The arrival of Arceus Ex in Pokémon TCG Pocket has quickly reshaped the meta, introducing powerful synergies with several Pokémon. This guide highlights some of the best Arceus Ex decks currently available.
Arceus Ex boasts an ability granting immunity to status conditions like Sleep and Confusion. Its Ultimate Force attack deals 70 damage, boosted by 20 for each benched Pokémon, reaching a devastating 130 damage with a full bench. This potent attack is further amplified by eight Pokémon from the Triumphant Light expansion, each possessing a unique "Link" ability activated by Arceus Ex or a standard Arceus.
These Link Pokémon include Carnivine, Heatran, Abomasnow, Raichu, Rotom, Tyranitar, Crobat, and Magnezone. Crobat, Magnezone, and Heatran stand out as particularly effective partners. Let's explore deck builds centered around each.
Crobat (Dark Energy)
This deck utilizes Crobat and Arceus Ex as primary attackers. With Arceus Ex in play, Crobat 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 Energy. A fully powered Arceus Ex on the bench allows for free retreats with Crobat (zero Retreat Cost), enabling a 130-damage strike after switching. Farfetch'd provides additional pressure, and 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)
Here, Arceus Ex is the main attacker, supported by both Magnezone variants. Triumphant Light Magnezone takes -30 damage with Arceus Ex present, while the Genetic Apex version deals 110 damage after using Magneton's Volt Charge ability. Note that Genetic Apex Magnezone cannot be powered by Metal Energy (it's Electric-type), requiring careful evolution timing. Skarmory, along with Giant's Cape and Rocky Helmet, enhances survivability, particularly for Dialga Ex and Arceus Ex, while powering up Skarmory.
- 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 similar to Ninetails Blaine decks. Heatran, Rapidash, and Farfetch'd provide early pressure with low Energy costs, while simultaneously powering up Arceus Ex on the bench. Giant's Cape boosts Heatran's survivability and pushes Arceus Ex above the crucial 150 HP threshold. Heatran's free retreat (with Arceus Ex in play) allows for flexible Pokémon swapping. Ragin' Fury deals 80 damage (two Fire Energy) if Heatran is already damaged; 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 will undoubtedly emerge, these decks represent some of the strongest current options in Pokémon TCG Pocket.
Pokémon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.