Garchomp, one of the most fearsome Dragon types in *Pokemon* history, has been elevated to the Ex level with the release of the Triumphant Light expansion set in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. Here's a detailed look at the best Garchomp Ex decks in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*.
Best Garchomp Ex Decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket
It's crucial to understand that Cynthia does not synergize with Garchomp Ex; she only boosts the base form. Garchomp Ex shines by bypassing defensive walls like Druddigon and other high HP Pokemon to target your opponent's bench. However, as a Stage 2 Pokemon, evolving Garchomp Ex before your opponent overwhelms you with rapid attackers like Exeggutor Ex can be challenging.
Garchomp Ex's Linear Attack, dealing 50 damage to a Pokemon on the active spot or bench, is the primary reason to include this card in your deck. Its Dragon Claw attack, which requires 3 Energy for 100 damage, is less efficient. Fortunately, the Triumphant Light versions of Gible and Gabite deliver solid damage with just one energy, making them viable frontline attackers.
Here are three deck strategies 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
In this deck, Hitmonchan applies pressure while you develop your Garchomp Ex line. Farfetch’d can replace Hitmonchan depending on your opponent's deck, but keep in mind that Arceus Ex is vulnerable to Hitmonchan. If your opponent retreats after Hitmonchan inflicts damage, Cyrus can pull that Pokemon back into the active spot for a Dragon Claw or Linear Attack hit. Marshadow can then handle any fallen Pokemon.
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 focuses on evolving from Gible to Gabite to Garchomp Ex. Aerodactyl Ex aids this strategy since Poke Ball can't fetch the Amber Fossil needed for its evolution. With only one Marshadow, you'll likely start with Gible. Garchomp Ex's low energy requirement makes Linear Attack efficient, while Aerodactyl Ex serves as a late-game sweeper or a pivotal switch-in. All cards have a single retreat cost, making X Speeds essential for tactical maneuvers. Be cautious of your opponent's Cyrus plays, as your own Cyrus plays can be decisive.
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. Successfully evolving both Lucario and Garchomp Ex before your opponent rushes you down requires some luck. Lucario boosts Gible, Gabite, and Hitmonchan by adding +20 damage, and Garchomp Ex's Linear Attack can deal 70 damage to the opponent's Active Pokemon with just one Fighting energy. This boost doesn't apply to Benched Pokemon. With both Lucarios active, your entire team becomes significantly more threatening, sometimes making it strategic to delay evolving Gabite into Garchomp Ex to avoid giving up extra 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.*
