Best Garchomp Ex Decks in Pokemon TCG

Garchomp, one of the most formidable Dragon-types in Pokémon history, gained new power as an EX card with the Triumphant Light expansion in Pokémon TCG Pocket. Discover the top competitive decks built around Garchomp EX.

Top Competitive Garchomp EX Decks for Pokémon TCG Pocket

First, note that Cynthia's abilities don't synergize with Garchomp EX—they only work with its basic form. Garchomp EX shines by bypassing defensive walls like Druddigon and threatening benched Pokémon. However, being a Stage 2 Pokémon means setting it up quickly can be challenging against fast attackers like Exeggutor EX.

The real appeal of Garchomp EX lies in its Linear Attack, dealing 50 damage to any Pokémon, active or benched. While its Dragon Claw requires 3 Energy for 100 damage, the Triumphant Light versions of Gible and Gabite offer efficient early-game pressure with their low-cost attacks.

Here are three optimized Garchomp EX deck lists for Pokémon TCG Pocket:

Hitmonchan (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 strategy focuses on maintaining offensive pressure with Hitmonchan while developing your Garchomp EX. Farfetch'd can substitute Hitmonchan when facing certain matchups, though Hitmonchan's Fighting-type advantage against Arceus EX is valuable.

When opponents retreat damaged Pokémon, use Cyrus to force them back for Dragon Claw or hit them with Linear Attack on the bench. Marshadow serves as a reliable late-game finisher if your frontliners fall.

Aerodactyl EX (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 variant prioritizes quickly evolving Gible into Garchomp EX. Aerodactyl EX complements the strategy as a resilient secondary attacker—note that Poké Ball can't fetch Amber Fossil, requiring careful resource management.

With minimal energy requirements for Linear Attack, Aerodactyl EX becomes a powerful late-game option. Every card's 1-retreat cost maximizes X Speed's value for tactical switches, though opponent Cyrus plays can disrupt your momentum.

Related: Pokémon TCG Pocket Tier List – Best Decks & Cards (February 2025)

Lucario EX (Fighting Energy)

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

This high-risk, high-reward build amplifies damage output through Lucario's +20 attack bonus. While harder to set up, the payoff transforms Linear Attack into a 70-damage strike against active Pokémon for just 1 Fighting Energy.

With two Lucario in play, your entire team becomes significantly more threatening. Sometimes delaying Garchomp EX's evolution is wise to avoid giving extra knockout opportunities to opponents.

These decks represent Garchomp EX's strongest current builds in Pokémon TCG Pocket. As the meta evolves, expect even more innovative uses for this iconic Dragon/Ground-type.

Pokémon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile.