Garchomp, renowned as one of the most formidable Dragon types in *Pokemon* history, has been elevated to new heights with the introduction of the Triumphant Light expansion set in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. Here's an in-depth look at the top Garchomp Ex decks that you can build 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 to directly threaten your opponent's bench. However, being a Stage 2 Pokemon, it's challenging to evolve Garchomp Ex quickly enough to counter aggressive decks like those featuring Exeggutor Ex.
The main attraction of Garchomp Ex is its Linear Attack, which deals 50 damage to a Pokemon, whether it's in the active position or on the bench. This is more appealing than its Dragon Claw attack, which requires 3 Energy for 100 damage—a less favorable energy-to-damage ratio. Fortunately, the Triumphant Light versions of Gible and Gabite are capable front-line attackers, dealing decent damage with just one energy.
Below, you'll find three potent deck builds featuring 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
In this deck, the strategy revolves around maintaining pressure with Hitmonchan while you evolve your Garchomp Ex line in the background. Farfetch’d can serve as an alternative to Hitmonchan, depending on the meta you're facing, but remember that Arceus Ex is vulnerable to Hitmonchan. If your opponent retreats after Hitmonchan inflicts damage, you can use Cyrus to pull the damaged Pokemon forward for a Dragon Claw strike or hit it with Linear Attack while it's on the bench. Marshadow steps in to clean up if any of your Pokemon fall.
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 diverges from the previous one as you aim to evolve from Gible to Gabite and finally to Garchomp Ex. Aerodactyl Ex complements this strategy, as a Poke Ball cannot retrieve the Amber Fossil needed for its evolution. With only one Marshadow in the deck, you're likely to start with Gible on your first turn. Garchomp Ex's Linear Attack requires minimal energy investment, making Aerodactyl Ex an effective late-game sweeper or a switch-in when ready. All cards in this deck have a single retreat cost, making X Speeds invaluable for maneuvering in and out of threats. Be cautious of your opponent's Cyrus plays, as your own Cyrus plays can 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 is the most powerful but also the riskiest Garchomp Ex list. Successfully evolving both Lucario and Garchomp Ex before your opponent can rush you down hinges on a bit of luck. Lucario significantly boosts the damage output of Gible, Gabite, and Hitmonchan by adding a flat +20 damage. Furthermore, Garchomp Ex's Linear Attack will deal 70 damage for a single Fighting energy to your opponent’s Active Pokemon, though this boost does not affect Benched Pokemon. If you manage to get both Lucarios online, every one of your Pokemon, including Garchomp Ex, will become formidable damage dealers. Sometimes, it might be strategic to delay evolving Gabite into Garchomp Ex to avoid conceding two knockout points.
These are the most effective Garchomp Ex decks in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. As the meta evolves week by week, expect to see more experimentation with this iconic Dragon and Ground type Pokemon.
*Pokemon TCG Pocket is now available on mobile devices.*
