrai EX in Decks
Getting the card is only half the battle. To truly maximize Darkrai EX, you’ll want to build around its Nightmare Aura ability.
1. Bench Damage Strategy
Darkrai EX works best when sitting safely on the Bench, dealing passive damage every time you attach Darkness Energy.
- Over time, this weakens opponents’ Active Pokémon.
- When they switch, the accumulated damage makes them easier to KO.
2. Partner with Low-Cost Attackers
Use Pokémon like Weavile EX or other low-cost Darkness attackers. These can exploit the weakened state of opponents and finish them off quickly.
3. Stall with a Tank Active Pokémon
Pair Darkrai EX with a high-HP wall Pokémon in the Active slot. While your opponent struggles to knock it out, your Darkrai EX chips away.
4. Trainer Card Synergy
- Cyrus: Forces the opponent to switch Pokémon, sometimes pulling forward a damaged one you can finish.
- Rocky Helmet (or similar tools): Add more chip damage on top of Nightmare Aura.
5. Switching Tools
Cards that reduce retreat costs (like Leaf) allow you to rotate attackers efficiently, keeping Darkrai EX safe on the Bench.
Why Darkrai EX Stands Out
- Passive Pressure: Most cards only act when active; Darkrai EX punishes opponents every turn.
- Synergy with Darkness Decks: Works perfectly with energy-acceleration builds.
- Difficult to Counter: Opponents must either rush it down or risk being worn down over time.
- Collector’s Value: As a chase card, it’s also a prestige item in your collection.
Final Thoughts
Getting Darkrai EX in Pokémon TCG Pocket isn’t easy — but with the right mix of pack targeting, Pack Point saving, Premium Pass tracking, and smart trading, it’s definitely achievable.
Once you secure it, Darkrai EX can completely reshape your deck strategy. Its Nightmare Aura ensures that every Darkness Energy you attach adds pressure, making it one of the most dangerous and flexible cards in the current meta.
So, stay persistent, keep an eye on promos, and you’ll eventually add this powerhouse to your collection. And when you do, your opponents will start dreading the shadows on your Bench.
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