Welcome to the most comprehensive Pokemon TCG Pocket Best Decks Tier List, updated for the Deluxe Pack ex expansion. As the meta continues to evolve with new cards and strategies, knowing which decks perform at the highest level is crucial for climbing the competitive ladder. This tier list breaks down every viable deck in the current meta, from the game-defining S-tier powerhouses to the niche but playable C-tier options. Whether you’re a free-to-play player looking for budget options or a seasoned veteran seeking the strongest strategies, this guide will help you make informed deck-building decisions and maximize your win rate in November 2025.
Our tier list is based on several key factors that determine a deck’s competitive viability:
| Name | Tier | Key Strength | Core Cards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mewtwo EX | S | High damage output | Mewtwo EX, Double Colorless Energy |
| Pikachu EX | S | Fast setup | Pikachu EX, Thunder Mountain |
| Charizard EX | S | Powerful late game | Charizard EX, Fire Energy |
| Blastoise EX | S | Energy acceleration | Blastoise EX, Water Energy |
| Venusaur EX | S | Healing capabilities | Venusaur EX, Grass Energy |
| Name | Tier | Key Strength | Core Cards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gyarados EX | A | High HP | Gyarados EX, Water Energy |
| Dragonite EX | A | Versatile attacks | Dragonite EX, Multiple Energy Types |
| Alakazam EX | A | Psychic control | Alakazam EX, Psychic Energy |
| Machamp EX | A | Fighting dominance | Machamp EX, Fighting Energy |
| Gengar EX | A | Poison strategy | Gengar EX, Psychic Energy |
| Name | Tier | Key Strength | Core Cards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zapdos EX | B | Lightning speed | Zapdos EX, Lightning Energy |
| Arcanine EX | B | Fire power | Arcanine EX, Fire Energy |
| Nidoking EX | B | Poison/Confusion | Nidoking EX, Psychic Energy |
| Lapras EX | B | Water defense | Lapras EX, Water Energy |
| Snorlax EX | B | High HP tank | Snorlax EX, Colorless Energy |
| Name | Tier | Key Strength | Core Cards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pidgeot EX | C | Search ability | Pidgeot EX, Colorless Energy |
| Tauros EX | C | Rage mechanic | Tauros EX, Colorless Energy |
| Farfetch’d EX | C | Cheap attacker | Farfetch’d EX, Colorless Energy |
| Mew EX | C | Copy attacks | Mew EX, Psychic Energy |
| Magikarp EX | C | Evolution setup | Magikarp EX, Water Energy |
Mewtwo EX stands as the undisputed king of the current meta, combining incredible damage output with reasonable energy requirements. Its X-Ball attack deals damage based on the opponent’s energy, making it effective against virtually every deck in the format. With access to Double Colorless Energy, Mewtwo can attack as early as turn two, putting immediate pressure on opponents. The deck’s consistency comes from its simple game plan and low energy curve, while its versatility allows it to adapt to different matchups. The main weakness is vulnerability to Fighting-type decks, but proper support Pokemon can mitigate this issue. For players looking to climb ranks quickly, Mewtwo EX offers the highest win rate and most straightforward path to victory.
Pikachu EX has risen to S-tier status with the release of Deluxe Pack ex, thanks to its incredible speed and consistency. The Thunder Mountain stadium card reduces Lightning Energy requirements, allowing Pikachu to attack with just one energy. Its Spark attack deals 70 damage for a single Lightning Energy, while Thunderbolt can one-shot most EX Pokemon at the cost of discarding all energy. The deck’s strength lies in its ability to set up quickly and maintain pressure throughout the game. With proper energy recovery cards, Pikachu can repeatedly use Thunderbolt without running out of resources. The main weakness is the self-damage from Thunderbolt, but healing support can address this issue. Pikachu EX excels in aggressive matchups and struggles against decks with high HP or healing capabilities.
Charizard EX represents the pinnacle of power in the current meta, capable of dealing massive damage once set up. Its Crimson Storm attack deals 300 damage but requires three Fire Energy and discards two, making it a high-risk, high-reward option. The deck’s strength comes from its ability to one-shot virtually any Pokemon in the format, including other EX cards. With proper energy acceleration and recovery, Charizard can consistently use its powerful attack turn after turn. The main challenge is surviving the setup phase, as Charizard requires significant energy investment. Fire support cards like Blacksmith and Volcanion EX help accelerate energy attachment, while healing cards can keep Charizard healthy during setup. Charizard EX performs best against slow, defensive decks and struggles against fast aggressive decks that can overwhelm it before it’s set up.
Blastoise EX has dominated the meta since its introduction, thanks to its incredible energy acceleration ability. Its Deluge Power allows you to attach as many Water Energy as you want to your Water Pokemon in a single turn, enabling massive power spikes. The deck’s strength lies in its ability to set up multiple attackers quickly and overwhelm opponents with sheer numbers. With access to powerful Water attackers like Keldeo EX and Gyarados EX, Blastoise can adapt to any situation. The main weakness is vulnerability to ability lock cards that prevent Deluge from working. Blastoise EX excels in long games where it can fully utilize its energy acceleration and struggles against decks that can disrupt its setup or win quickly before Blastoise can establish its board presence.
Venusaur EX has carved out its place in the S-tier thanks to its incredible healing capabilities and tanky nature. Its Jungle Heal ability allows you to heal 30 damage from each of your Pokemon between turns, creating a defensive wall that many decks struggle to break. The deck’s strength comes from its ability to outlast opponents in prolonged battles, gradually wearing them down while maintaining your own board health. With access to powerful Grass attackers like Sceptile EX and Breloom EX, Venusaur can deal significant damage while maintaining its defensive posture. The main weakness is the relatively slow damage output, which can be exploited by aggressive decks. Venusaur EX performs best against control and midrange decks and struggles against hyper-aggressive decks that can deal more damage than Venusaur can heal.
Gyarados EX offers a unique blend of high HP and powerful attacks that place it firmly in the A-tier. With 180 HP and resistance to Lightning, Gyarados can withstand significant punishment while dishing out damage with its Dragon Rage attack, which deals a consistent 100 damage. The deck’s strength lies in its ability to function as both an attacker and a tank, providing flexibility in various matchups. With proper energy acceleration, Gyarados can attack consistently while maintaining its presence on the field. The main weakness is the retreat cost, which can make switching difficult without support cards. Gyarados EX excels in matchups where it can leverage its high HP and struggles against decks with powerful Fighting-type attackers or those that can bypass its high HP with special conditions.
Dragonite EX has established itself as a versatile threat in the A-tier, thanks to its multi-type energy requirements and powerful attacks. Its Hurricane attack deals 120 damage and requires one of each energy type, making it challenging to set up but incredibly powerful once operational. The deck’s strength comes from its ability to hit for weakness against a wide variety of types, giving it favorable matchups against much of the meta. With proper energy acceleration and search cards, Dragonite can consistently power up its devastating attacks. The main weakness is the complex energy requirements, which can lead to inconsistent performance if the deck doesn’t draw the right energy types. Dragonite EX performs best against decks that are weak to Dragon or multiple types and struggles against decks that can disrupt energy attachment or exploit its weaknesses.
Alakazam EX has carved out its niche in the A-tier with its unique psychic control strategy. Its Mind Shock attack deals 80 damage and prevents the opponent from playing Trainer cards on their next turn, disrupting their game plan significantly. The deck’s strength comes from its ability to control the flow of the game while building up damage over time. With access to powerful Psychic support like Mewtwo EX and Espeon EX, Alakazam can create a formidable psychic presence on the field. The main weakness is the relatively low damage output compared to other EX cards, which can be exploited by aggressive decks. Alakazam EX excels in control matchups where it can disrupt the opponent’s strategy and struggles against hyper-aggressive decks that can win before Alakazam can establish its control.
Machamp EX has proven its worth in the A-tier with its powerful Fighting-type attacks and solid stats. Its Steaming Mad attack deals 100 damage plus 20 more for each damage counter on Machamp, rewarding aggressive playstyles. The deck’s strength comes from its ability to deal massive damage while withstanding significant punishment thanks to its 170 HP. With proper Fighting support like Hawlucha and Lucario EX, Machamp can consistently apply pressure while maintaining board presence. The main weakness is vulnerability to Psychic-type attacks and the self-damage from its own attack, which can lead to quick knockouts if not managed carefully. Machamp EX performs best against decks weak to Fighting and struggles against Psychic decks or those with high damage output that can exploit Machamp’s self-damage.
Gengar EX has found its place in the A-tier with its unique poison strategy that can wear down opponents over time. Its Haunter attack deals 60 damage and poisons the opponent, while its Dream Eater deals 100 damage plus 50 more if the opponent is asleep. The deck’s strength comes from its ability to apply special conditions that gradually weaken the opponent while setting up for powerful attacks. With access to Psychic support like Hypno and Mewtwo EX, Gengar can create a versatile strategy that adapts to different situations. The main weakness is the reliance on special conditions, which can be removed by certain cards or abilities. Gengar EX excels in matchups where it can apply consistent pressure with poison and struggles against decks that can remove special conditions or heal damage quickly.
Zapdos EX offers a fast, aggressive option in the B-tier with its Lightning-type attacks and reasonable energy requirements. Its Thunder attack deals 70 damage for just two Lightning Energy, while its Thunderbolt deals 120 damage but requires discarding all energy. The deck’s strength comes from its ability to apply early pressure and potentially one-shot weaker Pokemon with minimal energy investment. With proper Lightning support like Jolteon EX and Thunder Mountain, Zapdos can attack consistently while maintaining board presence. The main weakness is the self-damage from Thunderbolt and vulnerability to Fighting-type attacks. Zapdos EX performs best against decks weak to Lightning and struggles against Fighting decks or those with high HP that can withstand its attacks.
Arcanine EX provides a solid Fire-type option in the B-tier with its balanced stats and reliable attacks. Its Flame Tail deals 80 damage for three Fire Energy, while its Flare Blitz deals 120 damage but requires discarding two Fire Energy. The deck’s strength comes from its ability to deal consistent damage while maintaining reasonable energy requirements. With proper Fire support like Charizard EX and Volcanion EX, Arcanine can function as a secondary attacker or primary threat depending on the matchup. The main weakness is the energy discard from Flare Blitz and vulnerability to Water-type attacks. Arcanine EX performs best against decks weak to Fire and struggles against Water decks or those with high HP that can withstand its attacks.
Nidoking EX offers a unique Poison/Confusion strategy in the B-tier that can disrupt opponents while dealing damage. Its Poison Sting deals 30 damage and poisons the opponent, while its Horn Drill deals 70 damage and confuses the opponent. The deck’s strength comes from its ability to apply multiple special conditions that can disrupt the opponent’s strategy while building up damage. With proper Psychic support like Nidoqueen EX and Beedrill EX, Nidoking can create a versatile strategy that adapts to different situations. The main weakness is the reliance on special conditions, which can be removed by certain cards or abilities. Nidoking EX excels in matchups where it can apply consistent pressure with special conditions and struggles against decks that can remove special conditions or heal damage quickly.
Lapras EX provides a defensive Water-type option in the B-tier with its high HP and reliable attacks. Its Ice Beam deals 60 damage and may paralyze the opponent, while its Hydro Pump deals 70 damage plus 20 more for each Water Energy attached. The deck’s strength comes from its ability to withstand significant punishment while dealing consistent damage. With proper Water support like Blastoise EX and Gyarados EX, Lapras can function as a tank that gradually wears down opponents. The main weakness is the relatively low damage output compared to other EX cards and vulnerability to Grass-type attacks. Lapras EX performs best in matchups where it can leverage its high HP and struggles against decks with high damage output or those weak to Grass.
Snorlax EX offers a unique defensive option in the B-tier with its incredibly high HP and Colorless typing. Its Body Slam deals 60 damage and may paralyze the opponent, while its Yawn deals 30 damage and puts the opponent to sleep. The deck’s strength comes from its ability to withstand massive amounts of damage while applying disruptive status conditions. With proper Colorless support like Tauros EX and Pidgeot EX, Snorlax can create a defensive wall that many decks struggle to break. The main weakness is the inability to retreat without support cards and the relatively low damage output. Snorlax EX performs best in matchups where it can leverage its high HP and struggles against decks with high damage output or those that can bypass its high HP with special conditions.
Pidgeot EX offers a unique search ability in the C-tier that can provide consistency to certain deck types. Its Beak Catcher ability allows you to search your deck for any card when you play it from your hand, providing valuable deck thinning and consistency. Its Hurricane attack deals 70 damage for three Colorless Energy, offering reasonable damage output for its energy cost. The deck’s strength comes from its ability to search for key cards at crucial moments, potentially turning the tide of a game. With proper Colorless support like Farfetch’d EX and Tauros EX, Pidgeot can function as a utility card that provides consistency while dealing respectable damage. The main weakness is the relatively low damage output compared to other EX cards and vulnerability to Lightning-type attacks. Pidgeot EX performs best in decks that benefit from additional search capabilities and struggles against decks with high damage output or those weak to Lightning.
Tauros EX offers a unique Rage mechanic in the C-tier that can deal increasing damage as it takes damage. Its Revenge attack deals 20 damage plus 20 more for each damage counter on Tauros, rewarding aggressive playstyles. Its Bull Rush deals 50 damage but also deals 20 damage to itself, providing a high-risk, high-reward option. The deck’s strength comes from its ability to deal increasing damage as the game progresses, potentially one-shotting opponents in the late game. With proper Colorless support like Snorlax EX and Pidgeot EX, Tauros can function as a late-game threat that can turn the tide of a game. The main weakness is the self-damage from Bull Rush and vulnerability to Fighting-type attacks. Tauros EX performs best in matchups where it can leverage its Rage mechanic and struggles against Fighting decks or those with high damage output that can knock it out before it can build up damage.
Farfetch’d EX offers a cheap attacking option in the C-tier with its low energy requirements and reasonable damage output. Its Leek Slap deals 30 damage for just one Colorless Energy, making it an early-game attacker that can apply pressure immediately. Its Fury Attack deals 50 damage for two Colorless Energy, providing a more powerful option once more energy is available. The deck’s strength comes from its ability to attack quickly and consistently with minimal energy investment. With proper Colorless support like Pidgeot EX and Tauros EX, Farfetch’d can function as an early-game attacker that transitions into a mid-game threat. The main weakness is the relatively low damage output compared to other EX cards and vulnerability to all types due to its Colorless typing. Farfetch’d EX performs best in matchups where it can leverage its low energy requirements and struggles against decks with high HP or high damage output.
Mew EX offers a unique copy ability in the C-tier that can adapt to various situations. Its Genome ability allows Mew to use the attacks of any Pokemon in your discard pile, providing incredible versatility in certain matchups. Its Psychic attack deals 50 damage for two Psychic Energy, offering a reliable damage option when needed. The deck’s strength comes from its ability to adapt to different situations by copying attacks from various Pokemon in the discard pile. With proper Psychic support like Mewtwo EX and Alakazam EX, Mew can function as a versatile attacker that can handle various threats. The main weakness is the reliance on having specific Pokemon in the discard pile and vulnerability to Darkness-type attacks. Mew EX performs best in matchups where it can leverage its copy ability and struggles against decks with high damage output or those weak to Darkness.
Magikarp EX offers a unique evolution setup option in the C-tier that can provide value in certain deck types. Its Flail attack deals 10 damage for each damage counter on Magikarp, potentially dealing significant damage if Magikarp has taken damage. Its Splash attack deals 10 damage for one Colorless Energy, providing a minimal damage option. The deck’s strength comes from its ability to function as an evolution setup card that can potentially deal damage in a pinch. With proper Water support like Gyarados EX and Lapras EX, Magikarp can function as an early-game setup card that transitions into a powerful Gyarados EX. The main weakness is the incredibly low damage output and vulnerability to all types due to its Water typing. Magikarp EX performs best in decks that benefit from additional evolution setup and struggles against decks with high damage output or those that can knock it out before it can evolve.
Based on current meta data and tournament results, Mewtwo EX stands as the best deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket Deluxe Pack ex. Its combination of high damage output, reasonable energy requirements, and versatility against various matchups makes it the top choice for competitive players. However, the best deck for you may depend on your playstyle and the cards you have available.
This tier list is updated monthly to reflect changes in the meta, new card releases, and tournament results. We constantly analyze gameplay data and community feedback to ensure our rankings remain accurate and relevant. Major balance changes or new card releases may prompt additional updates between our regular monthly updates.
Absolutely! While higher-tier decks generally offer better win rates, skilled players can find success with any deck on this list. Lower-tier decks often have specific matchups where they excel, and with proper practice and understanding of the meta, you can achieve great results even with B or C-tier decks. The most important factor is your familiarity with your chosen deck and your ability to play it optimally.
We evaluate decks based on several key factors: win rate against the field, consistency in executing their game plan, power level when operating optimally, flexibility in different matchups, skill ceiling in experienced hands, and overall impact on the competitive meta. These factors combine to give us a comprehensive view of each deck’s competitive viability.
Countering top-tier decks requires understanding their strengths and weaknesses. For example, Mewtwo EX struggles against Fighting-type decks and ability disruption, while Pikachu EX is vulnerable to healing and energy disruption. Building your deck with specific counters to the top-tier strategies in your local meta can give you a significant advantage, even if you’re using a lower-tier deck.
For more Pokemon TCG Pocket strategies and deck guides, visit Boundbyflame.com where we cover everything from beginner tips to advanced competitive strategies.
