The Royal Knights in EX-13: A New Era

Before EX-13, building a Royal Knights deck meant pulling cards from across a dozen different sets and compromising on synergy. EX-13 Chivalrous XIII changes everything: for the first time, all 13 Royal Knights are in the same set, each with a dedicated evolution line, Tamer support, and a strategic identity distinct from every other Knight.

This guide breaks down all 13 archetypes by competitive viability, explains the core card requirements for each build, and tells you exactly where to start if you want to compete at locals or just want to play your favorite Royal Knight.

Royal Knights Competitive Tier Ranking (EX-13 Format)

Tier S: The Best Royal Knights Decks in EX-13

Alphamon — The Format’s Best Control Build

Why Alphamon wins: The Alphamon UR’s combination of digivolution card stripping + bounce to deck + permanent Tamer lockout is the most oppressive control package in the EX-13 format. Opponents cannot recover from a Tamer lock, and every Royal Knight destroyed revives Alphamon for free from hand.

Core cards: Alphamon UR (EX13-060), Dorumon Rare (EX13-049) — box topper, Dorumon evolution line (EX13-049 through Alphamon), Nokia Shiramine (EX13-067) for -3 cost on first Royal Knight digivolution.

Key combo: Play Nokia Shiramine → Digivolve through Dorumon line to Alphamon at reduced cost → On Digivolution strip opponent’s digivolution cards + bounce their Digimon to deck → Free revival trigger ensures Alphamon is always available → Tamer lockout starves opponent of resources.

Gallantmon — Red Security Aggro

Why Gallantmon wins: Gallantmon SR’s Piercing + Storm combination pushes security from multiple angles simultaneously. The Guilmon evolution line (EX13-007 box topper → Growlmon → WarGrowlmon → Gallantmon) is one of the cleanest 4-card digivolution chains in the game. Takato Matsuki Tamer reduces the digivolution cost and enables faster Gallantmon setups.

Core cards: Gallantmon SR (EX13-015), Guilmon Rare/Box Topper (EX13-007), Growlmon C (EX13-010), WarGrowlmon U (EX13-013), Takato Matsuki (EX13-068).

Budget estimate: $150-250. The most budget-friendly Tier S Royal Knights build. Guilmon and Growlmon are Common/Rare and affordable. Gallantmon SR should price reasonably within weeks of launch.

Magnamon — The Miracle Comeback

Why Magnamon wins: Magnamon SR’s Miracle power triggers when you lose security. The weaker your security stack, the more powerful Magnamon becomes. This creates a unique reverse-pressure dynamic where opponents must choose between attacking your security (which powers up Magnamon) or holding back (which lets you build your board). Davis Motomiya & Ken Ichijoji (EX13-070) provides the Digimental/Golden Digimentals engine that accelerates Magnamon’s digivolution.

Core cards: Magnamon SR (EX13-020), Veemon Rare/Box Topper (EX13-017), AeroVeedramon U (EX13-022), Davis Motomiya & Ken Ichijoji (EX13-070), UlforceVeedramon UR as secondary finisher.

Tier A: Strong Competitive Builds

UlforceVeedramon — Speed & Double Attack

Why it works: UlforceVeedramon UR cannot be targeted by Tamer or Option effects, can attack unsuspended Digimon, and attacks again after any kill. In a meta full of Reboot strategies, attacking into unsuspended Digimon is uniquely powerful. With Rina Shinomiya reducing costs and enabling double-attack turns, this deck can end games in a single turn from a stable board.

Core cards: UlforceVeedramon UR (EX13-023), Veemon/Veedramon/AeroVeedramon line, Rina Shinomiya (EX13-069), Kota Domoto (EX13-072) as secondary Tamer.

Jesmon — Multi-Color Sistermon Engine

Why it works: Jesmon UR automatically plays Sistermon Noir (Awakened) from hand or trash for free each digivolution. A board of 3-4 Sistermons gives Jesmon +3000-4000 DP and Reboot, making it virtually unremovable by battle. The Huckmon/SaviorHuckmon/BaoHuckmon evolution line (EX13-009 box topper, EX13-011, EX13-012) is fast and efficient.

Core cards: Jesmon UR (EX13-014), Huckmon Rare/Box Topper (EX13-009), BaoHuckmon C (EX13-011), SaviorHuckmon U (EX13-012), Sistermon Blanc Awakened (EX13-065), Sistermon Noir Awakened (EX13-066).

Craniamon — The Untargetable Wall

Why it works: Craniamon SR cannot be targeted by opponent Tamers or Options. In the current meta where Tamer-based removal is prevalent (Vulcanusmon, Three Musketeers), Craniamon creates an island of safety. Board-wide defensive effects protect adjacent Royal Knights simultaneously.

Budget pick: Craniamon SR is one of the more affordable Tier A builds. The Gotsumon (EX13-047) and Kokuwamon (EX13-046) evolution line is low-rarity, keeping overall build cost down.

Which Royal Knight Should You Build First?

If you are new to Royal Knights or to competitive Digimon TCG, here is our honest recommendation: