Charizard is one of the most popular Pokemon, and its dominance in Pokemon TCG Pocket has been obvious since the game’s release. As one of the key decks in the Genetic Apex format, it picked up new tools in Triumphant light. Now Charizard faces a potential usurper: Another Charizard!
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In Shining Revelry, a new Charizard ex card was introduced that’s mechanically unique from the Genetic Apex version. The newer version doesn’t have the overwhelming damage of its older brother, but it’s able to accelerate itself, making it more consistent, and even more threatening.
Sample Decklist
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Charizard ex |
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Charmander (A2b) x2 |
Charmeleon (A2b) x2 |
Charizard ex (A2b) x2 |
Moltres ex (A1) x2 |
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Professor’s Research x2 |
Red x2 |
Iono x1 |
Pokemon Center Lady x1 |
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Sabrina x1 |
Poke Ball x2 |
Pokemon Communication x2 |
X Speed x1 |
Some variations of this deck swap out Iono, Red, or Pokemon Center Lady for Rocky Helmet, to make attacking Moltres ex a little less attractive and to add chip damage. Others include Leaf or a second X Speed to more easily retreat Pokemon in a pinch. Others include the promo Jigglypuff for sleep stall and Wigglytuff for healing.
While all of these options are good, this is our preferred build: It’s simple to play, performs consistently, and includes tools for the most common situations you’ll experience.
Charizard ex Deck Strategy
If you’re a Pokemon TCG Pocket veteran, the strategy for the Charizard ex deck will feel like riding a bicycle, because it’s a close match to the Genetic Apex version. Like that version, your goal is to get Charizard ex enough Fire Energy to use its big attack, and then to sweep.
Moltres ex is your preferred first Active Pokemon: It’s bulky, has a different weakness than Charizard, and can use Inferno Dance to feel Charmander Fire Energy while you focus on evolving. So, your first turn should be spent using Poke Ball, Professor’s Research, and Pokemon Communication (in that order of priority) to find a Charmander, Bench it, and use Inferno Dance to get Energy.
On the subject of Charmander, the Shining Revelry version of Charmander and Charmeleon are both big upgrades to the Genetic Apex versions. The new Charmander deals ten less damage but doesn’t discard an Energy to attack, while Charmeleon can attack with two Energy instead of three.
Because of these changes, this line can deal 60 damage while progressing into Charizard ex, if you’re unfortunate enough to get stuck with Charmander as your only Basic Pokemon, and won’t set itself back by attacking with Charmander.
The introduction of Iono to Pokemon TCG Pocket makes maintaining your hand important. The more cards you have in your hand when you use it, the more cards you’ll get to draw. You can use Iono as a last-ditch effort to find a key card by trading your whole hand for a new one.
Iono can also disrupt your opponent’s strategy, but you’ll need to pay attention and know your opponent’s deck. Look for clues like using Pokemon Communication and not immediately playing the Pokemon they found, which may indicate they were digging for the Pokemon they intend to play the next turn.
Once Charizard ex has five Fire Energy you can safely retreat Moltres ex and start attacking. Extra Energy can go back onto Moltres ex, so it can pinch-hit with Heat Blast, or to another Char-line you’re setting up on your Bench. Use Pokemon Center Lady to heal as necessary, and Red to squeeze out that extra damage for an important KO.
Charizard ex Matchups
Celebi ex / Exeggutor ex
Celebi ex hides behind Exeggutor ex, which takes potshots while Celebi ex stacks up Energy. This works fine most of the time, but Charizard ex is fast enough to KO Exeggutor ex before Celebi ex is ready to start swinging.
Pokemon Center Lady allows Moltres ex to tank two full-damage Tropical Swings, giving you plenty of time to set up without giving away any points. Once Charizard has enough Energy, just swap him forward and start winning. If you can use Sabrina to force Celebi ex out early, that’s even better!
Arceus ex / Dialga ex
The Arceus ex Dialga ex archetype was the king of the Triumphant Light meta and continues to do well in Shining Revelry. Unfortunately, due to its consistency, speed, and durability, it’s a nightmare for Charizard ex.
Dialga ex can set up Arceus ex faster than you can usually get Charizard ex into play, allowing your opponent to pick off your Moltres ex and Charmeleon before you can even get started. Your best play is to force a retreat before Dialga ex gets its second Energy and hope your opponent can’t retreat Arceus ex right away.
Articuno ex
The Articuno ex deck from Genetic Apex still sees a fair amount of play, thanks to the increased survivability provided by Irida and Giant Cape. And while the whole Charizard family is weak to Water, that’s hardly an issue in this matchup.
Articuno ex needs at least two Blizzards to KO Charizard ex or Moltres ex, and can’t usually start attacking immediately. It’s a worthwhile trade to let your opponent take a Moltres ex while you finish setting up, after which you can OHKO both of their Pokemon for an easy win.
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