Lucario ex has quickly become one of the most potent Fighting-type cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket, offering players a formidable counter to the prevalent Dark-type decks. While building a competitive Lucario ex deck requires some rare pulls, it can be a powerhouse in the right hands. Let’s explore how to construct and play this deck effectively.
Core Strategy: Aggressive Glass Cannon
The Lucario ex deck aims to deal massive damage quickly, leveraging the synergy between Lucario ex and regular Lucario cards. Here’s how it works:
- Lucario ex leads the charge with high damage output
- Regular Lucario in the back row amplifies damage
- Ability to chip away at benched Pokémon (30 damage)
This aggressive approach can overwhelm opponents before they have a chance to set up their own strategy. However, the deck’s reliance on Fighting-type energy and lack of energy acceleration makes timing crucial.
Optimal Deck List
Pokémon (9):
2x Lucario ex (Shining Revelry)
2x Lucario (Space-Time Smackdown)
2x Riolu (Space-Time Smackdown)
2x Sudowoodo (Triumphant Light)
1x Marshadow (Mythical Island)
Trainer Cards (11):
1x Sabrina (Genetic Apex)
1x Cyrus (Space-Time Smackdown)
2x Red (Shining Revelry)
2x Professor's Research (Promo-A)
2x Poké Ball (Promo-A/Shining Revelry)
1x X Speed (Promo-A)
2x Rocky Helmet (Space-Time Smackdown)
This deck list balances raw power with utility cards to handle various situations. Let’s break down some key inclusions:
Pokémon Choices
- Lucario ex: Your primary attacker, capable of dealing significant damage and pressuring the opponent’s bench.
- Regular Lucario: Amplifies damage output when on the bench, creating a powerful one-two punch.
- Sudowoodo: Provides type coverage and can be a solid secondary attacker.
- Marshadow: Offers utility against Psychic-types, which are a major weakness for this deck.
Trainer Cards
- Sabrina: Allows you to switch in a benched Pokémon, catching opponents off-guard.
- Cyrus: Punishes retreating Pokémon, maintaining pressure.
- Red: Improves consistency by letting you search for Pokémon.
- Professor’s Research: Critical for hand refresh and maintaining momentum.
Playing the Deck Effectively
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Fast Setup: Aim to get Lucario ex active as quickly as possible. Use Poké Balls and Red to search for your key Pokémon.
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Energy Management: With no specific energy acceleration, make each attachment count. Prioritize powering up your active attacker.
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Bench Pressure: Utilize Lucario ex’s ability to chip away at benched Pokémon, forcing suboptimal plays from your opponent.
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Tech Cards: Use Sabrina and Cyrus strategically to disrupt your opponent’s gameplan or punish retreats.
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Type Matchups: Be aware of your weaknesses, particularly against Psychic-types. Save Marshadow for these matchups if possible.
Potential Deck Modifications
Depending on your playstyle and the meta you’re facing, consider these adjustments:
- Reduce Lucario count to 1 ex and 1 regular for more tech options
- Add Iono for additional draw power, replacing one Red
- Swap Sudowoodo and Marshadow for Marowak to focus purely on damage (though this makes the deck less consistent)
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- High damage output
- Ability to pressure both active and benched Pokémon
- Straightforward gameplan
Weaknesses:
- Energy-intensive without specific acceleration cards
- Vulnerable to Psychic-type decks (Giratina ex, Mewtwo ex)
- Relies on a strong opening hand for optimal setup
Competitive Viability
While the Lucario ex deck packs a punch, its current place in the competitive meta is debatable. It excels in casual play and can dominate certain matchups, but struggles against top-tier Psychic decks. Consider it a strong choice for climbing ranks or completing challenges, but be prepared for tough battles in high-level competitive play.
The Lucario ex deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket offers an exciting, aggressive playstyle that can quickly overwhelm opponents. While it has some vulnerabilities, mastering this deck’s energy management and timing can lead to explosive victories. Whether you’re looking to shake up your casual matches or take on the competitive ladder, Lucario ex provides a powerful option for Fighting-type enthusiasts.