Garchomp, a formidable Dragon-type Pokémon, gets the EX treatment in the *Pokémon TCG Pocket*’s Triumphant Light expansion. This guide explores the best Garchomp EX decks for the game.
It's crucial to remember that 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, targeting your opponent's bench. However, as a Stage 2 Pokémon, getting it into play before your opponent overwhelms you can be challenging.
Garchomp EX's Linear Attack, dealing 50 damage to an active or benched Pokémon, is its primary strength. Its 100 damage Dragon Claw attack requires 3 Energy, making it less efficient. Fortunately, the Triumphant Light versions of Gible and Gabite offer decent single-energy attacks, making them viable early-game attackers.
Here are three effective Garchomp EX decks for *Pokémon TCG Pocket*:
Hitmonchan (Fighting Energy)
This deck utilizes Hitmonchan to apply pressure while developing your Garchomp EX line. The lineup includes:
- 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
Hitmonchan keeps the opponent on the defensive, allowing you to set up Garchomp EX. Farfetch’d can replace Hitmonchan depending on your opponent's strategy. Cyrus allows you to reposition Pokémon after a Hitmonchan attack, setting up for Dragon Claw or Linear Attack. Marshadow provides cleanup.
Aerodactyl EX (Fighting Energy)
This deck prioritizes a quick Garchomp EX evolution. The decklist is:
- 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
Aerodactyl EX acts as an early-game attacker and late-game cleanup. The low retreat costs of all Pokémon make X Speed crucial. Be mindful of your opponent's Cyrus plays.
Lucario EX (Fighting Energy)
This powerful but riskier deck relies on the synergy between Lucario EX and Garchomp EX. The deck includes:
- 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
Lucario EX boosts the attack power of your other Pokémon, significantly increasing Garchomp EX’s Linear Attack damage. Getting both Lucario EX and Garchomp EX online is key, but the payoff is substantial. Consider delaying Garchomp EX evolution to avoid unnecessary knockouts.
These are some of the best Garchomp EX decks in *Pokémon TCG Pocket*. The meta is constantly evolving, so expect further experimentation with this powerful Pokémon.
Pokémon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.
