Pokemon TCG Pocket: Best decks for every EX card
With the introduction of Pokemon TCG Pocket, EX cards are taking center stage, each with unique abilities that can turn the tide of battle. EX cards are highly sought-after and powerful, providing additional prize cards when knocked out. This article will break down the best decks for each of the rare EX cards, from the ever-popular Charizard and Pikachu to the versatile Wigglytuff.
Whether you’re building around high-damage moves, energy ramping, or status effects, these builds will help you maximize each card’s potential in the current meta.
Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinion.
Best decks for every EX card in Pokemon TCG Pocket
1) Charizard EX
- Deck Composition: Charizard EX pairs best with Moltres EX, which has the ability Inferno Dance to quickly build up Charizard’s energy needs. Use the full Charizard line with Charmander and Charmeleon for better consistency.
Strategy: Charizard’s Crimson Storm attack deals 200 damage, enough to knock out most Pokemon in one hit. However, this move costs three Fire Energy and discards two upon use. To sustain Charizard’s energy requirements, use Moltres to continually recharge your bench.
Rapidash or Heatmor can be an additional backup if Moltres isn’t available. A trainer lineup featuring Potions, X Speeds, Poke Balls, Professor’s Research, and Sabrina ensures you have support for drawing and healing as needed.
Also read: Pokemon TCG Pocket - Best Charizard ex deck guide
2) Mewtwo EX
- Deck Composition: Mewtwo EX becomes incredibly powerful with Gardevoir in the support role. Run a couple of Ralts, Kirlia, and Gardevoir to enhance Mewtwo’s damage output.
Strategy: Mewtwo EX can start doing substantial damage quickly, dealing 50 damage with two Psychic Energy or 150 with four using its Psydrive, discarding two Psychic Energy in the process. Gardevoir’s Psy Shadow allows Mewtwo to be powered up fast, even after it has used high-energy moves.
This combination works well in tournaments due to Mewtwo’s speed and adaptability. Trainer cards should include staples like Potions, X Speeds, Poke Balls, and Giovanni for additional power boosts.
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3) Pikachu EX
- Deck Composition: To maximize Pikachu’s attack power, use Voltorb, Electrode, and Zapdos EX to fill your bench with Lightning-type Pokemon.
Strategy: Pikachu EX can quickly become a damage-dealing machine, as its attack does 30 damage for each benched Lightning-type Pokemon. With Zapdos EX on the bench, you gain extra bulk thanks to its high HP and low energy requirements.
Other trainers, like multiple Giovannis, help Pikachu overcome tougher opponents by adding power when its basic attack feels insufficient. An alternate build uses Zebstrika and Blitzle for further bench support, creating a flexible and consistent deck.
Also read: Pokemon TCG Pocket - Best Pikachu ex deck guide
4) Marowak EX
- Deck Composition: Marowak EX is best paired with Diglett and Dugtrio, which can stall while Marowak gets powered up.
Strategy: Marowak’s 160-damage move has a low energy requirement, making it fast to set up. However, it can sometimes deal zero damage depending on the coin flip. Dugtrio can prevent damage on coin-flip heads, stalling for time.
If needed, Sandshrew and Sandslash can be added to increase durability. Trainer cards like Potions, X Speeds, and Poke Balls add flexibility, with Giovanni adding just the right amount of extra power when needed.
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5) Machamp EX
- Deck Composition: A Machamp and Primeape combo gives you offensive versatility. The deck runs Machop, Machoke, Machamp, Mankey, and Primeape.
Strategy: Machamp EX is all about overwhelming offense, with each evolution dealing damage immediately upon entry. Machamp’s high attack (120) and bulky 180 HP let it withstand many hits.
When paired with Primeape — which does extra damage if it has already taken a hit — the deck forces your opponent to make tough decisions. With trainers like Sabrina and Giovanni, you can maximize Machamp’s impact in each round.
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6) Arcanine EX
- Deck Composition: Pairing Arcanine with Ponyta and Rapidash or Moltres EX offers quick offensive energy ramping.
Strategy: Arcanine EX has decent attack power but can struggle against Water decks. Use Rapidash for quick attacks while powering up Arcanine or Moltres to give it the needed support.
With cards like Blaine, you can boost Arcanine’s damage output when necessary. Keep the deck flexible with trainers like Potions, X Speeds, and Poke Balls, and consider adding Heatmor as an additional option.
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7) Venusaur EX
- Deck Composition: Venusaur EX works well with Lilligant and Exeggutor. The deck should include Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Venusaur EX to maintain consistency.
Strategy: Venusaur’s 190 HP makes it a strong tank, especially with its Giant Bloom move, which heals it while attacking. Lilligant can power up Venusaur from the bench with Leaf Supply, so Venusaur can stay in the active slot without worrying about energy.
Trainer cards like Erica and Potions add healing options to keep Venusaur in play longer, making it difficult for opponents to take down.
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8) Exeggutor EX
- Deck Composition: Use Exeggutor alongside Grass and Normal types, like Fearow and Victreebel, for a disruptive deck.
Strategy: Exeggutor’s low-cost attack keeps pressure on your opponent, and it’s even more effective when paired with Victreebel’s ability to pull weaker Pokemon to the active slot.
With consistent trainer support from X Speeds, Poke Balls, and Potions, this deck can stay aggressive while having ample survivability.
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9) Zapdos EX
- Deck Composition: Blitzle and Zebstrika form a strong combination with Zapdos EX for rapid, low-cost attacks.
Strategy: Zapdos EX’s attacks cost just one or three energy, allowing it to become a damage dealer with minimal setup. For a variation, add Jolteon and Eevee to round out the Lightning types in your deck.
Trainers like Sabrina and Giovanni can further boost Zapdos’ damage, making it a viable solo attacker in some matchups.
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10) Articuno EX
- Deck Composition: Articuno EX pairs best with Misty for quick energy ramping and works well with Starmie EX.
Strategy: Articuno is a high-HP basic card that can dish out significant damage. With Misty, you can fully charge Articuno in a single turn and begin sweeping opponents.
Trainers like Potions and X Speeds add more versatility, but Articuno benefits most from consistent access to Misty’s energy-boosting support.
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11) Blastoise EX
- Deck Composition: Blastoise EX works well with Articuno or Starmie EX for a powerhouse water deck.
Strategy: Blastoise’s Hydro Bazooka is powerful but requires significant energy. Use Articuno to take hits and buy time while Blastoise powers up on the bench. Including Misty and Giovanni in the trainer lineup can help Blastoise reach its maximum potential faster.
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12) Starmie EX
- Deck Composition: Starmie’s best synergy is with aggressive Water types like Greninja, Psyduck, and Golduck.
Strategy: Starmie’s Hydro Splash allows it to deal consistent damage while needing only two Water Energy. Pairing Starmie with Greninja lets you target the opponent’s bench while maintaining flexibility in attacks.
With low retreat costs and a fast setup, Starmie allows you to keep opponents on the defensive.
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13) Wigglytuff EX
- Deck Composition: Wigglytuff’s colorless type makes it flexible. Combine it with Koga’s stall deck, which includes Weezing and Muk.
Strategy: Wigglytuff can put the opponent’s active Pokemon to sleep reliably. Weezing’s Poison ability creates additional pressure, while Koga’s card can pull back key Pokemon to prepare Wigglytuff for the late game.
The deck should include supportive trainers like Potions and X Speeds to maximize survivability and control.
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14) Gengar EX
- Deck Composition: Gengar works best with Hypno or can be paired with Mewtwo EX as an alternative attacker.
Strategy: Gengar’s ability to block Supporters is invaluable, as it prevents your opponent from using key cards like Sabrina or Giovanni. This deck’s primary strategy is to get Gengar on the field and use Hypno’s sleep abilities to buy time.
Use Mewtwo EX as a backup powerhouse, allowing you to switch between control and offensive strategies based on the match.
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15) Moltres EX
- Deck Composition: Moltres pairs well with Charizard EX or Centiskorch in Fire-focused builds.
Strategy: Moltres’ Inferno Dance helps ramp up energy for Charizard or other Fire types, acting as a battery for your stronger attackers. Keep Moltres in the active slot until fully charged — then switch to your main attacker.
Trainers like Giovanni and Potions can provide the extra damage or longevity needed to keep Moltres effective.
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Each of these decks showcases the unique strengths of their respective EX cards. While these builds offer strong starting points, remember that the meta will change and adaptability is key.
Experiment with these combinations and adjust based on your playstyle and the opponents you face. Pokemon TCG Pocket offers plenty of room for creativity, so feel free to refine your strategies and explore other card synergies as the game evolves.