Overview
The Gyarados ex deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket is a powerful water-type configuration that leverages the strengths of Gyarados ex and various supporting Pokémon and Trainer cards. The Gyarados ex deck has gained popularity due to its high damage output and strategic energy management, particularly with the introduction of the Mythical Island expansion.
Key Features
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Attack Power: In the Gyarados ex deck, Gyarados ex features the attack Rampaging Whirlpool, which deals 140 damage while also allowing the player to discard an energy from one Pokémon on the field. This can disrupt opponents' strategies by removing their energy resources[1][4][6].
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Energy Requirements: The attack in the Gyarados ex deck requires four energy, making it a costly option. However, it can be effectively supported by cards like Misty, which helps accelerate energy attachment to Gyarados ex[1][4].
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Slow Setup: Due to its high energy cost in the Gyarados ex deck, Gyarados ex is generally not used as an opening Pokémon. It requires time to set up, making it crucial to have a strategy for early game pressure[1][2].
Deck Composition
A typical Gyarados ex deck might include:
- Gyarados ex x2
- Vaporeon x2 (for energy management)
- Starmie ex x2 (for early game pressure)
- Magikarp x2
- Eevee x2
- Misty x2
- Leaf x2
- X Speed x2
- Various Trainer cards like Poké Ball and Professor's Research for card draw and search capabilities[2][5][6].
Strategy and Gameplay
The core strategy of the Gyarados ex deck revolves around using Vaporeon's ability, Wash Out, which allows players to transfer water energy from benched Pokémon to the active Pokémon as needed. This is particularly useful for powering up Gyarados ex quickly after it has been set up on the bench.
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Start with a Pokémon like Starmie ex or Vaporeon to apply early pressure in your Gyarados ex deck.
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Utilize Misty to accelerate energy onto Gyarados ex while managing your hand.
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Once Gyarados ex is active, use Rampaging Whirlpool to deal significant damage while disrupting your opponent's energy setup.
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Keep a backup Gyarados on the bench ready to swap in if your active one gets knocked out, ensuring continuous pressure[4][5][6].
Popular Deck Variants
1. Gyarados ex - Greninja Variant
This popular Gyarados ex deck variant combines Gyarados ex with the Greninja evolution line and Druddigon for additional utility:
Core Pokemon:
- 2x Gyarados ex
- 2x Magikarp
- 2x Froakie
- 2x Frogadier
- 2x Greninja
- 2x Druddigon
Trainer Cards:
- 2x Poke Ball
- 2x Professor's Research
- 2x Misty
- 2x Leaf
Strategy:
- Use Druddigon as an early game wall while setting up your Gyarados ex deck
- Greninja's Water Shuriken provides chip damage
- Druddigon's Rough Skin ability punishes attackers
- Build up energy on Gyarados ex for late game sweeping
2. Gyarados ex - Vaporeon Control
This Gyarados ex deck variant focuses on energy management through Vaporeon's Wash Out ability:
Core Pokemon:
- 2x Gyarados ex
- 2x Magikarp
- 2x Eevee
- 2x Vaporeon
- 2x Articuno ex
Trainer Cards:
- 2x Misty
- 2x Sabrina
- 2x Leaf (or X Speed)
- 2x Professor's Research
- 2x Poke Ball
Strategy:
- Start with Articuno ex for early pressure
- Build up Vaporeon and Gyarados ex on bench
- Use Vaporeon's Wash Out to transfer energy as needed
- Sabrina helps control opponent's active Pokemon
Key Support Cards
Misty
- Essential for energy acceleration in the Gyarados ex deck
- Coin flip mechanic can attach multiple Water Energy
- Helps overcome Gyarados ex's high energy cost
Leaf/X Speed
- Provides crucial mobility for your Gyarados ex deck
- Helps retreat damaged Pokemon
- Enables energy transfer strategies with Vaporeon
Professor's Research
- Consistent draw power for your Gyarados ex deck
- Helps find evolution pieces
- Digs for needed energy cards
Advanced Tips
- Energy Management
- Don't overcommit energy to one Pokemon in your Gyarados ex deck
- Keep track of energy count in deck
- Use Vaporeon's ability strategically
- Timing Your Evolution
- Evolve Magikarp when you have sufficient energy ready
- Consider opponent's ability to target benched Pokemon
- Use Trainer cards to protect Magikarp when possible
- Match-up Specific Strategies
- Against Mewtwo ex: Consider including Giovanni in your Gyarados ex deck
- Against aggressive decks: Prioritize early Druddigon setup
- Against control decks: Conserve resources and plan energy attachments
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High damage output with Rampaging Whirlpool in the Gyarados ex deck
- Ability to disrupt opponents' energy resources
- Flexible energy management through Vaporeon
Cons:
- Slow setup due to high energy costs in the Gyarados ex deck
- Vulnerable if not properly supported with energy acceleration
- Requires careful planning to avoid running out of energy during crucial turns[1][3].
Current Meta Performance
As of late 2024, Gyarados ex decks have become some of the most dominant in the Pokémon TCG Pocket meta, particularly when paired with Greninja, achieving a win rate of around 59%. This indicates that the Gyarados ex deck is not only viable but can compete at high levels against other popular configurations[3][4].
Conclusion
The Gyarados ex deck offers a unique blend of power and strategy in Pokémon TCG Pocket. With careful construction and playstyle adjustments, the Gyarados ex deck can be a formidable choice for players looking to dominate in competitive play.
