Best Garchomp Ex Decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket

Mastering Garchomp EX in Pokémon TCG Pocket: Top Deck Strategies

Garchomp EX, a formidable Dragon-type Pokémon, has received significant attention since its introduction in the Pokémon TCG Pocket Triumphant Light expansion. This guide explores top-tier Garchomp EX deck builds, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Note that Cynthia's support is ineffective with Garchomp EX; it only works with its base form. Garchomp EX excels at bypassing defensive Pokémon like Druddigon, but its Stage 2 evolution can be a vulnerability. Its Linear Attack, dealing 50 damage to either active or benched Pokémon, is its key advantage over its comparatively weaker Dragon Claw attack. The Triumphant Light Gible and Gabite provide decent early-game damage output.

Here are three effective Garchomp EX deck strategies:

Hitmonchan Focus (Fighting Energy)

This deck utilizes Hitmonchan to apply early pressure while developing the Garchomp EX line. The key components are:

• Gible 2x (Triumphant Light)
• Gabite 2x (Triumphant Light)
• Garchomp EX 2x
• Hitmonchan 2x
• Marshadow 1x
• Professor's Research 2x
• Cyrus 2x
• Sabrina 1x
• Poké Ball 2x
• Pokémon Communication 2x
• X Speed 2x

Hitmonchan's role is to pressure the opponent, allowing for Garchomp EX setup. If the opponent retreats after a Hitmonchan attack, Cyrus can bring the damaged Pokémon back to the active spot for a Dragon Claw or Linear Attack. Marshadow provides cleanup. Farfetch'd can substitute for Hitmonchan depending on the opponent's deck.

Aerodactyl EX Synergy (Fighting Energy)

This strategy prioritizes a rapid Garchomp EX evolution. The deck list includes:

• 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
• Poké Ball 2x
• Pokémon Communication 1x
• X Speed 2x

Aerodactyl EX aids in early-game evolution, as Poké Balls won't retrieve Amber Fossils. The single Marshadow maximizes the chances of an early Gible play. Aerodactyl EX serves as a late-game cleaner or a strong switch-in option. The low retreat costs of all Pokémon make X Speed crucial. Be mindful of the opponent's use of Cyrus.

Lucario EX Power-Up (Fighting Energy)

This aggressive deck aims for a fast Lucario and Garchomp EX combination. The deck list is:

• Gible 2x (Triumphant Light)
• Gabite 2x (Triumphant Light)
• Garchomp EX 2x
• Riolu 2x
• Lucario EX 2x
• Hitmonchan 1x
• Professor's Research 2x
• Cyrus 2x
• Poké Ball 2x
• Pokémon Communication 1x
• X Speed 2x

Lucario's +20 damage buff significantly boosts all Pokémon, including Garchomp EX's Linear Attack. However, this deck is riskier, requiring early game luck to establish both Lucario EX and Garchomp EX before the opponent gains an advantage. Consider delaying Garchomp EX evolution if necessary to avoid losing two knockout points.

These decks represent effective strategies for utilizing Garchomp EX in Pokémon TCG Pocket. Remember that the meta is constantly evolving, so experimentation is key to success.

Pokémon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.