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, its Stage 2 evolution presents a challenge. This guide outlines three effective Garchomp EX decks, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Crucially, remember Cynthia's support is ineffective with Garchomp EX; it only works with its base form. Garchomp EX's power lies in its ability to bypass high HP Pokémon like Druddigon, targeting the opponent's bench.
Key Considerations: Garchomp EX's Linear Attack (50 damage to Active or Benched Pokémon) is its primary advantage, as its Dragon Claw (100 damage for 3 Energy) is less efficient. Fortunately, the Triumphant Light Gible and Gabite offer decent single-energy attacks, making them valuable early-game attackers.
Here are three viable Garchomp EX deck strategies:
1. Hitmonchan Focus (Fighting Energy)
- 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 utilizes Hitmonchan to pressure the opponent while evolving 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. Marshadow cleans up after knockouts.
2. Aerodactyl EX Synergy (Fighting Energy)
- 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 swift Gible-Gabite-Garchomp EX evolution. Aerodactyl EX acts as a supplementary attacker and helps circumvent the need for multiple Poké Balls to obtain Amber Fossils. The low retreat cost of all Pokémon maximizes the effectiveness of X Speed. Strategic Cyrus plays are crucial.
3. Lucario EX Enhancement (Fighting Energy)
- 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 the synergy between Lucario EX and Garchomp EX. Lucario EX provides a +20 damage boost to other Pokémon, significantly increasing their offensive capabilities. However, successfully evolving both Lucario EX and Garchomp EX before the opponent overwhelms you requires strategic play and some luck.
These decks offer diverse strategies for utilizing Garchomp EX's strengths in Pokémon TCG Pocket. Remember that the meta is constantly evolving, so experimentation is key to success.
Pokémon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.
