Gyarados deck guide (best strategies and cards)

One of the new ex-cards that came with the latest Pokémon TCG Pocket set, Mythical Island, is Gyarados' ex. Gyarados ex is one of the new cards that players should be looking forward to bringing in their packs, as it is yet another strong Water-type card with great potential in the game. Alongside other cards that already exist in the previous set, Genetic Apex, players can create a powerful deck with the new former Water-type card.

Due to this new addition, you may want to use this former card in a Water-type deck. Water-type decks are a popular battle type, as TCG Pocket provides useful and often overloaded cards associated with this type. Other Water-type decks, such as Starmie ex decks and Articuno ex decks, proved to be powerhouses in the game's battles. Building an ex-Gyarados deck is something you should consider when collecting Mythic Island cards.

Gyarados deck card list

Gyarados Ex and Greninja form a powerful combo deck

The cards needed to build a deck around Gyarados are spread across the different packs available, but you'll probably already have most of the recommended cards if you're playing. To keep things simple and effective, using just two lines of Pokémon and having the rest of your deck made up of support Trainer cards can minimize the extra time needed to start a battle. To help your ex Gyarados, a strong Water-type Pokémon to use is Greninja which can damage your opponent's bank.

Here is the decklist for a great Gyarados deck:

Like many other Water-type decks in the game, Misty is your most important support card and cannot be ignored. Because Gyarados ex requires a lot of energy to build, the deck relies heavily on its Misty cards to be successful. Other important cards include the Greninja line, which can stack to deal extra damage, along with item cards and Professor Research to search for the cards you need during your turns. It is recommended that you use some of the best cards Mythical Island and Genetic Apex.

Best strategy to win with a Gyarados deck

Gyarados Ex deals damage and slows your opponent

You want to set up with Gyarados active and Greninjas on the bench. Using your support cards like Poké Ball and Professor's Research will get your Magicarp and Froakies ready. Gyarados ex is your main source of damage, while Greninja can deal extra damage thanks to his Water Shuriken ability. When Gyarados is in its active location, use Misty for a chance to charge it with the water energy needed to start dealing damage. ​​​​​Use Water Shuriken according to the HP of all opposing Pokémon, as it can reach the bench.

Gyardos ex's Rampaging Whirlpool deals 140 damage to your opponent and slows them down by removing a random energy card from all Pokémon on the playing field. Keep this in mind when planning your turns, as it will also affect you every time you use the move. The perk you'll get can overcome the debuff you're also applying to yourself, so prepare yourself and continue keeping Gyarados supplied by applying free energy to him every turn. Evolve a second Gyarados on your bench to prepare for the chance of your asset being KO'd.

Gyarados' ex has strong potential and has become one of the unexpected cards of the Mythical Island in Pokémon TCG Pocket. Decks built around the card need important support cards like Greninja and Misty to perform well and lead to wins. Remembering to keep your Gyarados ex supplied with energy is essential to have an advantage in battles, as its move will drain energy from all Pokémon on the board every time you use it. When used to its full potential, it's a deck that's gone from the last set of cards.

Systems

Released

October 30, 2024

Developer(s)

DeNA, Criaturas Inc.

Editor(s)

The Pokémon Company

Multiplayer

Online Multiplayer