The arrival of Arceus Ex in Pokémon TCG Pocket has quickly shaken up the meta, introducing powerful synergies with several Pokémon. This guide highlights some of the best Arceus Ex decks currently available.
Arceus Ex boasts an incredible ability: immunity to status conditions like Sleep and Confusion. Its Ultimate Force attack deals 70 damage, plus an additional 20 for each Pokémon on your bench, reaching a devastating 130 damage with a full bench.
Arceus Ex's strength is further amplified by eight Pokémon from the Triumphant Light expansion, each possessing a unique "Link" ability activated by Arceus Ex or a standard Arceus. Crobat, Magnezone, and Heatran stand out as particularly potent partners. Let's examine a deck featuring each:
Crobat (Dark Energy)
2x Arceus Ex
2x Zubat (Triumphant Light)
2x Golbat (Genetic Apex)
2x Crobat
1x Spiritomb
1x Farfetch’d
2x Professor’s Research
2x Dawn
2x Cyrus
2x Poké Ball
2x Pokémon Communication
This deck utilizes Crobat and Arceus Ex as its primary attackers. With Arceus Ex in play, Crobat deals 30 damage to the opponent's Active Pokémon, even from the bench. Its 50-damage attack (for one Dark Energy) complements Arceus Ex, which you'll aim to power up with three energies. A fully powered Arceus Ex on the bench allows for free retreats with Crobat (no retreat cost), enabling a 130-damage hit. Farfetch’d provides additional pressure, and Spiritomb spreads damage to the opponent's bench, setting up knockouts with Cyrus.
Related: Pokémon TCG Pocket Tier List – Best Decks & Cards (February 2025)
Dialga Ex/Magnezone (Metal Energy)
2x Arceus Ex
2x Dialga Ex
2x Magnemite (Triumphant Light)
2x Magneton (Genetic Apex)
1x Magnezone (Triumphant Light)
1x Magnezone (Genetic Apex)
1x Skarmory
2x Professor’s Research
2x Leaf
2x Giant’s Cape
1x Rocky Helmet
2x Poké Ball
This deck centers on Arceus Ex, supported by both Magnezone variants. Triumphant Light Magnezone takes -30 damage with Arceus Ex present, while the Genetic Apex version deals 110 damage after using Magneton's Volt Charge ability. Note that Genetic Apex Magnezone can't use Metal Energy; it's Electric type. Skarmory, along with Giant’s Cape and Rocky Helmet, protects your key Pokémon, ensuring Arceus Ex reaches its full damage potential.
Heatran (Fire Energy)
2x Arceus Ex
2x Heatran (Triumphant Light)
2x Ponyta (Mythical Island)
2x Rapidash (Genetic Apex)
1x Farfetch’d
2x Professor’s Research
1x Blaine
1x Cyrus
1x Dawn
2x Giant’s Cape
2x Poké Ball
2x X Speed
This deck offers a faster, aggressive Fire-type strategy, similar to Ninetails Blaine decks. Heatran, Rapidash, and Farfetch’d provide early-game pressure while powering up your benched Arceus Ex. Giant’s Cape protects Heatran and boosts Arceus Ex above 150 HP. Heatran's free retreat (with Arceus Ex in play) allows for flexible energy management. Its Ragin’ Fury attack deals 80 damage (with prior damage) or 40 otherwise.
While more Arceus Ex strategies will undoubtedly emerge, these decks represent some of the most effective current builds in Pokémon TCG Pocket.
Pokémon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.
