June 23rd marked the official Digimon EX04 release in English. With no pre-release, that was the latest official Digimon release date for all English-speaking regions. This is standard practice for Extra Booster sets, marked EX followed by a number. The comparatively smaller card pool brought with it three alt art slots (and potential for a regular secret rare too for four hits) instead of the standard two shared secret rare / alt art slots. EX4 also introduced the new Alliance keyword.

Credit: Bandai / Andrew Ogunnaike

Digimon EX04 Releases new waves of support

Alongside its intended focus, EX04 prepares support in time for BT13. ShineGreymon and MirageGaogamon are nowhere to be seen. The evolution line for both Digimon found new versions up to Level 5. Of course, this makes it a must buy to bolster the upcoming Data Squad themed decks that really will hit their stride in the new meta. Anyone looking to learn how to play the Digimon TCG will need to take these changes into account.

The main focuses of the Digimon EX04 release are:

Blue Flare and Twilight (DarkKnightmon)
Gallantmon
Sakuyamon
Alliance (Terriermon / Cherubimon)
Ravemon
Omnimon Alter-S.

EX04 Releases the first DNA Omnimon

As the box art Digimon, it comes as no surprise that series favorite Omnimon would get the largest pool of support for this release with Omnimon (Alter-S). It offers the first DNA Digivolution Omnimon since the game’s release.

Building on a playstyle introduced in EX3 with Virus Imperialdramon, Alter-S offers a looping “Ping Pong” of Digivolutions to get into the boss monster, chaining from 1 initial Digivolution. Like many of the protagonist Digimon, the line features dark variants of the originals, unlike the Gallantmon line. ChaosGallantmon and virus versions of its line e.g. BlackGrowlmon, Omnimon’s Digimon maintain their original Agumon / Gabumon names.

Unlike other media, which does call these Digimon BlackAgumon etc, the line sticks with the original names despite appearances and the virus tag. This is likely to improve playability with existing X Antibody Digimon, as these specify the exact name Digimon by name that they can Digivolve over for reduced cost. The deck does require plenty of SR hits. Ideally at least two of secret rare Ominmon Alter-B, so its not for the faint of heart. Thankfully though, with plenty of self-contained support and a higher Alt art rate, there’s plenty of room to trade in your local scene or sell on should you commit to more than one box to build it.

Blue Flare returns to the spotlight

The frequent threat from Ultimate Cup is one of the biggest winners of the set. Blue Flare received archetype support alongside the introduction of the half Twilight Blue Flare variant GreyKnightmon. Japan’s meta has shown us that the greatest support among us comes in the form of Sakuyamon support – Kuzuhamon.

Generic Support must-haves

The generic splashability of Kuzuhamon, who Digivolves for 3 over Blue and Yellow Level 5s, makes her an easy top end for most decks.

Kuzuhamon, ShadowSeraphimon (4 cost over Black and Yellow Level 5s) and ShineGreymon: Ruin Mode (5 cost over Purple or Yellow Level 6s) are versatile additions to any deck that can match their evolution requirements.

Kuzuhamon allows Blue Flare and other decks to abuse Kaiser Nail to achieve wide boards from 1 stack.
ShadowSeraphimon has a non Once Per Turn De-Digivolve when a card leaves the owner’s Security, and heavy DP- on deletion if the stack is well healed.
Ruin Mode, while not BT9 DeathXmon level of splashable, is in contention for the best generic Level 7. It can cause blanket -10k through its own effects, locking out players for the turn, and recovering in the process, slowing games to a crawl and dealing with boards both tall and wide.