Garchomp, renowned as one of the most formidable Dragon types in *Pokemon* history, has been elevated to Ex status with the introduction of the Triumphant Light expansion set in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. Here's a comprehensive look at the top Garchomp Ex decks in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*.
Best Garchomp Ex Decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket
It's crucial to understand that Cynthica is not compatible with Garchomp Ex; she only enhances the base form. Garchomp Ex shines in its ability to bypass defensive walls like Druddigon and other high HP Pokemon, directly threatening your opponent's bench. However, as a Stage 2 Pokemon, setting up Garchomp Ex before being overwhelmed by faster decks like those featuring Exeggutor Ex can be challenging.
The allure of Garchomp Ex lies in its Linear Attack, which delivers 50 damage to any Pokemon, whether active or benched. This contrasts with its Dragon Claw attack, which requires 3 Energy for 100 damage, a less favorable ratio. Fortunately, the Triumphant Light versions of Gible and Gabite are capable front-line attackers, requiring just one Energy to deal significant damage.
Below are three deck strategies 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 here is to maintain pressure on your opponent with Hitmonchan while evolving your Garchomp Ex line. Farfetch’d can serve as an alternative to Hitmonchan depending on the opponent's deck; however, Hitmonchan has a distinct advantage against Arceus Ex. If your opponent retreats after being hit by Hitmonchan, you can use Cyrus to pull them back for a Dragon Claw or strike them with Linear Attack while they're on the bench. Marshadow can then step in to finish off weakened Pokemon.
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 finally to Garchomp Ex. Aerodactyl Ex complements this strategy, as Poke Balls cannot retrieve the Amber Fossil necessary for its evolution. With only one Marshadow, you're likely to start with Gible. Garchomp Ex's Linear Attack is energy-efficient, making Aerodactyl Ex a powerful late-game option or a strategic switch-in. All cards in this deck have a single retreat cost, enhancing the utility of X Speeds for tactical positioning. Be mindful of your opponent's Cyrus plays, as your own Cyrus moves may 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 potent yet risky, requiring careful timing to get both Lucario and Garchomp Ex operational before your opponent can overpower you. Lucario boosts Gible, Gabite, and Hitmonchan by adding +20 damage to their attacks. Garchomp Ex's Linear Attack, enhanced by Lucario, will deal 70 damage to the opponent's Active Pokemon with just one Fighting Energy. This boost does not extend to Benched Pokemon. With both Lucarios in play, your entire team becomes significantly more threatening. Strategic delay in evolving Gabite to Garchomp Ex might be necessary to avoid conceding multiple knockout points.
These are the standout Garchomp Ex decks in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. As the meta evolves, expect to see continued experimentation with this iconic Dragon and Ground type Pokemon.
*Pokemon TCG Pocket* is now available on mobile devices.
