Game Freak has made a bold move with Pokémon TCG Pocket, a mobile game that brings the excitement of the Pokémon trading card game straight to your device. Although the game was launched globally just a week ago, powerful decks are already emerging. Many top-tier decks feature EX cards, which are tough to acquire and can dominate online matches.
For new players who haven’t yet collected these elusive EX cards, this guide provides some effective non-EX decks to help you compete and win without relying on these rare cards.
Dragonite-Weezing Deck: Power and Resilience
Deck List:
- Koffing x2
- Weezing x2
- Dratini x2
- Dragonair x2
- Dragonite x2
- Potion x2
- X Speed x2
- Poké Ball x2
- Koga x2
- Professor’s Research x2
Strategy:
The Dragonite-Weezing deck focuses on maximizing Dragonite’s powerful attack, Draco Comet, to deal high damage with every turn. However, Dragonite requires four energies to attack and must evolve from Dratini. This is where Weezing comes into play, acting as a tank to absorb damage while you prepare Dragonite for battle.
To execute this strategy effectively:
- Use Weezing as a Defensive Wall: Position Weezing in front to tank attacks, allowing time to gather energy and evolve Dratini into Dragonite.
- Attack with Draco Comet: Once Dragonite is ready, unleash Draco Comet for a substantial damage output that can turn the tide in your favor.
Snorlax-Frosmoth Deck: Versatile and Balanced
Deck List:
- Snorlax x2
- Dratini x2
- Dragonair x2
- Dragonite x2
- Snom x2
- Frosmoth x2
- Potion x1
- X Speed x1
- Poké Ball x2
- Sabrina x2
- Professor’s Research x2
Strategy:
This Snorlax-Frosmoth deck operates similarly to the Dragonite-Weezing deck but swaps Weezing for Snorlax as the tank. Snorlax’s high HP allows it to soak up hits while you prepare for Dragonite’s entry.
In addition, Frosmoth provides early-game support with its Powder Snow attack, which costs only two energy and can put the opposing Pokémon to sleep. This status effect is especially helpful in slowing down opponents and buying more time for your setup.
Alakazam-Weezing Deck: Countering High-Energy Opponents
Deck List:
- Koffing x2
- Weezing x2
- Abra x2
- Kadabra x2
- Alakazam x2
- Poké Ball x2
- X Speed x2
- Professor’s Research x2
- Sabrina x1
- Giovanni x1
- Koga x2
Strategy:
The Alakazam-Weezing deck is perfect for countering opponents who use Mewtwo or Charizard decks, both of which rely heavily on high-energy attacks. The objective here is to bring Alakazam to the forefront, but it takes time to evolve Abra into Alakazam. In the meantime, Weezing steps in as a tank to absorb damage.
The real strength of this deck lies in Alakazam’s Psychic attack, which not only deals a base 60 damage but also adds 30 extra damage for every energy attached to the opponent’s active Pokémon. This makes it particularly effective against high-energy decks, allowing you to capitalize on your opponent’s reliance on powerful energy-consuming attacks.
Blaine’s Fire Deck: Pure Firepower
Deck List:
- Vulpix x2
- Ninetales x2
- Ponyta x2
- Rapidash x2
- Magmar x2
- Poké Ball x2
- X Speed x1
- Red Card x1
- Professor’s Research x2
- Sabrina x1
- Giovanni x1
- Blaine x2
Strategy:
This Blaine Fire Deck is tailored for players who favor Fire-type Pokémon and want a high-damage output. The star of this deck is Blaine, a card that grants Rapidash, Ninetales, or Magmar an extra 30 damage on attacks.
There’s an alternate version of this deck that replaces Magmar with two Sabrinas and a Potion, which can be adjusted based on player preference. This deck relies on strategic use of Blaine to boost attack power, making it ideal for players who enjoy quick, heavy-hitting gameplay.
Each deck provides a unique approach, allowing you to win consistently even without the elusive EX cards. Experiment with these setups to discover which one best fits your playstyle and strategy.