The arrival of Arceus Ex in Pokémon TCG Pocket has quickly shaken up the meta, introducing powerful synergies with several Pokémon. Here are some top-performing Arceus Ex decks:
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Arceus Ex boasts an ability granting immunity to status conditions like Sleep and Confusion. Its Ultimate Force attack hits for a base 70 damage, boosted by 20 for each benched Pokémon, reaching a devastating 130 damage with a full bench.
Arceus Ex's power is amplified by eight Pokémon from the Triumphant Light expansion, each possessing a unique "Link" ability activated by the presence of Arceus Ex or a regular Arceus. Crobat, Magnezone, and Heatran stand out as particularly potent partners. Let's explore deck builds featuring each:
Crobat (Dark Energy)
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 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 aim 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, while Spiritomb spreads damage to the opponent's bench, setting up knockouts with Cyrus.
Related: Pokémon TCG Pocket Tier List – Best Decks & Cards (February 2025)
Dialga Ex/Magnezone (Metal Energy)
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 features Arceus Ex as the main attacker, supported by both Magnezone versions. The Triumphant Light Magnezone takes -30 damage with Arceus Ex present, while the Genetic Apex Magnezone deals 110 damage after using Magneton's Volt Charge ability. Note that the Genetic Apex Magnezone cannot be powered with Metal Energy (it's Electric type), requiring careful evolution timing. Skarmory, alongside Giant’s Cape and Rocky Helmet, enhances survivability, protecting Arceus Ex and Dialga Ex while powering up Skarmory. A full bench is crucial to maximize Arceus Ex's damage output.
Heatran (Fire Energy)
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
This deck offers a faster, aggressive Fire-type strategy, similar to Ninetails Blaine decks. Heatran, Rapidash, and Farfetch’d provide early-game pressure, requiring minimal energy. Arceus Ex is powered 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 Pokémon switching. Its Ragin’ Fury attack deals 80 damage (with two Fire Energy) if Heatran is already damaged; otherwise, it deals 40.
While more Arceus Ex strategies are sure to emerge, these decks represent some of the strongest current builds in Pokémon TCG Pocket.
Pokémon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.
