Strategies to Counter Meta Gyarados Deck in Pokémon TCG

The emergence of the Gyarados ex deck has reshaped the landscape of the Pokémon TCG Pocket metagame, particularly following the launch of Mythical Island. With Gyarados ex reigning as a formidable force, other players are eager to develop effective counters to this powerhouse. Notably, Gyarados ex is primarily vulnerable to its pre-evolution, Magikarp; however, defeating it requires strategizing against a carefully constructed defense.

Currently, one of the most effective Gyarados ex decks incorporates both the Gyarados ex evolution line and the Greninja line. This synergy allows Gyarados ex to deliver enormous amounts of damage, making it a daunting opponent. The key, however, lies in executing a counter strategy targeting Magikarp before it has the chance to evolve into the more menacing Gyarados ex.

Best Gyarados Deck Counter

Targeting the Bench Effectively

Hitmonlee, Golem, and Aerodactyl ex in Pokemon TCG Pocket

Effective counters to Gyarados ex involve targeting the opponent’s Bench, thereby eliminating Magikarp before it has the opportunity to evolve into Gyarados ex. Experienced players understand that allowing Magikarp to occupy the Active Spot is risky. Therefore, quickly deploying your counter is essential.

Yet, crafting a counter deck for Gyarados ex comes with its unique challenges:

The deck must also perform well against various other setups, as not all opponents will field a Gyarados ex.
Just building a counter deck may handicap you in diverse match scenarios.
Strategizing for the Greninja evolution line is equally important.

Many successful Gyarados Water-type decks primarily focus solely on Gyarados and Greninja. A comprehensive approach remains crucial, enabling wins even when facing different types of decks. Yet, if you seek a single powerful counter against Gyarados, Hitmonlee stands out as the prime option, capable of targeting Magikarp directly.

Hitmonlee, a Basic Pokémon, can inflict 30 damage to any Benched Pokémon using only 1 Energy. Consequently, by the second round, assuming you play second, Hitmonlee can potentially knock out a Benched Magikarp. However, observant opponents are likely to shift their focus to the Greninja line in response.

A synergistic combination with Hitmonlee can further enhance your chances of success. Consider integrating these two cards:

Sabrina
Aerodactyl ex

Upon introducing Hitmonlee, opponents may redirect their attention elsewhere. Utilizing Sabrina enables you to compel opponents to switch their Pokémon. If they bring Magikarp into the Active Spot to safeguard it, you can utilize Sabrina to force it back, setting the stage for an easy elimination.

Moreover, using Aerodactyl ex after Hitmonlee can hinder their ability to evolve Pokémon. Should they place Magikarp in the Active Spot, they risk missing the chance to evolve it, leaving it exposed. Alternatively, if they are forced to keep a Basic Froakie or Frogadier active, Aerodactyl ex can eliminate it as well.

Including X Speed cards in your deck will allow you to rotate your Pokémon efficiently, preserving Energy and maintaining the upper hand. Your opponent will hesitate to introduce new Pokémon if they cannot evolve them, while you maintain the ability to reposition Hitmonlee to finish off any additional Magikarp on the Bench. Hitmonlee boasts impressive HP for a Basic Pokémon, allowing it to withstand attacks from many, if not all, similarly classified Pokémon.

While Aerodactyl ex poses its own challenges for opponents, Hitmonlee’s might provides versatility throughout diverse matchups. Although it might not guarantee victory and doesn’t dominate the current meta, this combination remains a robust setup. Adding a Golem from the Mythical Island can contribute even more strength to your strategy.

Additional Counters for Pokémon TCG Pocket Gyarados EX

Alternative Strategies to Target the Bench

Several other Pokémon also serve as viable counters. Both Lumineon and Greninja can execute moves that target the Bench, allowing you to strike at Gyarados ex effectively. As both are Water-types, they face similar challenges as Gyarados decks, and you might even consider including your own Magikarp.

All Possible Pokémon Cards That Can Hit the Bench
Lumineon	Water
Greninja	Water
Seadra	Water
Articuno ex	Water
Raichu	Electric
Electabuzz	Electric
Zebstrika	Electric
Hitmonlee	Fighting
Dragonite	Dragon

If you’re seeking alternatives, an Electric-type deck might be particularly advantageous. Cards like Pikachu and Raichu are formidable contenders in the current meta, with Raichu from Mythical Island doing an impressive 20 damage to all of an opponent’s Benched Pokémon. This means a single attack from Raichu could potentially eliminate multiple Magikarp and capitalize on their Water-type weakness.

Additionally, Pokémon such as Electabuzz and Zebstrika can target the Bench effectively. Although these options may require a bit more Energy and setup than Hitmonlee, they provide a well-rounded deck that is more adaptable to a variety of scenarios. Pikachu’s Circle Circuit ability, in particular, can significantly elevate your winning odds against diverse decks in the Pokémon TCG Pocket environment.

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