Garchomp, renowned as one of the most formidable Dragon types in *Pokemon* history, has been elevated to new heights with its Ex variant introduced in the Triumphant Light expansion set for *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. Let's dive into the best Garchomp Ex decks that you can leverage in this exciting game.
Best Garchomp Ex Decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket
Before we delve into the decks, it's crucial to understand that Cynthia does not synergize with Garchomp Ex; she only boosts the base form. Garchomp Ex excels at bypassing defensive walls like Druddigon and other high HP Pokemon to directly threaten your opponent's bench. However, as a Stage 2 Pokemon, it's challenging to evolve it quickly enough to counter fast-paced strategies, such as those employing Exeggutor Ex.
The primary allure of Garchomp Ex is its Linear Attack, which inflicts 50 damage to a Pokemon, whether in the active position or on the bench. While its Dragon Claw attack requires 3 Energy for 100 damage, which isn't ideal, the Triumphant Light versions of Gible and Gabite offer decent damage output with just one energy, making them effective front-line attackers.
Here are three powerful Garchomp Ex decks tailored for *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
The strategy with this deck is to apply constant pressure with Hitmonchan while evolving your Garchomp Ex line in the background. Farfetch’d could be a suitable substitute for Hitmonchan, depending on your opponents' decks, but keep in mind that Arceus Ex is vulnerable to Hitmonchan.
If your opponent retreats after Hitmonchan inflicts damage, you can use Cyrus to pull the damaged Pokemon forward for a Dragon Claw strike, or hit it with Linear Attack while it's on the bench. Marshadow serves as a cleanup crew if any of your Pokemon fall in battle.
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 particularly useful since Poke Ball can't fetch Amber Fossil, which is needed to evolve Aerodactyl Ex. With only one Marshadow in this deck, you're likely to start with Gible on your first turn.
Garchomp Ex's Linear Attack is efficient, requiring minimal energy investment, allowing Aerodactyl Ex to serve as a late-game sweeper or a strong switch-in once it's ready. All cards in this deck have a retreat cost of 1, making X Speeds essential for maneuvering your Pokemon. Be cautious of your opponent's Cyrus moves, as your own Cyrus plays will likely be crucial to securing a 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 deck is highly potent but also carries more risk. Successfully evolving both Lucario and Garchomp Ex before your opponent overwhelms you demands a bit of luck. Lucario amplifies the damage output of Gible, Gabite, and Hitmonchan by adding a flat +20 damage. Moreover, Garchomp Ex’s Linear Attack will now deal 70 damage to the opponent's Active Pokemon with just one Fighting energy, though this bonus does not extend to Benched Pokemon.
With both Lucario in play, all your Pokemon, including Garchomp Ex, will deliver significant damage. Sometimes, delaying the evolution of Gabite to Garchomp Ex might be strategic to avoid conceding two knockout points prematurely.
These are the top Garchomp Ex decks in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. As the meta evolves weekly, expect to see more creative uses of this iconic Dragon and Ground-type Pokemon.
*Pokemon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.*
