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Pokemon TCG Pocket (PTCGP)

Best Nihilego Decks and Card List

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Pokemon TGC Pocket - Nihilego Best Deck Build and How to Play

This guide will show you how to build some of the strongest Nihilego Decks. We'll cover the best Nihilego Deck builds, how to use them, as well how to beat Nihilego Decks, and more!

Best Nihilego Decks

Nihilego Deck Variants Strengths and Weaknesses
Mega Absol ex and Hydreigon Deck Icon Mega Absol ex and Hydreigon Deck
[★ Best ★]
Strengths:
• Mega Absol ex has an inexpensive Attack in Darkness Claw, which can 2HKO most ex Pokemon.
• Darkness Claw can be disruptive if it can discard a Supporter card from your opponent's hand.
• Hydreigon's massive damage output can make up for Mega Absol ex's relatively low attack power.
Weaknesses:
• Mega Absol ex has low HP compared to other Mega ex Pokemon.
Mega Absol ex and Nihilego Deck Icon Mega Absol ex and Nihilego Deck Strengths:
• Poison Barb and Nihilego's More Poison Ability can deal additional damage to the opponent's Active Pokemon.
• This deck focuses on disruption using Mega Absol ex's Darkness Claw.
Weaknesses:
• Mega Absol ex has low HP compared to other Mega ex Pokemon.
• This deck has no recovery options.
Mega Absol ex and Weezing Deck Icon Mega Absol ex and Weezing Deck Strengths:
• Mega Absol ex has an inexpensive Attack in Darkness Claw, which can 2HKO most ex Pokemon.
• Nihilego is able to increase Weezing's effectiveness with its Ability, More Poison.
Weaknesses:
• Mega Absol ex has low HP compared to other Mega ex Pokemon.
Dragalge ex and Darkrai ex Deck Icon Dragalge ex and Nihilego ex Deck Strengths:
• Dragalge ex can Poison the opponent's Pokemon with its Ability.
• Nihilego can increase the Poison damage accumulated by the opponent.
• Darkrai ex's Ability can further increase the damage taken by the opponent's Active Pokemon.
Weaknesses:
• The Pokemon on the team have low-damage moves.
Guzzlord ex and Naganadel Deck Icon Guzzlord ex and Naganadel Deck Strengths:
• Guzzlord ex can be very disruptive with Grindcore which has the chance of discarding an Energy from the Defending Pokemon.
• Naganadel can inflict Poison with Electro House.
• Nihilego is able to increase Poison's effectiveness with its Ability, More Poison.
Weaknesses:
• May struggle since the deck has a low damage output.
• Feature Pokemon in the deck have low HP.

Mega Absol ex and Hydreigon Deck

Mega Absol ex ×1 Deino ×2 Hydreigon ×2 Bombirdier ×1
Cyrus ×1 Pokemon Center Lady ×1 Rare Candy ×2 Copycat ×2
Lucky Ice Pop ×1 Field Blower ×1 Deceptive Needle ×2 Poke Ball ×2
Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon
Scan Code

Save image to scan in-game.

Although Mega Absol ex's Darkness Claw has a great disruptive effect, it lacks the power you may want in the late game. Hydreigon is here to make up for Mega Absol ex's damage output. Switch it in if you need to deal with high HP Pokemon or if you need to go up against Pom-Pom Oricorio.

A copy of Lucky Ice Pop are slotted in to mitigate Hydreigon's damage from Roar in Unison.

Nihilego works well for putting high HP Mega exs like Mega Kangaskhan ex into Hydreigon's KO range.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) No cards needed from this expansion.
Mythical Island (A1a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Cyrus x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) Pokemon Center Lady x 1 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Celestial Guardians Rare Candy x 2 (Any Pack)
Extradimensional Crisis No cards needed from this expansion.
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea No cards needed from this expansion.
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising Mega Absol ex x 1 (Mega Gyarados Pack)
Deino x 2 (Mega Gyarados Pack)
Hydreigon x 2 (Mega Gyarados Pack)
Copycat x 2 (Mega Gyarados Pack)
Crimson Blaze No cards needed from this expansion.
Fantastical Parade Lucky Ice Pop x 1 (Mega Gardevoir Pack)
Paldean Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Shine No cards needed from this expansion.
Pulsing Aura Bombirdier x 1 (Mega Lucario Pack)
Field Blower x 1 (Mega Lucario Pack)
Paradox Drive No cards needed from this expansion.
Everyday Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Ruler of the Skies Deceptive Needle x 2 (Mega Rayquaza Pack)
Team Rocket's Ambition No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Promo-B No cards needed from this expansion.

Mega Absol ex and Nihilego Deck

Nihilego ×2 Mega Absol ex ×2 Deino ×2 Hydreigon ×2
Cyrus ×1 Rare Candy ×2 Poison Barb ×2 May ×1
Poke Ball ×2 Red Card ×2 Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon
Scan Code

Save image to scan in-game.

This deck allows you to inflict Poison on your opponent in order to make up for Mega Absol ex's relatively low damage output. You can attach Poison Barb to Mega Absol ex in the Active Spot, then have Nihilego on your Bench to increase the Poison damage every turn.

Compared to the Mega Absol ex and Hydreigon Deck, this version has a higher emphasis on Nihilego and Mega Absol ex, with Hydreigon as its backup.

Since you can use Mega Absol ex's Darkness Claw to get rid of some of your opponent's recovery options, this is a good way to deal damage over time. However, if you're in need of a large amount of damage in one move, you can attack with Hydreigon.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) No cards needed from this expansion.
Mythical Island (A1a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Cyrus x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) No cards needed from this expansion.
Celestial Guardians Rare Candy x 2 (Any Pack)
Poison Barb x 2 (Lunala Pack)
Extradimensional Crisis Nihilego x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea No cards needed from this expansion.
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising Mega Absol ex x 2 (Mega Gyarados Pack)
Deino x 2 (Mega Gyarados Pack)
Hydreigon x 2 (Mega Gyarados Pack)
May x 1 (Mega Blaziken Pack)
Crimson Blaze No cards needed from this expansion.
Fantastical Parade No cards needed from this expansion.
Paldean Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Shine No cards needed from this expansion.
Pulsing Aura No cards needed from this expansion.
Paradox Drive No cards needed from this expansion.
Everyday Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Ruler of the Skies No cards needed from this expansion.
Team Rocket's Ambition No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Red Card x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Promo-B No cards needed from this expansion.

Mega Absol ex and Weezing

Koffing ×2 Weezing ×2 Darkrai ex ×1 Nihilego ×2
Mega Absol ex ×1 Sabrina ×1 Cyrus ×2 Poison Barb ×2
Copycat ×2 X Speed ×1 Poke Ball ×2 Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon
Scan Code

Save image to scan in-game.

This deck allows you to inflict Poison on your opponent in order to make up for Mega Absol ex's relatively low damage output. You can attach Poison Barb to your Pokemon in the Active Spot, then have Nihilego on your Bench to increase the Poison damage every turn.

Weezing's Gas Leak can inflict Poison when Weezing is in the Active Spot, which works well with Nihilego's More Poison Ability.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) Koffing x 2 (Mewtwo Pack)
Weezing x 2 (Mewtwo Pack)
Sabrina x 1 (Charizard Pack)
Mythical Island (A1a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Darkrai ex x 1 (Dialga Pack)
Cyrus x 2 (Palkia Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) No cards needed from this expansion.
Celestial Guardians Poison Barb x 2 (Lunala Pack)
Extradimensional Crisis Nihilego x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea No cards needed from this expansion.
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising Mega Absol ex x 1 (Mega Gyarados Pack)
Copycat x 2 (Mega Gyarados Pack)
Crimson Blaze No cards needed from this expansion.
Fantastical Parade No cards needed from this expansion.
Paldean Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Shine No cards needed from this expansion.
Pulsing Aura No cards needed from this expansion.
Paradox Drive No cards needed from this expansion.
Everyday Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Ruler of the Skies No cards needed from this expansion.
Team Rocket's Ambition No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A X Speed x 1 (Promo-A Pack)
Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Promo-B No cards needed from this expansion.

Dragalge ex and Nihilego ex Deck

Darkrai ex ×1 Nihilego ×2 Skrelp ×2 Dragalge ex ×2
Sabrina ×1 Rocky Helmet ×2 Cyrus ×1 Mars ×1
Pokemon Center Lady ×2 Red ×1 May ×1 Poke Ball ×2
Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon
Scan Code

Save image to scan in-game.

Poison your opponent using either Dragalge ex or Nihilego. For the most part, you'll want to have Dragalge ex in your Active Spot, while Nihilego and Darkrai ex stay on the Bench.

Nihilego automatically boosts the Poison damage the opponent takes through its More Poison Ability, and Darkrai ex can deal an additional 20 damage to the opponent's Active Pokemon if you attach Energy onto it even while it's on the Bench.

Dragalge ex benefits more from being in the Active Spot, so that it can make use of its Poison Point Ability. Attach a Rocky Helmet to it to further punish your opponent when attacking Dragalge ex.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) Sabrina x 1 (Charizard Pack)
Mythical Island (A1a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Darkrai ex x 1 (Dialga Pack)
Rocky Helmet x 2 (Palkia Pack)
Cyrus x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Mars x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) Pokemon Center Lady x 2 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Red x 1 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Celestial Guardians No cards needed from this expansion.
Extradimensional Crisis Nihilego x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea No cards needed from this expansion.
Secluded Springs Skrelp x 2 (Suicune Pack)
Mega Rising Dragalge ex x 2 (Mega Blaziken Pack)
May x 1 (Mega Blaziken Pack)
Crimson Blaze No cards needed from this expansion.
Fantastical Parade No cards needed from this expansion.
Paldean Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Shine No cards needed from this expansion.
Pulsing Aura No cards needed from this expansion.
Paradox Drive No cards needed from this expansion.
Everyday Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Ruler of the Skies No cards needed from this expansion.
Team Rocket's Ambition No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Promo-B No cards needed from this expansion.

Alternate Card Suggestions

Alternate Cards Possible Cuts

Red Card
(P-A 006)
→

・Red Card can help prevent opposing Pokemon from evolving and healing their Poison status.
・It is recommended to keep at least one Pokemon Center Lady card, so that Dragalge ex can recover.

Guzzlord ex and Naganadel Deck

Nihilego ×2 Guzzlord ex ×2 Poipole ×2 Naganadel ×2
Celesteela ×1 Cyrus ×1 Poison Barb ×2 Lusamine ×2
Copycat ×1 Poke Ball ×2 Red Card ×1 Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

This deck utilizes the three best Dark-type Ultra Beasts, Guzzlord ex, Nihilego , and Naganadel. It also features Celesteela to give your Ultra Beasts mobility from free switches.

Lusamine is used as a quick way to set up a backup attacker after one of your Ultra Beasts have been knocked out.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) No cards needed from this expansion.
Mythical Island (A1a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Cyrus x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) No cards needed from this expansion.
Celestial Guardians Poison Barb x 2 (Lunala Pack)
Extradimensional Crisis Nihilego x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Guzzlord ex x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Poipole x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Naganadel x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Celesteela x 1 (Buzzwole Pack)
Lusamine x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea No cards needed from this expansion.
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising Copycat x 1 (Mega Gyarados Pack)
Crimson Blaze No cards needed from this expansion.
Fantastical Parade No cards needed from this expansion.
Paldean Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Shine No cards needed from this expansion.
Pulsing Aura No cards needed from this expansion.
Paradox Drive No cards needed from this expansion.
Everyday Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Ruler of the Skies No cards needed from this expansion.
Team Rocket's Ambition No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Red Card x 1 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Promo-B No cards needed from this expansion.

Other Nihilego Decks

Other Nihilego Decks
Nihilego and Clodsire ex Deck Icon Nihilego and Clodsire ex Deck Nihilego and Naganadel Deck Icon Nihilego and Naganadel Deck Nihilego and Weezing Deck Icon Nihilego and Weezing Deck
Umbreon and Alolan Muk ex Deck Icon Umbreon and Alolan Muk ex Deck Umbreon and Nihilego DeckUmbreon and Nihilego Deck Guzzlord ex and Nihilego Deck Icon Guzzlord ex and Nihilego Deck
Tyranitar and Nihilego Deck Icon Tyranitar and Nihilego Deck Umbreon ex and Giratina ex Deck Icon Umbreon ex and Giratina ex Deck -

Nihilego and Clodsire ex Deck

Croagunk ×2 Toxicroak × Paldean Wooper ×2 Paldean Clodsire ex ×2
Nihilego ×2 Sabrina ×1 Cyrus ×1 Pokemon Center Lady ×1
Poison Barb ×2 Guzma ×1 Poke Ball ×2 Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

Nihilego's More Poison allows you to deal more Poison damage during Pokemon Checkup. This Ability synergizes with Toxicroak's Toxic, which already deals extra damage to the defending Pokemon during Pokemon checkup.

Clodsire ex can deal boosted damage to your opponent's Active Pokemon if it is Poisoned. This Attack works great in this deck because of all the ways that the deck can inflict Poison.

This deck runs Poison Barb, which enables the deck's Poison-centric strategies.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) Sabrina x 1 (Charizard Pack)
Mythical Island (A1a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Croagunk x 2 (Dialga Pack)
Cyrus x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) Toxicroak x (Arceus Pack)
Shining Revelry (A2b) Paldean Wooper x 2 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Paldean Clodsire ex x 2 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Pokemon Center Lady x 1 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Celestial Guardians Poison Barb x 2 (Lunala Pack)
Guzma x 1 (Lunala Pack)
Extradimensional Crisis Nihilego x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea No cards needed from this expansion.
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising No cards needed from this expansion.
Crimson Blaze No cards needed from this expansion.
Fantastical Parade No cards needed from this expansion.
Paldean Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Shine No cards needed from this expansion.
Pulsing Aura No cards needed from this expansion.
Paradox Drive No cards needed from this expansion.
Everyday Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Ruler of the Skies No cards needed from this expansion.
Team Rocket's Ambition No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Promo-B No cards needed from this expansion.

Nihilego and Naganadel

Darkrai ex ×1 Nihilego ×2 Poipole ×2 Naganadel ×2
Sabrina ×1 Pokemon Communication ×1 Cyrus ×1 Pokemon Center Lady ×2
Guzma ×1 X Speed ×2 Poke Ball ×2 Red Card ×1
Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

Nihilego works together with Naganadel to maximize on incremental damage throughout the battle.

It only costs 1 Darkness energy to use Naganadel's attack, which can immediately inflict Poison on the opponent's defending Pokemon. Nihilego's ability can then boost the Poison damage by +10.

If you have more than one Nihilego in play, the effect can stack and you can deal 30 damage per turn through Poison.

Darkrai ex contributes to the chip damage through its own ability, which deals +20 damage to the opponent's Active Pokemon every time an energy is placed on the card. Since Nihilego and Naganadel's attacks don't do a lot of damage, Darkrai ex can also serve as an attacker who can deal with tankier Pokemon.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) Sabrina x 1 (Charizard Pack)
Mythical Island (A1a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Darkrai ex x 1 (Dialga Pack)
Pokemon Communication x 1 (Dialga Pack)
Cyrus x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) Pokemon Center Lady x 2 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Celestial Guardians Guzma x 1 (Lunala Pack)
Extradimensional Crisis Nihilego x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Poipole x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Naganadel x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea No cards needed from this expansion.
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising No cards needed from this expansion.
Crimson Blaze No cards needed from this expansion.
Fantastical Parade No cards needed from this expansion.
Paldean Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Shine No cards needed from this expansion.
Pulsing Aura No cards needed from this expansion.
Paradox Drive No cards needed from this expansion.
Everyday Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Ruler of the Skies No cards needed from this expansion.
Team Rocket's Ambition No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A X Speed x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Red Card x 1 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Promo-B No cards needed from this expansion.

Nihilego and Weezing Deck

Koffing ×2 Weezing ×2 Absol ×2 Nihilego ×2
Koga ×2 Leaf ×1 Pokemon Center Lady ×2 Poison Barb ×2
Guzma ×1 Poke Ball ×2 Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

Weezing and Koga make an appearance in this deck. Both cards synergize with each other with Weezing inflicting Poison, and Koga getting it out of the Active Spot. Toxicroak can also inflict Poison with Toxic, which also stacks with Nihilego's More Poison, dealing as much as 30 damage during Pokemon Checkup.

Absol can deal boosted damage to your opponent's Active Pokemon if it has Status Conditions, which shouldn't be hard to inflict with all the deck's options.

This deck runs Poison Barb, which enables the deck's Poison-centric strategies.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) Koffing x 2 (Mewtwo Pack)
Weezing x 2 (Mewtwo Pack)
Koga x 2 (Mewtwo Pack)
Mythical Island (A1a) Leaf x 1 (Mew Pack)
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) No cards needed from this expansion.
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) Pokemon Center Lady x 2 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Celestial Guardians Absol x 2 (Lunala Pack)
Poison Barb x 2 (Lunala Pack)
Guzma x 1 (Lunala Pack)
Extradimensional Crisis Nihilego x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea No cards needed from this expansion.
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising No cards needed from this expansion.
Crimson Blaze No cards needed from this expansion.
Fantastical Parade No cards needed from this expansion.
Paldean Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Shine No cards needed from this expansion.
Pulsing Aura No cards needed from this expansion.
Paradox Drive No cards needed from this expansion.
Everyday Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Ruler of the Skies No cards needed from this expansion.
Team Rocket's Ambition No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Promo-B No cards needed from this expansion.

Nihilego and Alolan Muk ex

Koffing ×2 Weezing ×2 Alolan Muk ex ×2 Nihilego ×2
Alolan Grimer ×2 Koga ×2 Leaf ×1 Rocky Helmet ×2
Cyrus ×1 Poke Ball ×2 Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

The deck features multiple ways to inflict Poison including Promo Alolan Grimer's Poison Gas Attack, Nihilego's New Wave, and Weezing's Gas Leak Ability.

Nihilego can then increase Poison damage with its Ability, softening up opposing Pokemon for later KOs. Once set up, Alolan Muk ex can inflict one of many Status Conditions like Sleep, Burn, Paralysis, Confusion, or Poison.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) Koffing x 2 (Mewtwo Pack)
Weezing x 2 (Mewtwo Pack)
Koga x 2 (Mewtwo Pack)
Mythical Island (A1a) Leaf x 1 (Mew Pack)
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Rocky Helmet x 2 (Palkia Pack)
Cyrus x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) No cards needed from this expansion.
Celestial Guardians Alolan Muk ex x 2 (Lunala Pack)
Extradimensional Crisis Nihilego x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea No cards needed from this expansion.
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising No cards needed from this expansion.
Crimson Blaze No cards needed from this expansion.
Fantastical Parade No cards needed from this expansion.
Paldean Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Shine No cards needed from this expansion.
Pulsing Aura No cards needed from this expansion.
Paradox Drive No cards needed from this expansion.
Everyday Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Ruler of the Skies No cards needed from this expansion.
Team Rocket's Ambition No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Alolan Grimer x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Promo-B No cards needed from this expansion.

Umbreon and Nihilego Deck

Nihilego ×2 Guzzlord ex ×1 Umbreon ×2 Eevee ×2
Sabrina ×1 Cyrus ×1 Pokemon Center Lady ×1 Poison Barb ×2
Guzma ×1 Lusamine ×2 Poke Ball ×2 Red Card ×1
Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

This deck relies on Umbreon to prevent attacks from Basic Pokemon. Poison Barb and Nihilego provide additional damage through the Poison Status Effect.

Guzzlord ex is used as a finisher. It can also be used to counter evolved Pokemon that Umbreon cannot deal with.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) Sabrina x 1 (Charizard Pack)
Mythical Island (A1a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Cyrus x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) Pokemon Center Lady x 1 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Celestial Guardians Poison Barb x 2 (Lunala Pack)
Guzma x 1 (Lunala Pack)
Extradimensional Crisis Nihilego x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Guzzlord ex x 1 (Buzzwole Pack)
Lusamine x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Eevee Grove Umbreon x 2 (Eevee Pack)
Eevee x 2 (Eevee Pack)
Wisdom of Sky and Sea No cards needed from this expansion.
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising No cards needed from this expansion.
Crimson Blaze No cards needed from this expansion.
Fantastical Parade No cards needed from this expansion.
Paldean Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Shine No cards needed from this expansion.
Pulsing Aura No cards needed from this expansion.
Paradox Drive No cards needed from this expansion.
Everyday Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Ruler of the Skies No cards needed from this expansion.
Team Rocket's Ambition No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Red Card x 1 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Promo-B No cards needed from this expansion.

Guzzlord ex and Nihilego Deck

Nihilego ×2 Guzzlord ex ×2 Celesteela ×2 Sabrina ×1
Cyrus ×1 Mars ×1 Pokemon Center Lady ×2 Red ×1
Poison Barb ×2 Lusamine ×2 Poke Ball ×2 Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

Guzzlord ex is paired up with Nihilego as the deck's offensive options, while Celesteela can help the deck with mobility and flexibility with Ultra Thrusters letting you switch your Ultra Beasts at will.

Poison Barb is used to provide incremental damage, which also synergizes with Nihilego's More Poison Ability.

Lusamine in the late-game can help you set up Guzzlord ex quickly by attaching Energy from the Discard Pile.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) Sabrina x 1 (Charizard Pack)
Mythical Island (A1a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Cyrus x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Mars x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) Pokemon Center Lady x 2 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Red x 1 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Celestial Guardians Poison Barb x 2 (Lunala Pack)
Extradimensional Crisis Nihilego x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Guzzlord ex x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Celesteela x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Lusamine x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea No cards needed from this expansion.
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising No cards needed from this expansion.
Crimson Blaze No cards needed from this expansion.
Fantastical Parade No cards needed from this expansion.
Paldean Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Shine No cards needed from this expansion.
Pulsing Aura No cards needed from this expansion.
Paradox Drive No cards needed from this expansion.
Everyday Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Ruler of the Skies No cards needed from this expansion.
Team Rocket's Ambition No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Promo-B No cards needed from this expansion.

Tyranitar and Nihilego Deck

Nihilego ×2 Poipole ×2 Naganadel ×2 Larvitar ×2
Pupitar ×1 Tyranitar ×2 Rare Candy ×2 Lusamine ×2
Lyra ×1 Poke Ball ×2 Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

Nihilego and Naganadel can go on the offensive in the early game and can be loaded up with Energy.

Use Lusamine after either Pokemon have been knocked out, then evolve Pupitar into Tyranitar, which can use its Energy Plunder Ability to take all the Darkness Energy on your board and swing for 130 with Buster Tail.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) No cards needed from this expansion.
Mythical Island (A1a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) No cards needed from this expansion.
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) No cards needed from this expansion.
Celestial Guardians Rare Candy x 2 (Any Pack)
Extradimensional Crisis Nihilego x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Poipole x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Naganadel x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Lusamine x 2 (Buzzwole Pack)
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea Larvitar x 2 (Ho-Oh Pack)
Pupitar x 1 (Ho-Oh Pack)
Tyranitar x 2 (Ho-Oh Pack)
Lyra x 1 (Lugia Pack)
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising No cards needed from this expansion.
Crimson Blaze No cards needed from this expansion.
Fantastical Parade No cards needed from this expansion.
Paldean Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Shine No cards needed from this expansion.
Pulsing Aura No cards needed from this expansion.
Paradox Drive No cards needed from this expansion.
Everyday Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Ruler of the Skies No cards needed from this expansion.
Team Rocket's Ambition No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Promo-B No cards needed from this expansion.

Umbreon ex and Giratina ex Deck

Darkrai ex ×2 Giratina ex ×2 Nihilego ×1 Umbreon ex ×2
Eevee ×2 Mars ×1 Red ×1 Poison Barb ×1
Lyra ×2 Silver ×1 Poke Ball ×2 Red Card ×1
Professor's Research ×2
Energy Used
Darkness Icon

The Giratina ex and Darkrai ex core with a 2-2 Umbreon ex line gains the ability to target down any Pokemon on your opponent's bench if they have damage on them.

Lyra gives the deck added mobility, allowing you to switch out Pokemon as long as they have damage.

Silver can be disruptive, denying your opponents of a Supporter card for their turn.

Expansions Cards to Get and Packs to Open
Genetic Apex (A1) No cards needed from this expansion.
Mythical Island (A1a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Spacetime Smackdown (A2) Darkrai ex x 2 (Dialga Pack)
Mars x 1 (Palkia Pack)
Triumphant Light (A2a) No cards needed from this expansion.
Shining Revelry (A2b) Giratina ex x 2 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Red x 1 (Shiny Charizard Pack)
Celestial Guardians Poison Barb x 1 (Lunala Pack)
Extradimensional Crisis Nihilego x 1 (Buzzwole Pack)
Eevee Grove No cards needed from this expansion.
Wisdom of Sky and Sea Umbreon ex x 2 (Ho-Oh Pack)
Eevee x 2 (Any Pack)
Lyra x 2 (Lugia Pack)
Silver x 1 (Ho-Oh Pack)
Secluded Springs No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Rising No cards needed from this expansion.
Crimson Blaze No cards needed from this expansion.
Fantastical Parade No cards needed from this expansion.
Paldean Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Mega Shine No cards needed from this expansion.
Pulsing Aura No cards needed from this expansion.
Paradox Drive No cards needed from this expansion.
Everyday Wonders No cards needed from this expansion.
Ruler of the Skies No cards needed from this expansion.
Team Rocket's Ambition No cards needed from this expansion.
Promo-A Poke Ball x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Red Card x 1 (Promo-A Pack)
Professor's Research x 2 (Promo-A Pack)
Promo-B No cards needed from this expansion.

Nihilego Deck Strategy Guide

Inflict Poison with Other Cards

Because of Nihilego's ability, it's good to bring a Pokemon that can reliably Poison your opponent like Naganadel, who only needs 1 energy to attack and inflict Poison.

Weezing has also been a consistently effective Pokemon for inflicting Poison since its introduction in Genetic Apex. It synergizes with Koga, which gets Weezing out of the Active Spot, allowing another Pokemon to come in and deal damage.

Poison Barb is great for punishing opponents for attacking your Pokemon, inflicting Poison when your Active Pokemon holding Poison Barb is damaged by an attack.

Attack for Boosted Damage

Nihilego and Poison work well with Pokemon that are able to inflict boosted damage to an opposing Pokemon afflicted with Poison. Absol and Clodsire ex are great options because of their attacks that get boosted when an opposing Pokemon has a Status Condition.

How to Beat Nihilego Decks

Remove Your Poison Status

You can remove status conditions like Poison using Trainer cards like Pokemon Center Lady, and Big Malasada.

Switching a Pokemon out of the Active Spot will also heal it from status. Pokemon like Solgaleo ex can immediately switch in using Rising Road, healing a Poisoned Active Pokemon of the status condition.

Celesteela can let you switch out an Ultra Beast and cure it of status conditions.

Hit Nihilego and Its Partners for Weakness

Nihilego and its partners will not be able to withstand damage from Energy-efficient Fighting-types like Rampardos and Lycanroc. Use these Pokemon to get an immediate advantage against these Dark-type decks.

Pokemon TCG Pocket Related Guides

Decks

Best Meta Decks Tier List

Team Rocket's Ambition Decks

TR Articuno ex Deck iconTR Articuno ex Team RocketTR Zapdos ex Team RocketTR Weezing ex Team RocketTR Slowking ex
Team RocketTR Raticate ex TRA Garchomp Deck iconTRA Garchomp Team RocketTR Moltres ex Team RocketTR Wobbuffet
Mega Garchomp ex Deck IconMega Garchomp ex - - -

Top Decks in the Meta

S Tier Tier
Mega Lucario ex and Hitmonlee DeckMega Lucario ex and Hitmonlee Deck Darkrai and Mega Altaria ex DeckDarkrai and Mega Altaria ex Deck Hoopa ex and Darkrai ex DeckHoopa ex and Darkrai ex Deck -
A+ Tier Tier
Chien-Pao ex and Baxcalibur DeckChien-Pao ex and Baxcalibur Deck Vespiquen ex and Shuckle ex DeckVespiquen ex and Shuckle ex Deck Mega Sceptile ex and EW Butterfree DeckMega Sceptile ex and EW Butterfree Deck Miraidon ex and CB Magnezone DeckMiraidon ex and CB Magnezone Deck
Mega Rayquaza ex and Gouging Fire DeckMega Rayquaza ex and Gouging Fire Deck - - -
A Tier Tier
Mega Altaria ex and Greninja DeckMega Altaria ex and Greninja Deck Mega Absol ex and Hydreigon DeckMega Absol ex and Hydreigon Deck Mega Sceptile ex and Greninja DeckMega Sceptile ex and Greninja Deck Heliolisk and Mega Manectric ex DeckHeliolisk and Mega Manectric ex Deck
Mega Charizard X ex and Entei ex DeckMega Charizard X ex and Entei ex Deck Magnezone ex and Pom-Pom Oricorio DeckMagnezone ex and Pom-Pom Oricorio Deck - -
B Tier Tier
Mega Sableye ex and Greninja DeckMega Sableye ex and Greninja Deck Mega Blaziken ex and Greninja DeckMega Blaziken ex and Greninja Deck Team RocketTeam Rocket's Weezing ex and Hoopa ex Deck Mega Altaria ex and Gourgeist DeckMega Altaria ex and Gourgeist Deck
Meowscarada ex and Teal Mask Ogerpon ex DeckMeowscarada ex and Teal Mask Ogerpon ex Deck - - -
C Tier Tier
TRA Garchomp and Mantyke DeckTRA Garchomp and Mantyke Deck Ariados and Whimsicott ex DeckAriados and Whimsicott ex Deck Mega Sharpedo ex and Chien-Pao ex DeckMega Sharpedo ex and Chien-Pao ex Deck Hoopa ex and Zoroark ex DeckHoopa ex and Zoroark ex Deck
Mega Diancie ex and Mega Gardevoir ex DeckMega Diancie ex and Mega Gardevoir ex Deck Flygon ex DeckFlygon ex Deck - -

List of All Decks

Core Expansion Decks
Team Rocket
(B4a)
・Team Rocket's Articuno ex
・Team Rocket's Moltres ex
・Team Rocket's Slowking ex
・Team Rocket's Zapdos ex
・Team Rocket's Raticate ex ・Team Rocket's Wobbuffet
・TRA Garchomp
・Mega Garchomp ex
Ruler of the Skies Logo
(B4)
・Beautifly
・Hoopa ex
・Mega Gallade ex
・Mega Metagross ex
・Mega Rayquaza ex
・Mega Sharpedo ex
・Rotom ex
・RS Heliolisk
・Swanna ex
・Typhlosion ex
・Vespiquen ex
・Wailord ex
Everyday Wonders Logo
(B3b)
・EW Butterfree
・Dedenne ex
・Hisuian Zoroark ex
・Mega Diancie ex
・Mega Sableye ex
・Milotic ex
・Puppy Pile
Paradox Drive Logo
(B3a)
・Espeon
・Flutter Mane ex
・Iron Bundle ex
・Iron Valiant
・Koraidon ex
・Miraidon ex
・Raging Bolt
・Terapagos ex
Pulsing Aura Logo
(B3)
・Crustle ex
・Corviknight ex
・Flygon ex
・Inteleon
・Magnezone ex
・Mega Audino ex
・Mega Heracross ex
・Mega Camerupt ex
・Mega Lucario ex
・Mega Sceptile ex
・Vaporeon ex
・Zoroark ex
・Zygarde ex
Mega Shine Logo
(B2b)
・Darkrai
・Haxorus
・Mega Charizard X ex
・Mega Gengar ex
・Mega Manectric ex
・Mega Scizor ex
・Mega Slowbro ex
Paldean Wonders Logo
(B2a)
・Armarouge ex
・Baxcalibur
・Bellibolt ex
・Chien-Pao ex
・Gholdengo ex
・Meowscarada ex
・PW Pawmot
・Skeledirge
Fantastical Parade Logo
(B2)
・Alolan Ninetales ex
・Blacephalon ex
・Chandelure
・Galarian Obstagoon
・Gourgeist
・Gigalith ex
・Maushold
・Mega Gardevoir ex
・Mega Kangaskhan ex
・Mega Mawile ex
・Mega Medicham ex
・Mega Swampert ex
・Mimikyu ex
・Teal Mask Ogerpon ex
・Toxtricity ex
・Tyrantrum
Crimson Blaze Logo
(B1a)
・Ariados
・CB Ditto
・CB Heliolisk
・CB Porygon-Z
・CB Magnezone
・Mega Blastoise ex
・Mega Charizard Y ex
・Mega Lopunny ex
・Mega Steelix ex
・Mega Venusaur ex
・Reuniclus
Mega Rising Logo
(B1)
・Aegislash
・Dragalge ex
・Greninja ex
・Golurk
・Goodra
・Hitmonchan ex
・Hydreigon
・Indeedee ex
・Jolteon ex
・Luxray
・Mega Absol ex
・Mega Altaria ex
・Mega Ampharos ex
・Mega Blaziken ex
・Mega Gyarados ex
・Mega Pidgeot ex
・Mega Pinsir ex
・Melmetal ex
・Rapidash ex
・Tauros ex
・Whimsicott ex
Secluded Springs Logo
(A4a)
・Altaria
・Celebi
・Dugtrio
・Entei ex
・Galarian Cursola
・Jumpluff ex
・Latios
・Miltank
・Poliwrath ex
・Raikou ex
・Slowking
・SS Eelektross
・Suicune ex
・Zoroark
Wisdom of Sea and Sky Logo
(A4)
・Crobat ex
・Donphan ex
・Espeon ex
・Ho-oh ex
・Kingdra ex
・Lanturn ex
・Lugia ex
・Magcargo
・Raikou
・Scizor
・Shuckle ex
・Skarmory ex
・Steelix
・Umbreon ex
・WSS Gyarados
・WSS Tyranitar
・Xatu
Eevee Grove Logo
(A3b)
・Alcremie
・Dragonite ex
・Espeon
・Flareon ex
・Glaceon
・Jolteon
・Leafeon
・Primarina ex
・Slurpuff
・Snorlax ex
・Sylveon ex
・Umbreon
・Vaporeon
Extradimensional Crisis Logo
(A3a)
・Alolan Dugtrio ex
・Blacephalon
・Buzzwole ex
・Guzzlord ex
・Lycanroc ex
・Naganadel
・Nihilego
・Pheromosa
・Shiinotic
・Silvally
・Stoutland
・Tapu Koko ex
・Ultra Necrozma ex
Celestial Guardians Logo
(A3)
・Alolan Muk ex
・Alolan Ninetales
・Alolan Raichu ex
・Araquanid
・Banette
・Crabominable ex
・Decidueye ex
・Dhelmise ex
・Incineroar ex
・Kommo-o
・Lunala ex
・Mimikyu
・Passimian ex
・Pom-Pom Oricorio
・Rayquaza ex
・Solgaleo ex
・Tsareena
・Turtonator
・Vikavolt
・Wishiwashi ex
Shining Revelry Logo
(A2b)
・Beedrill ex
・Bibarel ex
・Dondozo
・Gholdengo
・Giratina ex
・Lucario ex
・Meowscarada
・Paldean Clodsire ex
・Pawmot
・SR Charizard ex
・SR Pikachu ex
・Tinkaton ex
・Wugtrio ex
Triumphant Light Logo
(A2a)
・Abomasnow
・Arceus ex
・Bronzong
・Carnivine
・Crobat
・Donphan
・Garchomp ex
・Gengar
・Glaceon ex
・Heatran
・Houndoom
・Leafeon ex
・Origin Forme Palkia
・Probopass ex
・Snorlax
・Staraptor
・TL Tyranitar
Space-Time Smackdown Logo
(A2)
・Bastiodon
・Darkrai ex
・Dialga ex
・Empoleon
・Gallade ex
・Garchomp
・Infernape ex
・Lickilicky ex
・Lucario
・Luxray
・Magnezone
・Mesprit
・Mismagius ex
・Pachirisu ex
・Palkia ex
・Porygon-Z
・Rampardos
・Rhyperior
・Togekiss
・Torterra
・Weavile ex
・Yanmega ex
Mythical Island Logo
(A1a)
・Aerodactyl ex
・Celebi ex
・Golem
・Gyarados ex
・Mew ex
・Pidgeot ex
・Scolipede
Genetic Apex Logo
(A1)
・Aerodactyl
・Alakazam
・Arbok
・Arcanine ex
・Articuno
・Articuno ex
・Blastoise
・Blastoise ex
・Centiskorch
・Charizard
・Dragonite
・Exeggutor ex
・Frosmoth
・GA Charizard ex
・GA Gyarados
・GA Pikachu ex
・Gengar ex
・Greninja
・Kabutops
・Kingler
・Lapras ex
・Machamp ex
・Marowak ex
・Melmetal
・Mewtwo ex
・Moltres ex
・Ninetales
・Omastar
・Pidgeot
・Poliwrath
・Primeape
・Raichu
・Starmie ex
・Venusaur
・Venusaur ex
・Weezing
・Wigglytuff ex
・Zapdos
・Zapdos ex

Best Rental Deck Tier List

Deck-Building Guides and Lists

Lists of Decks by Type
Best F2P Beginner Decks Best Non-ex Decks
Which ex Starter Deck Should You Get? List of Rental Decks
Best 18 Trainers Decks Best Trainerless Decks for Solo Battle Missions
List of Meme or Troll Decks List of Ultra Beast Decks
Best Eeveelution Decks Best Baby Pokemon Decks
Deck-Building Guides
Deck Building Guide How Rental Decks Work
Staple Cards for Decks -
Deck Analyses
Deck Matchup Statistics 10 Match Tests vs Pikachu ex Deck - Statistics

Comment

1 Anonymous Anonymous over 1 year

I think that it's shown the wrong toxicroak card, according to the description, the correct one should be the triumphant light one. Also, the same goes for croagunk, the triumphant light version has better energy costs, perfectly in line with the toxic attack

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