Best 5 Lightning-Type Pokémon TCG Cards to Collect in November 2024

Since the launch of Pokemon TCG Pocket nearly a week ago, players have enthusiastically delved into the realm of competitive deck building for online battles. This mobile game offers a streamlined adaptation of the traditional physical card game, resulting in fresh takes on deck compositions that fans of the franchise have not encountered before.

A standout feature for players is the option to focus on Lightning-type Pokémon. Known for their electric prowess, these Pokémon include iconic favorites such as Pikachu, Electabuzz, and Zapdos. Below is a curated list of the top five Lightning-type creature cards within Pokemon TCG Pocket.

Top 5 Lightning-Type Cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket

5. Zebstrika

Zebstrika can target any opposing Pokémon, though its damage is limited — Zebstrika’s versatility allows it to target any opposing creature, though it inflicts relatively low damage (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Zebstrika strikes a balance between speed and strategy, resembling a blend of Hitmonlee and Rapidash. This card shines in its low retreat cost and minimal energy requirement, making it valuable for early game advantage. However, its attack power tops out at only 30 damage, limiting its effectiveness against more formidable threats and ex cards.

Nonetheless, its ability to target an opponent’s bench Pokémon can be a game changer if drawn early, and it synergizes well with Pikachu ex, enhancing the latter’s Circle Circuit move during gameplay.

4. Zapdos ex

Zapdos ex can potentially deal significant damage, but is highly variable — Zapdos ex, while inconsistent, holds the potential to inflict tremendous damage with a single attack (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Zapdos ex is noted for its remarkable potential to deliver devastating attacks, capable of hitting 200 damage through a high-risk, high-reward mechanism of flipping four coins. Despite this formidable capability, its unpredictability deters many players, as a more reliable option for bursting damage exists in the game.

While it has significant damage potential, building energy for Zapdos proves challenging given the current lack of Lightning-type support cards within Pokemon TCG Pocket.

3. Electrode

Electrode has no retreat cost, making it efficient in battles — Electrode is a valuable addition to Lightning decks due to its zero retreat cost (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Electrode excels as an efficient offensive option, boasting a strong attack and zero retreat cost, which enables it to finish off weakened opponents without depleting resources. Its Electro Ball attack costs two Lightning energies and inflicts 70 damage, making it quite effective.

However, its limited 80 HP means it can be easily overwhelmed in the later stages of the game, especially as ex cards can deal upwards of 100 damage with minimal energy investment. Electrode still finds value in decks featuring Pikachu ex, maintaining synergy across Lightning types.

2. Eelektross

Eelektross provides decent damage and the possibility to inflict paralysis — Eelektross offers strong attacks combined with a chance to paralyze opponents (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Eelektross stands out as one of the premier choices for Lightning decks. With solid base damage and a potential status affliction, this non-ex card proves to be an excellent combatant. Its evolutionary line supports strong early-game tactics, thanks to Eelektrik’s 40 damage move at just one energy cost.

A critical aspect of playing Pokémon with chance-based effects is maintaining consistent damage output. Eelektross’s ability to potentially paralyze while avoiding excessive coin flip reliance allows it to perform more reliably than many counterparts.

1. Pikachu ex

Pikachu ex is easy for new players to integrate into decks — Pikachu ex stands out as an accessible and effective option for players new to the game (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Pikachu ex is a crowd favorite, especially among newcomers to the online scene. It requires just three Lightning-type cards on the bench to achieve maximum damage output, fitting well into the game’s encouragement for single-type-focused decks. With a solid HP of 120 and a low retreat cost of one, Pikachu ex remains versatile at every point of the game.

Its Circle Circuit ability, dealing up to 90 damage for only two energy, keeps it a constant threat, locking in its place as one of the most consistent and powerful options available to players.

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