With Cynthia’s addition to Pokemon TCG Pocket, Garchomp decks are bound to rise in the meta. However, as an untamable Dragon-type Pokemon, Garchomp can be tricky to build around. After analyzing the current Pokemon Pocket meta and testing multiple deck variations, we’ve crafted a few reliable decklists. Here’s how you can maximize the Garchomp-Cynthia combo while minimizing RNG reliance.
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Garchomp Card Overview
- HP: 140
- ATK: 100
- Text: [Reckless Shearing] You must discard a card from your hand in order to use this Ability. Once during your turn, you may draw a card.
- ATK Cost: Two (One Water, one Fighting)
- Retreat Cost: One
- Weakness: None
- Set & Pack: Space-Time Smackdown; Palkia Pack
Garchomp is a Stage 2 Dragon-type Pokemon in Pocket, featuring a unique ability that lets you discard a card from your hand to draw another from the deck. However, what has propelled Garchomp into the meta is its synergy with Cynthia, the new Supporter card. Cynthia boosts Garchomp’s attack by 50, enabling it to deal 150 damage with just two Energies.
The Best Deck for Garchomp
The most consistent Garchomp deck features a single-evolution lineup with Druddigon as the tank. You start by placing Druddigon in the Active Spot while setting up Garchomp on the Bench. To optimize the deck, include Cynthia and Giant Cape to enhance Garchomp and Rocky Helmet to strengthen Druddigon.
Here’s the complete decklist:
|
Gible |
2 |
|
Gabite |
2 |
|
Garchomp |
2 |
|
Druddigon |
2 |
|
Cynthia |
2 |
|
Professor’s Research |
2 |
|
Poke Ball |
2 |
|
Giant Cape |
2 |
|
X Speed |
2 |
|
Rocky Helmet |
1 |
|
Pokemon Communication |
1 |
Garchomp Deck’s Synergies
- Druddigon holds the Active Spot as a tank, with Rocky Helmet allowing it to deal 40 damage to attacking enemies each turn.
- Gible and Gabite complete the Garchomp evolution lineup.
- Cynthia boosts Garchomp’s attack by 50 damage.
- Giant Cape offsets Garchomp’s below-average HP.
- Professor’s Research and Pokemon Communication, along with Garchomp’s Reckless Shearing ability, help you draw Cynthia quickly.
- Rocky Helmet enhances Druddigon’s chip damage.
- X Speed compensates for Druddigon’s high retreat cost.
Alternative Decks for Garchomp
One approach to building a Garchomp deck is incorporating Manaphy. This Pokemon can take the Active Spot early in the match, generating extra Water-type Energies. While the deck still requires both Water and Fighting Energies, Manaphy helps mitigate RNG by ensuring a steady supply of Water Energy each turn.
If you opt for a Manaphy-based Garchomp deck, Druddigon must be removed from the lineup.
Here’s the complete list:
|
Manaphy |
2 |
|
Gible |
2 |
|
Gabite |
2 |
|
Garchomp |
2 |
|
Cynthia |
2 |
|
Professor’s Research |
2 |
|
Poke Ball |
2 |
|
Giant Cape |
2 |
|
X Speed |
2 |
|
Pokemon Communication |
2 |
In a recent Pokemon Pocket tournament, a player secured a top-ten finish with a Garchomp deck featuring Combee, Marshadow, and Hitmonlee. The strategy revolves around using Combee to accelerate the evolution process. (It can summon random Basic Pokemon onto the Bench early in the match.)
How to Counter Garchomp
Synergy-wise, Garchomp decks are vulnerable to Bench-targeting strategies, particularly those featuring Greninja or Hitmonlee. However, in terms of overall performance, the best counter to Garchomp appears to be Darkrai ex, which can chip away at the opponent’s tank, exposing Garchomp or its evolution line before it fully develops.
An analysis of the ten most recent high-player-count Pokemon Pocket tournaments reveals the following about Garchomp’s performance in the meta:
- On average, Garchomp decks rank 46.5 in tournaments with over 100 players.
- Most competitive Garchomp decks feature a single evolution lineup and use Druddigon or Giratina as tanks.
- Cynthia is a mandatory Supporter in all Garchomp decks.
Given Garchomp’s average tournament ranking, it’s likely that players will soon move away from it. This trend is common among Dragon-type Pokemon—they often rise quickly in the meta, only to decline within a week or two. Unfortunately, Garchomp appears to be following the same trajectory, meeting the same fate as Dragonite.
Why Garchomp Is Space-Time Smackdown’s Biggest Letdown
There are three main reasons why Garchomp is underperforming in the meta:
- Garchomp is a Stage 2 Pokemon, meaning it takes time to set up.
- Garchomp requires both Water and Fighting Energy to start attacking, making it a clunky dual-Energy Pokemon.
- Garchomp’s ability is useful but only benefits itself; it’s primarily used to draw Cynthia and not much else.
If any of these downsides were addressed, Garchomp could become one of the deadliest cards in the meta. For example, making it a Stage 1 Pokemon would allow space for another evolution line to improve consistency. Changing its Energy requirement to Water-Fire instead of Water-Fighting would better synergize with Druddigon. And these adjustments would eventually make Garchomp’s Reckless Shearing ability far more useful, beyond just supporting its evolution and attack.
