Introduction to Pokémon TCG Pocket Decks
Building a deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket is a unique experience that diverges significantly from the standard TCG. The strategy, card quantity, and playstyle are tailored specifically for the mobile app, making it a distinct and engaging challenge. Unlike the traditional 60-card decks of the standard TCG, Pocket decks consist of only 20 cards, which simplifies the building process but requires a more focused and strategic approach. Managing Energy Tokens, setting up the board in your favor, and disrupting your opponent are crucial elements that can make or break a deck. If you’re missing a key card, the Wonder Pick feature can be a valuable resource, allowing you to spin the wheel and potentially get the cards you need from a friend. Drop Events are another important source of handy cards, so it’s worth keeping an eye on them even if you’re not a big fan of solo play. Here’s a complete tier list for the best decks in Pokémon TCG Pocket post Space-Time Smackdown, along with the best solo decks to help you speed through the game’s solo battle feature and claim plenty of prizes in Drop Events.
Top 10 Best Decks in Pokémon TCG Pocket
10) Mewtwo ex
Mewtwo ex and Gardevoir form a lethal combo in the Psychic-type deck. Gardevoir, a Stage Two Pokémon, takes some setup time but offers unparalleled control and easy Energy management. Its ability to move Energy around freely every turn makes setting up attacks like Psydrive a breeze. While Gardevoir isn’t the most lethal in terms of damage, its flexibility and control are invaluable. Variants of this deck exist, featuring everything from the Weezing line to one of the Legendary birds. If you’re new to this deck, keeping it simple and utilizing the Gardevoir line to get Mewtwo ex into position is a solid strategy.
9) Scolipede Weezing
This deck is a unique and toxic addition to the meta, catching the community’s attention with its use of Special Conditions. The main strategy is to Poison the enemy’s Active Pokémon quickly using Weezing’s Gas Leak Ability, setting up Scolipede for a damage-boosted Venoshock to secure easy Knock Outs. Tauros can help mitigate ex cards, and Mew ex’s Genome Hacking attack adds another layer of disruption. The deck’s flexibility and movement are its strengths, with cards like Koga, Cyrus, Mars, and Sabrina throwing plenty of chaos into the mix. Pokémon Tools like Giant Cape can provide additional HP to your critters, making this deck a versatile and fun choice.
8) Gyarados ex
Gyarados ex is a slow but unstoppable deck once it gets going, thanks to Rampaging Whirlpool. Druddigon, with its Rough Skin Ability, helps in the early stages by dealing 20 damage to any attacking Pokémon. Greninja’s Water Shuriken Ability is essential for Bench sniping and additional damage. Supporters like Misty are crucial, with the ability to get Gyarados ex into play quickly and manage most opponents with Rampaging Whirlpool’s devastating 140 damage. Variants of this deck include Vaporeon for Energy Token management and Tentacruel for Poison, but these can make the deck clunkier.
7) Starmie ex
Starmie ex might not be as popular as it once was, but it remains one of the best Water-type decks in the game. Its no Retreat Cost and cheap 90-damage attack make it a lethal weapon. Pairing it with Articuno ex and the Greninja line for Bench sniping creates an aggressive and effective deck. Supporters like Misty, Sabrina, and Cyrus are invaluable, with Misty being particularly impressive thanks to its ability to set up either Starmie ex or Articuno ex in an instant. Rocky Helmet and Mars can disrupt the opponent, making this deck a solid choice for competitive play.
6) Infernape ex
Infernape ex is a powerhouse in the Fire-type deck, requiring only two Energy Tokens to deal 140 damage. Moltres ex and Dawn help manage Energy, and Pokémon Tools like Rocky Helmet can provide additional protection. Compared to other Fire-type decks, Infernape ex is beautifully simple and effective. The deck’s type pairing is also advantageous, especially against the rising Grass-type decks. This deck is a solid choice for those who prefer a straightforward and powerful playstyle.
5) Dialga ex and Lickilicky ex
This unusual duo has become one of the biggest in the Pocket meta. Dialga ex’s Metallic Turbo attack is crucial, allowing the user to move two Metal-type Energy Tokens to a Benched Pokémon while dealing 30 damage. Lickilicky ex’s Licking Fury attack deals 100 damage and can stack additional damage based on coin flips. This combination makes it easy to Knock Out high-HP enemies. Dialga ex’s tankiness and ability to provide Energy make it the perfect support for this deck.
Top 4 Best Decks in Pokémon TCG Pocket
4) Pikachu ex
Pikachu ex is a quick and enjoyable deck to play, capable of one-shotting a large portion of opponents with Circle Circuit and Thundering Hurricane attacks. Magneton’s Volt Charge ability and Supporters like Lt. Surge make Energy movement painless. Leaf and Dawn help with movement and Energy management, while Giant Cape can provide extra HP. This deck is not the tankiest, but it’s a lot of fun and easy to set up, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
3) Palkia ex
Palkia ex’s Dimensional Storm attack is its killer move, dealing 150 damage and 20 damage to each Benched opponent. Vaporeon and Manaphy help with Energy management, making this attack feasible. Palkia ex’s Slash attack deals 30 damage for one Energy Token, disrupting opponents in the early stages. Supporters like Misty, Erika, and Sabrina are essential for Energy and healing, making this deck a versatile and strong choice.
2) Celebi ex
Celebi ex is the best Grass-type deck in Pocket, focusing on the stacking attack Powerful Bloom. This attack flips a coin for every Energy Token attached to Celebi ex, dealing 50 damage for each heads. Dhelmise can deal 90 damage for just one Energy Token, and Serperior’s Jungle Totem provides double Energy Tokens. Erika and Sabrina help with healing and control, making this deck consistent and powerful.
1) Darkrai ex and Weavile ex
This duo is almost unstoppable in the current Pocket meta. Darkrai ex’s Nightmare Aura Ability deals 20 damage to the Active opponent whenever it gets a Dark-type Energy Token. Weavile ex’s Scratching Nails attack deals 30 base damage, increasing to 70 if the opponent’s Active already has damage. Spiritomb’s Swirling Disaster adds chip damage, making this deck lethal from the start. Supporters like Misty and Sabrina are crucial, making this deck a top choice for competitive play.
Best Solo Decks in Pokémon TCG Pocket
While the best decks in Pocket are mostly consistent across game modes, solo mode offers a unique challenge with various matches of Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert difficulty. The decks you face will vary, and paying attention to Battle Tasks is crucial for maximizing rewards. The best decks for solo mode and Drop Events include:
- Gyarados ex with Greninja or Tentacruel
- Mewtwo ex with Gardevoir
- Starmie ex either solo or with Articuno ex
- Marowak ex with Machamp ex
These decks are fun to play and consistent for the most part, with Marowak’s coin flips being the only true luck-based element. Using different decks throughout your solo adventure can maximize rewards and complete Battle Tasks more effectively. This approach also helps you understand your opponents better in PvP matches, enhancing your overall experience in Pokémon TCG Pocket.
