Garchomp, renowned as one of the most formidable Dragon types in *Pokemon* history, has been elevated to new heights with its Ex form in the *Pokemon TCG Pocket* game's Triumphant Light expansion set. Here's a look at the top Garchomp Ex decks that you can build to dominate the meta.
Best Garchomp Ex Decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket
Before diving into the decks, it's crucial to understand that Cynthica is not compatible with Garchomp Ex; she only boosts the base form. Garchomp Ex excels at bypassing defensive walls like Druddigon and other high HP Pokemon, directly threatening your opponent's bench. However, as a Stage 2 Pokemon, getting Garchomp Ex into play before being overwhelmed by fast decks like Exeggutor Ex can be challenging.
The key appeal of Garchomp Ex is its Linear Attack, capable of dealing 50 damage to a Pokemon on either the active spot or 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 strong early-game damage with just one Energy, making them effective initial attackers.
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
This deck strategy revolves around pressuring your opponent with Hitmonchan while evolving your Garchomp Ex line in the background. Farfetch’d can serve as an alternative to Hitmonchan based on your opponent's deck composition, though Hitmonchan has an advantage against Arceus Ex. 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 is your cleanup crew 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 evolving from Gible to Gabite and finally to Garchomp Ex. Aerodactyl Ex is crucial here since Poke Ball can't fetch the Amber Fossil needed for its evolution. With only one Marshadow, you're likely to start with Gible. Garchomp Ex's low energy requirement makes Linear Attack sufficient, allowing Aerodactyl Ex to serve as a late-game sweeper or a strategic switch-in. 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 plays, as your own Cyrus plays will be pivotal to 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 powerful but risky, requiring both Lucario and Garchomp Ex to be set up before your opponent can rush you. Lucario enhances Gible, Gabite, and Hitmonchan by adding +20 damage to their attacks, making them formidable. Garchomp Ex's Linear Attack, boosted by Lucario, deals 70 damage to the opponent's Active Pokemon with just one Fighting Energy, though this boost doesn't affect Benched Pokemon. If you successfully evolve both Lucarios, your entire team becomes significantly more threatening. Sometimes, delaying the evolution of Gabite to Garchomp Ex might be strategic to avoid giving up easy knockouts.
These are the top Garchomp Ex decks in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. As the meta evolves, expect to see more innovative uses of this iconic Dragon and Ground type Pokemon.
*Pokemon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.*
