Mastering the Arceus Ex Strategy in Pokémon TCG Pocket
The arrival of Arceus Ex in Pokémon TCG Pocket has significantly altered the meta, introducing powerful synergies and deck-building possibilities. This guide explores some of the top-performing Arceus Ex decks currently available. Arceus Ex's immunity to status conditions and its potent Ultimate Force attack (70 damage + 20 per benched Pokémon) make it a formidable centerpiece. Its synergy with eight Pokémon from the Triumphant Light expansion, each possessing a unique "Link" ability, further enhances its strategic potential.
Here are three compelling Arceus Ex deck archetypes:
Crobat (Dark Energy) Deck
This deck leverages the combined strengths of Arceus Ex and Crobat. The key synergy lies in Crobat's ability to deal 30 damage to the opponent's Active Pokémon from the bench while Arceus Ex is in play. Crobat's 50 damage attack (for one Dark Energy) complements Arceus Ex's higher-damage, energy-intensive attack.
Deck List:
- 2x Arceus Ex
- 2x Zubat (Triumphant Light)
- 2x Golbat (Genetic Apex)
- 2x Crobat
- 1x Spiritomb
- 1x Farfetch’d
- 2x Professor’s Research
- 2x Dawn
- 2x Cyrus
- 2x Poké Ball
- 2x Pokémon Communication
This build utilizes Farfetch’d for added pressure and Spiritomb to spread damage across the opponent's bench, setting up for knockouts with Cyrus. The zero retreat cost of Crobat allows for strategic switching into a fully powered-up Arceus Ex for significant damage.
Dialga Ex/Magnezone (Metal Energy) Deck
This deck features Arceus Ex as the primary attacker, supported by both versions of Magnezone. The Triumphant Light Magnezone benefits from a damage reduction when Arceus Ex is present, while the Genetic Apex Magnezone delivers 110 damage after utilizing Magneton's Volt Charge ability. Strategic evolution timing is crucial for the Genetic Apex Magnezone.
Deck List:
- 2x Arceus Ex
- 2x Dialga Ex
- 2x Magnemite (Triumphant Light)
- 2x Magneton (Genetic Apex)
- 1x Magnezone (Triumphant Light)
- 1x Magnezone (Genetic Apex)
- 1x Skarmory
- 2x Professor’s Research
- 2x Leaf
- 2x Giant’s Cape
- 1x Rocky Helmet
- 2x Poké Ball
Skarmory, along with Giant’s Cape and Rocky Helmet, enhances survivability and allows for maximizing the potential of Arceus Ex's high-damage output, which relies on a full bench.
Heatran (Fire Energy) Deck
This aggressive Fire-type deck utilizes Heatran's ability to retreat freely with Arceus Ex in play. Heatran's Ragin' Fury attack deals significant damage (80 with prior damage, 40 otherwise). Early-game pressure is key, utilizing Rapidash and Farfetch’d.
Deck List:
- 2x Arceus Ex
- 2x Heatran (Triumphant Light)
- 2x Ponyta (Mythical Island)
- 2x Rapidash (Genetic Apex)
- 1x Farfetch’d
- 2x Professor’s Research
- 1x Blaine
- 1x Cyrus
- 1x Dawn
- 2x Giant’s Cape
- 2x Poké Ball
- 2x X Speed
Giant’s Cape boosts Heatran's survivability and pushes Arceus Ex above the 150 HP threshold. The deck's low energy cost allows for quick and efficient attacks.
These are just a few examples of successful Arceus Ex decks. The meta is constantly evolving, so experiment and adapt to discover your own winning strategies. Pokémon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.
