Spurt Fire Magcargo has been my favourite troll deck for quite some time, but it's spot has been taken by this Cursola-Dusknoir that I have a lot of fun with recently.
It's not exactly a new idea, but it was boosted significantly with the Peculiar Plaza stadium from set B2 Fantastical Parade.
Here's my version of the deck list:
- Galarian Corsola x2
- Galarian Cursola x2
- Duskull x2
- Fade into Darkness Dusknoir x2
- Pokeball x2
- Rare Candy x2
- Rocky Helmet x2
- Professor's Research x2
- Cyrus
- Copycat
- Peculiar Plaza x2
Rationale for card inclusion:
Galarian Cursola is the core of the deck. It is so funny to see the opponent lose - even though they are the one who got the KO! - thanks to Perish Body (if it hits).
Fade into Darkness Dusknoir enhances the evilness of this deck, possibly denying your opponent of the point from the KO.
Rocky Helmet is needed as Cursola's and Dusknoir's damage output are quite low.
Pokeball, Rare Candy, Oak, Cyrus and Copycat are all standard inclusions. Ideally, this decks runs two copies of Copycat, or maybe a copy of May, but there simply isn't room in the deck.
Lastly, we have Peculiar Plaza, the secret sauce in this deck. It is a must to run 2 of it for consistency (and in case your opponent replaces it with their own stadium).
Edit:
Notable exclusion: Giratina ex
Giratina doesn't do much even when going first. Nowadays, you would want to apply pressure by attacking with Dusknoir as early as possible.
That means Giratina would usually build up to at most two energies. It's too slow, and tend to become a free 2-points for your opponents later on (e.g. Greninja ping + Cyrus)
Plus, deck space is extremely limited. It's better to run the other cards in the deck list.
How to play this deck:
Always lead with Corsola / Cursola in the active spot. If you only have Duskull in your starting hand, try to find Corsola and Peculiar Plaza with your draw engines.
The trick is to leave an undesirable target - Cursola - in the active spot while building up your Dusknoir - which has a substantial 150 hp and 80 damage - on the bench.
When Dusknoir is ready, pivot it in to deal damage. Retreating Cursola is free thanks to Peculiar Plaza
Try to put the Rocky Helmets on the Dusknoirs as they can take a few hits, but don't be afraid to put them on Cursola to increase the value generated by Copycat.
Final thoughts:
It lacks the RNG aspect of Magcargo - and now Gholdengo ex - but I'd imagine annoys any serious opponent just as much.
It would always get a laugh out of me when I get the win with Perish Body, especially when the opponent has a better board state.
Its biggest counter is Hydreigon, but Hydreigon isn't seeing as much play nowadays. There is never a better time to play this deck.
I hope you would enjoy playing this deck as much as I do.
What are your favourite troll decks?
