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In Pokémon TCG PocketYou’ll want to find the right deck for whatever Pokémon you want to main event, which in this case is Machamp EX. The Fighting type in Generation Apex so far is a little weaker, as the Supporter cards aren’t as strong as some of the other options. However, with the right construction, you can still access your Pokémon EX quickly and cause devastating amounts of damage.
There are many options when it comes to deck types in Pokémon TCG Pocketeven with only one booster set available at the moment. The game will continue to evolve over time, just like Pokémon, and players will want to choose the deck style that’s right for them. The main thing to keep in mind is What is your deck’s biggest weakness?which is especially true for a Machamp deck.
Best cards for a Machamp EX deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket
Other evolutions and supporters to keep in mind
At this time, the set of cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket it is limited and therefore a little more difficult to build. However, experienced TCG players will know that being able to work with a limited set of cards is often half the battle. Players who don’t have all the cards will probably also want to know what kind of substitutions to make, as I’m still collecting all the cards in this set and have had to make the same decisions as well. Knowing when and where to choose certain cards is also part of the challenge.
As for a Machamp EX deck, the main problem players will have to solve is getting it fully ready, keeping it alive, and having a plan for if you find a psychic type. With just 20 cards, you might not be able to plan everything, but you might be able to come up with something you can work with.
Rental decks tend to feature around 15 Pokémon cards and 5 other cards – divided between Items and Supporters. I tend to build around 10-12 Pokémon cards depending on the situation, with 8 to 10 other cards.
Early on, the game will give you the mission to unlock a “rental deck” that features Machamp EX. It may not be the best deck, but it is one good place to start when you want to build your own deck. This deck features the full lineup of Pokémon Machop, Machoke, and Machamp EX, as well as the Mankey and Cubone evolution lines. However, they also include:
- Rattata x2
- Raticate x1
- Hitmonlee x1
As for the other cards, the rest of the rented deck is a distribution of 2x Poké Balls, 2x Teacher Research and a single Potion. I agree that all of these cards should probably be included. However, you should probably include 2 of each. This is because these cards are essential to ensure that you have a complete evolution in your hand when you need them. You are going won’t be able to make this deck work if part of the evolution line is missingso you need to be able to draw the necessary cards.
For the rest, the main thing you should take from the rental deck is the Cubone line, replacing the normal Marowak with the EX variety. This is for two main reasons: 1) Cubone alone can help you mitigate damage, especially if you are weak to your opponent’s Pokémon, and 2) Marowak EX is a good replacement if you can’t dig up Machamp EX, as you can also clear large Pokémon from the board all at once, if you’re lucky.
Otherwise, the rest of the deck won’t be as good. The only thing you want in a 20-card deck is consistency. You will want have consistent evolutions available and a high potential for quick attacks.
Another possible best card for the Machamp EX deck is Duglett line of evolutionespecially Dugtrio if you want a little more control. He only needs one energy, so you can build a Machamp EX on your bench while Dugtrio uses his Explore the ability to prevent your opponent from being able to attack in a draw. It’s a bit risky, but it’s one of your main potential sources of control.
As for Supporter cards, in addition to Teacher Research, you’ll probably want to look John. Since the only Fighting Supporter card with Energy potential is Brock, and those cards don’t work for Machamp, finding something that allows him to hit even harder is probably your best bet. This could very well be an early game difference that allows your Pokémon to remain active for an extra turn and it can be used without feeling like you need to save it for a crucial moment.
Complete list of recommended playing cards for Machamp in TCG Pocket
With recommendations for replacements
The following decklist is what I would build received copies of all cards based on my experience playing the game so far. There are recommended substitutions below the table.
Card name |
Type |
HP |
Ability (energy cost) |
Amount |
Booster Pack (if exclusive) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Machop #143 |
Basic Fighting Pokémon |
70 |
Knuckle Punch – 20 damage (1) |
2x |
Charizard Pack |
Machoke #144 |
Stage 1 fighting Pokémon |
100 |
Strength – 50 damage (2) |
2x |
Charizard Pack |
Machamp EX#146 |
Stage 2: Pokémon Battle |
180 |
Mega Punch – 120 damage (3) |
2x |
Charizard Pack |
Cube #151 |
Basic Fighting Pokémon |
60 |
Growl (1): During your opponent’s next turn, attacks used by the Defending Pokémon deal 20 less damage. |
2x |
Mewtwo Pack |
Marowak EX #153 |
Stage 1 fighting Pokémon |
140 |
Bonemerang – 80x Damage (2): Throw 2 coins. This attack deals 80 damage to each head. |
2x |
Mewtwo Pack |
Diglett #139 |
Basic Fighting Pokémon |
60 |
Mud slap – 20 damage (1) |
1x |
Pikachu Pack |
Dugtrio #140 |
Stage 1 fighting Pokémon |
70 |
Dig – 40 damage (1): Flip a coin. If heads, during your opponent’s next turn, avoid all damage and effects from attacks dealt to this Pokémon. |
1x |
Pikachu Pack |
John #223 |
Supporter/Coach |
— |
During this turn, attacks used by your Pokémon deal +10 damage to your opponent’s Active Pokémon. |
2x |
Mewtwo Pack |
Teacher Research #7 |
Supporter/Coach |
— |
Draw 2 cards. |
2x |
PROMO-A (get in store) |
Potion #1 |
Item/Trainer |
— |
Heal 20 damage from 1 of your Pokémon. |
2x |
PROMO-A (get in store) |
Poké Ball #5 |
Item/Trainer |
— |
Put 1 random Basic Pokémon from your deck into your hand. |
2x |
PROMO-A (get in store) |
Now this is mainly to try and keep the Pokémon in a nice place where you can have one of each Basic Pokémon on your bench without worrying about pulling a Basic Pokémon that you don’t have an evolution for. You can also discard the Giovanni Supporter card and add 1 more of Duglett and Dugtrio to make the deck a little more consistent in terms of Pokémon, with a little less total damage. It may depend on what you are facing, what you can plan and reorganize if you are doing a Solo battle.
Although it says some of the Trainer cards are only available in the Store, you will receive some of them completing missions for free.
THE The Rental deck’s Mankey/Primeape combo isn’t bad to replace for Marowak EX if you don’t already have it, as Primeape can hit back at opponents pretty hard if given the chance. They’re not exactly the same levels in terms of damage, but they’re pretty consistent and you won’t have to flip the coin.
Fossil Dome/Kabuto/Kabutops is also a possibility I considered, as Kabutops can heal itself and buy time, but it’s not as fast and efficient as these other options. However, this in combination with Dugtrio and a possible Grapploct It could be the basis of a deck with more control, but I still think leaning towards an aggressive playstyle is the way to go.
At the beginning of the game, you will probably just have to work with any Fighting-type Pokémon you havebut you can get some of these cards easily with Pack Points at Pokémon TCG Pocketso keep that in mind. The EX cards will be the hardest to get, but I received the Marowak EX card a few days after playing, and you can increase your chances just open the packages they come with.
Your The weak point will be Psychic typesand there’s not much you can do about it. Cubone and Dugtrio can mitigate this damage and buy time, but you’ll have to hit fast and hard to avoid being eliminated. No matter what, always try to play Machop in the opening hand as you can immediately attack with it and land on Machamp EX on the third turn. With any luck, you’ll have the knowledge to pick up these Pokémon cards and win with the Machamp EX deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket.
- Released
-
October 30, 2024
- Developer(s)
-
DeNA, Criaturas Inc.
- Editor(s)
-
The Pokémon Company