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 that Cynthia doesn't synergize with Garchomp EX; she only works with its base form. Garchomp EX excels at bypassing defensive Pokémon like Druddigon, threatening 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 draw is its Linear Attack, dealing 50 damage to either the active Pokémon or a benched Pokémon. Its 100-damage Dragon Claw attack, requiring 3 Energy, isn't as efficient. Fortunately, the Triumphant Light Gible and Gabite offer decent single-energy attacks, making them valuable early-game attackers.

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

Hitmonchan (Fighting Energy)

This deck uses: 2x Gible (Triumphant Light), 2x Gabite (Triumphant Light), 2x Garchomp EX, 2x Hitmonchan, 1x Marshadow, 2x Professor’s Research, 2x Cyrus, 1x Sabrina, 2x Poké Ball, 2x Pokémon Communication, 2x X Speed.

The strategy is to pressure 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 a Hitmonchan attack, Cyrus can bring it back for a Dragon Claw or Linear Attack. Marshadow cleans up after Pokémon faints.

Aerodactyl EX (Fighting Energy)

This deck uses: 2x Gible (Triumphant Light), 2x Gabite (Triumphant Light), 2x Garchomp EX, 2x Amber Fossil, 2x Aerodactyl EX, 1x Marshadow, 2x Professor’s Research, 2x Cyrus, 2x Poké Ball, 1x Pokémon Communication, 2x X Speed.

This deck prioritizes evolving Gible to Garchomp EX quickly. Aerodactyl EX assists, as a Poké Ball won't retrieve the Amber Fossil needed for its evolution. Only one Marshadow is included to maximize early-game Gible plays. Garchomp EX's low energy cost makes Aerodactyl EX a strong late-game finisher or switch-in option. All Pokémon have one retreat cost, maximizing X Speed's effectiveness. Be mindful of your opponent's Cyrus plays—your own Cyrus plays will be crucial.

Lucario EX (Fighting Energy)

This deck uses: 2x Gible (Triumphant Light), 2x Gabite (Triumphant Light), 2x Garchomp EX, 2x Riolu, 2x Lucario EX, 1x Hitmonchan, 2x Professor’s Research, 2x Cyrus, 2x Poké Ball, 1x Pokémon Communication, 2x X Speed.

This is the most powerful but riskiest Garchomp EX deck. Getting both Lucario EX and Garchomp EX online before your opponent attacks requires luck. Lucario EX boosts the damage of Gible, Gabite, and Hitmonchan by +20, making Garchomp EX's Linear Attack deal 70 damage with a single Fighting Energy. This bonus doesn't apply to benched Pokémon. If both Lucario EX and Garchomp EX are online, your Pokémon deal significant damage. Consider delaying Garchomp EX's evolution to avoid losing two knockout points.

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.*