Garchomp, one of the most fearsome Dragon types in *Pokemon* history, has received the Ex treatment with the release of the Triumphant Light expansion set in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. Here's a deep dive into the best Garchomp Ex decks you can build to dominate the meta.
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's strength lies in bypassing walls like Druddigon and other high HP Pokemon to threaten your opponent's bench directly. Being a Stage 2 Pokemon, however, getting Garchomp Ex into play before your opponent rushes you with cards like Exeggutor Ex can be challenging.
The key attraction of Garchomp Ex is its Linear Attack, which deals 50 damage to a Pokemon either in the active spot or on the bench. This is a significant advantage over its Dragon Claw attack, which requires 3 Energy for just 100 damage. Fortunately, the Triumphant Light versions of Gible and Gabite offer decent damage output with just one energy, making them viable frontline attackers while you set up your Garchomp Ex.
Here are three optimized decks that leverage Garchomp Ex in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*:
Hitmonchan Deck (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 maintain pressure on your opponent using Hitmonchan while you build your Garchomp Ex line. Farfetch’d can serve as a replacement for Hitmonchan depending on the meta, though Hitmonchan has the advantage against Arceus Ex. If your opponent retreats after Hitmonchan inflicts damage, you can use Cyrus to pull the damaged Pokemon forward for a Dragon Claw or hit it with Linear Attack while it's benched. Marshadow can then clean up any fallen Pokemon.
Aerodactyl Ex Deck (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 and then to Garchomp Ex. Aerodactyl Ex, which requires Amber Fossil to evolve, adds a strategic layer since Poke Balls can't fetch it. With only one Marshadow, you'll likely start with Gible. Garchomp Ex's low energy requirement means Linear Attack is often sufficient, allowing Aerodactyl Ex to act as a late-game sweeper or a switch-in card. All cards in this deck have a single retreat cost, making X Speeds crucial for maneuvering. Be cautious of your opponent's Cyrus plays, as your own will be vital to securing a victory.
Lucario Ex Deck (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 is the most powerful yet risky Garchomp Ex deck. Successfully getting both Lucario and Garchomp Ex into play before your opponent can rush you down requires strategic luck. Lucario boosts Gible, Gabite, and Hitmonchan by a flat +20 damage, turning them into formidable attackers. Garchomp Ex's Linear Attack then deals 70 damage to your opponent’s Active Pokemon with just one Fighting energy. This boost does not extend to benched Pokemon. If you manage to evolve both Lucarios, your entire team will become a damaging force. Sometimes, delaying the evolution of Gabite into Garchomp Ex might be wise to avoid losing two knockout points.
These are the top Garchomp Ex decks in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. As the meta evolves week by week, expect to see more experimentation with this iconic Dragon and Ground type Pokemon.
*Pokemon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.*
