In the battle system of the Pokemon TCG Pocket, EX Pokemon pose a greater risk, but they do so with a tradeoff: if one is lost, your opponent gains two points instead of one. This disadvantage has prompted numerous players to adopt the “non-EX archetype,” which, as its name implies, involves constructing competitive decks that exclude any EX Pokemon.
If you’re thinking about this particular archetype, we’ve chosen three top-notch decks that are currently popular. This guide will show you how to assemble these teams and their primary strategies. However, before diving into them, let me share some valuable tips for crafting your own non-ex decks in the Pokemon TCG Pocket.
How to Build a Deck with No ex Cards
Follow these tips to build a strong non-ex deck:
- Focus on cheap damage dealers. Don’t aim for high damage output right away. Instead, recruit Pokemon that can deal significant damage for minimal Energy, like Skarmory or Primeape (from the Mythical Island set), which can deal 50-70 damage with just one Energy.
- Use feeders as damage dealers. Since your knocked-out Pokemon only give your opponent one point, you can afford to use the first two plays as feeders. Make the most of these early drops to inflict high damage, ideally targeting the Bench to disrupt your opponent’s strategy.
- Build in revenge synergy. Non-ex Pokemon tend to have average or low HP, making early knockouts likely, especially against fast decks. To counter this, incorporate a revenge strategy. Cards like Marshadow or Tauros (from the Mythical Island set) let you replace a fallen Pokemon and deal heavy damage in retaliation.
The Best-Performing Non-ex Deck: Magnezone & Hitmonlee
- Tournament Appearance: ~4,000
- Win Rate: ~ 53.5%
- Meta Share: ~ 3%
In the current strategy (meta) of the Pokemon TCG Pocket game, the combination of Magnezone and Hitmonlee is considered the top non-extra setup deck. This deck’s tactic involves using Hitmonlee to hinder the opponent’s evolution process, while simultaneously developing Magnezone on the bench by utilizing Magneton’s self-supplying Energy. Additionally, it includes aggressive cards such as Marshadow and Hitmonchan that allow for early pressure against the opponent, creating a favorable environment for Magnezone’s decisive strike.
The Deck’s Pokemon Shell
| Magnemite | 2 |
| Magneton | 2 |
| Magnezone | 2 |
| Hitmonlee | 2 |
| Marshadow | 1 or 2 (optional) |
| Hitmonchan | 1 or 2 (optional) |
Must-Have Trainer Cards
- Cyrus
- X Speed
- Pokemon Communication
The Second-Best Non-ex Deck: Magnezone & Skarmory
- Tournament Appearance: ~ 3,500
- Win Rate: ~ 54.5%
- Meta Share: ~ 2.5%
In your Pokémon hand, a trustworthy duo featuring Magnezone and Skarmory makes for an effective setup. The goal is straightforward: Deploy Skarmory with a Rocky Helmet to slow down opponents and inflict early harm. While doing so, focus on boosting Magnezone’s power by leveraging Magneton’s energy-producing skill. Furthermore, redirect any excess energy to Heatran (with a Giant Cape) to transform it into an additional source of damage.
The Deck’s Pokemon Shell
| Magnemite | 2 |
| Magneton | 2 |
| Magnezone | 2 |
| Skarmory | 2 |
| Heatran | 1 (optional) |
Must-Have Trainer Cards
- Giant Cape
- Rocky Helmet
- Cyrus
The High-Aggro Non-ex Deck: Rampardos & Lucario
- Tournament Appearance: ~ 2,000
- Win Rate: ~ 53%
- Meta Share: ~ 1.5%
The team composed by Rampardos and Lucario quickly became well-liked within the meta of Pocket, following the debut of the Space-Time Smackdown set. Their growing fame can be attributed to a straightforward factor: immense damage potential. With Lucario’s unique ability to boost the attacks of all Fighting-type Pokemon, it unlocked strategic synergies and allowed Rampardos to benefit from a versatile squad of high-damage, cost-effective cards that offset its gradual development phase.
The Deck’s Pokemon Shell
| Riolu | 2 |
| Lucario | 2 |
| Carnidos | 2 |
| Rampardos | 2 |
| Hitmonlee | 2 |
| Marshadow | 1 or 2 (optional) |
| Hitmanchan | 1 or 2 (optional) |
Must-Have Trainer Cards
- Cyrus or Sabrina
- Skull Fossil
- Pokemon Communication
For more non-ex deck ideas, check out Cynthia & Garchomp’s setup.
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2025-02-19 07:04