The Case for Gyarados Ex Being the Most Underwhelming Ex Card in Pokémon TCG

The recent launch of the Mythical Island expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket has shifted the focus of players towards the new ex cards. Historically known for their impressive abilities, potent attacks, and robust HP, these cards rarely fail to generate interest. Yet, amid this excitement, one ex card has emerged with a reputation for mediocrity: Gyarados ex. This Water-type card has drawn attention for its costly and unfulfilling attacks, making it one of the least desirable options in the mobile game.

Water-type decks are a staple in competitive TCG Pocket battles, which initially positioned Gyarados ex to garner some enthusiasm. However, that optimism quickly faded as players tested the card and unearthed its shortcomings. While Gyarados ex features two visually striking designs, enthusiasm wanes when it comes to performance.

Understanding the Gyarados Ex Card from Pokémon TCGP’s Mythical Island

High Damage Potential but Costly Attack

As a Water-type Pokémon, Gyarados ex has some noteworthy attributes. One of its main features is the attack named Rampaging Whirlpool, which deals an impressive 140 damage. However, this attack comes at a steep price, requiring four energy cards (three Water Energy and one Colorless Energy). Additionally, its effect involves discarding a random energy attached to any battling Pokémon, whether it’s yours or your opponent’s. While Gyarados ex has a respectable HP of 180, sufficient to endure many attacks, the limitations of its attack dampen its potential.

Card Type	Stage	HP	Attacks and Abilities
Water	Stage 1	180	Rampaging Whirlpool: 140 Damage + Discard a random Energy from among the Energy attached to all Pokémon (both yours and your opponent’s).

As a Stage One card, Gyarados ex evolves from a Basic Pokémon—in this instance, Magikarp. This aquatic Pokémon has two variants: the Mythical Island version and the Genetic Apex version, both with a mere 30 HP. The Genetic Apex variant boasts an attack known as Splash, dealing a modest 10 damage, while the Mythical Island version has Leap Out, which allows it to swap itself with a bench card.

Identifying the Issues with Gyarados Ex in Pokémon TCG Pocket

Factors Rendering This Ex Card a Poor Investment

Several clear drawbacks contribute to the perception of Gyarados ex as the least favorable ex card in Pokémon TCG Pocket, particularly once engaged in competitive gameplay. The most glaring issue is the exorbitant energy cost of Rampaging Whirlpool, requiring four energy, which delays its usability, allowing opponents to capitalize on faster and more agile attacks from cards like Pikachu ex or Celebi ex. Furthermore, the inherent risk associated with the attack’s energy discard ability can backfire, diminishing its effectiveness for the player wielding it.

The fragility of its pre-evolution, Magikarp, adds yet another layer of concern. With a low HP of 30 and ineffective attacks, Magikarp can easily become a liability on both the bench and the field. If drawn at an inopportune moment, Magikarp’s weaknesses could place the player in a precarious situation, making their strategy far too vulnerable.

Superior Alternatives Diminish Gyarados Ex’s Appeal

More Effective Options Are Available for Water-Type Decks

The presence of more powerful Water-type cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket renders Gyarados ex redundant. Players are unlikely to invest their time and resources in a card that underperforms, especially when robust alternatives like Articuno ex and Starmie ex are readily available. Although Misty can aid with energy management for Gyarados ex, the card’s inherent risks make it a more suitable choice for other Water-type contenders. In fact, some might argue that the regular, non-ex version of Gyarados may outperform its ex counterpart.

In scenarios where Starmie ex, Articuno ex, and Blastoise ex deliver impressive damage with simpler setups, Gyarados ex emerges as a strategic misstep. This card’s reliability is questionable, often proving situational. To use Gyarados ex effectively, players require adequate time and resources to nurture it on the bench, necessitating support cards like Misty, which seem wasteful when other strategies shine bright.

In conclusion, players seeking a formidable Water-type card in Pokémon TCG Pocket should explore different options. Alternatives exist that match or exceed Gyarados ex’s HP and damage potential. For Water deck enthusiasts, focusing on faster and more aggressive cards such as Articuno ex, which can inflict 90 damage for three energy, is the wiser choice. Gyarados ex simply won’t keep pace with the rapidly evolving meta in Pokémon TCG Pocket, especially as its 180 HP proves insufficient against the relentless assault capabilities of cards like Celebi ex.

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