Pokemon TCG Pocket Meta Guide

Check out our meta guide for the best Genetic Apex Cards and Decks in Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket (PTCG Pocket). Read on for our meta speculation, the best Genetic Apex Cards and Decks, as well as strategies!

Pokemon TCG Pocket Meta Speculation

Meta Cards and Decks

Big Basics

Big Basics have always been present in every Pokemon TCG metagame, dating back all the way to Base Set's Haymaker decks. The strategy is to attack with cheap and powerful attacks and score as many KOs as possible before the opponent can set up.

Darkrai EX and Yveltal EX were a powerful Dark-type duo with varying weaknesses that were able to put out damage easily and effectively!

With differing rules from traditional Pokemon TCG, it remains to be seen how effective Big Basics will be!

All Pokemon TCG Pocket Rule Differences

Stage 1 Rush

Stage 1 Rush decks have been present since the EX Era and has persisted throughout Pokemon TCG's history. It aims to load the bench up quickly and evolve to powerful Stage 1s the following turn. While Big Basics can KO pre-evolved basics, it may have difficulty keeping up with the multiple big threats that Stage 1 Rush decks present.

Zoropod was a largely powerful Stage 1 Rush archetype at the time of its legality.

Stage 2

Stage 2 decks require more time to set up and are not too popular unless the Stage 2 is fulfilling a support role (usually supporting Big Basics). This usually comes in the form of Stage 2s providing Energy acceleration or card advantage.

Occasionally, an offensively viable Stage 2 like Gardevoir from Chilling Reign will make an appearance, being synergistic with other cards like Scarlet and Violet's Gardevoir ex.

Stall

Stall is another strategy that wants to win with alternative win conditions. These decks would typically want to win with their opponents decking out via milling, or just by outlasting their opponent's Pokemon.

Cinccino from Sword and Shield was a great option for gaining card advantage while denying opponents' resources with cards like Crushing Hammer.

Stall tactics may not be as viable in Pokemon TCG Pocket, as players will not lose by decking out when drawing a card for turn from an empty deck, and will be able to continue playing even with no cards in the deck.

Time Limit Explained

Rogue

Rogue Decks are decks that follow unconventional strategies and also want to win with alternative win conditions. This may come in the form of mill as well, or it can involve weird and exciting new strategies that are not as simple as 'Attack and KO'.

An example of this is United Wings which is dependent on the number of Pokemon in your Discard Pile that have the United Wings Attack.

Gusting Effects

Gusting effects, named after Base Set's Gust of Wind are effects that would switch an opponent's Active Pokemon with a vulnerable Benched Pokemon. This is presently seen in cards like Prime Catcher or Boss's Orders. These cards would oftentimes lead to knock outs and decisive wins.

Pokemon TCG Pocket may take a more casual approach, and opt to not have gusting effects. Sabrina is a Supporter card that has been revealed that has an Escape Rope effect (opponent chooses which Benched Pokemon to promote to the Active spot). This may be a conscious effort by developers to make games more casual-friendly.

Shorter 3 Point Format Means Quicker Games

Pokemon TCG Pocket aims to be casual and beginner friendly. Its 3 Point Format, as well as its 20 card deck limit and 5 minute round timer will wrap up matches quickly.

Less Bench Filling Strategies

Strategies and Attacks that involve counting Bench space (like Mega Rayquaza EX's Emerald Break or Zoroark GX's Riotous Beating) will likely not be seen in Pokemon TCG Pocket. If we do see attacks like these, it will likely not be as powerful, keeping in line with Pokemon TCG Pocket's more casual format.

Pokemon ex vs Non ex

By design, Pokemon ex should be more powerful than regular non-ex cards but they run the risk of giving up more points when knocked out.

Point System Explained

Stage 2 vs Basic

Basics are the most important Pokemon in the game, being necessary to start matches. Quick and powerful Basic Pokemon should outpace Stage 2 decks, unless Stage 2 decks can make themselves very difficult to KO in the late-game.

Monotype vs Multitype

Players are able to have up to three types for their decks, which they'll assign to it when creating the deck. This will influence the type of Energy that the Energy Zone provides.

The choice to add multiple types to a deck or keep it at one type largely depends on how consistent a player wants a deck to be. Pokemon of the same type will naturally be synergistic to other Pokemon that are of the same type.

Though another thing to consider are the deck sizes in Pokemon TCG Pocket. With only 20 cards and a dedicated Energy Zone, consistency may not be as big of an issue for multitype decks.

How Many Cards in a Deck?

Best Genetic Apex Cards

Best Pokemon ex Cards

Mewtwo ex

Mewtwo's Psychic Sphere is an excellent two cost Attack that can quickly apply pressure on opposing Basic Pokemon. Psydrive's 150 damage can't be overlooked, especially in Pokemon TCG Pocket's low HP meta and despite being only able to hit few Pokemon for Weakness.

Starmie ex

Starmie ex is a powerhouse of a card, being able to reliably hit for 90 with Hydro Splash, 2HKOing most Pokemon in the Genetic Apex format. Being a Stage 1, it is not that difficult to get it into play and start swinging with Hydro Splash.

Another major strength of Starmie ex is its free Retreat Cost, which lets it get out of danger easily.

Best Stage 2 Pokemon Cards

Pidgeot

Pidgeot is a Stage 2 with a valuable Ability in Drive Off, which can switch an opponent's Active Pokemon with a Benched one, similar to the effects of Sabrina. Its 70 damage Wing Attack is also a great attack, KOing most unevolved Basic Pokemon and 2HKOing most Pokemon in the Genetic Apex format.

Gardevoir

Gardevoir's Psyshadow Ability can easily set up partners like Mewtwo ex to attack every turn. It can consistently attach Energy from the Energy Zone. But being a Stage 2 can make it a little more difficult to get onto the field.

Charizard ex

Charizard's main attack, Crimson Storm is sure to OHKO all Pokemon in Pokemon TCG. This may be difficult to set up however, without some form of Energy acceleration.

Best Basic Pokemon Cards

Farfetch'd

Farfetch'd Leek Slap is a 1 cost 40 damage Attack that can quickly apply offensive pressure to your opponent's Pokemon. This is useful for keeping offensive pressure as you set up bigger threats on the Bench.

Chansey

Chansey fulfills a similar purpose to Snorlax, working as a meat shield while you set up your Bench. Genetic Slap's 60 damage is also a good number, which is also able to knock out most unevolved Basic Pokemon.

Best Trainer Cards

X Speed

X-Speed is Pokemon TCG Pocket's alternative to Switch or Escape Rope and is the best switching card available. Every deck should run this to help it be more efficient with Energy usage.

Professor Oak

Professor Oak can be slotted into every deck, and should be. Its ability to draw you two fresh cards is valuable, especially with 20 card decks. This can help you draw into the cards you need when you need them!

Pokeball

Pokeball is also a highly splashable card that can slot into every deck. It can help heighten a deck's consistency, even if it picks a random Basic Pokemon. This is an auto include in any deck until better alternatives are released.

Sabrina

Sabrina can disrupt an opponent's gameplan by forcing a different Pokemon into the Active Spot. This Supporter is especially useful in Pokemon TCG Pocket's format where there are only three bench spaces.

Try forcing out a Pokemon with high a Retreat Cost, and stranding it in the Active position!

How Do Retreat Costs Work?

Misty

Misty can accelerate Energy from the Energy Zone but will rely on good flips. Even 1 heads flip can put you one turn ahead, making this a solid Supporter Card!

Energy Zone Explained

Best Genetic Apex Decks

Starmie ex and Articuno Deck

Starmie ex and Articuno ex Deck List
Pokemon Cards
Staryu ×1				Starmie ex ×1				Articuno ex ×2
Trainer Cards
Misty ×2				Giovanni ×2				Sabrina ×2				Potion ×2
X Speed ×2				Poke Ball ×2				Red Card ×2				Professor's Research ×2

Starmie ex can go on the offensive quickly with minimal setup, while Golduck works as a backup attacker. Misty can set up all the Water Pokemon in the deck, with a single heads flip being very advantageous.

Starmie ex Strategy Guide and Card List

Mewtwo x Gardevoir Deck

Mewtwo x Gardevoir Deck List
Pokemon Cards
Jynx ×2				Mewtwo ex ×2				Ralts ×2				Kirlia ×2
Gardevoir ×2
Trainer Cards
Sabrina ×2				Potion ×2				X Speed ×2				Poke Ball ×2
Professor's Research ×2

Mewtwo ex and Gardevoir have natural synergy together, with Mewtwo being able to make use of Energy from the Energy Zone, and Gardevoir being able to provide it. Jynx is an effective secondary attacker, being able to consistently dish out damage with just two Energy attachments. The Pokemon in this deck all share a weakness to Darkness however, so be prepared against Dark-type opponents!

Mewtwo ex Strategy Guide and Card List

Rental Decks

Pikachu ex Rental Deck

The Pikachu ex Rental Deck has the powerful Pikachu ex! Its Circle Circuit Attack does 30 damage for each Benched Lightning Pokemon, letting it do a consistent 90 damage for only two Lightning Energy.

Venusaur ex Rental Deck

The Venusaur ex Rental Deck can play Erika to keep your Grass Pokemon healthy by healing 50 damage from it, making them very difficult to knock out. This synergizes with all the Grass Pokemon in the Deck, most notably Venusaur ex who can already heal itself with its Giant Bloom Attack!

Charizard ex Rental Deck

The Charizard ex Rental Deck has Pokemon with cheap and efficient Attack Costs, allowing them to put offensive pressure quickly and effectively. This deck has an uncomplicated but powerful gameplan, making it a great choice for anybody who enjoys playing simple yet effective decks.

This deck is a great pick against Grass decks.
How Do Types Work?

Blastoise ex Rental Deck

Blastoise ex's Rental Deck has access to the Misty Supporter, which can power up Blastoise ex and have it ready to use Hydro Bazooka for huge amounts of damage!

List of All Rental Decks

Aggro Decks

Aggro decks, which gets its name from the word aggressive are decks that are strong in the early stages of a game. These decks aim to win before the opponent is able to secure a board state using Pokemon with inexpensive attack costs and cards that ramp Energy to gain an early advantage.

Aggro Decks Explained

Pokemon TCG Pocket Related Guides

Battle Guides ## Battle Guides

All Battle Guides
Energy Zone Explained	Are There Ranked Battles or a Ladder System?
How Do Weaknesses Work?	Are There Resistances in Pokemon TCG Pocket?
How do Retreat Costs Work?	Time Limit Explained
Point System Explained	Solo AI Battle Mode
How Do Types Work?	How Many Cards in a Deck?
How Do Multiplayer Battles Work?	All Pokemon TCG Pocket Rule Differences
Pokemon TCG Pocket Meta Guide	Is it Better to Go First or Second?
Auto-Battle Guide	How to Change and Edit Decks
Coin Toss Bug: Can You Rig to Always Flip Heads?	-

## Status Effect Guides

All Status Effects Explained
Poison	Sleep	Paralysis