Building the Best Blastoise ex Deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket: A Complete Guide with Alternatives

Key Takeaways:

1. Blastoise ex Dominates: A carefully crafted Blastoise ex deck ranks among the strongest Water-type decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket.
2. Alternatives for Accessibility: Substitute cards like Staryu, Magikarp, or Tentacool help you stay competitive while building out the core Blastoise ex lineup.
3. Smart Trainer Choices: Using cards like Misty and Sabrina strategically boosts deck resilience, enabling strong synergy and energy management.

In Pokemon TCG Pocket, Water-type fans have plenty of reasons to celebrate the power of Blastoise ex. This guide dives deep into crafting the ultimate Blastoise ex deck, detailing top card picks, ideal Trainer combinations, and alternatives for players building on a budget.

Understanding the Strength of Blastoise ex in Pokemon TCG Pocket

Blastoise ex is a powerhouse in Pokemon TCG Pocket, especially when paired with other Water-type Pokemon. This deck demands two Blastoise ex cards, ideally supported by Lapras ex. While costly, this combination offers overwhelming strength in Solo Battles and PvP, ensuring your Blastoise ex deck will keep opponents on their toes.

This deck is versatile yet challenging to build. While acquiring two Blastoise ex cards requires significant Pack Points, the payoff is immense, with this deck consistently ranking among the game’s best.

Core Cards for a Winning Blastoise ex Deck

The foundation of your deck centers around building a seamless evolution line for Blastoise ex, supported by a mix of other Water-type Pokemon and essential Trainer cards. Here’s the core lineup:

• 2x Squirtle
• 2x Wartortle
• 2x Blastoise ex
• 1x Lapras ex (or Articuno ex if available)
• 1x Meowth

Card Breakdown

• Squirtle and Wartortle: Form the backbone of your Blastoise evolution chain, critical for getting Blastoise ex into play.
• Blastoise ex: As the primary attacker, Blastoise ex deals solid damage while sustaining itself through effective energy stacking.
• Lapras ex / Articuno ex: Lapras ex serves as a versatile support card, while Articuno ex offers a powerful alternative if Lapras isn’t available. Both provide the added punch needed for tougher battles.
• Meowth: This card is invaluable for card draws, helping you get essential cards like Squirtle or Blastoise into your hand early on.

Free-to-Play Alternatives: Budget-Friendly Options for Blastoise ex Decks

If you’re short on rare cards, consider substituting other Water-type Pokemon that still synergize well with Blastoise ex. These alternatives help you build a strong deck without relying solely on high-cost cards.

Alternative Water Pokemon

• Staryu and Starmie ex: A cheaper duo with decent energy efficiency, Starmie ex can offer reliable support until you get Lapras ex or Blastoise ex.
• Magikarp and Gyarados: Though Gyarados requires four Energy to use its main move, its ability to discard an opponent’s Energy can be extremely helpful in stalling high-energy decks.
• Tentacool and Tentacruel: These two offer a lower-energy option that’s easy to power up and can inflict poison, adding some tactical edge to your gameplay.
• Psyduck and Golduck: A solid choice for those just starting, Golduck deals decent damage with only two Energy attached.

Essential Trainer Cards for Maximum Deck Efficiency

Trainer cards play a pivotal role in managing energy, drawing cards, and ensuring Blastoise ex’s successful deployment. The following Trainer lineup keeps your deck effective and minimizes the need for frequent swaps.

• 2x X Speed: Reduces the Retreat Cost, allowing for smooth transitions if you need to switch Blastoise ex in or out of active status.
• 2x Misty: Essential for Energy acceleration, Misty enables you to stack Energy on Blastoise ex quickly, turning it into a formidable force.
• 2x Sabrina: Sabrina’s switch effect lets you swap your opponent’s Active Pokemon, disrupting their strategies and protecting your Pokemon from heavy hits.
• 2x Professor’s Research: Boosts your card draw potential, helping you access Squirtle, Wartortle, or Blastoise faster.
• 1x Potion: Useful for restoring HP on Squirtle or Meowth in critical moments.
• 1x Poke Ball: Adds flexibility by allowing you to bring key Pokemon like Meowth or Lapras ex into play when needed.

Strategy: How to Use the Blastoise ex Deck Effectively

Early Game Strategy

Starting with Squirtle and quickly evolving to Blastoise ex should be your main focus. The early stages benefit immensely from Meowth’s card-draw ability, allowing you to set up your evolution line quickly. Stack Energy on Squirtle as soon as possible, utilizing Misty’s Energy-boosting ability for rapid buildup.

Mid to Late Game Strategy

Once Blastoise ex is active, use Lapras ex to support with additional damage or Articuno ex as a secondary heavy-hitter if available. Keep X Speed ready to retreat as needed, and use Sabrina to switch out powerful enemy Pokemon. Your goal is to maintain Blastoise ex as the focal point while using Trainer cards to keep Energy flowing and your bench stacked with supporting Pokemon.

Using Alternative Pokemon

If using alternative Pokemon like Tentacruel or Golduck, leverage their lower Energy costs to keep up the attack pace while Blastoise ex charges. These alternatives can cover your Blastoise as it stacks Energy, adding flexibility and allowing you to adjust to various battle scenarios.

FAQ

Q: Can I use just one Blastoise ex in my deck?
A: While two Blastoise ex cards optimize your deck’s performance, using one is possible, though it might make battles more challenging. Substitute with additional support cards like Starmie ex to maintain a balanced attack line.

Q: What’s the best Trainer card for a Blastoise ex deck?
A: Misty is arguably the best Trainer for this deck due to her ability to boost Energy flow, critical for sustaining Blastoise ex in battle.

Q: Are there other good Water-type cards to consider?
A: Absolutely. Tentacruel, Golduck, and Gyarados all offer valuable support while you work toward acquiring Blastoise ex or Lapras ex cards.

Q: How can I acquire Blastoise ex faster?
A: Participating in events and saving Pack Points for crafting increases your chances of acquiring Blastoise ex. Pack Hourglasses from battles also help speed up the acquisition process.

Building a powerful Blastoise ex deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket may require time and resources, but with smart planning and strategic card selection, it’s entirely achievable even for free-to-play players. By investing in effective Trainer cards and maximizing the potential of Water-type alternatives, you can create a Blastoise ex deck that dominates opponents and ensures your place among Pokemon TCG Pocket’s best.