- Consistently deal 90 damage for just two Water Energies while maintaining board control with zero retreat cost.
- Pair Starmie ex with Articuno ex or Greninja for versatile matchups, ensuring constant pressure and Bench sniping.
- Misty, Giovanni, and Professor’s Research to boost energy efficiency, draw power, and maximize damage output.
Starmie ex is one of the more versatile Water-type Pokémon within the context of Pokémon TCG Pocket, providing an interesting mix of constant damage and strategic flexibility. On the other hand, Starmie ex’s straightforward yet powerful Hydro Splash attack combined with its zero retreat cost can easily bring players to the finish line by outpacing their opponents and knocking out the threats efficiently.
If you’re ready to embrace the chaos and come out on top, this guide will teach you how to construct and play a competitive Starmie ex deck. Additionally, you can check out our beginner’s guide, customer support guide, and redeem code articles to kickstart your journey.
Why should you choose Starmie ex in Pokémon TCG Pocket
Starmie ex shines due to its high damage output and energy efficiency. Its Hydro Splash attack deals 90 damage for just two Water Energies. This makes it highly effective in the current meta because it can KO most Basic Pokémon and threaten Stage 2 evolutions within two attacks.
The key features of Starmie include the Zero Retreat Cost, which provides that Starmie ex can move freely between the Bench and Active spots, taking opponents easy Prize Cards. Meanwhile, the High Durability with 130 HP can tank hits from many popular attackers like Pikachu ex while staying in play longer.
Core Deck Cards for Starmie ex Deck
Pokémon
- 2x Staryu
- 2x Starmie ex
- 2x Articuno ex
Trainer Cards
- 2x Giovanni
- 2x Misty
- 2x Sabrina
- 2x Professor’s Research
- 2x Poké Ball
- 2x Red Card
- 2x Potion
Alternative Deck Variants: Lapras ex and Greninja
If you want to experiment beyond the standard Starmie ex + Articuno ex setup, consider these two alternative builds:
Lapras ex Variant
Lapras ex brings bulk and flexibility, offering both defensive capabilities and consistent damage.
Core Pokémon
- 2x Staryu
- 2x Starmie ex
- 2x Lapras ex
Why should you consider Lapras ex
Lapras ex offers a more defensive playstyle. With its higher HP and solid attacks, it pairs well with Starmie ex for games where endurance matters more than speed. Lapras ex’s bulk allows you to absorb hits and bide time for strategic plays.
Greninja Variant
Greninja is perfect for players who enjoy Bench sniping and tactical disruption.
Core Pokémon
- 2x Staryu
- 2x Starmie ex
- 2x Froakie
- 2x Frogadier
- 2x Greninja
Why should you consider Greninja
Greninja does a great job at applying Bench pressure, helping set up KOs by softening targets while Starmie ex deals heavy Active damage. It’s very deadly on decks that play around a support Pokémon or have their main setup on the Bench.
How to Play with the Starmine ex Deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket
Starmie ex offers a balance of raw power, energy efficiency, and versatility. Here’s how to use it effectively in battle:
1. Quick Setup with Staryu and Starmie ex
You play Staryu as soon as possible, and then by the end of turn two you evolve it into Starmie ex. Even at two Water energies, you can get Hydro Splash, so you can get a consistent attack for 90 damage by turn two.
2. Leverage Hydro Splash for Consistent Pressure
Hydro Splash does consistent damage to one-shot many Basic Pokémon and even two-shot quite tanky Stage 2 Pokémon. Definitely should be in a deck looking to play aggressively with weak HP attackers.
3. Use Support Pokémon for Matchup Flexibility
While Starmie ex is your lead attacker, you can pair that up with support Pokémon to play out different matchups:
- Articuno ex: Great at disrupting benched Pokémon with Blizzard, often setting it up to weaken opponents’ setup. Synergies with Misty speed up fast energy acceleration.
- Greninja (Alternative Build): Adds more damage pressure and bench sniping to knock off weakened Pokémon.
- Lapras ex(Alternative Build): Provides defense and 20 HP regent with every attack, which can be great for taking down high-damage targets while surviving.
These options allow for flexibility in case of faster or slower matchups.
4. Trainer Card Synergy
Trainer cards optimize Starmie ex’s consistency and efficiency. Here’s how to use them:
- Misty: Helps you accelerate energy for Articuno ex, especially in early turns.
- Professor’s Research: Helps you draw your crucial cards.
- Giovanni: Boosts your damage output to secure key knockouts.
- Potion & X Speed: Keep your Pokémon healthy and generate strategic retreat situations while adding more value to Starmie ex’s survival and mobility.
5. Tactical Play
Knowing when to save or spend your resources and when to make some good moves can easily win you, or lose you some games:
- Efficient Energy Use: Since Starmie ex has a low-energy attack, you’ll be often left with spare energy for backup attackers.
- Bench Management: Against slower decks, Articuno ex or Greninja can take down your opponent’s Bench while Starmie ex handles the front line.
- Retreat Tactics: Starmie ex’s zero retreat cost lets you cycle attackers freely. Use this to deny wins by switching to a healthy Pokémon when needed.
6. Miscellaneous Tips
- Backup Options: If you cannot locate your Starmie ex line, fall back on Articuno ex, stall out until you can, and then apply spread damage.
- Adapt to Opponents: versus electric decks (like Pikachu ex), focus on Articuno ex or Lapras builds since they build up more durability.
- Resource Cycling: Never run out of trainer cards like Professor’s Research ensure you’re constantly drawing the cards needed.
Matchups: Strengths and Weaknesses of the Starmie ex Deck
| Strong Against | Weak Against |
|---|---|
| Water Decks: Opponents running powerful Water Pokémon like Blastoise ex can outlast Starmie ex | Electric Decks (e.g., Pikachu ex): Starmie ex’s natural Water typing falls weak in front of Electric decks. |
| Low HP Decks: Can knock out smaller Pokémon in one hit, disrupting early-game setups. | High-Reliability Decks (e.g., Dark or Steel types): Because it has some pretty tanky cards and relies heavily on coin flips, its attacks could allow the deck to land consistent, high damage. |
So, with such attributes, Starmie ex decks in Pokémon TCG Pocket are a perfect blend of speed, efficiency, and versatility. Every novice and pro player needs to master the art of Starmie ex to get an upper hand over the meta popularity of decks. Start building your Starmie ex deck today and make waves every battle!
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