Hey Pokémon TCG players! Mega Charizard X ex from the Phantasmal Flames set (released November 14, 2025) is the fiery centerpiece of the Mega Evolution series, and it’s already reshaping the Standard format. This Fire/Dragon-type Mega ex boasts 360 HP (one of the highest in the set), the Inferno X attack (90 damage per discarded Fire Energy from your Pokémon, max 360+), and the signature 3-Prize Knock Out rule for high-risk, high-reward plays. With energy acceleration from Oricorio ex and Firebreather, it’s a meta monster in aggressive Fire decks. At CardChill.com, we’re breaking down the full strategy—deck lists, matchups, pull rates, and tips to master it. Check our Pokémon TCG sets for the set or Pokémon cards for singles.
Mega Charizard X ex Card Breakdown
- HP: 360 (tanks multiple hits).
- Attack 1: Flame Charge ([C][C], 50 damage, attach 1 Basic Fire Energy from discard).
- Attack 2: Inferno X ([C][C], 90x [discard Basic Fire Energy from your Pokémon]) – Discard up to 4 for 360 damage; synergizes with discard enablers.
- Weakness: Water (x2).
- Retreat: 2.
- Rarities: Regular ex, Full Art ultra rare, SIR (#125, $450+ raw), Gold Hyper Rare (#130, $210 raw).
- Price Trends: SIR up 22% since launch; PSA 10 $1,200 (pop 12).
Pull rates: 1:36 packs for ex; SIR 1:216.
Core Deck Strategy: Energy Ramp & Discard Aggro
Mega Charizard X ex thrives on rapid energy attachment and discard for scaling damage. T1 setup via Firebreather (7 Basic Fire search) or Obsidian Flames Charizard ex (Infernal Reign: attach 3 Basic Fire from deck). Oricorio ex’s Excited Turbo (attach Basic Fire from hand to Bench) fuels the engine. Discard via Inferno X for one-shot KOs, using Punk Helmet to reduce recoil.
Playstyle: Aggro ramp—bench Megas, stall with Rotom ex, close with Inferno X (360+ on full discard).
Sample Deck List: Mega Charizard X ex Fire Ramp (Standard Format)
Pokémon (14):
- 4 Mega Charizard X ex
- 3 Charizard ex (Obsidian Flames)
- 4 Oricorio ex (Phantasmal Flames)
- 2 Radiant Charizard
- 1 Moltres ex (single-prize attacker)
Trainer Cards (28):
- 4 Firebreather (7 Basic Fire search)
- 3 Nest Ball
- 3 Ultra Ball
- 2 Rare Candy
- 2 Boss’s Orders
- 2 Path to the Peak
- 2 Punk Helmet (recoil reduction)
- 4 Grimsley’s Move (bench setup)
- 2 Switch
- 2 Super Rod
- 2 Choice Belt (+30 damage)
Energy (18):
- 16 Basic Fire Energy
- 2 Double Turbo Energy
How to Play:
- T1: Firebreather → bench Oricorio ex/Charizard ex.
- T2: Oricorio Excited Turbo → attach 3 Fire to Charizard ex.
- T3: Evolve Mega Charizard X ex → Inferno X (discard 3-4 for 270-360).
- Midgame: Moltres ex closes single-prizes; Boss’s Orders benches threats.
- Wincon: 3-Prize KO on opponent’s Mega.
Win Rate: 60% in prereleases; strong vs stall, weak to Water counters.
Matchup Guide
| Matchup | Win % | Key Plays | Counters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mega Gardevoir ex Control | 65% | Inferno X one-shots; Punk Helmet tanks Psybeam. | Radiant Tsareena (bench heal). |
| Mega Sharpedo ex Aggro | 55% | Oricorio ramps faster; Moltres picks off benches. | Water weakness—Path to the Peak. |
| Gholdengo ex | 70% | Choice Belt + Inferno X OHKOs; Boss’s Orders. | Metal walls (switch outs). |
| Tera Charizard ex | 60% | Firebreather out-accelerates; discard ignores shields. | Radiant Blaziken (Fire resist). |
Pull & Acquisition Tips
- Booster Box ($144.99): 36 packs = 1 SIR chance; EV $216-288.
- ETB ($49.99): 9 packs + Charcadet promo ($10); EV $54-72.
- Singles: SIR $450 on TCGPlayer; raw ex $20-50.
- Meta Tips: Pair with Obsidian Flames Charizard ex for T1 Mega.
Mega Charizard X ex is Phantasmal Flames’ firestorm—master it for tournaments. For decks, visit Pokémon TCG sets or Pokémon cards.