Garchomp, known as one of the most formidable Dragon types in *Pokemon* history, has been elevated to new heights with its Ex treatment in the *Pokemon TCG Pocket*'s Triumphant Light expansion set. Let's explore the top Garchomp Ex decks that players are using to dominate the game.
Best Garchomp Ex Decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket
Before diving into the deck lists, it's crucial to understand that Cynthica is not compatible with Garchomp Ex; she only synergizes with 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 before your opponent overwhelms you with aggressive plays like those from Exeggutor Ex.
The key attraction of Garchomp Ex is its Linear Attack, which inflicts 50 damage to a Pokemon, whether it's in the active position or on the bench. While the 3 Energy cost for its 100 damage Dragon Claw attack may not be ideal, the Triumphant Light versions of Gible and Gabite offer decent damage output with just one energy, making them viable frontline attackers.
Here are three powerful decks that utilize Garchomp Ex in *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
This deck strategy revolves around applying constant pressure with Hitmonchan while you develop your Garchomp Ex line in the background. Farfetch’d can serve as an alternative to Hitmonchan, depending on your opponent's deck type; however, keep in mind that Arceus Ex is vulnerable to Hitmonchan.
If your opponent retreats after being damaged by Hitmonchan, you can use Cyrus to pull the damaged Pokemon back into the active position for a Dragon Claw attack or hit it with Linear Attack while it's on the bench. Marshadow can step in to clean up if any of your Pokemon are knocked out.
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 differs by focusing on evolving from Gible to Gabite, and then to Garchomp Ex. Aerodactyl Ex complements this strategy, as Poke Balls can't retrieve the Amber Fossil needed for its evolution. With only one Marshadow, you're likely to start with Gible on your first turn.
Garchomp Ex's low energy requirement, primarily relying on Linear Attack, allows Aerodactyl Ex to serve as a late-game sweeper or a strategic switch-in once it's ready. All cards in this deck have a single retreat cost, making X Speeds essential for maneuvering your Pokemon effectively. Be cautious of your opponent's Cyrus plays, as your own Cyrus plays will be crucial to securing 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 deck offers the highest potential but also the greatest risk, as successfully evolving both Lucario and Garchomp Ex before your opponent can rush you requires some luck. Lucario significantly boosts the damage output of Gible, Gabite, and Hitmonchan by adding a flat +20 damage. Additionally, Garchomp Ex's Linear Attack will deal 70 damage to the opponent's Active Pokemon with just one Fighting energy, though this boost doesn't apply to Benched Pokemon.
Once both Lucario are in play, every one of your Pokemon, including Garchomp Ex, will deliver substantial damage to your opponent. Sometimes, delaying the evolution of Gabite into Garchomp Ex might be wise to avoid conceding two knockout points prematurely.
These are the standout Garchomp Ex decks in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. As the meta evolves weekly, expect to see more innovative strategies featuring this iconic Dragon and Ground type Pokemon.
*Pokemon TCG Pocket is now available on mobile devices.*
