Ultimate Guide to Building the Best Zapdos ex Deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) Pocket stands out from the traditional physical card game, largely because developers have made specific adaptations to suit mobile players. One significant modification is the reduction of deck sizes from the standard maximum of 60 cards to just 20. This change has a profound effect on deck-building strategies.

With the introduction of numerous ex cards in the latest expansion, many players are keen to form a team centered around specific cards. A notable contender in the current meta is Zapdos, an Electric-type Pokémon that has garnered attention, though not solely for its individual merits.

Evaluating the Viability of Zapdos ex in Pokémon TCG Pocket

Zapdos' inconsistency due to Electric-type weaknesses — Zapdos struggles with consistency and is vulnerable to other Electric-type attacks (Image via The Pokemon Company)

While Zapdos ex has an appealing design, its performance in Pokémon TCG Pocket is inconsistent. The crucial attack, Thundering Hurricane, relies on coin flips, meaning it has the potential to inflict up to 200 damage—or alternatively, deal zero damage, nullifying the turn entirely. Its secondary attack, Peck, offers a modest 20 damage.

In comparison to its fellow trio members, Zapdos proves to be the least effective option. Articuno excels by targeting Pokémon on the opponent’s bench, while Moltres facilitates free Fire energy generation for its allies. Unfortunately, Zapdos is limited to infrequent high-damage output.

For those contemplating a deck centered around Zapdos ex in Pokémon TCG Pocket, it may be wiser to consider Pikachu ex as the primary Electric-type Pokémon. Pikachu ex provides a more reliable damage output with minimal setup required.

Recommended Cards for a Zapdos ex Deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket

CARD	QUANTITY
Red Card	x2
Poke Ball	x2
Professor’s Research	x2
X-Speed	x2
Potion	x2
Sabrina	x2
Eelektross	x2
Zapdos ex	x2
Tynamo	x2
Electr	x2

This suggested deck focuses on utilizing Zapdos ex effectively. Players are encouraged to leverage luck for successful pulls and optimal placement of energy to maintain Eelektross and Zapdos in combat. Eelektross can deal up to 80 damage, allowing it to usually take down most Pokémon in two strikes. On the other hand, Zapdos has the potential to secure a one-hit knockout through Thundering Hurricane, but this is contingent upon an exceedingly favorable outcome of four consecutive heads in coin flips.

For players seeking an ex card capable of delivering significant damage, options like Charizard ex are far superior. Charizard can unleash up to 200 damage with its strongest move, albeit at the cost of additional energy.

Although Zapdos’ lower energy requirement may seem like an advantage, it relies heavily on luck, making it an inconsistent choice. Adding to the challenge, players must also pass an extra coin flip for a chance to paralyze opponents with Eelektross, further complicating strategy development.

Additionally, Zapdos has a weakness against Electric-type Pokémon attacks, positioning it unfavorably against various decks. There are indeed stronger Electric-type alternatives that can be employed to effectively counter Zapdos ex.

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