Dominance of Arceus ex in Pokémon TCG Pocket
Since its launch, Arceus ex has swiftly emerged as a top contender in the Pokémon TCG Pocket landscape. As a centerpiece of the Triumphant Light expansion, Arceus ex commands attention not only for its prowess but also for its transformative impact on competitive play.
Impact on the Meta
Many players were caught off guard by how quickly Arceus ex disrupted the established dominance of the Darkrai ex and Magnezone strategies. Within just days of its introduction, Arceus ex claimed over 11% of the metagame share, a feat few could have anticipated.
The presence of Arceus ex casts a significant shadow over existing deck compositions. This article serves as a robust guide for both newcomers and seasoned players, offering insights on how to incorporate Arceus ex effectively into your meta decks.
Card Overview: Arceus ex
- Rarity: Four-diamond, two-star, three-star, crown
- HP: 140
- Attack: 70 (potentially 130)
- Ability: Deals an additional 20 damage for each Benched Pokémon
- Attack Energy Cost: Three Colorless
- Retreat Cost: Two
- Weakness: Fighting
Optimal Meta Deck for Arceus ex
The most effective deck currently features a Steel-type composition, prominently including Dialga ex and Shaymin. The synergy lies in Dialga’s ability to ramp up Arceus ex’s energy requirements quickly while Shaymin aids in necessary healing or minimizing retreat costs.
Essential Pokémon and Trainer Cards
| Pokémon | Trainer |
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Arceus ex Meta Performance Overview
- Matches Played: ~3, 300
- Meta Share: ~11%
- Win Rate: ~59%
Shortly after the release of the A2a set, Arceus ex quickly overshadowed the previous meta, including the unbeaten duo of Darkrai ex and Magnezone. Facilitated by Dialga ex’s energy generation, Arceus ex can deliver up to 130 damage rapidly, outpacing most decks while they attempt to set up.
The ideal strategy involves starting with Dialga ex, enhancing its ability to generate additional energy, then deploying Arceus ex to unleash high damage outputs regularly.
Additionally, Shaymin plays a critical role in this assembly. By placing Shaymin on the board, players can either reduce the retreat costs or heal previous damage, enhancing their game strategy significantly.
Alternative Deck Configuration: Second Best for Arceus ex
The second-most effective deck leveraging Arceus ex features a hybrid setup with Crobat and Heatran. The abilities of both Pokémon trigger upon Arceus ex’s presence, allowing Crobat to imitate Darkrai ex by inflicting additional damage and enabling Heatran to escape retreat costs.
Fire-type energy will be essential for powering this combination, facilitating the energy demands of both Heatran and Arceus ex while benefiting from Crobat’s colorless evolution line.
| Pokémon | Trainer |
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Counter Strategies Against Arceus ex
To effectively challenge the dominance of Arceus ex, players can utilize a Rampardos & Lucario setup with Sudowoodo. Given Arceus’s vulnerability to Fighting-type Pokémon, this configuration boasts a significant 64% success rate in competitive matches.
This particular deck’s strength lies in Sudowoodo’s ability to inflict substantial damage with minimal energy requirements, especially against an active Arceus ex.
A secondary effective counter includes the duo of Gallade ex and Hitmonlee, which has proven to secure 65% of their battles against Arceus ex.
Synergistic Pokémon Abilities with Arceus ex
The Triumphant Light expansion has introduced several new Pokémon whose abilities trigger when Arceus or Arceus ex occupies the active position. The following table summarizes these cards and their respective effects:
| Pokémon | Effect |
|---|---|
| Carnivine | When Arceus or Arceus ex is active, attacks from this Pokémon deal +30 damage to the opponent’s Active Pokémon. |
| Heatran | If Arceus or Arceus ex is in play, this Pokémon has no retreat cost. |
| Abomasnow | This Pokémon’s attack costs one less energy if Arceus or Arceus ex is active. |
| (A2a) Raichu | If Arceus or Arceus ex is active, it takes −30 damage from attacks. |
| (A2a) Rotom | Has no retreat cost when Arceus or Arceus ex is in play. |
| Tyranitar | Attacks from this Pokémon deal +30 damage if Arceus or Arceus ex is active. |
| (A2a) Crobat | Once during your turn, you may deal 30 damage to your opponent’s Active Pokémon if Arceus or Arceus ex is active. |
| (A2a) Magnesium | Takes −30 damage from attacks if Arceus or Arceus ex is present. |
The Future of Arceus ex in TCG Pocket’s Metagame
As a Colorless Pokémon, Arceus ex stands as one of the most resilient cards in the Triumphant Light expansion. The likelihood of upcoming expansions overshadowing Arceus ex seems minimal, as it continues to synergize effectively with a variety of decks and types.
Nonetheless, it’s important to note that Arceus ex possesses slightly lower stats in comparison to other key players such as Charizard ex and Mewtwo ex. Should these higher-damage Pokémon regain popularity, it may challenge Arceus ex’s standing in the meta. Additionally, a resurgence of Fighting-type Pokémon could also limit its influence. However, the potential damage output of the Creator God is likely to ensure its role as a formidable secondary attacker in the game for the foreseeable future.
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