The best META Darkness Deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket

The Darkness type was a fascinating archetype Pokemon bagalthough his presence in the metagame fluctuates greatly – rising to the top briefly before falling back down. Despite this inconsistency, many Pokemon bag Players remain optimistic and believe that Darkness decks have untapped potential. To support these fans in making one really competitive Darkness deckWe have put together what we believe is the only META-relevant Darkness deck Bag. Here you will find everything you need to know.

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The best Darkness deck in Pokemon Pocket

The Scolipede deck in the Pokémon Trading Card Game bag.

In the stream Bag META, the only viable Darkness deck is the Scolipede and Weezing setup. To assemble this deck, combine the duo with the following cards: Venipede, Whirlipede, Koffing, Koga, Leaf, Sabrina, X Speed, Poke Ball and Professor's Research.

Map	Crowd
Venipede	2
Vertebrapods	2
Scoliped	2
Koffing	2
Gasp	2
Koga	2
Sheet	2
Sabrina	1
Professor's research	2
X speed	1
Pokeball	2

Synergies of the Dark-type deck

Venipede and Whirlipede evolve into Scolipede. (Whirlipede also poisons the opponent, setting up Scolipede's ultimate attack.)
Koffing and Weezing are Poison's backup lineup. (Weezing's ability can replace Whirlipede's poison effect.)
Koga and Leaf help with retreat areas. (They allow you to swap Scolipede in and out to maximize damage.)

Why Scolipedes deck is the ideal Darkness series

The Scolipede card in the Pokémon Trading Card Game bag.

Unlike Arbok Weezing decks, the Scolipede and Weezing team offers greater consistency. Scolipede, the new star of the Darkness archetype, stands out for two main reasons: his evolution fits the curve perfectly, and he remains unaffected by Sabrina.

Scolipede has a curve-friendly development

Although Scolipede is a level 2 Pokémon, it can attack early with its primary attack, which only requires two Energy. Additionally, its pre-evolutions, Venipede and Whirlipede, can both attack with just one energy, making them great for curve play.

Sabrina cannot hurt Scolipede

Scolipede relies on frequent retreats to unleash its 120-damage ultimate attack. To do this, you need to bench it, poison the enemy with another Pokemon, and bring Scolipede back into play. So when an opponent uses Sabrina against Scolipede, it often works in your favor as it fits their strategy perfectly.

Scolipede in the Pokémon Trading Card Game bag.

I analyzed ten current ones Pokemon bag Tournaments with over 100 players each and at least one with a Darkness-type deck. The results do not speak for the archetype: Darkness decks averaged a position of 61.3 and failed to crack the top 50.

The archetype's META status was inconsistent. Prior to the release of Mythical Island, Arbok Weezing lineups briefly peaked in the metagame before quickly fading away. Scolipede's Fleeting Fame is the second time this archetype has tried – and failed – to make a significant impact.

How one card ruined Darkness decks

Golem card in the Pokémon Trading Card Game bag.

Darkness cards are weak against Fighting-type Pokémon, which wasn't much of a problem during the Genetic Apex era. However, the release of the Mythical Island miniset shifted the balance by introducing a Darkness counter card: the new golem. Without the release of Golem, Scolipede and other Darkness cards would have the potential to shine in the META, but that is no longer the case.

Currently, Golem formations dominate PvP matches and tournaments, making it nearly impossible for the Darkness archetype to thrive. The unfortunate reality is that this situation is unlikely to change until the next expansion, and even then, the Dark-type Pokémon may struggle to regain popularity as Golem is expected to remain a key player.