Pokemon TCG Pocket: Best F2P Player-Friendly Deck Builds

Pokemon TCG Pocket: Best F2P Player-Friendly Deck Builds

As a seasoned veteran of the Pokémon Trading Card Game scene, I must say that these two decks are a great starting point for newcomers who are eager to dive into the world of competitive battling.

Similarly to a traditional Pokemon Trading Card Game setup, the digital version, known as Pokemon TCG Pocket, offers players the excitement of unpacking booster packs and amassing cards. However, just like physical cards, certain cards in this game are rarer than others, particularly ex cards. This can be disheartening because players may find themselves relying on chance to obtain specific cards, spending a significant amount of time saving Pack Points to create the desired card, or resorting to purchasing additional packs with real money to enhance their chances.

Thankfully, while many of the meta decks revolve around these powerful ex-Pokemon and rare/expensive cards as their ace Pokemon or important additions for strategy and deck synergy, there are also a series of decks that can be created from more common and easy-to-obtain cards, or decks that may feature just one ex/ace Pokemon that you’ll have to worry about obtaining, which can all be done without spending a single cent. If you’re looking for the best free-to-play deck builds as of Pokemon TCG Pocket’sGenetic Apex set, all relevant information has been included in the guide below.

Best Free-To-Play Deck Builds in Pokemon TCG Pocket

Pokemon TCG Pocket: Best F2P Player-Friendly Deck Builds

Players who aim to construct a competitive deck for combat might find their options restricted by the cards they currently possess, as prominent meta-decks like those based on Charizard or Mewtwo often rely on multiple ‘ex’ cards, which can be costly and time-consuming (either in Pack Points or money spent buying additional packs) to acquire. However, there are some viable alternatives that don’t require exhaustive card hunting or significant financial investment to improve your chances of getting the needed cards. Fortunately, we’ve highlighted five decks below that can be constructed without breaking the bank or spending countless hours searching for specific cards. Each deck includes a strategic overview and a complete list of cards to help you build each one quickly and easily.

18 Trainers Deck Build

Pokemon TCG Pocket: Best F2P Player-Friendly Deck Builds

This guide includes the 18 Trainers Deck because of its versatility in various builds. Each version typically consists of the same 18 Trainers (with the exception of swapping one or two here and there). The 18 Trainers deck functions by managing the basic Pokemon you draw on turn 1, as it only includes two copies of a single basic Pokemon in the deck. Since ex cards are considered basic single-evolution monsters like Legendaries or Lapras, this deck can accommodate powerful cards that serve as its ace.

  • The Articuno variant uses Misty to attach multiple energies on successful coin flips as early as turn 1, giving Articuno a devastating attack from the get-go
  • The Zapdos variant doesn’t have the same ability to utilize a quick energy setup, but has better damage output on average compared to articuno. Peck can work as a decent attack until you get enough energy for Thundering Hurricane, which can deal devastating damage with 4 successful coin flips.
  • The Lapras ex variant has the least damage output on a per-turn basis, but like Articuno, can make use of Misty for a quick setup as early as turn 1. The Bubble Drain attack requires 3 Energy, deals 80 damage, but also heals Lapras for 20 hp with each use – helping sustain its place in the Active spot.

Articuno Ex 18 Trainers Deck Build

Card NameQuantitySet & Number
Articuno ex
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 084
Hand Scope
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #3
Poke Ball
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #5
Potion
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #1
Red Card
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #6
X Speed
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #2
Giovanni
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 223
Misty
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 220
Professor’s Research
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #7
Sabrina
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 225

Zapdos Ex 18 Trainers Deck Build

Card NameQuantitySet & Number
Zapdos ex
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 104
Hand Scope
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #3
Poke Ball
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #5
Potion
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #1
Red Card
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #6
X Speed
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #2
Giovanni
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 223
Pokedex
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #4
Professor’s Research
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #7
Sabrina
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 225

Lapras Ex 18 Trainers Deck Build

Card NameQuantitySet & Number
Lapras ex
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex Promo A
  • 014
Misty
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 220
Old Amber
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 218
Poke Ball
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #5
Potion
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #1
Red Card
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #6
X Speed
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #2
Giovanni
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 223
Professor’s Research
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #7
Sabrina
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 225

Arbok / Pidgeot Deck Build

Pokemon TCG Pocket: Best F2P Player-Friendly Deck Builds

As a Pokémon enthusiast myself, I can confidently say that the Arbok and Pidgeot deck is an exceptional choice for budget-conscious trainers. Unlike other decks requiring expensive Ex cards, this one relies on just two distinct evolution lines, making it easily accessible. You can find most of these cards in regular booster packs, or if needed, a few missing ones can be purchased using Pack Points at a reasonable cost compared to some rarer cards in the market.

In this strategy, the focus lies on combining the unique abilities of Pidgeot and Arbok. Initially, Pidgeot is played first since both Pidgey and Pigeotto require only a single energy card to attack. But once Pidgeotto enters play, its Drive Off ability becomes crucial for the deck’s success. This ability forces your opponent to swap their active Pokemon with one on their bench, disrupting their game plan.

Best Arbok / Pidgeot Deck List In Pokemon TCG Pocket

Card NameQuantitySet & Number
Ekans
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 164
Arbok
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 165
Pidgey
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 186
Pidgeotto
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 187
Pidgeot
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 188
Poke Ball
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #5
Potion
  • x1
  • Shop Promo #1
X Speed
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #2
Professor’s Research
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #7
Sabrina
  • x1
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 225
Giovanni
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 223

Primeape Deck Build

Pokemon TCG Pocket: Best F2P Player-Friendly Deck Builds

A Primeape deck build is more of a niche build/pick to consider, but nonetheless very easy to build for all players, and also capable of securing victories with a bit of luck on your side and careful planning each turn. Primeape’s greatest threats come from the ability to deal a whopping 100 damage per turn if it has taken any damage itself, which is very solid for a two-stage evolution. Primeape is also somewhat quick and easy to get set up into play for this same reason, as it will only need to be evolved once from Mankey and only needs two Energies to attack.

Despite Primeape potentially facing difficulties against more aggressive decks due to its lower Health Points (HP), many trainers prefer incorporating Marowak ex into their team if available. Although Marowak ex’s attacks depend on the outcome of coin flips, they can inflict significant damage in a single turn and knock out multiple ex opponents when fortunate. However, should you lack access to Marowak ex, a regular Marowak may serve as a temporary replacement until you obtain the ex version. Keep in mind that the standard Marowak only dishes out a total of 40 damage per turn, making it less formidable compared to its ex counterpart.

Best Primeape Deck List In Pokemon TCG Pocket

Card NameQuantitySet & Number
Ekans
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 164
Arbok
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 165
Pidgey
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 186
Pidgeotto
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 187
Pidgeot
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 188
Poke Ball
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #5
Potion
  • x1
  • Shop Promo #1
X Speed
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #2
Professor’s Research
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #7
Sabrina
  • x1
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 225
Giovanni
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 223

Geninja Deck Build

Pokemon TCG Pocket: Best F2P Player-Friendly Deck Builds

If you’re aiming to construct an effective Water-type deck without investing much time in finding scarce cards or seeking Promos like Lapras ex, Greninja could be a robust foundation. The main advantage of Greninja lies in its ability to inflict damage on your opponent’s benched Pokemon through the Water Shuriken skill, which can gradually weaken their team and potentially result in multiple knockouts with strategic play. A commonly included card in this deck is Articuno ex, as it too possesses a powerful attack that can harm both the opponent’s bench and Active Pokemon.

By positioning Greninja on the bench, you can unleash Water Shuriken, followed by placing Articuno in the active slot to inflict most of your damage onto the active Pokemon, while also causing collateral damage across the entire opponent’s bench. This underscores Articuno’s value for this deck, but if you haven’t obtained it yet, consider using Lapras instead as a capable replacement, dealing 90 damage per turn in its stead.

Best Greninja Deck List In Pokemon TCG Pocket

Card NameQuantitySet & Number
Froakie
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 087
Frogadier
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 088
Greninja
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 089
Articuno ex
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 084
Misty
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 220
Poke Ball
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #5
Potion
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #1
X Speed
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #2
Professor’s Research
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #7
Sabrina
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 225

Alakazam / Jynx Deck Build

Pokemon TCG Pocket: Best F2P Player-Friendly Deck Builds

If you’re aiming to create a Psychic Type deck and can’t obtain the necessary cards for the popular Mewtwo ex meta deck, consider constructing an Alakazam and Jynx deck instead as a viable starting point. As you gather more powerful cards and progress in battles, Alakazam can inflict significant damage, while Jynx can deal prolonged damage to your opponent’s Active Pokemon based on the number of Energies attached to it.

Instead of relying on the synergy between Pidgeot and Arbok, these two cards offer distinct battle tactics that can be utilized independently. Alakazam requires a strategic approach to deploy effectively, as it might not appear in your starting hand, whereas Abra is essential for its evolution. On the other hand, Jynx has a relatively lower HP compared to other powerful Pokémon, making it vulnerable to attackers with aggression. Yet, by employing thoughtful strategies and utilizing your Trainers skillfully, you can leverage these cards to tip the scales in your favor and claim victory.

Best Alakazam / Jynx Deck List In Pokemon TCG Pocket

Card NameQuantitySet & Number
Abra
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 115
Kadabra
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 116
Alakazam
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 117
Jynx
  • x2
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 127
Giovanni
  • x1
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 223
Poke Ball
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #5
Potion
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #1
Red Card
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #6
Professor’s Research
  • x2
  • Shop Promo #7
Sabrina
  • x1
  • Genetic Apex
  • A1 225

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2024-12-01 07:14