Garchomp EX: Mastering the Pocket TCG's Fearsome Dragon
Garchomp, a formidable Dragon-type Pokémon, shines in the Pokémon TCG Pocket Triumphant Light expansion. However, unlike its base form, Garchomp EX doesn't synergize with Cynthia. Its power lies in bypassing defensive Pokémon like Druddigon and targeting the opponent's bench. The challenge? It's a Stage 2 Pokémon, making a swift setup crucial.
Garchomp EX's defining feature is its Linear Attack (50 damage to Active or Benched Pokémon). Its Dragon Claw (100 damage for 3 Energy) is less efficient. Fortunately, the Triumphant Light Gible and Gabite offer respectable single-energy attacks, making them viable early-game attackers.
Here are three effective Garchomp EX deck strategies:
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 uses Hitmonchan to pressure the opponent while evolving Garchomp EX. Farfetch'd can replace Hitmonchan depending on the opponent's deck (note Hitmonchan's effectiveness against Arceus EX). Cyrus retrieves damaged Pokémon for Dragon Claw or Linear Attack. Marshadow cleans up after knockouts.
Aerodactyl EX Support (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 strategy prioritizes the Gible-Gabite-Garchomp EX evolution line. Aerodactyl EX provides early-game support, mitigating the need for multiple Poké Balls to acquire Amber Fossils. The single Marshadow maximizes early Gible play. Low retreat costs make X Speed invaluable. Counter opposing Cyrus plays strategically.
Lucario EX Synergy (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 high-risk, high-reward deck relies on early Lucario EX and Garchomp EX deployment. Lucario EX boosts all your Pokémon's attack power (+20 damage), making Garchomp EX's Linear Attack exceptionally potent (70 damage for one Fighting Energy to the Active Pokémon). Careful evolution timing is crucial to avoid losing knockout points.
These decks showcase Garchomp EX's versatility in Pokémon TCG Pocket. As the meta evolves, expect further innovative strategies utilizing this powerful Pokémon.
Pokémon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.
