Garchomp, one of the most fearsome Dragon types in the *Pokemon* universe, has received the Ex treatment with the release of the Triumphant Light expansion set in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. Here are the best Garchomp Ex decks you can build in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*.
Best Garchomp Ex Decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket
It's crucial to understand that Cynthia does not work with Garchomp Ex; she only boosts the base form. Garchomp Ex excels at bypassing defensive walls such as Druddigon and other high HP Pokemon, posing a significant threat to your opponent's bench. However, being a Stage 2 Pokemon, getting Garchomp Ex into play before your opponent can rush you with cards like Exeggutor Ex can be challenging.
The primary appeal of Garchomp Ex lies in its Linear Attack, which delivers 50 damage to a Pokemon, whether in the active spot or on the bench. This is more efficient compared to its 100 damage Dragon Claw attack, which requires 3 Energy. Fortunately, the Triumphant Light versions of Gible and Gabite deal decent damage with just one energy, making them viable front-line attackers.
Below are three decks designed to 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
In this deck, maintain pressure with Hitmonchan while developing your Garchomp Ex line in the back. Farfetch’d can substitute for Hitmonchan depending on the opposing deck types; however, Hitmonchan is effective against Arceus Ex. If your opponent retreats after being hit by Hitmonchan, you can use Cyrus to pull them back for a Dragon Claw or hit them with Linear Attack on the bench. Marshadow can then clean up any fallen Pokemon.
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 focuses on evolving from Gible to Gabite and then to Garchomp Ex. Aerodactyl Ex complements this strategy since Poke Ball cannot retrieve the Amber Fossil needed for Aerodactyl Ex's evolution. With only one Marshadow, you're likely to start with Gible. Garchomp Ex's low energy requirement makes Linear Attack sufficient, allowing Aerodactyl Ex to serve as a late-game threat or a strategic switch-in. All cards in this deck have a retreat cost of 1, making X Speeds crucial for maneuvering. Be cautious of your opponent's Cyrus plays, as your own Cyrus plays can be decisive.
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 potent yet risky Garchomp Ex deck requires luck to get both Lucario and Garchomp Ex into play before being rushed. Lucario boosts Gible, Gabite, and Hitmonchan's attacks by +20 damage, and Garchomp Ex's Linear Attack deals 70 damage to your opponent's Active Pokemon for just one Fighting energy. This boost doesn't extend to Benched Pokemon. With both Lucario online, your entire team becomes highly damaging. Sometimes, delaying Garchomp Ex's evolution from Gabite can prevent losing two knockout points.
These are the top Garchomp Ex decks in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. As the meta evolves weekly, expect to see more experimentation with this iconic Dragon and Ground type Pokemon.
*Pokemon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.*
