Melmetal ex vs Houndoom ex Battle Deck: Which to Buy (2026)
By Dexhaul Team · October 6, 2026
Buy Melmetal ex if you prefer a defensive Metal-type strategy that tanks hits and grinds out wins. Buy Houndoom ex if you want a fast, aggressive Darkness-type deck that pressures your opponent from turn one.
Both decks launched on February 23, 2024 at an MSRP of $9.99 each. They share identical contents: a 60-card ready-to-play deck, a two-player mat, damage counters, a coin, and a deckbox.
The price is the same. The accessories are the same. The only real decision is which type of Pokémon you want leading your game.
That is actually the rare situation in TCG buying. Most sealed product comparisons come down to price per pack or value math. Here there is no math to do.
At a glance
| Feature | Melmetal ex | Houndoom ex |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | February 23, 2024 | February 23, 2024 |
| MSRP | $9.99 (ICv2) | $9.99 (ICv2) |
| Cards | 60-card ready-to-play deck | 60-card ready-to-play deck |
| Accessories | 2-player mat, damage counters, coin, deckbox | 2-player mat, damage counters, coin, deckbox |
| Main Pokémon type | Metal | Darkness |
| Weakness | Fire | Fighting |
| Observed price range | $10.90–$21.00 USD (October 6, 2026) | $15.00–$21.00 USD (October 6, 2026) |
| Best for | Defensive, methodical players | Aggressive, speed-focused players |
These are the most affordable ready-to-play Battle Decks in the Scarlet & Violet era. The $9.99 entry point makes buying both a realistic option for two players who want to learn together without a larger upfront cost.
Where Melmetal ex wins
Defensive type advantages
Metal-type Pokémon in the Scarlet & Violet era resist Grass-type attacks. Melmetal ex is one of the most durable Pokémon in the format, with a massive HP pool that lets it absorb punishment while you build up your board. If you want a deck that stays in the game longer, Metal is the type for that.
Gift for a detail-oriented player
The Melmetal ex deck rewards patience. Its style suits someone who prefers thinking one step ahead, blocking their opponent's damage output, and winning on efficiency rather than speed. It is a strong fit for players who enjoy strategy games generally, including chess or trading card formats from other games.
Steel type aesthetic
Melmetal is the evolved form of Meltan, a Steel-type Pokémon introduced in Pokémon GO. For players coming from the GO side of the franchise, Melmetal has an immediate personal connection that Houndoom may not. That matters for a gift.
Where Houndoom ex wins
Aggressive Darkness-type strategy
Darkness-type Pokémon hit hard and fast. Houndoom ex suits a playstyle focused on applying early pressure and forcing your opponent into reactive positions from the first few turns. For players who like offense-forward tactics, Darkness is a more natural fit than Metal.
Broad Pokémon franchise recognition
Houndoom has been a fan favourite since Gold and Silver in the late 1990s. It appears in the main games, the anime, and has a consistent following among collectors who grew up with Generation II. For anyone with that generational attachment, Houndoom ex carries extra weight as a gift.
Gift for a competitive-minded new player
New players who want to eventually move toward competitive play tend to gravitate toward Darkness decks. The type's aggressive archetype appears regularly in the broader ex Battle Deck product line, and Houndoom ex gives a useful foundation for understanding attack-first strategies.
The deciding question
The answer usually comes down to three types of buyer.
If you are buying for yourself and know you prefer a tanky, control-style approach, take Melmetal ex. If you want to pressure your opponent quickly and enjoy a more direct offensive game, take Houndoom ex.
If you are buying as a gift and the recipient does not have a type preference yet, consider both. At $9.99 MSRP each, the pair costs less than most single booster packs from premium sets, and it gives two players everything they need for a full match right out of the box. That setup is hard to match at this price in the Scarlet & Violet era.
If you already own the Ninetales ex or Zapdos ex Deluxe Battle Deck, the ex Battle Decks are a natural lower-cost companion for teaching friends or younger players, since those Deluxe Decks step up the complexity.
Frequently asked questions
What is the MSRP for the Melmetal ex and Houndoom ex Battle Decks?
Both decks launched at $9.99 USD MSRP when they released on February 23, 2024. Current storefront prices from independent sellers range from around $10 to $22 USD as of October 2026, depending on the shop and shipping region.
What comes inside each ex Battle Deck?
Each box contains a 60-card ready-to-play deck, a two-player playmat, damage counters, a flip coin, and a deckbox. Both decks have the same accessories; only the cards and featured Pokémon differ.
Can you play an ex Battle Deck straight out of the box?
Yes. Unlike booster packs, these are pre-built decks designed to be played immediately. No additional cards or sleeves are required to start a game.
Which deck is better for a beginner?
Both are specifically designed for beginners, and neither is harder to learn than the other. Melmetal ex suits players who prefer a slower, defensive approach, while Houndoom ex suits those who want to attack quickly. Neither assumes prior TCG experience.
Is there a display box that contains both decks?
Yes. A retail display containing multiple individual decks (Melmetal ex and Houndoom ex units together) is available from some sellers. If you want both decks, buying the individual units separately is often cheaper unless the display is priced at or near $20 total.
Browse all ex Battle Decks and related beginner TCG products at DexHaul's TCG Collection Boxes, where independent shops list both decks alongside the full range of Scarlet & Violet era ready-to-play options. DexHaul is independent and not affiliated with The Pokémon Company.