Garchomp, a formidable Dragon-type Pokémon, has been elevated to new heights with its EX version in the Pokemon TCG Pocket expansion set, Triumphant Light. Here’s a detailed look at the best Garchomp EX decks to dominate the game.
Best Garchomp EX Decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket
It's crucial to understand that Cynthica cannot be used with Garchomp EX; she only enhances the base form of Garchomp. Garchomp EX excels at bypassing defensive walls such as Druddigon and other high HP Pokémon, directly threatening your opponent's bench. However, as a Stage 2 Pokémon, it can be challenging to set up Garchomp EX before facing swift opponents like Exeggutor EX.
Garchomp EX's Linear Attack, which deals 50 damage to either an Active or Benched Pokémon, is its standout feature. This is more advantageous than the Dragon Claw attack, which requires 3 Energy for only 100 damage. Fortunately, the Triumphant Light versions of Gible and Gabite can hold their own with decent damage output using just one Energy, making them viable early attackers.
Below are three powerful decks leveraging Garchomp EX in Pokemon TCG Pocket:
Hitmonchan Deck (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, Hitmonchan applies pressure while you evolve your Garchomp line. Farfetch’d can be a suitable substitute for Hitmonchan based on the meta. Hitmonchan's effectiveness against Arceus EX is a notable advantage. Use Cyrus to pull back a damaged Pokémon for Garchomp EX to hit with Dragon Claw or Linear Attack. Marshadow can then finish off weakened opponents.
Aerodactyl EX Deck (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 quickly evolving from Gible to Gabite to Garchomp EX. Aerodactyl EX complements this strategy as Poke Balls can't fetch Amber Fossil, necessary for Aerodactyl EX. With only one Marshadow, starting with Gible is likely. Garchomp EX’s Linear Attack is energy-efficient, making Aerodactyl EX a strong late-game option. With all cards having a retreat cost of one, X Speeds are crucial for strategic retreats and attacks. Be cautious of opponents using Cyrus.
Lucario EX Deck (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 is potent yet risky, requiring luck to get both Lucario and Garchomp EX ready before being rushed. Lucario boosts Gible, Gabite, and Hitmonchan's damage by 20, enhancing their attack power. Garchomp EX's Linear Attack with Lucario can deal 70 damage to the Active Pokémon for just one Fighting Energy. If you manage to evolve both Lucarios, your entire team becomes significantly more powerful. Consider delaying Garchomp EX's evolution to avoid giving away easy knockouts.
These are the top Garchomp EX decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket. As the meta evolves, expect continuous experimentation with this iconic Dragon and Ground-type Pokémon.
Pokemon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.