
Garchomp, renowned as one of the most formidable Dragon types in the *Pokemon* franchise, has been elevated to new heights with its Ex variant in the *Pokemon TCG Pocket* Triumphant Light expansion set. Here's a comprehensive guide to the best Garchomp Ex decks in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*.
Best Garchomp Ex Decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket
It's crucial to understand that Cynthica cannot be paired with Garchomp Ex, as she is compatible only with the base form. Garchomp Ex's primary advantage lies in its ability to bypass defensive walls such as Druddigon and other high HP Pokemon, threatening your opponent's bench directly. As a Stage 2 Pokemon, however, getting Garchomp Ex into play before your opponent overwhelms you with faster decks like Exeggutor Ex can be challenging.
The key attraction to Garchomp Ex is its Linear Attack, dealing 50 damage to a Pokemon either in the active position or on the bench. This is more appealing than its Dragon Claw attack, which requires 3 Energy for only 100 damage. Fortunately, the Triumphant Light versions of Gible and Gabite are efficient early attackers, requiring just one Energy to deal significant damage.
Below are three decks that effectively utilize Garchomp Ex in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*:
Hitmonchan (Fighting Energy)
- Gible x2 (Triumphant Light)
- Gabite x2 (Triumphant Light)
- Garchomp Ex x2
- Hitmonchan x2
- Marshadow x1
- Professor's Research x2
- Cyrus x2
- Sabrina x1
- Poke Ball x2
- Pokemon Communication x2
- X Speed x2
This deck strategy involves pressuring your opponent with Hitmonchan while building up your Garchomp Ex line in the background. Farfetch’d can replace Hitmonchan based on the meta, but Hitmonchan has an advantage against Arceus Ex. If your opponent retreats from Hitmonchan's damage, use Cyrus to pull the damaged Pokemon forward for a Dragon Claw or hit it with Linear Attack on the bench. Marshadow can then sweep up any fallen Pokemon.
Aerodactyl EX (Fighting Energy)
- Gible x2 (Triumphant Light)
- Gabite x2 (Triumphant Light)
- Garchomp Ex x2
- Amber Fossil x2
- Aerodactyl Ex x2
- Marshadow x1
- Professor's Research x2
- Cyrus x2
- Poke Ball x2
- Pokemon Communication x1
- X Speed x2
This deck focuses on evolving from Gible to Gabite and finally to Garchomp Ex. Aerodactyl Ex is vital since Poke Ball cannot fetch the Amber Fossil needed for its evolution. With only one Marshadow, you'll likely start with Gible. Garchomp Ex's Linear Attack is energy-efficient, allowing Aerodactyl Ex to serve as a late-game sweeper or a strategic switch-in. With a retreat cost of one for all cards, X Speeds become crucial for tactical maneuvers. Be cautious of opposing Cyrus plays, as your own will often be key to victory.
Lucario EX (Fighting Energy)
- Gible x2 (Triumphant Light)
- Gabite x2 (Triumphant Light)
- Garchomp Ex x2
- Riolu x2
- Lucario x2
- Hitmonchan x1
- Professor's Research x2
- Cyrus x2
- Poke Ball x2
- Pokemon Communication x1
- X Speed x2
This is the most potent yet riskiest Garchomp Ex deck. Successfully evolving both Lucario and Garchomp Ex before your opponent's rush can be challenging. However, Lucario boosts Gible, Gabite, and Hitmonchan by +20 damage, enhancing their attacking power. Garchomp Ex's Linear Attack then deals 70 damage to the opponent's Active Pokemon with just one Fighting energy, though this boost doesn't apply to Benched Pokemon. If both Lucarios are evolved, your entire team becomes significantly more threatening. Sometimes, delaying Gabite's evolution into Garchomp Ex can prevent conceding unnecessary knockout points.
These are the top Garchomp Ex decks in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. As the meta evolves, expect to see more experimentation with this iconic Dragon and Ground type Pokemon.
*Pokemon TCG Pocket is now available on mobile devices.*