Pokemon TCG Pocket introduced a range of new ex Pokemon, with Aerodactyl ex standing out as a control card featuring a controversial ability. Before its launch, some Pokemon Pocket players hoped it would be the META-breaker they had been waiting for, thanks to its potential to disrupt opponents’ Evolution lines. However, now that it’s here, it’s tough to say it lived up to the hype. Still, we believe the decklist with Marshadow and Primeape is the sweet spot for Aerodactyl ex, allowing it to unlock its full power—which, to be honest, isn’t all that impressive.
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Aerodactyl ex Card Overview
- HP: 140
- ATK: 80 DMG
- Stage: One (Evolves from Old Amber)
- Weakness: Lightning
- Ability: Primeval Law = Your opponent can’t play any Pokemon from their hand to evolve their Active Pokemon.
- Energy Requirements: One Energy of any type to Retreat. Two Energies (one colorless and one Fighting) for attack.
Aerodactyl ex is one of the latest ex Pokemon to join Pocket. It’s a Stage One card that Evolves from Old Amber, an Item Card. Once played, Aerodactyl ex prevents Evolutions in your opponent’s Active Spot, forcing them to use the Bench for Evolutions instead. The problem is that players rarely use the Active Spot to Evolve their main DPS, which makes Aerodactyl ex’s effect somewhat futile. Regardless, this ability makes Aerodactyl ex a control-oriented Pokemon, designed to disrupt and delay the enemy’s strategy.
The Best Deck for Aerodactyl ex in Pokemon Pocket
Aerodactyl ex works best in a counterattack deck alongside Primeape and Marshadow. This trio benefits from the opponent’s early attacks, as both Primeape and Marshadow deal more damage when the team is injured. To replicate this setup, you’ll also need the Promo-A Mankey. (See the table below for more details.)
Aerodactyle ex Deck Details
|
Card |
Quantity |
Effect |
|---|---|---|
|
Aerodactly ex |
x2 |
Disrupts the enemy’s Evolution |
|
Old Amber |
x2 |
Enables Aerodactyl ex’s Evolution |
|
Mankey (Promo-A) |
x2 |
Prepares Primeape for dealing extra DMG |
|
Primeape |
x2 |
Deals extra damage when it’s hurt |
|
Marshadow |
x2 |
Deals 100 damage when played after a Knock Out |
|
Giovanni |
x2 |
Boosts the attacks’ damage |
|
Professor’s Research |
x2 |
Draws two cards |
|
Poke Ball |
x2 |
Draws a Basic card |
|
Potion |
x2 |
Heals a Pokemon |
|
Sabrina |
x2 |
Forces the enemy to Retreat |
How to Play Aerodactyle ex Effectively
Here are some notes to keep in mind:
1. Aerodactyl ex Can Interrupt from the Bench
Once you play Aerodactyl ex, whether it’s on the Bench or the Active Spot, your opponent won’t be able to Evolve their Active Pokemon. They can still Retreat and continue the Evolution from the Bench, but if timed right, Aerodactyl ex can force them to use extra Energy and delay their entire strategy for a turn or two.
2. Don’t Build a Deck Around Aerodactyl ex
While it has potential in the control archetype, Aerodactyl ex isn’t a game-changer. It’s best used as part of a broader strategy rather than the core of one. Its role is to provide interruption and buy you time to get ahead in Evolutions.
3. Compensate for Aerodactyl ex’s Blow-100 DMG
Cards like Giovanni are essential for supporting Aerodactyl ex decks. The 80 damage from its two-Energy attack, Land Crush, often isn’t enough to take down enemy Pokemon. It’s important to have a backup plan, especially when your opponent has a tanky Active Pokemon. (In the Aerodactyl ex & Primeape deck discussed in this guide, Marshadow and Giovanni help cover the deck’s damage limitations.)
How to Counter Aerodactyl ex
Strategy-wise, to counter Aerodactyl ex’s effect, simply Bench the Pokemon you want to Evolve. The Retreat cost could be a downside in some situations, but since most strategies already involve Evolving primary DPS on the Bench, it likely won’t disrupt your overall strategy too much.
If you’re looking for a strong counter to Aerodactyl ex, go with Pikachu ex. It’s a fast-building lineup that relies on a Basic ex Pokemon, meaning you won’t even need to Evolve your primary damage dealer.
Generally, Basic ex Pokemon like Moltres ex, Articuno ex, Zapdos ex, and Mewtwo ex are excellent counters to Aerodactyl ex, as they negate its effect. You can also use cards like Hitmonlee to snipe inactive Aerodactyl ex.
Despite the rise of Aerodactyl ex decks in Pokemon Pocket’s metagame, the card still struggles to secure a significant share of the META. There are two main reasons for this: 1) Its ability is easy to counter, and 2) Current META decks like Pikachu ex are strong against it.
We recommend an Aerodactyl ex deck for players looking to explore new synergies. However, if you’re playing competitively or aiming to participate in tournaments, this Pokemon won’t be the win condition you need. Still, it remains one of the critical cards in the less-popular control archetype of Pokemon Pocket.
- Released
-
October 30, 2024
- Developer(s)
-
DeNA
, Creatures Inc. - Multiplayer
-
Online Multiplayer