Pokémon Pocket: 3 Ways to Play Silvally in the NOEX Format

The NOEX meta didn't change much after the new set, "Eevee Grove", came along. However, the best deck in the meta sees play in three different ways, and these three lists are the best decks in the NOEX format.

Today, we'll go through these three versions, why they're so strong, and how they are different from one another.

This was already the best deck in the format when the last set came along, and it still is. It is one of the fastest lists around, in fact. It also combines the Ultrabeast support package with Silvally, one of the most consistent Pokémon in the entire game.

Silvally is also the main star in several other high-tier decks in the ranked queue, and practically 95% of the decks in NOEX tournaments use this card in some way.

This list, in particular, is the most common and most classic version of all.

The main idea behind it is to open with Type: Null in the active spot, then play Gladio on turn 2 if you're second to play (the same turn you'll attach a second energy to Type: Null). When you evolve your Type: Null into Silvally after drawing it from your deck with Gladio, you'll already be able to deal an extra 50 damage with its attack.

This is currently the fastest combo in the entire game. In the NOEX format, it often gives you 1 point as early as turn 2, considering most Pokémon in this format have less than 100 HP.

As support, this deck also plays Dark Mane Necrozma and Lusamine. If your opponent Knocks Out your Silvally, you can use Lusamine to attach energies to your Dark Mane Necrozma and set it up quite fast.

Rampardos is a classic Pokémon in the NOEX format, but now it is seeing play in a counter version of the main Silvally archetype with Dark Mane Necrozma.

That's because Rampardos deals more damage to Silvally because of its type and can also take any attack that deals 100 damage, considering it has 150 HP. Rampardos will Knock itself Out if you use its attack and it only has 50 HP, but it'll also take an enemy Pokémon with it as well. If you're already ahead in points, you might end up with a win or a tie.

You'll be able to set up Rampardos as fast as Dark Mane Necrozma if your opponent doesn't play a Lusamine. And even if they do play this card, you won't lose straight away because your Pokémon has enough HP to survive an attack.

This is the fastest version possible of this archetype. With it, you can deal 50 damage already on turn 2, or on the first turn you attack if you're second to play.

This is only possible because of Zeraora's ability, which attaches an energy to it at the end of the first turn. The problem with this strategy is that it doesn't deal as much damage as the other versions. Instead, you'll be one turn ahead of your opponent - dealing 50 damage to them before they can set up their Pokémon.

This 50 damage can make a big difference in your matches, but you'll run out of cards fast if your opponent has any appropriate answer, such as Lusamine, or any Fighting Pokémon that they can set up fast, like Hitmonchan.

In this version, Silvally isn't the main card in the deck. Instead, it is just a way to Knock Out Pokémon after you retreat your Zeraora on your turn.

As for Dawn, it is similar to Lusamine, in a way: you'll use her to move energies from your Benched Zeraora to your Silvally.

This deck is a bit harder to pilot, considering you need to know exactly when to retreat your active Pokémon. Still, it is still extremely simple to understand and play.

If you read this far, thank you! I hope you had fun reading this article.

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See you next time!