Mastering the Arceus EX Strategy in Pokémon TCG Pocket

The arrival of Arceus EX in Pokémon TCG Pocket has significantly impacted the meta, introducing powerful synergies with various Pokémon. This guide explores top-tier Arceus EX deck builds, focusing on maximizing its unique abilities.

Arceus EX boasts an immunity to status conditions (Sleep, Confusion) and a devastating Ultimate Force attack. This attack deals 70 damage, boosted by 20 for each benched Pokémon, reaching a potent 130 damage with a full bench.

Eight Pokémon from the Triumphant Light expansion enhance Arceus EX through their "Link" abilities, triggered by the presence of Arceus EX or Arceus. However, Crobat, Magnezone, and Heatran stand out as particularly effective partners.

Optimal Arceus EX Deck Builds:

1. Crobat (Dark Energy) Deck:

This deck utilizes both Crobat and Arceus EX as primary attackers. With Arceus EX in play, Crobat inflicts 30 damage from the bench. Its 50-damage attack (1 Dark Energy) complements Arceus EX's energy requirements.

• Key Cards: 2x Arceus EX, 2x Zubat, 2x Golbat, 2x Crobat, 1x Spiritomb, 1x Farfetch’d, Support cards (Professor's Research, Dawn, Cyrus, Poké Ball, Pokémon Communication).

Strategy: Utilize Crobat's bench attack and free retreat (with Arceus EX benched) to maximize damage output. Spiritomb and Farfetch’d provide additional pressure and board control.

2. Dialga EX/Magnezone (Metal Energy) Deck:

This deck features Arceus EX as the main attacker, supported by both Magnezone variants. Triumphant Light Magnezone benefits from Arceus EX's presence (-30 damage reduction), while Genetic Apex Magnezone deals 110 damage after using Magneton's Volt Charge.

• Key Cards: 2x Arceus EX, 2x Dialga EX, 2x Magnemite, 2x Magneton, 1x Magnezone (Triumphant Light), 1x Magnezone (Genetic Apex), 1x Skarmory, Support cards (Professor's Research, Leaf, Giant's Cape, Rocky Helmet, Poké Ball).

Strategy: Leverage Skarmory and Giant's Cape to protect your key Pokémon while building a large bench for Arceus EX's ultimate attack. Careful evolution timing for Magnezone is crucial.

3. Heatran (Fire Energy) Deck:

This aggressive Fire-type deck utilizes Heatran, Rapidash, and Farfetch’d for early game pressure, while simultaneously powering up Arceus EX on the bench.

• Key Cards: 2x Arceus EX, 2x Heatran, 2x Ponyta, 2x Rapidash, 1x Farfetch’d, Support cards (Professor's Research, Blaine, Cyrus, Dawn, Giant's Cape, Poké Ball, X Speed).

Strategy: Heatran's Ragin' Fury attack (80 damage with prior damage) and free retreat (with Arceus EX in play) allow for dynamic gameplay. Giant's Cape protects Heatran and boosts Arceus EX's survivability.

These strategies represent some of the most effective Arceus EX deck builds currently available. However, the meta is constantly evolving, and new strategies are sure to emerge. Stay tuned for further developments in the exciting world of Pokémon TCG Pocket!

Pokémon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.