Pokémon Trading Card Game: Elite Decks Unveiled

This tier list ranks the best decks in Pokémon TCG Pocket, a more casual and beginner-friendly version of the main Trading Card Game. While it aims for casual play, a meta still exists, with some decks proving significantly more effective than others.

Table of Contents

• S-Tier Decks
• A-Tier Decks
• B-Tier Decks

Best Decks in Pokémon TCG Pocket

Effective deck building is crucial for success. Here are the top-performing decks currently available:

S-Tier Decks

Gyarados EX/Greninja Combo

This deck utilizes a synergistic approach. The strategy centers around using Druddigon (2x) as a sturdy 100 HP wall that inflicts consistent chip damage without energy investment. Simultaneously, Greninja (2x) builds up additional chip damage, acting as a secondary attacker. Finally, Gyarados EX (2x) delivers the finishing blow, capitalizing on the weakened opponent. Supporting cards include Froakie (2x), Frogadier (2x), Magikarp (2x), Misty (2x), Leaf (2x), Professor’s Research (2x), and Poké Ball (2x).

Pikachu EX

Currently considered the strongest deck, Pikachu EX (2x) delivers aggressive, high-speed gameplay. Its efficient 90 damage output for only two Energy is a key strength. The deck's supporting cast includes Zapdos EX (2x), Blitzle (2x), Zebstrika (2x), Poké Ball (2x), Potion (2x), X Speed (2x), Professor’s Research (2x), Sabrina (2x), and Giovanni (2x). Optional additions like Voltorb and Electrode provide further offensive options and strategic retreat capabilities.

Raichu Surge

While slightly less consistent than the pure Pikachu EX deck, this variant utilizes Raichu and Lt. Surge for surprise bursts of damage. Zapdos EX (2x) offers additional attacking power. The core strategy revolves around Pikachu EX (2x) and Raichu (2x), with supporting cards including Pikachu (2x), Potion (2x), X Speed (2x), Poké Ball (2x), Professor’s Research (2x), Sabrina (2x), and Lt. Surge (2x). Energy discarding from Raichu is mitigated by Lt. Surge's effects, and X Speed provides a swift retreat option.

A-Tier Decks

Celebi EX and Serperior Combo

The Mythical Island expansion boosted Grass-type decks, with Celebi EX and Serperior forming a powerful core. The deck aims for rapid evolution of Snivy (2x) to Serperior (2x), leveraging Serperior's ability to double Grass Pokémon energy counts. Combined with Celebi EX (2x), this provides significant damage potential. Dhelmise (2x) offers another strong attacking option. Supporting cards include Servine (2x), Erika (2x), Professor’s Research (2x), Poké Ball (2x), X Speed (2x), Potion (2x), and Sabrina (2x). However, vulnerability to Fire-type decks (Blaine/Rapidash/Ninetales) is a significant weakness.

Koga Poison

This deck focuses on poisoning opponents and exploiting that weakness with Scolipede (2x). Weezing (2x) and Whirlipede (2x) facilitate poison application, while Koga provides crucial support for deploying Weezing and Scolipede. Leaf offers retreat cost reduction if Koga isn't available. Tauros serves as a powerful finisher against EX decks. Supporting cards include Venipede (2x), Koffing (2x), Poké Ball (2x), Koga (2x), Sabrina, and Leaf (2x). This deck is particularly effective against Mewtwo EX decks.

Mewtwo EX/Gardevoir Combo

This deck centers around Mewtwo EX (2x) supported by Gardevoir. The strategy involves rapid evolution of Ralts (2x) to Kirlia (2x) and then Gardevoir (2x) to power up Mewtwo EX's Psydrive attack. Jynx (2x) provides stalling and early-game offense. Supporting cards include Potion (2x), X Speed (2x), Poké Ball (2x), Professor’s Research (2x), Sabrina (2x), and Giovanni (2x).

B-Tier Decks

Charizard EX

Charizard EX (2x) is a high-damage deck, but its reliance on getting the right draws can be inconsistent. Moltres EX (2x) aids in quick energy build-up for Charizard EX. Supporting cards include Charmander (2x), Charmeleon (2x), Potion (2x), X Speed (2x), Poké Ball (2x), Professor’s Research (2x), Sabrina (2x), and Giovanni (2x).

Colorless Pidgeot

This deck utilizes basic Pokémon for consistent value. Rattata (2x) and Raticate (2x) provide early-game damage, while Pidgeot's ability forces opponent switches, disrupting their strategy. Supporting cards include Pidgey (2x), Pidgeotto (2x), Poké Ball (2x), Professor’s Research (2x), Red Card, Sabrina, Potion (2x), Farfetch’d (2x), and Kangaskhan (2x).

This tier list represents the current meta. The best deck for you will depend on your playstyle and card collection.