The Ultimate Guide to Building the Best Charizard ex Deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket

Key Takeaways:

1. Charizard ex Powerhouse: Charizard ex can knock out most Pokémon ex with a single attack, making it one of the most powerful choices in Pokémon TCG Pocket.
2. Cost and Alternatives: Building a Charizard ex deck can be costly, but there are free-to-play alternatives that can help you reach competitive levels.
3. Energy Efficiency: Supporting Pokémon like Moltres ex or Rapidash can help with energy stacking, letting Charizard ex unleash devastating attacks more efficiently.

When it comes to building the ultimate deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket, Charizard ex is easily among the top choices, dominating the field with its ability to wipe out most Pokémon ex in a single move. However, building a Charizard ex deck can be resource-intensive, requiring specific rare cards and a strong energy management strategy. Below, we’ll walk you through how to create an effective Charizard ex deck, plus free-to-play alternatives that let you play competitively without breaking the bank.

Why Charizard ex Stands Out in Pokémon TCG Pocket

Charizard ex is known for its intense attack power, especially its Crimson Storm move, which deals an impressive 200 damage. This single attack can knock out most Pokémon ex opponents in one blow, making it exceptionally powerful in high-stakes matches. However, achieving this power demands a lot of energy stacking—Crimson Storm needs four Energy, and it discards two Energy with each use. This makes the deck’s setup crucial to its success.

Essential Cards for the Charizard ex Deck

To maximize Charizard ex’s potential, here’s a deck build that will help you get the most out of this powerhouse Pokémon:

Core Pokémon for the Deck

1. 2x Charizard ex: Your main attacker and the core of your deck. Charizard ex’s Crimson Storm is the key to winning battles swiftly.
2. 2x Charmeleon and 2x Charizard: Essential for evolving Charmander into Charizard ex. These cards help maintain consistency.
3. 2x Moltres ex (or Alternative Pokémon): Moltres ex is invaluable for quickly stacking energy on Charizard ex with its Inferno Dance ability, which can add up to three Energy to Charizard in a single turn.
4. 1x Meowth: A backup option if your main Pokémon are unavailable early in the game.

Alternative Pokémon Choices

If you don’t have Moltres ex, consider these alternatives:

• Ponyta/Rapidash: Rapidash only needs one Energy to attack, allowing it to chip away at your opponent while you set up Charizard ex.
• Kangaskhan: A solid choice with good attack potential and low energy cost.
• Spearow/Fearow or Fossil Pokémon: Reliable options with minimal Energy requirements that can help stall the game while Charizard ex gets ready.

Supporting Trainer and Item Cards

1. 2x Professor’s Research: Essential for drawing the cards you need quickly.
2. 2x Poke Ball: To search your deck for specific Pokémon.
3. 2x Sabrina: For retrieving specific cards, helping you manage your deck.
4. 2x X Speed: Adds versatility and allows for more aggressive strategies.
5. 1x Red Card: For disrupting your opponent’s hand.
6. 2x Potion: To heal Charizard ex, keeping it in the fight longer.

Building Strategy: Maximizing Charizard ex’s Potential

Early Game Setup

In the early game, your main focus should be setting up Charizard ex. Using Moltres ex for energy stacking is ideal, as Inferno Dance lets you load Energy onto Charizard ex much faster. Start with Moltres ex or a low-cost attacker like Rapidash to chip away at the opponent’s Pokémon. This setup buys you time to prepare Charizard ex while putting some early pressure on your opponent.

Mid-Game Energy Management

Once Charizard ex is set up with at least four Energy, it’s ready to unleash Crimson Storm. Use Inferno Dance wisely; avoid letting Moltres ex faint, as it grants two Prize Points to your opponent. Ideally, use Moltres ex’s energy-stacking abilities and then retreat it to the bench when Charizard ex is ready to attack.

For players without Moltres ex, focus on using basic or Stage 1 Pokémon that don’t require much Energy. Pokémon like Rapidash, which needs only one Energy to attack, can help control the pace of the game without depleting the Energy reserves needed for Charizard ex.

End-Game Strategy

With Charizard ex fully powered, aim to knock out the opponent’s main Pokémon in a single turn. Since Crimson Storm discards two Energy each time, plan for backup energy support through items or by preparing another Charizard ex in case you need to keep the offense going.

If Charizard ex takes damage, use Potions to keep it healthy, allowing it to last through multiple attacks.

Free-to-Play Alternatives for Charizard ex Deck

If obtaining multiple Charizard ex cards isn’t an option, or if Moltres ex is out of reach, consider these alternatives:

1. Growlithe and Arcanine ex: Though it requires three Energy, Arcanine ex can be a solid secondary attacker. However, focus Energy on Charizard ex whenever possible.
2. Fossil Pokémon or Normal-type Kangaskhan: Good choices with moderate energy needs that can help bridge the gap while you work on evolving Charizard.
3. Basic Fire Pokémon: Pokémon like Vulpix/Ninetales and Rapidash allow you to keep up the pressure without draining Charizard’s resources, making them useful placeholders in a Charizard ex-centered deck.

Summary and Key Points for Success

The Charizard ex deck is all about maximizing power while managing resources effectively. It’s a costly but rewarding setup that can easily overpower many opponents when used correctly. By ensuring an early-game setup with Moltres ex, using energy-stacking abilities, and having backup Pokémon to maintain momentum, you’ll have a better chance of building a deck that can dominate consistently. For players on a budget, alternatives like Rapidash and Kangaskhan are valuable substitutes, giving you a fighting chance without premium cards.

FAQ

Q: Why is Charizard ex so powerful in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
A: Charizard ex’s Crimson Storm attack deals 200 damage, capable of one-shotting most Pokémon ex, making it a top choice for high-stakes battles.

Q: What if I don’t have Moltres ex?
A: While Moltres ex accelerates energy stacking for Charizard ex, you can use low-energy Pokémon like Rapidash, Kangaskhan, or other Basic Pokémon to maintain control while preparing Charizard.

Q: How can I protect Charizard ex from taking too much damage?
A: Use Potions and manage your backup Pokémon to keep Charizard ex in play longer. Keeping Moltres ex and secondary attackers in rotation can reduce damage on Charizard.