The arrival of Arceus Ex in Pokémon TCG Pocket has quickly shaken up the meta, introducing powerful synergies with several Pokémon. This legendary Pokémon's unique abilities make it a formidable centerpiece for various deck builds. Let's explore some of the best Arceus Ex decks currently available.
Arceus Ex boasts an ability granting immunity to status conditions like Sleep and Confusion, a significant advantage in competitive play. Its Ultimate Force attack deals 70 damage plus an additional 20 for each benched Pokémon, reaching a devastating 130 damage with a full bench.
Arceus Ex's strength is amplified by eight Pokémon from the Triumphant Light expansion, each possessing a "Link" ability activated by the presence of Arceus Ex or a regular Arceus: Carnivine (Power Link), Heatran (Speed Link), Abomasnow (Vigor Link), Raichu (Resilience Link), Rotom (Speed Link), Tyranitar (Power Link), Crobat (Cunning Link), and Magnezone (Resilience Link). Crobat, Magnezone, and Heatran stand out as particularly potent partners.
This deck utilizes 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-up benched Arceus Ex allows for free retreats with Crobat (no retreat cost), enabling a 130-damage hit after switching. Farfetch'd adds pressure, and Spiritomb spreads damage to the opponent's bench, setting up knockouts with Cyrus.
Deck List: 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
This deck features Arceus Ex as the main attacker, supported by both versions of Magnezone. Triumphant Light Magnezone benefits from a -30 damage reduction with Arceus Ex present. The Genetic Apex Magnezone deals 110 damage, but requires Magneton's Volt Charge ability to be used at least once beforehand. Note that Genetic Apex Magneton cannot be powered with Metal Energy (it's Electric type). Skarmory, along with Giant's Cape and Rocky Helmet, enhances survivability and allows for powering up Arceus Ex for maximum damage.
Deck List: 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
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. Arceus Ex powers up on the bench. Giant's Cape protects Heatran and boosts 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 Energy) if Heatran is already damaged, or 40 damage otherwise.
Deck List: 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. The versatility of Arceus Ex makes it a powerful addition to the Pokémon TCG Pocket meta.
Pokémon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.