Mega Latios ex isn’t just a flashy collectible—it’s a game-changing card that can define an entire match. Its combination of high damage output, energy acceleration, and synergy with Psychic and Dragon-type decks makes it one of the most competitive ex cards released in recent times. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to build an optimized deck around Mega Latios ex.
Core Strategy: How to Play Mega Latios ex
At its heart, Mega Latios ex is an offensive powerhouse with energy recursion mechanics. Its signature ability allows you to attach extra Psychic Energy from your discard pile once per turn, creating a self-sustaining damage loop. This makes it essential to focus your deck-building on energy management and support Pokémon.
Your general game plan with Mega Latios ex should be:
Get Mega Latios ex active early – Ideally by turn 2–3. The sooner it’s on the field, the faster you can pressure your opponent.
Accelerate energy attachment – Use support Pokémon and trainer cards to get extra Psychic Energy onto the field.
Maintain momentum – Use cards that allow you to draw, discard, or recycle energy to maximize the looping ability of Mega Latios ex.
Protect your Active Pokémon – With high HP and damage potential, Mega Latios ex will be a primary target. Be ready with switches, shields, or supportive Pokémon.
Key Pokémon to Include
Building a deck around Mega Latios ex requires carefully chosen supporting EZNPC Pokemon TCG Pocket Cards. Here are the best options:
1. Latios Base Form
Running the base Latios line is crucial. It often provides:
Free retreat – Helps you switch Latios into the Active Spot quickly.
Energy acceleration – Allows you to attach Psychic Energy to Latios or Mega Latios ex faster.
Search abilities – Helps find crucial trainer cards and combo pieces.
The synergy between base Latios and Mega Latios ex is seamless, making it the backbone of your deck.
2. Mew or Mew ex
Mew is a versatile support Pokémon that can complement Mega Latios ex decks in several ways:
Draw power – Helps you maintain a steady flow of cards.
Flexible attacks – Mew can mimic moves from other Pokémon, giving you additional offensive or defensive options.
Backup win condition – In case Mega Latios ex is knocked out early, Mew can help you maintain board control.
3. Energy Support Pokémon
Consider Pokémon that specialize in energy acceleration or retrieval. Examples include:
Pokémon that attach energy from your deck
Pokémon that recycle discarded energy
Pokémon that protect your Active slot
These cards keep your Mega Latios ex charged and ready to attack every turn.
Essential Trainer Cards
Trainer cards are the engine that makes a Mega Latios ex deck consistent. Focus on cards that:
Discard energy strategically – Your Mega Latios ex ability thrives on energy in the discard pile.
Draw extra cards – Avoid getting stuck without options; cards that draw multiple Pokémon or energy are invaluable.
Provide switch or retreat options – Protect Mega Latios ex when it’s under threat.
Search the deck – Quickly grab Latios, Mega Latios ex, or energy when needed.
By carefully balancing your trainers between draw, discard, and search effects, you can maximize the efficiency of your Mega Latios ex deck.
Deck Composition Example
Here’s a rough composition for a competitive Mega Latios ex deck:
3x Latios – Base Pokémon to evolve into Mega Latios ex.
2x Mega Latios ex – Main attacker.
2x Mew or Mew ex – Flexible support and backup.
3x Energy Accelerator Pokémon – Any Pokémon that attach or recycle energy.
12–14 Trainer Cards – Include draw, discard, and search options.
10–12 Psychic Energy – Focus on the type synergy for Mega Latios ex.
This balance ensures consistency, energy acceleration, and protection while allowing Mega Latios ex to dominate mid-game.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
High base damage, capable of knocking out most Pokémon in one or two hits.
Self-sustaining energy mechanic reduces dependence on continuous energy attachment.
Synergy with Psychic and Dragon Pokémon allows flexible deck-building.
Durability with high HP makes it a resilient mid-to-late-game presence.
Weaknesses:
Vulnerable to one-shot burst decks or heavy colorless attackers.
Energy recursion requires planning and discard pile management.
Early removal of Mega Latios ex can set you back significantly.
By knowing these strengths and weaknesses, you can play around counters and optimize your deck to maintain board control.
Matchups to Consider
Mega Latios ex excels against:
Water decks – Its high damage overwhelms slower water attackers.
Fire decks – Often lacking defensive measures against heavy Psychic attacks.
Slow evolution decks – Can outpace decks that require multiple turns to set up.
It struggles against:
Dark-type burst decks – Cards that one-shot Pokémon can bypass its durability.
High-energy recycling decks – Opponents with energy acceleration can keep up with your damage output.
Knowing which decks you dominate and which decks you struggle against helps you adjust your strategy, such as using defensive trainers or side Pokémon.
Why Mega Latios ex Will Define the Meta
Mega Latios ex is both powerful and consistent, requiring fewer pieces than most Tier-1 decks while producing massive damage. Its ability to snowball with repeated energy attachments creates a dynamic where opponents are forced to respond early or risk being overwhelmed.
In short, if you pull Mega Latios ex during the Drop Event, you are gaining not just a card, but the foundation for a meta-defining deck that can compete at the highest levels in Pokémon TCG Pocket.
