Garchomp, one of the most fearsome Dragon types in *Pokemon* history, has been elevated to new heights with the release of the Triumphant Light expansion set in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. Here, we delve into the best Garchomp Ex decks that can dominate the game.
Best Garchomp Ex Decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket
It's crucial to understand that Cynthica does not synergize with Garchomp Ex, as 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, being a Stage 2 Pokemon, it can be challenging to evolve Garchomp Ex quickly enough before your opponent overwhelms you with aggressive plays, such as those from an Exeggutor Ex.
Garchomp Ex's Linear Attack, which inflicts 50 damage to either an active or benched Pokemon, is the primary reason to include this card in your deck. Its Dragon Claw attack, requiring 3 Energy for 100 damage, isn't the most efficient, but the Triumphant Light versions of Gible and Gabite offer solid damage output with just one energy, making them viable frontline attackers.
Below, we explore three Garchomp Ex decks optimized 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 pressure with Hitmonchan while evolving your Garchomp Ex line in the background. Farfetch’d can be a suitable alternative to Hitmonchan, depending on the meta; however, it's worth noting that Arceus Ex is vulnerable to Hitmonchan. If your opponent retreats after being hit by Hitmonchan, you can use Cyrus to pull the damaged Pokemon back into the active spot for a Dragon Claw or hit it with Linear Attack on the bench. Marshadow can then clean 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 adds value as Poke Ball cannot fetch Amber Fossil, which is necessary for Aerodactyl Ex's evolution. With only one Marshadow, you're likely to start with Gible. Garchomp Ex's minimal energy requirement for Linear Attack makes it efficient, while Aerodactyl Ex serves as a late-game cleanup or a strategic switch-in. All cards in this deck have a retreat cost of one, making X Speeds crucial for maneuvering in and out of combat. Be wary of your opponent's Cyrus plays, as your own Cyrus plays could be pivotal 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 is the most potent yet riskiest Garchomp Ex deck. Successfully evolving both Lucario and Garchomp Ex before your opponent can rush you down requires some luck. Lucario significantly enhances the damage output of Gible, Gabite, and Hitmonchan by adding a flat +20 damage. Garchomp Ex's Linear Attack, when powered by Lucario, delivers 70 damage to the opponent's Active Pokemon with just one Fighting energy, though this boost doesn't extend to benched Pokemon. With both Lucario online, all your Pokemon become formidable attackers. Sometimes, delaying the evolution of Gabite to Garchomp Ex may be strategic to avoid losing two knockout points.
These are the top Garchomp Ex decks in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. As the meta evolves weekly, expect to see more innovative uses of this iconic Dragon and Ground type Pokemon.
*Pokemon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.*
