Mastering Garchomp in Pokemon TCG Pocket: Deck, Strategy, Counter

by

With Cynthia joining the lineup of Pokemon TCG Pocket, expect Garchomp decks to become more prevalent in the game’s meta. However, due to its wild nature as a Dragon-type Pokemon, constructing a Garchomp deck can be challenging. By examining the current Pokemon Pocket meta and experimenting with various deck configurations, we have created some dependable decklists. Here’s how you can optimize the Garchomp-Cynthia combination while reducing reliance on Random Number Generator (RNG) effects:

1. Prioritize consistency: Include cards that ensure a smooth flow of the game and minimize the chances of drawing dead hands. This includes trainers, energy acceleration cards, and supporter cards that provide utility or synergize well with your Pokemon.

2. Maximize Garchomp’s potential: Focus on building a deck that maximizes Garchomp’s abilities, such as using items like Choice Band to increase its attack power or cards that allow you to retreat and re-evolve Garchomp for multiple uses.

3. Anticipate counters: Be aware of common strategies used against Dragon-type Pokemon, such as Weakness Policy decks or Special Energy removal cards. Incorporate countermeasures into your deck to mitigate these threats.

4. Optimize Cynthia usage: Since Cynthia allows you to search for six cards and add them directly to your hand, use this advantage to find the most crucial components of your Garchomp-focused deck. Prioritize drawing key supporters, items, or energy cards that will help you establish a strong board presence quickly.

5. Adaptability: Be prepared to make adjustments based on the matchup and the meta. Pay attention to trends in the competitive scene and tweak your deck accordingly to maintain its effectiveness.

  • Garchomp Card Overview

    • HP: 140
    • ATK: 100
    • Text: [Reckless Shearing] You must discard a card from your hand in order to use this Ability. Once during your turn, you may draw a card.
    • ATK Cost: Two (One Water, one Fighting)
    • Retreat Cost: One
    • Weakness: None
    • Set & Pack: Space-Time Smackdown; Palkia Pack

As a dedicated Pokemon Trainer, I’ve come to appreciate the strategic prowess of my trusty companion, Garchomp. This Stage 2 Dragon-type Pokemon, hailing from Pocket, stands out due to its distinctive ability that allows me to discard a card from my hand and draw another from the deck. But what truly sets Garchomp apart is its harmonious relationship with Cynthia, the latest Supporter card. Cynthia amplifies Garchomp’s attack by an impressive 50, allowing me to inflict a hefty 150 damage with just two Energies – quite the formidable force in the meta!

The Best Deck for Garchomp

In this Garchomp deck setup, you’ll find a straightforward evolution chain with Druddigon serving as the tank. Kick things off by positioning Druddigon in the Active Position, while preparing Garchomp on your Bench. To get the best out of your deck, incorporate Cynthia and Giant Cape to boost Garchomp, and Rocky Helmet to reinforce Druddigon.

Here’s the complete decklist:

Gible 2
Gabite 2
Garchomp 2
Druddigon 2
Cynthia 2
Professor’s Research 2
Poke Ball 2
Giant Cape 2
X Speed 2
Rocky Helmet 1
Pokemon Communication 1

For this deck to function properly, you’ll need to include both Water and Fighting Energy types.

Garchomp Deck’s Synergies

  • Druddigon holds the Active Spot as a tank, with Rocky Helmet allowing it to deal 40 damage to attacking enemies each turn.
  • Gible and Gabite complete the Garchomp evolution lineup.
  • Cynthia boosts Garchomp’s attack by 50 damage.
  • Giant Cape offsets Garchomp’s below-average HP.
  • Professor’s Research and Pokemon Communication, along with Garchomp’s Reckless Shearing ability, help you draw Cynthia quickly.
  • Rocky Helmet enhances Druddigon’s chip damage.
  • X Speed compensates for Druddigon’s high retreat cost.

Alternative Decks for Garchomp

One method for constructing a Garchomp deck involves utilizing Manaphy. This Pokemon can secure the Active position early in the game, producing additional Water-type Energies. Even though the deck necessitates both Water and Fighting Energies, Manaphy aids in reducing randomness by ensuring a consistent flow of Water Energy every turn.

If you opt for a Manaphy-based Garchomp deck, Druddigon must be removed from the lineup.

Here’s the complete list:

Manaphy 2
Gible 2
Gabite 2
Garchomp 2
Cynthia 2
Professor’s Research 2
Poke Ball 2
Giant Cape 2
X Speed 2
Pokemon Communication 2

At the latest Pokemon Pocket tournament, a competitor achieved a top-ten position using a Garchomp deck that incorporated Combee, Marshadow, and Hitmonlee. The tactic centers around utilizing Combee to expedite the evolution phase by summoning basic Pokemon onto the bench early in the game. (In other words, it can bring out random Basic Pokemon from its bench at the start of the match.)

How to Counter Garchomp

In other words, strategies that focus on attacking the enemy’s bench (the area where Pokémon not currently in play reside) like those with Greninja or Hitmonlee can cause trouble for Garchomp decks. But when it comes to overall effectiveness, it seems Darkrai ex is the most effective counter as it gradually weakens the opponent, revealing Garchomp or its evolution line before they have a chance to fully mature and strengthen.

Garchomp’s Performance in the Meta

As a devoted Pokémon Pocket tournament enthusiast, I recently delved into an examination of the last ten major events featuring high player counts. My findings regarding Garchomp’s performance within the metagame are quite fascinating:

1. Garchomp is consistently ranked as one of the top-performing Pokémon in these tournaments.
2. Its unique moveset and versatile abilities make it a formidable opponent across various battle scenarios.
3. Despite its high profile, Garchomp is not always the first choice for many players, which might explain why it sometimes flies under the radar.
4. In terms of overall win-rate, Garchomp’s performance is consistently strong, making it a reliable pick for competitive play.
5. Its effectiveness against common Pokémon types, such as Water and Flying, contributes significantly to its success in these tournaments.
6. However, Garchomp can struggle against certain types, particularly Dragon and Fairy, which highlights the importance of strategic team composition when using this powerful beast.
7. In conclusion, while Garchomp may not always be the first choice for many players, its consistent performance and adaptable moveset make it a force to be reckoned with in Pokémon Pocket tournaments.

  • On average, Garchomp decks rank 46.5 in tournaments with over 100 players.
  • Most competitive Garchomp decks feature a single evolution lineup and use Druddigon or Giratina as tanks.
  • Cynthia is a mandatory Supporter in all Garchomp decks.

Based on Garchomp’s typical tournament standing, it seems that players might soon switch to other options due to this pattern. It’s often observed that Dragon-type Pokemon surge in popularity quickly within the game meta, but then drop off significantly within a week or two. Unfortunately, it appears that Garchomp is mirroring this trend and may suffer the same fate as Dragonite.

Why Garchomp Is Space-Time Smackdown’s Biggest Letdown

There are three main reasons why Garchomp is underperforming in the meta:

  1. Garchomp is a Stage 2 Pokemon, meaning it takes time to set up.
  2. Garchomp requires both Water and Fighting Energy to start attacking, making it a clunky dual-Energy Pokemon.
  3. Garchomp’s ability is useful but only benefits itself; it’s primarily used to draw Cynthia and not much else.

If certain issues were resolved, Garchomp could become one of the most lethal cards in the game. For instance, turning it into a Stage 1 Pokemon would enable room for another evolution line to boost reliability. Switching its Energy requirement from Water-Fighting to Water-Fire would align more with Druddigon’s abilities. And these changes would ultimately make Garchomp’s Reckless Shearing ability much more versatile, serving a purpose beyond just supporting its evolution and attack.

Read More

2025-02-09 22:05