
In addition to acquiring new cards through booster packs from various expansions in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, players can enhance their gaming experience by building effective decks. A deck consists of any 20 cards a player chooses from their collection. These decks can be utilized in numerous gameplay modes, including player-versus-player (PvP) battles and player-versus-computer encounters like Step-Up battles and special time-limited events.
Among the diverse elemental Types present in Pokémon TCG Pocket, the Lightning Type boasts several standout cards that hold significant value in the current meta. These decks typically feature ex Pokémon as primary Aces, supportive secondary Pokémon, and essential Supporter cards that facilitate the execution of strategies, creating powerful synergies. For those curious about the top Lightning Type decks in the game, the following guide delves into the best builds along with comprehensive card lists.
Top Lightning Decks in Pokémon TCG Pocket

While the number of established Lightning Type Aces in the meta may be fewer compared to other Types, several key cards have consistently formed the backbone of powerful decks. Cards such as Pikachu ex and LT. Surge enhance these decks, offering essential Energy support for numerous Lightning Pokémon. Below are the standout Lightning deck configurations.
Pikachu ex

Pikachu ex made waves with its introduction in the Genetix Apex set, emerging as one of the few consistently high-ranking decks in the meta. This Pokémon can deal increasing damage each turn based on the number of benched Pokémon; its Circle Circuit move inflicts 30 damage for each benched ally. Pairing with Zapdos ex enhances its power; the Thundering Hurricane attack inflicts 50 damage per successful coin flip—capable of reaching a maximum of 200 damage—eliminating many ex cards, including Venusaur ex.
Blitzle and Zebstrika fit well as additional bench options, and they can serve as initial Active Pokémon until your ex cards are drawn. Zebstrika, with its 1-Energy Retreat cost, allows for seamless transitions with X Speed. Electabuzz primarily provides support while also being a swift basic Pokémon, capable of knocking out many early-game non-ex cards. The remainder of the Supporter cards within the deck aims to disrupt your opponent’s strategy, ensuring your ex cards maintain their position in the Active Spot through health restoration and incoming damage reduction.
Card Name | Quantity | Set & Number |
---|---|---|
Pikachu ex | x2 | Genetic Apex, A1 096 |
Zapdos ex | x2 | Genetic Apex, A1 104 |
Blitzle | x2 | Genetic Apex, A1 105 |
Zebstrika | x2 | Genetic Apex, A1 106 |
Electabuzz | x1 | Mythical Island, A1a 027 |
X Speed | x2 | Shop Promo #2 |
Poke Ball | x2 | Shop Promo #5 |
Potion | x1 | Shop Promo #1 |
Blue | x1 | Mythical Island, A1a 067 |
Sabrina | x2 | Genetic Apex, A1 225 |
John | x1 | Genetic Apex, A1 223 |
Professor’s Research | x2 | Shop Promo #7 |
Lt. Surge

Lt. Surge serves as a robust Supporter card that complements several prominent Lightning Type Pokémon, including Raichu, Electrode, and Electabuzz. Raichu stands out as an effective Ace, while Electabuzz contributes well as a solid secondary option. Electrode, however, tends to be less effective and is better replaced by other supporting Pokémon.
Raichu’s ability to attack all Pokémon on the opponent’s bench while also dealing substantial damage to the Active Pokémon makes it a vital asset. Dedenne adds versatility by inflicting paralysis and can enter the battle as a Basic Pokémon. Electabuzz serves as a strong early game option, capable of KO’ing many non-ex basic Pokémon in two turns. Finally, pairing Zapdos ex with Raichu provides a formidable Ace that can deliver abundant damage through favorable coin flips.
Lt. Surge’s ability to transfer Energy from benched Pokémon to Raichu enhances its effectiveness in the Active Spot. Other cards like Giovanni, Sabrina, and X Speed contribute valuable options for disrupting the opponent’s actions and strategically rotating cards into play, while Professor’s Research and Poke Ball facilitate drawing the needed cards.
Card Name | Quantity | Set & Number |
---|---|---|
Pikachu | x2 | Mythical Island, A1a 025 |
Raichu | x2 | Mythical Island, A1a 026 |
Zapdos ex | x2 | Genetic Apex, A1 104 |
Electabuzz | x2 | Mythical Island, A1a 027 |
This one | x1 | Mythical Island, A1a 030 |
X Speed | x2 | Shop Promo #2 |
Poke Ball | x2 | Shop Promo #5 |
Lt. Surge | x2 | Genetic Apex, A1 226 |
Sabrina | x2 | Genetic Apex, A1 225 |
John | x1 | Genetic Apex, A1 223 |
Professor’s Research | x2 | Shop Promo #7 |
On the way out

The introduction of Pachirisu ex with the Space-Time Smackdown expansion has made a significant impact on the Lightning Type deck meta. This Pokémon’s advantage as a basic Pokémon allows it to enter play on the very first turn; when paired with a Pokémon Tool, it can deal up to 80 damage per turn. Pikachu ex serves as an ideal secondary Ace, taking over as the damage dealer once the bench is properly developed. Finally, Zapdos ex rounds out this powerful trio with its high-damage potential reliant on coin flip results.
Incorporating tools like Giant Cape and Rocky Helmet enhances Pachirisu’s Sparking Gadget attack by either increasing damage or providing additional HP. The card Cyrus applies pressure by bringing in a damaged benched Pokémon for an easy knockout, while standard cards like X Speed, Poke Ball, and Professor’s Research complete the strategy.
Card Name | Quantity | Set & Number |
---|---|---|
Pikachu | x2 | Mythical Island, A1a 025 |
Raichu | x2 | Mythical Island, A1a 026 |
Pikachu ex | x2 | Genetic Apex, A1 096 |
Giant Cape | x2 | Space-Time Smackdown, A2 147 |
Rocky Helmet | x2 | Space-Time Smackdown, A2 148 |
X Speed | x2 | Shop Promo #2 |
Poke Ball | x2 | Shop Promo #5 |
Cyrus | x2 | Space-Time Smackdown, A2 150 |
Sabrina | x2 | Genetic Apex, A1 225 |
Professor’s Research | x2 | Shop Promo #7 |
Pikachu ex / Raichu

This iteration of the classic Pikachu ex deck incorporates Raichu from Genetic Apex as an additional powerful damage dealer. Raichu has the potential to discard all energies to deal an astonishing 140 damage in one turn, sufficient to knock out numerous ex cards that typically lead decks. Pikachu ex maintains a steady flow of damage output with just a 2 Energy cost, while Zapdos ex serves as yet another strong attacker whose damage potential can hit 200 with favorable coin results—enabling 1-hit KOs on nearly any foe.
Dedenne provides strategic utility by inflicting paralysis, which can significantly disrupt an opponent’s moves. The Supporter card Lt. Surge is crucial in transferring energy to Raichu or Zapdos ex for hefty strikes, while Sabrina can help regain control after switching from an Active Pokémon affected by paralysis. The rest of the deck showcases X Speed, Potion, Professor’s Research, and Poke Ball for added effectiveness.
Card Name | Quantity | Set & Number |
---|---|---|
Pikachu ex | x2 | Genetic Apex, A1 096 |
Pikachu | x2 | Mythical Island, A1a 025 |
Raichu | x2 | Genetic Apex, A1 095 |
Zapdos ex | x2 | Genetic Apex, A1 104 |
This one | x1 | Mythical Island, A1a 030 |
X Speed | x2 | Shop Promo #2 |
Poke Ball | x2 | Shop Promo #5 |
Potion | x1 | Shop Promo #1 |
Sabrina | x2 | Genetic Apex, A1 225 |
Lt. Surge | x2 | Genetic Apex, A1 226 |
Professor’s Research | x2 | Shop Promo #7 |
For more in-depth strategies and guides, check out our original source and images here.
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