The arrival of Arceus Ex in Pokémon TCG Pocket has quickly shaken up the meta, introducing powerful synergies with several Pokémon. This guide highlights 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 deals a base 70 damage, plus an additional 20 for each Pokémon on your bench, reaching a devastating 130 damage with a full bench.
Arceus Ex's strength is further 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. Let's examine a deck built around each.
Crobat (Dark Energy)
This deck utilizes Crobat and Arceus Ex as its 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 aim to power up with three energies. A fully powered-up Arceus Ex on the bench allows for free retreats with Crobat (no retreat cost), enabling a 130-damage hit after switching. Farfetch'd provides additional pressure, while Spiritomb spreads damage to the opponent's bench, setting up knockouts with Cyrus.
Decklist: 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)
This deck centers on Arceus Ex as the main attacker, supported by both versions of Magnezone. The Triumphant Light Magnezone takes -30 damage with Arceus Ex present, while the Genetic Apex Magnezone hits for 110 damage after using Magneton's Volt Charge ability. Note that the Genetic Apex Magnezone cannot be powered by Metal Energy (it's Electric type), requiring careful evolution timing. Skarmory, along with 2x Giant’s Cape and a Rocky Helmet, bolster the team's survivability, allowing Dialga Ex and Arceus Ex to withstand attacks while powering up Skarmory.
Decklist: 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)
This deck offers a faster, aggressive Fire-type strategy. Heatran, Rapidash, and Farfetch'd provide early-game pressure with low energy requirements, while you power up your Arceus Ex on the bench. Giant’s Cape protects Heatran and pushes Arceus Ex above 150 HP. Heatran's free retreat with Arceus Ex in play allows for flexible energy management. Its Ragin’ Fury attack deals 80 damage (with two Fire Energies) if Heatran is already damaged; otherwise, it deals 40.
Decklist: 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
These are just a few of the many effective Arceus Ex decks. As the meta evolves, expect to see even more innovative strategies emerge.
Pokémon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.
