Garchomp, one of the most fearsome Dragon types in *Pokemon* history, received the Ex treatment with the release of the Triumphant Light expansion set in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. Here are the best Garchomp Ex decks in *Pokemon TCG Pocket* that you can utilize to dominate your opponents.
Best Garchomp Ex Decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket
It's crucial to understand that Cynthica does not work with Garchomp Ex; she only works with its base form. Garchomp Ex's strength lies in its ability to bypass walls like Druddigon and other high HP Pokemon, directly threatening your opponent's bench. As a Stage 2 Pokemon, however, getting Garchomp Ex into play before your opponent can rush you down with cards like Exeggutor Ex might be challenging.
The key attraction to using Garchomp Ex is its Linear Attack, which deals 50 damage to a Pokemon, whether it's in the active spot or on the bench. This is more advantageous than its Dragon Claw attack, which requires 3 Energy for just 100 damage. Fortunately, the Triumphant Light versions of Gible and Gabite are decent front-line attackers, requiring only one energy to deal damage.
Below are three decks that leverage Garchomp Ex in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*:
Hitmonchan (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
- Poke Ball 2x
- Pokemon Communication 2x
- X Speed 2x
The strategy with this deck is to maintain pressure on your opponent using Hitmonchan while you build up your Garchomp Ex line in the back. Farfetch’d can serve as a good alternative to Hitmonchan depending on the decks you face, especially since Arceus Ex is weak to Hitmonchan.
If your opponent retreats after Hitmonchan damages a Pokemon, you can pull it forward with Cyrus to hit it with Dragon Claw or strike it with Linear Attack while it's on the bench. Marshadow is there to clean up if any of your Pokemon fall.
Aerodactyl EX (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
- Poke Ball 2x
- Pokemon Communication 1x
- X Speed 2x
This deck differs as you aim to evolve from Gible to Gabite and finally to Garchomp Ex. Aerodactyl Ex is crucial here, as Poke Balls won't grab the Amber Fossil needed for its evolution. With only one Marshadow in this deck, you'll likely start with Gible on your first turn.
Garchomp Ex's low energy requirement makes Linear Attack often sufficient, allowing Aerodactyl Ex to act as a late-game cleanup or a valuable switch-in. Each card in this list has a retreat cost of 1, making X Speeds vital for maneuvering your Pokemon. Be mindful of opposing Cyrus plays, as your own Cyrus plays can be key to winning.
Lucario EX (Fighting Energy)
- Gible 2x (Triumphant Light)
- Gabite 2x (Triumphant Light)
- Garchomp Ex 2x
- Riolu 2x
- Lucario 2x
- Hitmonchan 1x
- Professor’s Research 2x
- Cyrus 2x
- Poke Ball 2x
- Pokemon Communication 1x
- X Speed 2x
This deck is the most potent but also the riskiest Garchomp Ex configuration, as you'll need some luck to get both Lucario and Garchomp Ex into play before your opponent can rush you down. Lucario boosts Gible, Gabite, and Hitmonchan, adding a flat +20 damage to their attacks. Additionally, Garchomp Ex's Linear Attack will deal 70 damage to your opponent's Active Pokemon with just one Fighting energy, though this buff doesn't apply to Benched Pokemon.
With both Lucario in play, all your Pokemon, including Garchomp Ex, will deal significant damage. Sometimes, it might be strategic to delay evolving Gabite into Garchomp Ex to avoid risking two knockout points.
These are the top Garchomp Ex decks in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. As the meta evolves week by week, expect trainers to continue experimenting with this iconic Dragon and Ground type Pokemon.
*Pokemon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.*
