Garchomp, one of the most formidable Dragon types in the *Pokemon* universe, has been elevated to the Ex status with the launch of the Triumphant Light expansion set in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. Here's a deep dive into the best Garchomp Ex decks you can build in *Pokemon TCG Pocket* to dominate your opponents.
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 by bypassing defensive walls such as Druddigon and other high-HP Pokemon, posing a direct threat to your opponent's bench. However, as a Stage 2 Pokemon, you'll need to strategize to evolve it quickly before your opponent overwhelms you with fast attackers like Exeggutor Ex.
The allure of Garchomp Ex lies in its Linear Attack, capable of inflicting 50 damage to a Pokemon, whether in the active position or on the bench. While its Dragon Claw attack requires 3 Energy for 100 damage, which isn't the most efficient, the Triumphant Light versions of Gible and Gabite compensate with solid one-energy attacks, making them viable frontline options.
Below, we present three deck builds that leverage Garchomp Ex's strengths 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
This deck focuses on pressuring your opponent with Hitmonchan while you work on evolving your Garchomp Ex line. Farfetch’d can substitute for Hitmonchan depending on the meta, but Hitmonchan has the advantage against Arceus Ex. If your opponent retreats after Hitmonchan's attack, you can use Cyrus to pull the damaged Pokemon back into the active spot for a devastating Dragon Claw or a bench-targeting Linear Attack. Marshadow serves as a cleanup Pokemon if any of your fighters fall.
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 variant emphasizes evolving from Gible to Gabite and finally to Garchomp Ex. Aerodactyl Ex comes into play since Poke Balls can't retrieve the Amber Fossil needed for its evolution. With only one Marshadow in the deck, starting with Gible is highly likely. Garchomp Ex's low energy requirement makes Linear Attack a go-to move, while Aerodactyl Ex serves as a late-game sweeper or a strategic switch-in. The one retreat cost on all cards makes X Speeds crucial for maneuvering, but be wary of your opponent's Cyrus plays, as your own Cyrus usage will be pivotal to 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 harnesses the synergy between Lucario and Garchomp Ex, though it's a riskier strategy due to the need for timely evolutions. Lucario boosts Gible, Gabite, and Hitmonchan's attacks by +20 damage, significantly enhancing their threat level. When paired with Garchomp Ex, Linear Attack can deal 70 damage to the opponent's Active Pokemon with just one Fighting Energy. However, this boost doesn't extend to Benched Pokemon. Successfully getting both Lucario and Garchomp Ex into play can make your entire team a formidable force, but you might need to delay Garchomp Ex's evolution to avoid conceding too many knockout points.
These are the top Garchomp Ex decks to explore in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. As the game's meta evolves, players will continue to innovate with this iconic Dragon and Ground type Pokemon.
*Pokemon TCG Pocket is now available on mobile devices.*
