Harnessing the Power of Garchomp EX in Pokémon TCG Pocket
Garchomp EX, a formidable Dragon-type Pokémon, made a powerful entrance in the Pokémon TCG Pocket Triumphant Light expansion. While Cynthia is incompatible with Garchomp EX (only working with its base form), its ability to bypass defensive Pokémon like Druddigon makes it a valuable asset. However, as a Stage 2 Pokémon, getting it into play quickly can be challenging. Its Linear Attack, dealing 50 damage to either the Active or Benched Pokémon, is its primary strength, surpassing its Dragon Claw attack (100 damage for 3 Energy) in practical application. Fortunately, the Triumphant Light Gible and Gabite provide decent single-energy attacks, making them effective early-game attackers.
Here are three viable Garchomp EX deck builds for Pokémon TCG Pocket:
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 developing the Garchomp EX line. Farfetch'd can substitute for Hitmonchan depending on the opponent's deck; however, Hitmonchan's effectiveness against Arceus EX should be considered. Cyrus allows for strategic repositioning of damaged Pokémon to utilize Dragon Claw or Linear Attack. Marshadow provides cleanup when necessary.
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 build prioritizes a rapid Gible-Gabite-Garchomp EX evolution. Aerodactyl EX assists, as Poké Balls won't retrieve Amber Fossils needed for Aerodactyl EX evolution. The single Marshadow maximizes the chance of an early-game Gible. Aerodactyl EX serves as a late-game cleanup or substitute attacker. The low retreat cost of all Pokémon makes X Speed crucial for maneuvering. Be mindful of the opponent's Cyrus plays; your own Cyrus plays will be pivotal.
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 is the most powerful but riskiest Garchomp EX deck. Lucario significantly boosts the damage output of Gible, Gabite, and Hitmonchan (+20 damage), making Garchomp EX's Linear Attack deal 70 damage with a single Fighting Energy. This damage boost does not apply to Benched Pokémon. Strategic evolution timing is crucial to maximize effectiveness and avoid unnecessary knockouts.
These are some of the strongest Garchomp EX decks in Pokémon TCG Pocket. As the meta evolves, expect further experimentation with this iconic Dragon/Ground-type Pokémon.
Pokémon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.
