The arrival of Arceus Ex in Pokémon TCG Pocket has quickly shaken up the meta, introducing powerful synergies with several Pokémon. This guide explores some of the best Arceus Ex decks currently available.
Arceus Ex boasts an incredible ability: immunity to status conditions like Sleep and Confusion. Its Ultimate Force attack delivers a devastating 70 damage, boosted by an additional 20 for each Pokémon on your bench. A fully powered-up Arceus Ex hits for a whopping 130 damage!
Arceus Ex's strength is amplified by eight Pokémon from the Triumphant Light expansion, each possessing a unique "Link" ability activated by the presence of Arceus Ex or a regular Arceus. While many are viable, Crobat, Magnezone, and Heatran stand out as particularly potent partners.
Crobat (Dark Energy) Deck
This deck utilizes both Crobat and Arceus Ex as primary attackers. With Arceus Ex in play, Crobat's ability inflicts 30 damage to the opponent's Active Pokémon, even from the bench. Its 50-damage attack (for one Dark Energy) complements Arceus Ex, which you'll want to power up with three energies. A fully powered bench Arceus Ex allows for free retreats with Crobat (no retreat cost), hitting for 130 damage.
Farfetch'd adds pressure, while Spiritomb spreads damage across the opponent's bench, setting up knockouts with Cyrus.
- 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
Dialga Ex/Magnezone (Metal Energy) Deck
Here, Arceus Ex is the primary attacker, supported by both versions of Magnezone. Triumphant Light Magnezone benefits from -30 damage reduction with Arceus Ex present, while the Genetic Apex version hits for 110 damage after using Magneton's Volt Charge ability. Note: Genetic Apex Magnezone can't use Metal Energy; it's Electric type.
To maximize Arceus Ex's damage potential (requiring a full bench), Skarmory, 2x Giant's Cape, and a Rocky Helmet provide crucial survivability and support.
- 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
Heatran (Fire Energy) Deck
This deck offers a faster, aggressive Fire-type strategy, similar to Ninetails Blaine decks. Heatran, Rapidash, and Farfetch'd provide early pressure, requiring minimal energy to deploy while simultaneously powering up your benched Arceus Ex. Giant's Cape boosts Heatran's survivability and pushes Arceus Ex above 150 HP.
Arceus Ex enables free Heatran retreats, facilitating energy-efficient Pokémon swaps. Heatran's Ragin' Fury attack deals 80 damage (with two Fire Energy) if it's already taken damage; otherwise, it deals 40.
- 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
While more Arceus Ex strategies are sure to emerge, these decks represent some of the most effective current builds in Pokémon TCG Pocket.
Pokémon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.
