As a new player, depending on what starter deck you use as a jumping on point, you may find yourself looking at the Digimon TCG DNA Digivolve mechanic. Introduced with Starter Decks 9 and 10, a new method of Digivolving was introduced. When learning how to play the Digimon TCG, this mechanic and its intricacies can trip up new players. Here’s our how, why and when DNA Digivolution (sometimes referred to by its Japanese term “Jogress”) works.

Digimon TCG – How to DNA Digivolve

Credit: Bandai / Andrew Ogunnaike

It takes 2 to tango and the same can be said for a Digimon TCG DNA Digivolve. Using ST9 Paildramon, or BT12 Paildramon (pictured above, left), as an example, the alternate requirements for DNA digivolve state a Blue Level 4, and a Green Level 4 Digimon. To DNA digivolve:

You need to have both of the required digimon in the battle area of the Digimon TCG playmat.
For 2 color Digimon such as BT8 Lighdramon, which is a Level 4 that is both Blue and Green, it can be used as the Blue OR Green source for the DNA.
With all pieces ready, to DNA Digivolve, place the first stack on top of the second. This includes all the cards underneath, to assemble your tall tower.
Then place your new Digimon as the top card.
Draw for Digivolve.
And activate your new effects.

It’s worth remembering that a 2 color Digimon can prevent some drawing problems. This allows it to be used as a more flexible bridge for your DNA paths, as you are required to meet both sources across 2 separate Digimon with the exact colors met. You wouldn’t be able to DNA Digivolve with just 2 blue Digimon, or 2 green Digimon (unless one of these Digimon was a 2 color Digimon with the appropriate second color.)

Why you should DNA Digivolve

DNA Digimon often have above average Digivolution costs. They can digivolve individually over their individual colors. However, you’ll find yourself spending a lot of memory to do so. Some Digimon, such as ST9 Paildramon, have “When Digivolving” effects that only activate when DNA Digivolving, making them an expensive Vanilla (effect-less) Digimon.

The average level 5 costs 3 to digivolve. However, DNA level 5s often digivolve for 4. DNA Digivolving, however, costs 0 to Digivolve and often has stronger effects. In addition, Digimon that evolve from DNA are classed as completely new Digimon. This means that once per turn effects from Digi-Eggs or inherited effects can be reused as the Digimon is considered new. Despite this, while no DNA Digimon has a native “Rush” effect, all DNA Digivolved monsters are freed from summoning sickness. They are played in the unsuspended position AND can attack the turn they are played. Its the best of both worlds.

When you should DNA Digivolve

Timings in Digimon are a hurdle that can trip up even veteran players. The Digimon TCG DNA Digivolve mechanic is no exception to this. Like all Digivolutions, DNA is usually done in the main phase. This means that it must still be your turn when you want to initiate evolution. To combat this, some digimon, such as ST10 Salamon, have inherited effects that allow you to DNA Digivolve at the end of your turn. You must still meet the requirements to DNA Digivolve in order to do this, but this helps for those times when achieving the requirements for DNA Digivolving would pass the turn to your opponent before you can DNA.

DNA Digivolution is subject to the same restrictions as regular digivolution in game. Cards such as EX3 SnowAgumon that have effects that increase the cost of evolution if the Digimon has no sources apply to DNA Digivolution if one of the Digimon has no sources. EX3 Metallicdramon can prevent unsuspended digimon from digivolving, which means BOTH Digimon would have to be suspended in order to DNA Digivolve. DNA Digivolving is classed as an alternate digivolution cost rather than reduced or ignored cost. So floodgates such as BT5 Syakkomon or BT8 Kokuwamon would not prevent DNA Digivolution.

Timings for Digivolving

A quick refresher on DNA Digivolution timing. Digimon with “When this digimon would digivolve” have their effects activate upon declaration for DNA Digivolution. Then you would perform the DNA Digivolution; Draw for digivolve, then activate any When Digivolving effects.

Is it worth it?

Like most metas, Digimon TCG DNA Digivolve decks fluctuate in presence and consistency. They have been strong at local and regional levels, with dedicated pilots showcasing how strong the deck can be, even if it sometimes requires some good fortune after deckbuilding.

Your mileage may vary, but this kind of creativity is what makes the Digimon TCG so interesting.