Zekrom EX: Inclusion Rates Across Deck Archetypes

In TCG ·

Zekrom ex card art from the Black Bolt set, holo variant

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Strategic snapshot: Inclusion rates for Zekrom ex across archetypes

In the modern Pokémon TCG metagame, inclusion rate is more than a buzzword—it's a lens that reveals how often a card fits into the core strategies of diverse deck archetypes. Zekrom ex, a towering Lightning-type Basic with a formidable 230 HP, embodies the tension many players feel when evaluating big, rewarding attacks that come with tradeoffs. This holo powerhouse from the Black Bolt set (sv10.5b) sits at the crossroads of raw power and risk, and understanding where it shines helps explain why its inclusion rates rise or fall across different deck archetypes. ⚡🔥

At a glance, Zekrom ex is a classic example of a high-variance attacker. Its first attack, Slash, costs two Colorless energy to deal 50 damage—solid for early board pressure and chip damage, especially in faster matchups where every knock helps edge out a prize or two. The real draw, though, is Voltage Burst: a multi-energy commitment (Lightning, Lightning, Colorless) that promises 130+ damage, scaling dramatically with how many Prize cards your opponent has already taken. In practical terms, if you’re contesting a late-game swing with two or three Prizes already claimed by you or your opponent, Voltage Burst can spike into truly game-ending territory. And while it does 30 damage to Zekrom ex itself, the payoff from landing a big, clutch attack often justifies the risk in well-constructed lightning-centric lists. This interplay between relentless offense and self-inflicted recoil is a recurring theme when teams weigh inclusion rates for Zekrom ex. 🎯

Where Zekrom ex tends to show up, and why

  • Heavy-Hitter Lightning archetypes: In decks built around big-energy acceleration and rapid prize denial, Zekrom ex serves as a late-game finisher. Its HP of 230 provides a sturdy backbone as the board evolves, and Voltage Burst becomes a crescendo that helps you close out games once you’ve pinned down essential matchups. The synergy with high-velocity Lightning support cards makes Zekrom ex a compelling 1- or 2-of in these lists, boosting inclusion rates when the rest of the deck can reliably amass Lightning energy. 🔋
  • Prize-Tempo strategies: The attack’s scaling with opponent Prizes plays nicely into prize-management plays that emphasize tempo. When you’ve drawn ahead in prizes, you can lake less risk and more reward by stacking damage through Voltage Burst. This creates a natural niche for Zekrom ex in archetypes that prize-control the pace of the game, offering a memorable payoff that’s hard to ignore on the ceiling of a deck’s damage curve. 💎
  • Big-Power vs. Big-Defense matchups: Against tougher, bulkier threats, Zekrom ex can absorb the shock of weaker trades with Slash while lining up Voltage Burst for a decisive exchange. The card’s resilience helps justify its inclusion in archetypes that prize durability and pressure, even when some board-state risk is accepted for a chance at a knockout door when the opponent’s life is tight. 🎴
  • Late-game finishers in Hybrid Builds: In hybrid decks that blend Lightning with supportive elements (item locks, stadiums, or tech attackers), Zekrom ex acts as a potent second finisher. When the first attacker has softened a target, Voltage Burst can add a clean avalanche of damage that propels the match toward a favorable prize count. This keeps its inclusion rates steady across evolving meta shifts. 🎮
  • Collectibility-driven play: For collectors and builders who value holo foils and rarity, the Ultra Rare status paired with the Black Bolt set's prestige makes Zekrom ex an attractive centerpiece. The card’s availability, combined with market fluctuations (see pricing data below), can nudge deck builders toward including it more frequently in themed lists that celebrate iconic Pokémon and standout arts. 🔥
“Power is nothing without timing, and timing is nothing without risk management.” Zekrom ex embodies that balance. When your energy lines line up and the Prizes align, Voltage Burst can flip a game in a single, electrifying stroke.

Looking at the broader ecosystem, Zekrom ex comes from a set that is both storied and strategic. The Black Bolt subset features a compact suite of high-impact options, and Zekrom ex sits among the rare gems with a dramatic press-your-luck payoff. Its basic status makes it accessible in opening turns, yet its true value emerges as the game unfolds. The card’s fortune is tied to how reliably a deck can deploy two Lightning energies by the midgame and how much protection you can offer Zekrom ex while it waits for theVoltage Burst payoff. The balance of risk and reward is precisely what keeps builders considering its inclusion across multiple archetypes. 🧭

Market signals and collector’s notes

From a collecting standpoint, Zekrom ex’s holo variant adds measurably to a deck’s prestige value. The card’s rarity, combined with its role as a formidable late-game finisher, means that formats with prize-driven finales tend to tolerate the occasional self-damage drawback if the payoff lands. CardMarket data (as of late 2025) shows an average price around 0.52 EUR for standard prints, with occasional dips to 0.03 EUR in the right market conditions and a general trend hovering around a modest increase. This price movement reflects both the card’s utility in competitive lists and its appeal to holo enthusiasts who chase the Black Bolt subset’s standout artworks. Keep an eye on price trends as formats shift and as more Lightning engines enter the fray—these factors can tip inclusion rates up or down in the coming seasons. 🔬

Beyond the numbers, the tactile joy of playing Zekrom ex lies in the rhythm of your matches. Deploy early pressure with Slash to set the tempo, then stage Voltage Burst for a thunderous finish when the board state favors you. The card rewards planful resource management and bold mid-to-late game swings, making it a thrilling choice for players who relish big plays that swing prize decay in their favor. ⚡🎨

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