Garchomp, a formidable Dragon-type Pokemon, has received the Ex treatment with the launch of the Triumphant Light expansion set in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. Below, we explore the top Garchomp Ex decks that are making waves in the game.
Best Garchomp Ex Decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket
Before diving into the deck lists, it's crucial to understand that Cynthica does not synergize with Garchomp Ex; she only boosts the base form. Garchomp Ex excels at bypassing defensive walls like Druddigon and other high HP Pokemon, targeting your opponent's bench. As a Stage 2 Pokemon, getting Garchomp Ex into play quickly can be challenging, especially against aggressive decks featuring cards like Exeggutor Ex.
Garchomp Ex's Linear Attack, which inflicts 50 damage to either an active or benched Pokemon, is the primary reason to include this card in your deck. The 100 damage Dragon Claw attack, requiring 3 Energy, isn't as efficient. Fortunately, the Triumphant Light versions of Gible and Gabite offer decent damage output with just one Energy, making them viable front-line attackers.
Here are three decks that effectively utilize 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
The strategy with this deck is to apply early pressure with Hitmonchan while you evolve your Garchomp Ex line. Farfetch’d can serve as a substitute for Hitmonchan, depending on the meta; however, Hitmonchan has an advantage against Arceus Ex. If your opponent retreats after being damaged by Hitmonchan, you can use Cyrus to drag the damaged Pokemon back into the active position for a devastating Dragon Claw or hit it with Linear Attack on the bench. Marshadow is there to clean up if any of your Pokemon are knocked out.
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 aims to evolve from Gible to Gabite and then to Garchomp Ex as quickly as possible. Aerodactyl Ex complements this strategy, as Poke Balls can't fetch Amber Fossil, necessary for Aerodactyl Ex's evolution. With only one Marshadow included, starting with Gible on your first turn is highly probable. Garchomp Ex's low Energy requirement, particularly for Linear Attack, allows Aerodactyl Ex to serve as a late-game finisher or a powerful switch-in. All cards in this deck have a retreat cost of 1, making X Speeds essential for maneuvering your Pokemon. Be wary of your opponent's Cyrus plays, as your own Cyrus plays can be crucial to securing a 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 yet riskiest of the three, requiring luck to get both Lucario and Garchomp Ex online before your opponent overwhelms you. Lucario enhances the damage output of Gible, Gabite, and Hitmonchan by a flat +20 damage. With Lucario, Garchomp Ex's Linear Attack can deal 70 damage to an opponent's active Pokemon for just one Fighting Energy, although this boost doesn't affect benched Pokemon. If you successfully evolve both Lucarios, your entire team becomes significantly more lethal. Sometimes, delaying the evolution of Gabite to Garchomp Ex might be strategic to avoid conceding multiple knockout points.
These are the standout Garchomp Ex decks in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. As the meta evolves weekly, expect to see more creative uses of this iconic Dragon and Ground-type Pokemon.
*Pokemon TCG Pocket is now available on mobile devices.*
