Pokémon TCG Pocket Best Decks: 2025 Meta Guide

Pokémon TCG Pocket has taken the community by storm with its fast-paced format and streamlined 20-card decks. Battles are quicker, strategies are sharper, and the right deck makes all the difference.

As of late 2024 and early 2025, the Pokémon TCG Pocket best decks center on powerhouse EX Pokémon like Charizard ex, Venusaur ex, and Mewtwo ex. Each brings a unique playstyle—whether it’s Charizard’s explosive knockouts, Venusaur’s healing durability, or Mewtwo’s psychic burst.

For players just starting out, budget-friendly options like Buzzwole ex and Marowak ex keep things competitive without draining resources. Here’s a crisp look at the strongest decks, how they work, and how you can build them.

Top-Tier Decks

Charizard ex – Pure Firepower

Charizard ex dominates with raw damage. Once powered up, its Crimson Storm attack can one-shot most EX Pokémon. The deck plays slow at first, using tanky Basics to stall, then erupts in the late game.

Image source: Pokemon.com

Key cards:

• Charizard ex – Core attacker.
• Moltres ex – Secondary attacker + Energy boost.
• Kangaskhan – Soaks up hits while you set up.

Venusaur ex – Heal and Endure

Venusaur ex trades speed for staying power. Its Giant Bloom hits for 100 damage and heals 30, forcing opponents to grind through layer after layer of recovery. With Erika as support, this deck is the definition of attrition.

Key cards:

• Venusaur ex – Main attacker + healer.
• Erika – Extra sustain to outlast opponents.

Mewtwo ex – The Psychic Burst

Image source: Pokémon TCG

Mewtwo ex thrives on Energy acceleration. Its Psydrive hits hard but discards Energy, so pairing it with Gardevoir’s Psy Shadow is key. Add Mew ex for versatility, and this deck punishes slow setups with devastating bursts.

Key cards:

• Mewtwo ex – Primary attacker.
• Gardevoir – Recharges Energy.
• Mew ex – Copies opponent attacks for free.

Budget & Beginner Decks

Buzzwole ex – Early Aggression

Buzzwole ex-decks hit fast and hard. Found in the Extradimensional Crisis set, it’s easy to build and perfect for players who like quick wins. The strategy is simple: overwhelm before your opponent can stabilize.

Key cards:

• Buzzwole ex – Main attacker.
• Pheromosa – Early-game backup.

Marowak ex – Flexible Counter

Image source: Nintendo Life

Marowak ex is straightforward, making it ideal for beginners. Its Fighting typing makes it strong against the many Colorless cards in the meta. Low retreat costs across the deck make it smooth to pilot.

Key cards:

• Marowak ex – Core attacker.
• Trainers – Boost consistency and utility.

Deck Comparison

Must-Have Trainers

Even in Pocket’s 20-card format, Trainer cards are the glue that holds decks together. Don’t skip these staples:

• Professor’s Research (2x) – Strong card draw.
• Poké Ball (2x) – Search out Basics fast.
• Sabrina – Targets Benched Pokémon.
• Giovanni – Adds damage when needed.
• Misty & Erika – Type-specific boosts.

How to Get the Cards

Building a top-tier deck in Pocket doesn’t have to be random luck. Here’s how to secure the cards you need:

• Pack Openings: Pull EX cards and staples from the Genetic Apex set.
• Pack Points: Earned when opening packs, then spent in the shop for key EX or Crown cards.
• CPU Matches: Grind tokens to trade for Trainer cards and essentials.

Pro tip: Save Pack Points for EX staples and use shop tokens for Trainers to maximize deck consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the current best deck?

Charizard ex and Mewtwo ex dominate the meta with their knockout power and Energy acceleration.

2. Are budget decks viable?

Yes. Buzzwole ex offers aggressive, low-cost play, while Marowak ex is beginner-friendly and effective.

3. Do Trainer cards really matter?

Absolutely. Even in 20-card decks, Trainers like Professor’s Research and Giovanni can shift the outcome.

4. Which deck should beginners start with?

Marowak ex is the best pick—it’s simple, versatile, and strong against Colorless-heavy metas.

Final Thoughts

The Pokémon TCG Pocket best decks prove one thing: EX Pokémon dominate the game. Charizard ex crushes with raw power, Venusaur ex grinds with healing, and Mewtwo ex overwhelms with Energy-fueled bursts.

For newer players, Buzzwole ex and Marowak ex provide affordable ways to stay competitive. As you build your collection, experiment with staples and tailor your playstyle.

At the end of the day, the best deck is the one you enjoy piloting. Pocket battles are fast, fun, and dynamic—so find your style, shuffle up, and get ready to climb the ladder.