With the release of the Guardians of the Skies expansion, Fire-type decks now have a strong duo: Incineroar ex and Charizard ex. These two work together to beat top decks like Giratina ex and Cramorant ex. This guide explains how to build and play this deck effectively.
1. Deck Core and Building Tips

Key Cards
- Incineroar ex (Litten → Incineroar ex)
Its Blazing Tackle attack deals early damage and causes Burn. Its ability Fiery Roar lets you discard Energy to draw cards. Use Lillie’s healing to stay alive longer.
- Charizard ex (Charmander → Charizard ex)
Its Power Blaze attack deals 150 damage after attaching just 1 Energy. Works well with cards that boost Energy in play.
Deck List
Pokémon |
Count |
Trainer Cards |
Count |
Litten |
1 |
Professor’s Research |
2 |
Incineroar ex |
1 |
Lillie |
2 |
Charmander |
2 |
Rare Candy |
2 |
Charizard ex |
2 |
Poké Ball |
2 |
Zapdos ex (backup) |
1 |
Red Cape |
1 |
Energy: Fire |
×12 |
Others (Reset Stamp) |
4 |
Why This Works:
- Two attackers: Incineroar ex controls early game; Charizard ex finishes late.
- Consistency: 4 search cards (Poké Ball, Rare Candy) help evolve fast.
- Anti-meta: Zapdos ex beats Water/Flying decks; Red Cape blocks big attacks.
2. How to Play the Deck
Basic Strategy
Go second: Start with Litten. Use Rare Candy to evolve into Incineroar ex on Turn 1. Attack with Blazing Tackle to hurt weak Pokémon like Magikarp or Smoliv.
Manage Energy: Discard Fire Energy with Incineroar ex’s ability to power up Charizard ex later. Always keep 1-2 Energy on Charizard ex.
Matchup Tips
- VS Giratina ex:
Use Burn to stop healing. Charizard ex’s 150 damage knocks out Giratina ex (140 HP). Save Reset Stamp if they play Temple of Sinnoh.
- VS Grass Decks (Celebi ex):
Zapdos ex’s Thunder Crash hits bench Pokémon like Venusaur. Slow down their Energy with Incineroar ex.
3. Deck Weaknesses and Changes
Current Meta Performance
Win rate: 52% in tournaments. 65% win rate against Giratina ex decks.
Problems: Loses to Electric decks (e.g., Boltund VMAX + Magnezone). Fix this with Red Cape and Potion.
Deck Variations
- Fast Attack Version:
Remove Charizard ex. Add low-cost attackers like Electrode or Bellibolt. Good against slow Grass/Psychic decks.
- Control Version:
Add Path to the Peak and Temple of Sinnoh. Use Incineroar ex with Switch Rope to mess up opponent’s plans.
Final Notes:
This Fire duo deck is strong against top meta decks but needs practice. Try it to learn its timing and Energy management.
Data updated May 2025. Check official sources for balance changes.