Building a Competitive Deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket
Are you tired of getting crushed by your opponents in Pokémon TCG Pocket? Do you struggle to find the right combination of cards to take your gameplay to the next level? You're not alone. Building a competitive deck can be a daunting task, especially for those new to the game. In this article, we'll explore the best decks in the current meta and provide a step-by-step guide on how to build a deck that will give you a fighting chance against even the toughest opponents.
Understanding the Current Meta
The current meta in Pokémon TCG Pocket is dominated by a few powerful decks that have proven to be nearly unbeatable. These decks have been carefully crafted to take advantage of the game's mechanics and exploit the weaknesses of other decks. To build a competitive deck, you need to understand what makes these top-tier decks tick and how to counter them.
All analyses presented here are based on competitive decks suggested by reputable sources. For deeper insights into competitive usage of archetypes, you can explore:
- Limitless TCG, which provides a comprehensive database of competitive decks.
- Pokémon Zone offers weekly analyses of tournaments, making it a valuable resource for staying updated on the latest meta trends.
Identifying Your Deck Type
Before you start building your deck, it's essential to identify the type of deck you want to play. Do you prefer a fast-paced, aggressive deck or a more defensive, controlling deck? Your deck type will determine the cards you choose and the strategy you employ. In the current meta, there are four main deck types: S-tier, A-tier, B-tier, and C-tier. S-tier decks are the most powerful and competitive, followed closely by A-tier decks.
Building Your Deck
Now that you've identified your deck type, it's time to start building. Here are some general tips to keep in mind:
- Choose a central Pokémon: Your central Pokémon should be the focus of your deck and the card that you build around. This Pokémon should have high attack power and be able to withstand a significant amount of damage.
- Select supporting cards: Your supporting cards should complement your central Pokémon and provide additional attack power, healing, or other benefits.
- Include energy generation: Energy generation is crucial in Pokémon TCG Pocket, as it allows you to play your cards and attack your opponents. Include cards that provide energy generation, such as Misty, Brock, Gardevoir or Magneton.
- Add tech cards: Tech cards are special cards that provide additional benefits or counter specific decks. Include tech cards that complement your deck type and strategy.
For more information on how to obtain specific Pokémon cards, check out How to get Mew in Pokémon TCG Pocket.
Detailed Deck Builds
Mewtwo ex Deck
The Mewtwo ex deck is a powerhouse in the S-tier category, offering unparalleled energy generation and high damage output. Here’s what you’ll need:
Mewtwo ex Best Deck and Possible Alternatives
- 2x Mewtwo ex (Alternatives: Alakazam ex, Mewtwo base)
- 2x Ralts
- 2x Kirlia
- 2x Gardevoir
- 1x Mewtwo (base) (Alternatives: Jynx, Kangaskhan)
- 2x Professor's Research
- 1x Potion
- 2x Poké Ball
- 2x X Speed
- 2x Sabrina
- 1x Giovanni
- 1x Red Card
Summary
| Building Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Medium / High | High damage, tanky Pokémon | Vulnerable early game |
Pro Tips
- Focus on setting up Gardevoir early
- Keep Mewtwo ex or Mewtwo base in play as the primary attacker
- Jynx is a good alternative for mirror match and Articuno/Charizard decks
Pikachu ex Deck
The Pikachu ex deck is another popular S-tier deck that focuses on fast setup and high damage output. Here are the key cards you'll need to build this deck:
Pikachu ex Best Deck and Possible Alternatives
- 2x Pikachu ex (Alternatives: Voltorb, Electrode)
- 2x Zapdos ex (Alternative: Zapdos base)
- 2x Blitzle (Alternatives: Voltorb, Pikachu base, Helioptile)
- 2x Zebstrika (Alternatives: Electrode, Raichu, Heliolisk)
- 1x Pincurchin (Alternatives: Zapdos base, Electabuzz)
- 2x Professor's Research
- 2x Potion
- 2x Poké Ball
- 2x X Speed
- 2x Sabrina
- 1x Giovanni
Summary
| Building Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| High | Fast setup, high damage | Low health, chance-dependent |
Pro Tips
- Strategy: Start with Zapdos ex to tank attacks and chip away at opponents with Peck while building Pikachu ex on the bench.
- Use Zapdos ex carefully to avoid relying on chance-dependent attacks.
- If using Raichu, consider adding Lt. Surge for better synergy.
Charizard ex Deck
The Charizard ex Deck deck is a powerful A-tier deck that focuses on high attack power and effective energy generation. Here are the key cards you'll need to build this deck:
Charizard ex Best Deck and Possible Alternatives
- 2x Moltres ex
- 2x Charmander
- 2x Charmeleon
- 2x Charizard ex (Alternative: Charizard base, Arcanine ex)
- 1x Growlithe (Alternative: Sizzlipede)
- 2x Arcanine ex (Alternative: Centiskorch, Arcanine base)
- 2x Professor's Research
- 1x Potion
- 2x Poké Ball
- 2x X Speed
- 1x Sabrina
- 1x Red Card
Summary
| Building Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Very High | High attack power, energy efficiency | Vulnerable to fast decks |
Pro Tips
- Charizard ex naturally performs well against Mewtwo ex, making it a great counter in matchups involving Psychic-based decks.
- Arcanine ex has a strong matchup against Pikachu ex, offering an advantage against Electric-based or aggro decks.
- Both Charizard ex and Arcanine ex benefit greatly from energy acceleration provided by Moltres ex, ensuring consistent energy supply.
Starmie ex Deck
The Starmie ex deck is an A-tier deck that focuses on speed and power. Here are the key cards you'll need to build this deck:
Starmie ex Best Deck and Possible Alternatives
- 2x Articuno ex (Alternative: Lapras ex, Articuno base)
- 2x Staryu (Alternative: Froakie and Frogadier, Snom)
- 2x Starmie ex (Alternative: Greninja, Frostmoth)
- 2x Misty
- 2x Professor's Research
- 2x Potion
- 2x Poké Ball
- 1x X Speed
- 2x Sabrina
- 2x Giovanni
- 1x Red Card
Summary
| Building Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Moderate | Low retreat costs, strong early game | Lacks high-power attacks, evolution-dependent |
Pro Tips
- Articuno ex provides a strong offensive start in combo with Misty
- Plan your moves to exploit Starmie ex’s low retreat cost, allowing you to pivot easily and maintain an aggressive board presence.
- Starmie ex & Greninja a decks that skip Misty (for Farfetch or Kangaskan) focus on consistency by leveraging cheap attack costs and avoiding high-risk, high-reward strategies, creating a reliable and adaptable alternative for competitive play.
Blaine Deck
The Blaine Deck is a fiery archetype that focuses on aggressive fire-type Pokémon, leveraging Blaine's damage boost and low energy costs for quick and powerful attacks. This deck shines in the early game with its high-damage potential, making it a solid A-tier contender.
Blaine ex Best Deck and Possible Alternatives
- 2x Vulpix
- 2x Ninetales
- 2x Ponyta
- 2x Rapidash
- 1x Farfetch'd (Alternative: Magmar)
- 2x Blaine
- 2x Professor's Research
- 1x Giovanni
- 2x Sabrina
- 2x X Speed
- 2x Poké Ball
Summary
| Building Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Low | High early damage, fast setup | Weak against water types, low health |
Pro Tips
- Start with Rapidash or Farfetch'd as your early-game attackers to apply pressure while building Ninetales on the bench for mid-game power.
- Use Blaine to boost attack power during critical turns, allowing you to secure quick knockouts and maintain momentum
Koga Deck
The Koga Deck is a poison-based strategy deck designed to disrupt opponents and gradually wear them down with status conditions. It combines consistency with reliable attackers and defensive tactics, making it a solid choice for players who enjoy strategic playstyles.
Koga Deck Best Cards and Possible Alternatives
- 2x Ekans (Alternative: Jinglypuff promo, Abra and Kadabra, Dratini and Dragonair, Grimer)
- 2x Arbok (Alternative: Wigglypuff ex, Alakazam ex, Dragonite, Muk)
- 2x Koffing
- 2x Weezing
- 2x Professor's Research
- 2x Sabrina
- 2x Koga
- 1x Giovanni
- 2x Poké Ball
- 2x Potion
- 1x X Speed
Summary
| Building Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Strong status effects, disruptive plays | Limited high-damage output |
Pro Tips
- Pair Koga with Weezing to avoid giving prize cards to your opponent when your Pokémon is close to being knocked out, maintaining your strategic advantage.
- Setup Arbok (or an alternative) While play with Koga Koga with Weezing
- Start with Koffing to poison your opponent’s Pokémon early, then switch to Arbok to trap them and keep the pressure on.
Marowak ex Deck
The Marowak ex Deck is a ground and fighting-type strategy designed for consistent damage and versatility. With its strong mid-game attackers and utility cards, it excels in controlling the board and dealing with various threats.
Marowak ex Deck Best Cards and Possible Alternatives
- 2x Sandshrew (Alternative: Monkey Promo)
- 2x Sandslash (Alternative: Primeape)
- 2x Cubone (Alternative: Machop and Machoke)
- 2x Marowak ex (Alternative: Machamp ex, Machamp base)
- 1x Hitmonlee
- 2x Professor's Research
- 1x Sabrina
- 1x Giovanni
- 2x Potion
- 2x Poké Ball
- 2x X Speed
- 1x Red Card
Summary
| Building Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Moderate | Consistent damage, low retrait cost | Very dependent on luck |
Pro Tips
- Use Marowak ex as your primary attacker, but for a less luck-based version, consider replacing it with Machamp ex, which offers more consistent damage output.
- Start with Sandshrew to build your setup, then evolve into Sandslash for sustained pressure. If unavailable, use Primeape or Monkey Promo.
- Use Hitmonlee to target bench Pokémon, adding strategic flexibility and disrupting your opponent’s setup.
Venusaur ex Deck
Venusaur ex Deck Best Cards and Possible Alternatives
- 2x Bulbasaur (Alternatives: Caterpie, Bellsprout, Oddish)
- 2x Ivysaur (Alternatives: Metapod, Weepinbell, Gloom)
- 2x Venusaur ex (Alternatives: Butterfree, Venosaur base, Victreebel, Vileplume)
- 2x Exeggcute (Alternative: Petilil)
- 2x Exeggutor ex (Alternatives: Exeggutor base, Lilligant)
- 2x Erika (Alternative: Potion)
- 2x Professor's Research
- 2x Sabrina
- 2x X Speed
- 2x Poké Ball
Summary
| Building Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Very High | Strong Early and Late Game | Slower setup, vulnerable to fire decks |
Pro Tips
- Use Venusaur ex as your late-game tank and main attacker, leveraging its durability and energy manipulation. If unavailable, consider the Butterfree or Victreebel lines.
- Start with Exeggcute and evolve into Exeggutor ex for consistent early-game attacks. Alternatively, use Exeggutor base or the Lilligant line for a more budget-friendly option.
- Against fire-heavy decks, prioritize evolving quickly and using healing cards like Potion or Erika to mitigate damage.
Conclusion
Building a competitive deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following the tips outlined in this article and choosing the right cards for your deck type, you can create a deck that will give you a fighting chance against even the toughest opponents. Remember to always keep your deck flexible and adapt to the changing meta to stay competitive. Happy building!