Garchomp, renowned as one of the most formidable Dragon types in *Pokemon* history, has been elevated to new heights with the introduction of the Ex version in the *Pokemon TCG Pocket*'s Triumphant Light expansion set. Here’s a look at the top Garchomp Ex decks you can use to dominate the game.
Best Garchomp Ex Decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket
It's crucial to understand that Cynthica is not compatible with Garchomp Ex; her abilities are limited to 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, it can be challenging to evolve it quickly enough to counter fast-paced decks like those featuring Exeggutor Ex.
The primary attraction of Garchomp Ex is its Linear Attack, which can deal 50 damage to a Pokemon on the active spot or bench. While its Dragon Claw attack requires 3 Energy for just 100 damage, which isn't the most efficient, the Triumphant Light versions of Gible and Gabite can hold their own as front-line attackers with decent damage output using only one Energy.
Below are three deck configurations that effectively utilize Garchomp Ex in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*:
Hitmonchan (Fighting Energy)
- Gible 2x (Triumphant Light)
- Gabite 2x (Triumphant Light)
- Garchomp EX 2x
- Hitmonchan 2x
- Marshadow 1x
- Professor’s Research 2x
- Cyrus 2x
- Sabrina 1x
- Poke Ball 2x
- Pokemon Communication 2x
- X Speed 2x
The strategy with this deck involves applying continuous pressure with Hitmonchan while evolving your Garchomp Ex line in the background. Farfetch’d could serve as an alternative to Hitmonchan, depending on the meta you're facing, though Hitmonchan has a favorable matchup against Arceus Ex. If your opponent retreats after taking damage from Hitmonchan, you can use Cyrus to pull them back for a Dragon Claw attack or hit them with Linear Attack on the bench. Marshadow is your cleanup specialist if any of your Pokemon fall in battle.
Aerodactyl EX (Fighting Energy)
- Gible 2x (Triumphant Light)
- Gabite 2x (Triumphant Light)
- Garchomp Ex 2x
- Amber Fossil 2x
- Aerodactyl Ex 2x
- Marshadow 1x
- Professor’s Research 2x
- Cyrus 2x
- Poke Ball 2x
- Pokemon Communication 1x
- X Speed 2x
This deck focuses on evolving from Gible to Gabite and then to Garchomp Ex swiftly. Aerodactyl Ex complements this strategy since Poke Ball cannot retrieve the Amber Fossil needed for its evolution. With only one Marshadow, you're likely to start with Gible. Garchomp Ex's low Energy requirement for Linear Attack makes it versatile, while Aerodactyl Ex is perfect for late-game cleanups or as a switch-in threat when fully evolved. All cards in this deck have a retreat cost of 1, making X Speeds essential for maneuvering your Pokemon. Be mindful of your opponent's Cyrus plays, as your own will be crucial to securing victory.
Lucario EX (Fighting Energy)
- Gible 2x (Triumphant Light)
- Gabite 2x (Triumphant Light)
- Garchomp Ex 2x
- Riolu 2x
- Lucario 2x
- Hitmonchan 1x
- Professor’s Research 2x
- Cyrus 2x
- Poke Ball 2x
- Pokemon Communication 1x
- X Speed 2x
This deck is both powerful and risky, requiring luck to get both Lucario and Garchomp Ex ready before your opponent overwhelms you. Lucario significantly boosts the damage output of Gible, Gabite, and Hitmonchan by adding +20 damage to their attacks. With Lucario's enhancement, Garchomp Ex's Linear Attack can deal 70 damage to the opponent’s Active Pokemon with just one Fighting Energy, although this boost doesn't affect Benched Pokemon. If you manage to evolve both Lucario, your entire team will become formidable attackers. Sometimes, it's strategic to delay evolving Gabite into Garchomp Ex to avoid losing two knockout points prematurely.
These are the premier Garchomp Ex decks in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. As the meta evolves, expect players to continue experimenting with this iconic Dragon and Ground type Pokemon.
*Pokemon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.*
