Harnessing the Power of Garchomp EX in Pokémon TCG Pocket: Top Deck Strategies
Garchomp EX, a formidable Dragon-type Pokémon, has made a significant impact on the Pokémon TCG Pocket meta with its introduction in the Triumphant Light expansion. This guide explores the most effective Garchomp EX deck builds currently available.
It's crucial to remember 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 and targeting the opponent's bench. However, its Stage 2 evolution presents a challenge, requiring strategic play to overcome early-game aggression from Pokémon like Exeggutor EX. Garchomp EX's Linear Attack, dealing 50 damage to either active or benched Pokémon, is its key strength, outweighing its Dragon Claw attack's less efficient 3-energy cost for 100 damage. Fortunately, the Triumphant Light Gible and Gabite provide decent single-energy attacks, making them viable early-game attackers.
Here are three viable Garchomp EX deck strategies:
Hitmonchan Focus (Fighting Energy)
This deck utilizes Hitmonchan to maintain pressure while developing the Garchomp EX line. The decklist includes:
- 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 provides consistent early-game damage. 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 cleans up weakened opponents. Farfetch'd can replace Hitmonchan depending on the opponent's deck composition; it's particularly effective against Arceus EX.
Aerodactyl EX Synergy (Fighting Energy)
This strategy prioritizes a rapid Garchomp EX evolution. The decklist is:
- 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 evolution, as Poké Ball cannot retrieve the Amber Fossil needed for its evolution. The single Marshadow maximizes the chance of starting with Gible. Aerodactyl EX serves as a late-game finisher or a strong switch-in option. The low retreat costs of all Pokémon make X Speed highly valuable. Be mindful of the opponent's Cyrus plays; your own Cyrus plays will often be crucial for victory.
Lucario EX Enhancement (Fighting Energy)
This high-risk, high-reward decklist leverages Lucario EX to significantly boost the damage output of all Pokémon:
- 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 EX grants a +20 damage bonus to Gible, Gabite, and Hitmonchan, making them formidable attackers. Garchomp EX's Linear Attack deals 70 damage with a single Fighting Energy to the active Pokémon. This bonus does not apply to benched Pokémon. The success of this deck relies on getting both Lucario EX and Garchomp EX into play before the opponent overwhelms you. Consider delaying Garchomp EX's evolution to avoid losing two knockout points if necessary.
These strategies offer diverse approaches to utilizing Garchomp EX's strengths in Pokémon TCG Pocket. Remember that the meta is constantly evolving, so experimentation and adaptation are key to success.
Pokémon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.
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