Best Garchomp Ex Decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket

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 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 and others with high HP, targeting your opponent's bench. However, as a Stage 2 Pokémon, getting it into play before your opponent overwhelms you (e.g., with Exeggutor EX) can be challenging.

Garchomp EX's main appeal lies in its Linear Attack, dealing 50 damage to an active or benched Pokémon. Its Dragon Claw attack (100 damage for 3 Energy) isn't very efficient. Fortunately, the Triumphant Light versions of Gible and Gabite offer decent single-energy attacks, making them viable early-game attackers.

Here are three decks utilizing Garchomp EX in *Pokémon TCG Pocket*:

Hitmonchan (Fighting Energy)

This deck uses: 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. The strategy involves pressuring your opponent with Hitmonchan while developing your Garchomp EX line. Farfetch’d can replace Hitmonchan depending on your opponent's deck; however, Arceus EX is weak to Hitmonchan. If your opponent retreats after Hitmonchan attacks, Cyrus can bring it back into play for a Dragon Claw or Linear Attack. Marshadow cleans up after any Pokémon falls.

Aerodactyl EX (Fighting Energy)

This deck includes: 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. The focus is on evolving quickly from Gible to Garchomp EX. Aerodactyl EX assists, as Poké Balls won't retrieve the Amber Fossil needed for Aerodactyl EX's evolution. Only one Marshadow is included to maximize the chance of getting Gible on your first turn. Garchomp EX's low energy cost makes Aerodactyl EX useful for late-game cleanup or switching in when ready. The low retreat cost of every Pokémon makes X Speed crucial for maneuvering Pokémon.

Lucario EX (Fighting Energy)

This powerful but riskier deck features: Gible 2x (Triumphant Light), Gabite 2x (Triumphant Light), Garchomp EX 2x, Riolu 2x, Lucario 2x, Hitmonchan 1x, Professor’s Research 2x, Cyrus 2x, Poké Ball 2x, Pokémon Communication 1x, X Speed 2x. Lucario significantly boosts the damage of Gible, Gabite, and Hitmonchan (+20 damage), making Garchomp EX's Linear Attack even more potent (70 damage with one Fighting energy). The risk lies in getting both Lucario and Garchomp EX online before your opponent attacks. Sometimes delaying Garchomp EX's evolution might be strategic to avoid losing two 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 iconic Dragon/Ground-type Pokémon.

Pokémon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.