Mastering Garchomp EX in Pokémon TCG Pocket: Top Deck Strategies
Garchomp EX, a formidable Dragon-type Pokémon, shines in the Pokémon TCG Pocket Triumphant Light expansion. However, remember Cynthia's support is limited to Garchomp's basic form. Garchomp EX's power lies in its ability to bypass defensive Pokémon like Druddigon and threaten the opponent's bench. Its Stage 2 evolution, however, presents a challenge against aggressive early-game strategies.
Garchomp EX's Linear Attack (50 damage to Active or Benched Pokémon) is its key strength, surpassing its Dragon Claw attack (100 damage for 3 Energy). Fortunately, the Triumphant Light Gible and Gabite provide decent single-energy attacks, making them valuable early-game attackers.
Here are three effective Garchomp EX deck strategies:
Hitmonchan Focus (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
- Poké Ball 2x
- Pokémon Communication 2x
- X Speed 2x
This deck uses Hitmonchan to pressure the opponent while developing Garchomp EX. Farfetch'd can replace Hitmonchan depending on the opponent's deck (note: Arceus EX is weak to Hitmonchan). Cyrus allows for strategic repositioning of damaged Pokémon to utilize Dragon Claw or Linear Attack. Marshadow cleans up weakened Pokémon.
Aerodactyl EX Synergy (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
- Poké Ball 2x
- Pokémon Communication 1x
- X Speed 2x
This deck prioritizes the Gible-Gabite-Garchomp EX evolution line. Aerodactyl EX complements this, as Poké Balls can't retrieve Amber Fossils needed for Aerodactyl EX evolution. The single Marshadow maximizes the chance of early Gible play. All Pokémon have a single retreat cost, making X Speed crucial for maneuvering. Be mindful of opponent's Cyrus plays.
Lucario EX Powerhouse (Fighting Energy)
- 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
This high-risk, high-reward deck relies on getting both Lucario EX and Garchomp EX online quickly. Lucario EX boosts all your Pokémon's damage by 20, making Garchomp EX's Linear Attack exceptionally powerful (70 damage for one Energy to the Active Pokémon). Careful consideration is needed on when to evolve Gabite, balancing speed with minimizing knockout losses.
These are some of the top Garchomp EX decks in Pokémon TCG Pocket. As the meta evolves, expect further strategic innovations using this powerful Pokémon.
Pokémon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.