Mastering Garchomp EX in Pokémon TCG Pocket: Top Deck Strategies
Garchomp EX, a formidable Dragon-type Pokémon, shines in the Pokémon TCG Pocket Triumphant Light expansion. However, unlike its base form, it's incompatible with Cynthia. Its power lies in bypassing defensive Pokémon like Druddigon and targeting the opponent's bench. The challenge? It's a Stage 2 Pokémon, making a swift setup crucial. Its Linear Attack (50 damage to Active or Benched Pokémon) is its key strength, surpassing its Dragon Claw attack (100 damage for 3 Energy). Fortunately, Gible and Gabite from Triumphant Light offer decent single-energy attacks, making them valuable early-game attackers.
Here are three effective Garchomp EX deck strategies:
1. Hitmonchan (Fighting Energy) Focus:
- 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
This deck uses Hitmonchan to pressure the opponent while developing Garchomp EX. Farfetch'd can replace Hitmonchan depending on the opponent's deck. Cyrus allows for strategic repositioning of damaged Pokémon to exploit Garchomp EX's attacks, and Marshadow cleans up weakened Pokémon.
2. Aerodactyl EX (Fighting Energy) Synergy:
- 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
This deck prioritizes a rapid Gible-Gabite-Garchomp EX evolution. Aerodactyl EX provides early-game support, and its low retreat cost complements X Speed. Marshadow is minimized to maximize early Gible plays. Strategic use of Cyrus is vital to counter opponent plays.
3. Lucario EX (Fighting Energy) Powerhouse:
- Gible 2x (Triumphant Light)
- Gabite 2x (Triumphant Light)
- Garchomp EX 2x
- Riolu 2x
- Lucario EX 2x
- Hitmonchan 1x
- Professor’s Research 2x
- Cyrus 2x
- Poké Ball 2x
- Pokémon Communication 1x
- X Speed 2x
This high-risk, high-reward deck relies on quickly deploying both Lucario EX and Garchomp EX. Lucario EX boosts the attack power of all your Pokémon, significantly enhancing Garchomp EX's Linear Attack. Strategic evolution timing is crucial to maximize knockout potential.
These strategies offer diverse approaches to utilizing Garchomp EX's strengths in Pokémon TCG Pocket. Remember that the meta is dynamic, so adapt your strategy accordingly.
Pokémon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.
