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With Cynthia’s addition toPokemon TCG Pocket, Garchomp decks are bound to rise in the meta. However, as an untamable Dragon-type Pokemon, Garchomp can be tricky to build around. After analyzing the currentPokemon Pocketmeta and testing multiple deck variations, we’ve crafted a few reliable decklists. Here’s how you can maximize the Garchomp-Cynthia combo while minimizing RNG reliance.
Garchomp Card Overview
Garchomp is a Stage 2Dragon-type Pokemon inPocket, featuring a unique ability that lets you discard a card from your hand to draw another from the deck. However, what has propelled Garchomp into the meta is its synergy with Cynthia, the new Supporter card. Cynthia boosts Garchomp’s attack by 50, enabling it to deal 150 damage with just two Energies.
The Best Deck for Garchomp
The most consistent Garchomp deck features a single-evolution lineup withDruddigon as the tank. You start by placing Druddigon in the Active Spot while setting up Garchomp on the Bench. To optimize the deck, include Cynthia and Giant Cape to enhance Garchomp and Rocky Helmet to strengthen Druddigon.
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Pokemon Communication
For this deck to function properly, you’ll need toinclude both Water and Fighting Energy types.
Garchomp Deck’s Synergies
Alternative Decks for Garchomp
One approach to building a Garchomp deck is incorporating Manaphy. This Pokemon can take the Active Spot early in the match, generating extra Water-type Energies. While the deck still requires both Water and Fighting Energies, Manaphy helps mitigate RNG by ensuring a steady supply of Water Energy each turn.
If you opt for a Manaphy-based Garchomp deck, Druddigon must be removed from the lineup.
In a recentPokemon Pockettournament, a player secured a top-ten finish with a Garchomp deck featuring Combee, Marshadow, and Hitmonlee. The strategy revolves around using Combee to accelerate the evolution process. (It can summon random Basic Pokemon onto the Bench early in the match.)
How to Counter Garchomp
Synergy-wise, Garchomp decks are vulnerable to Bench-targeting strategies, particularly those featuring Greninja or Hitmonlee. However, in terms of overall performance, thebest counter to Garchomp appears to be Darkrai ex, which can chip away at the opponent’s tank, exposing Garchomp or its evolution line before it fully develops.
Garchomp’s Performance in the Meta
An analysis of the ten most recenthigh-player-countPokemon Pockettournamentsreveals the following about Garchomp’s performance in the meta:
Given Garchomp’s average tournament ranking, it’s likely that players will soon move away from it. This trend is common among Dragon-type Pokemon—they often rise quickly in the meta, only to decline within a week or two. Unfortunately, Garchomp appears to be following the same trajectory,meeting the same fate as Dragonite.
Why Garchomp Is Space-Time Smackdown’s Biggest Letdown
There are three main reasons why Garchomp is underperforming in the meta:
If any of these downsides were addressed, Garchomp could become one of the deadliest cards in the meta. For example, making it a Stage 1 Pokemon would allow space for another evolution line to improve consistency. Changing its Energy requirement to Water-Fire instead of Water-Fighting would better synergize with Druddigon. And these adjustments would eventually make Garchomp’s Reckless Shearing ability far more useful, beyond just supporting its evolution and attack.
