How to Counter Dragonite V in Pokémon TCG: Proven Strategies

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Dragonite V card art from SWSH Black Star Promos

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Countering Dragonite V: Practical Tactics for a Dragon-Heavy Meta

⚡ In the sprawling landscape of the Pokémon TCG Expanded format, Dragonite V stands as a stubborn wall with a fearsome two-step plan. With 230 HP, a basic Dragon type for your opponent to lean on, and an eye-watering 250-damage finisher, this SWSH Black Star Promo can swing games in a single roaring turn. Its Shred attack clears the way by ignoring opponent Active effects, and Dragon Gale’s whopping 250 damage—paired with a punishing side effect of 20 to each of your Benched Pokémon—forces you to think beyond simple trades. The card costs two Colorless for Shred and Water-Water-Lighting for Dragon Gale, a combination that rewards efficient energy acceleration or clever energy placement. The retreat cost of 3 makes Dragonite V fairly stubborn to chase down, especially if your opponent stacks tempo around a single threatening Dragon.
  • HP: 230 — a sturdy frontline that invites long grind-y matches.
  • Attacks: Shred (50) ignores opponent Active effects; Dragon Gale (250) with mass bench damage.
  • Energy costs: Shred = Colorless; Dragon Gale = Water-Water-Lighting.
  • Stage: Basic Dragon V from a Black Star Promo line; Regulation Mark E.
  • Format status: Expanded legal, Standard not listed for this card in official rotations.
Dragonite V’s toolkit leans into two powerful ideas: overwhelming raw damage and a tax on your board’s stability. If you let Dragonite V sit on the bench and reach Dragon Gale, you’re looking at a dramatic swing that can wipe out a swing target and chip away at your defensives. The card’s strength is most felt when it unlocks a single, brutal blow that can fetch a knockout if your opponent ropes in additional energy acceleration or a gradual setup. For players, the key is to disrupt the tempo before Dragon Gale becomes a real threat, while also turning Dragonite V’s heavy cost into a liability through smart bench management and rapid responses.

What to fear and how to respond

Dragonite V’s Shred attack is a reminder that effects placed on your Active Pokémon can be ignored, so disabling or disabling strategies may not reliably stop the threat. Instead, plan around its ultimate finisher by pressuring your opponent to accelerate energy in immediate, visible ways. Your best bet is to force Dragonite V off-balance with tempo and selective trades, then finish with compact, efficient damage that doesn’t rely on overextending your own bench. The attack’s 250 damage is a legitimate KO threat on many of the format’s midrange V and VMAX lines, but it requires a well-timed response.
  • Speed over stamina: aim to KO Dragonite V before it can use Dragon Gale, or at least force a retreat before it can chain multiple heavy hits.
  • Limit bench damage: Dragon Gale’s extra damage to Benched Pokémon is a double-edged sword—use it to justify lean bench setups and crisp switch-outs when needed.
  • Discard and disrupt: remove crucial energies or disrupt energy acceleration on the opponent’s side to slow Dragonite V’s timing window.

Practical counterplay ideas

- Fast, efficient KO lines: Look for Pokémon with high DPS that can reach a knockout in a couple of turns, ideally with low energy costs or with easy energy acceleration. The goal is to prevent Dragonite V from landing Dragon Gale in a clean, game-ending moment. Pair this with strong early pressure so your opponent can’t stabilize their board. - Bench control and disruption: Since Dragon Gale punishes the bench, maintain a lean bench and avoid over-committing. Use Switching effects or cards that reposition your Active Pokémon to dodge post-attack bench damage. A tight bench makes the dragon’s big finish less painless and more conditional. - Energy denial and field control: Use tools or tactics that slow energy attachment or remove certain types from your opponent’s hand or deck, which can delay Dragonite V’s path to Dragon Gale. A well-timed disruption layer buys you the critical turns needed to land a knock-out of your own. - Capture and tempo locks: In Expanded, you’ll find synergy between Dragonite V’s raw presence and a tempo-focused game plan. Build around quick, multi-attack pressure that keeps your opponent reacting rather than dictating the pace of the match. The key is to force suboptimal plays that create openings for your own KO shots. - Platformed strategy: Exploit Dragonite V’s vulnerability to rapid aggression and precise line selection. While the Dragon’s high HP is intimidating, a crisp, well-timed sequence of two-attack or multi-turn pressure can trim it down and tilt the game in your favor. In practice, the meta rewards decks that can threaten a knockout while denying Dragonite V its moment of glory. The card’s 230 HP gives it staying power, but it doesn’t render the field invincible when opposing players manage the pace and space on the board. A thoughtful pairing of bench discipline, energy management, and sharp KO pressure will consistently put you in control, even as Dragonite V looms large.

Market notes and collectible perspective

From a collector’s angle, Dragonite V in the SWSH Black Star Promo line is a relatively accessible option for Expanded players who want a formidable dragon on their side without breaking the bank. Current market data shows a modest spread in price, with Cardmarket listings averaging around €1.71 and downward dips as low as €0.39, signaling approachable entry for budget-focused collectors and players alike. The price trend, roughly around a 1.61- to 2.0-range over recent windows, suggests steady interest but not an absurd spike, a healthy sign for players who want to include a Dragon-type powerhouse in their Expanded decks without fear of a dramatic value spike. The card’s non-holo presentation and promo status keep its value reasonable, while its power and format viability guarantee it a place in many competitive discussions. If you’re weighing whether to pull the trigger, consider how Dragonite V fits into your expanded play pattern. It’s a tough, resilient threat in a dragon-focused lineup, and its presence can push you toward a more aggressive, tempo-driven strategy that rewards decisive decisions and a willingness to take short-term risks for long-term board advantage.

💎 For players who like to plan buys and builds with eyes on trends, Dragonite V’s expanded legality and promo lineage mean it remains a noteworthy addition to any dragon-focused roster. The card’s raw power is a reminder of why the dragon archetype remains a staple in the Pokémon TCG’s strategic tapestry, inviting both careful planning and bold, high-risk plays when the moment calls for it. 🎴

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