Spring Battle Roads have already begun in some places and are set to begin all over very shortly (check Pokemon.com for a listing near you). Seeing as this is the last event before the Nationals begin in June, this is the last chance to test decks before the big day. So far this format Electric decks have dominated the meta with Magneboar, ZPST,Eelzone, and Zekeels each showcasing dominance in the format. Dark Explorers hits stores May 8th and will give Trainers the chance to test tech in current builds and new decks all together, so what can we expect from this session of tournaments.
Zekeels
Zekrom/Eelektrik deck (Zekeels) is coming off of a dominating performance at Regionals and one should expect to see alot of them over the Battle Roads Marathon. As I have said many times before this is by far the best deck in the format hands down, being able to set up a fast paced beginning, middle and late game. Dark Explorers will bring it new tech in Raikou EX, which also gives it bench sniping capabilities. Also Ultra Ball brings the deck yet another way to get energy in the discard pile to feed the Dynamotor Engine.
CMT (Celebii/Mewtwo EX/Tornadus)
Tornadus EX could see some early play in this deck along side its regular counterpart. Being able to hit for a first turn 60 with a Skyarrow Bridge out is pretty sweet and being able to hit for 100 will make it easier to conserve your Mewtwos. Other builds may try out Prism Energy and Darkrai EX for free retreat replacing Skyarrow Bridge with other valued Trainers.
Durant
There is little doubt that Durant decks are this formats fastest set up deck. Being able to Devour turn 1 is amazing and disrupts your opponents strategy quite well. Heatmor from Dark Explorers threatens the Metal Ants reign as a tier one deck and i suspect it will catch some Durant builds by surprise. However, a return of Cobalion to the deck (I have noticed its not run as much anymore) will put the Anteater in its place as Heatmor is unable to KO Cobalion as easily as it does Durant. I honestly dont see Durant losing any popularity due to Heatmor.
Dark.Dec
This will be the very hyped decks first chance to shine, and to see if it will live up to the hype. Darkrai EX is a amazing sniper and if it is set up fast enough will keep Zekeels in check by KO'ing Tynamos before they can become Eelektriks. CMT decks will also have to fear the Nightmare Pokemon as it can knockout benched Celebii Primes in two shots. Zoroark builds will probably see the most play right now as its fast and with Dark Claw and Special Dark Energy letting it hit up to 160 (Full Bench+Darkclaw+2 Special Dark). Dark Decks will need to find a reliable counter to Terrakion as the deck can destroy everything in 1 shot
Other decks/Techs
Empoleon decks could have impressive showings with the right build (just watch out for Zekeels). Diving Draw is such a great ability for keeping your hand full of useful cards, and attack command can hit for 120 off of one energy. I could see speed builds being ideal for this deck, being similar to the Jumpluff builds of previous formats. Round has been making splashes lately and could see some play based off of surprise factor alone. Lastly, Terrakion could see a spike up in play with the release of Groudon EX as a nice backup attacker mid to late game.
This is just some of the decks that you will see at this round of Battle Roads, as the major testing phases begin. Will Zekeels stay the top deck this format or will Dark.Dec live up to its hype?
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