A new meta deck has emerged in Pokémon TCG Pocket, and it’s shaking up the ranked ladder with its surprising strength and healing potential. The Kabutops deck, initially noticed during the Pawmot Loot event, has now taken center stage as one of the most effective strategies for ranking up quickly.
This guide explores why the Kabutops deck is so powerful, how to build it correctly, and the deadly combo with Lucario that makes it nearly unstoppable in competitive matches.
Why the Kabutops Deck Is a Powerful Meta Choice
Kabutops may seem like a tricky card to play at first — it’s a Stage 2 Pokémon that requires a Fossil base card, making it slower than many meta picks. However, it offers an incredible advantage: it heals all damage dealt to the opponent.
This healing factor turns Kabutops into a sustainable tank on the battlefield, allowing it to survive heavy hitters like EX Pokémon with ease thanks to its 140 HP, which is substantial in the current meta environment.
Complete Kabutops Deck List for Pokémon TCG Pocket
The Kabutops deck gains even more traction when paired with Lucario, whose ability boosts Kabutops’ damage, turning a decent setup into a devastating synergy combo.
Full Kabutops + Lucario Deck List:
Riolu x2
Lucario x2
Fossil x2
Kabuto x2
Kabutops x2
Sudowoodo x1
Giant Cape x2
Professor’s Research x2
Poké Ball x1
Pokémon Communication x1
Helio x1
Red x1
E-Nigma x1
Source: 22bet
Lucario and Kabutops Combo: The Key to Victory
Kabutops has a base attack that deals 50 damage, which may seem underwhelming at first glance. However, Lucario completely changes the equation.
How Lucario enhances the Kabutops strategy:
Lucario’s Combat Trainer Ability increases Kabutops’ attack by +20.
With two Lucario on the field, that’s a +40 damage boost to Kabutops’ strike.
Use Red to further amplify Kabutops’ damage output, making it a significant offensive threat.
Since Kabutops heals for all the damage it inflicts, stacking damage boosts effectively makes it immune to most KO attempts.
This synergy transforms Kabutops into a self-healing high-damage monster that becomes harder to counter as the match progresses.
Tips to Maximize the Kabutops Deck Potential
If you want to climb the Pokémon TCG Pocket ranked ladder, use these tips to optimize your performance:
5 Tips for Success with Kabutops:
Play Fossil early – Prioritize getting Kabuto onto the field fast.
Use draw support like Professor’s Research to cycle quickly through your deck.
Stack Lucarios as soon as possible for full attack boost.
Use Red wisely – only when you’re ready for a big damage push.
Protect Kabutops with Giant Cape to extend its durability even further.