Best Garchomp Ex Decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket

Garchomp, a formidable Dragon-type Pokémon, gets the EX treatment in the Pokémon TCG Pocket's Triumphant Light expansion. This guide explores the top Garchomp EX decks for the game.

It's crucial to remember Cynthia's strategy doesn't work with Garchomp EX; it's only effective with the base form. Garchomp EX excels at bypassing defensive Pokémon like Druddigon and others with high HP, targeting your opponent's bench. However, as a Stage 2 Pokémon, getting it into play before your opponent overwhelms you (e.g., with Exeggutor EX) can be challenging.

Garchomp EX's main appeal is its Linear Attack, dealing 50 damage to a Pokémon on the active field or bench. Its 100 damage Dragon Claw attack, requiring 3 Energy, isn't very efficient. Fortunately, the Triumphant Light versions of Gible and Gabite offer decent single-energy damage, making them valuable early-game attackers.

Here are three decks effectively utilizing Garchomp EX in Pokémon TCG Pocket:

Hitmonchan (Fighting Energy)

This deck uses: Gible 2x (Triumphant Light), Gabite 2x (Triumphant Light), Garchomp EX 2x, Hitmonchan 2x, Marshadow 1x, Professor’s Research 2x, Cyrus 2x, Sabrina 1x, Poké Ball 2x, Pokémon Communication 2x, X Speed 2x. The strategy focuses on pressuring the opponent with Hitmonchan while developing your Garchomp EX line. Farfetch'd can replace Hitmonchan depending on your opponent's deck; however, Arceus EX is weak to Hitmonchan. If your opponent retreats after a Hitmonchan attack, Cyrus brings it back for a Dragon Claw or Linear Attack. Marshadow cleans up fallen Pokémon.

Aerodactyl EX (Fighting Energy)

This deck uses: 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, Poké Ball 2x, Pokémon Communication 1x, X Speed 2x. The goal is to quickly evolve from Gible to Gabite to Garchomp EX. Aerodactyl EX assists as Poké Balls won't retrieve the Amber Fossil needed for Aerodactyl EX evolution. One Marshadow maximizes early Gible play. All Pokémon have a single retreat cost, making X Speed crucial for maneuvering. Be mindful of your opponent's Cyrus plays; your own Cyrus plays will be key.

Lucario EX (Fighting Energy)

This deck uses: Gible 2x (Triumphant Light), Gabite 2x (Triumphant Light), Garchomp EX 2x, Riolu 2x, Lucario 2x, Hitmonchan 1x, Professor’s Research 2x, Cyrus 2x, Poké Ball 2x, Pokémon Communication 1x, X Speed 2x. This is the most powerful but riskier Garchomp EX deck. Getting both Lucario and Garchomp EX online before your opponent attacks requires luck. Lucario boosts Gible, Gabite, and Hitmonchan damage by +20. Garchomp EX's Linear Attack deals 70 damage with a single Fighting Energy to the active Pokémon (this bonus doesn't apply to benched Pokémon). With both Lucario online, all your Pokémon deal significant damage. Delaying Garchomp EX evolution might be strategic to avoid losing two knockout points.

These are some of the best Garchomp EX decks in Pokémon TCG Pocket. As the meta evolves, expect more experimentation with this iconic Dragon/Ground-type Pokémon.

Pokémon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.