Garchomp, renowned as one of the most formidable Dragon types in Pokemon history, has been elevated to new heights with its Ex version in the Pokemon TCG Pocket game, introduced in the Triumphant Light expansion set. Here are some of the top Garchomp Ex decks you can utilize to dominate the competition.
Best Garchomp Ex Decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket
It's crucial to understand that Cynthia does not synergize with Garchomp Ex; she only enhances the base form of Garchomp. Garchomp Ex excels at bypassing defensive walls like Druddigon and other high HP Pokemon, posing a significant threat to your opponent's bench. However, as a Stage 2 Pokemon, getting Garchomp Ex into play before your opponent can overwhelm you with aggressive strategies, such as those using Exeggutor Ex, can be challenging.
The allure of Garchomp Ex lies in its Linear Attack, which delivers 50 damage to a Pokemon, whether it's in the active position or on the bench. This is far more efficient compared to its Dragon Claw attack, which requires 3 Energy for only 100 damage. Fortunately, the Triumphant Light versions of Gible and Gabite are capable of dealing respectable damage with just one Energy, making them viable front-line attackers.
Below are three effective decks that leverage Garchomp Ex in Pokemon TCG Pocket:
Hitmonchan Deck (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
In this deck, Hitmonchan applies early pressure while you work on evolving your Garchomp line. Farfetch’d can be an alternative to Hitmonchan, depending on the meta, but keep in mind that Arceus Ex is vulnerable to Hitmonchan. If your opponent retreats after taking damage from Hitmonchan, you can use Cyrus to bring the damaged Pokemon back into the active position for a devastating Dragon Claw or a bench-targeting Linear Attack. Marshadow serves as a cleanup hitter if any of your Pokemon fall.
Aerodactyl Ex Deck (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 the evolution from Gible to Gabite to Garchomp Ex, with Aerodactyl Ex providing additional firepower. Since Poke Ball cannot fetch Amber Fossil, which is necessary for Aerodactyl Ex, we include only one Marshadow. The low energy requirement of Garchomp Ex's Linear Attack makes it efficient, allowing Aerodactyl Ex to serve as a late-game finisher or a switch-in option when fully powered up. With all cards having a retreat cost of 1, X Speeds are crucial for maneuvering your Pokemon effectively. Be mindful of your opponent's Cyrus plays, as your own use of Cyrus can be pivotal in securing victory.
Lucario Ex Deck (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 deck is the most powerful yet the riskiest of the three, as getting both Lucario and Garchomp Ex operational before your opponent can rush you down requires strategic timing and luck. Lucario enhances the damage output of Gible, Gabite, and Hitmonchan by adding a flat +20 damage. With Lucario in play, Garchomp Ex's Linear Attack can hit for 70 damage with just one Fighting Energy against the opponent's Active Pokemon. However, this boost does not affect benched Pokemon.
If you successfully evolve both Lucario, your entire lineup, including Garchomp Ex, will become formidable damage dealers. Sometimes, delaying the evolution of Gabite into Garchomp Ex might be necessary to avoid giving your opponent easy knockout points.
These are the most effective Garchomp Ex decks currently available in Pokemon TCG Pocket. As the meta evolves week by week, expect to see more experimentation with this iconic Dragon and Ground type Pokemon.
Pokemon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.
