Gyarados Ex: The Reigning Champion of Pokémon TCG Pocket's Mythical Island
The Mythical Island expansion brought a powerful new player to Pokémon TCG Pocket: Gyarados Ex. Its impressive stats and abilities make it a top contender, and this guide explores the best deck builds to maximize its potential.
Gyarados Ex Stats and Abilities:
- 180 HP
- Rampaging Whirlpool (3 Water, 1 Colorless Energy): Discard a random Energy from all Pokémon (yours and your opponent's). Deals 140 damage.
- Weakness: Lightning
- Retreat Cost: 3
Gyarados Ex's high HP (180) is its standout feature, allowing it to withstand attacks from powerful Pokémon like Mewtwo Ex and Pikachu Ex. Combined with a Giovanni card, it can easily knock out these threats. Even without Giovanni, strategic chip damage strategies make Gyarados Ex an effective finisher in a Water-type deck.
Top Gyarados Ex Deck Builds:
Here are two highly effective Gyarados Ex deck strategies:
1. Gyarados Ex/Greninja Combo:
This deck focuses on a synergistic approach using Greninja and Gyarados Ex, with Druddigon acting as a defensive buffer.
- Pokémon: Froakie x2, Frogadier x2, Greninja x2, Druddigon x2, Magikarp x2, Gyarados Ex x2
- Trainer Cards: Misty x2, Leaf x2, Professor’s Research x2, Poké Ball x2
Strategy: Druddigon's 100 HP provides a strong defense while dealing chip damage. Meanwhile, Greninja inflicts additional chip damage and can serve as a primary attacker if needed. Gyarados Ex then delivers the knockout blow once sufficient damage has been accumulated.
2. Gyarados Ex/Starmie Ex/Vaporeon Combo:
This faster-paced deck replaces the Greninja line with Vaporeon and Starmie Ex for increased speed and versatility.
- Pokémon: Magikarp x2, Gyarados Ex x2, Eevee (Mythical Island) x2, Vaporeon (Mythical Island) x2, Staryu x2, Starmie Ex x2
- Trainer Cards: Misty x2, Sabrina, Giovanni, Professor’s Research x2, Poké Ball x2
Strategy: Starmie Ex's zero retreat cost allows for flexible switching to Gyarados Ex at optimal moments. Vaporeon facilitates efficient Energy management, ensuring Gyarados Ex is always ready to attack. This deck prioritizes consistent and rapid attacks.
These are two of the most effective Gyarados Ex decks currently available in Pokémon TCG Pocket. For more in-depth strategies, deck tier lists, and Pokémon TCG Pocket content, check out [The Escapist](Insert Link Here if applicable).
