The latest expansion of Pokémon TCG Pocket, titled Space-Time Smackdown, brings an exciting wave of Generation IV Pokémon, including the highly sought-after legendaries, Dialga and Palkia. Additionally, there’s thrilling news for fans of Fighting-type Pokémon: the versatile Lucario is now part of the game, enhancing gameplay and strategy.
At first glance, the Lucario card may seem underwhelming with its modest 40 damage attack. However, its unique ability, Fighting Coach, significantly boosts the damage of all Fighting Pokémon on your team. This stacking ability can transform the effectiveness of Fighting-type decks, making them even more formidable in matches. Below is our detailed guide to building an effective Lucario deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket.
Pokémon TCG Pocket Lucario Deck Guide and Card List
Our Lucario deck shares similarities with the Aerodactyl ex deck but substitutes Mankey and Primeape with Riolu and Lucario. This adjustment allows for increased damage output among our Fighting-type Pokémon, amplifying their offensive capabilities.
We will also incorporate the Rocky Helmet Tool from the Space-Time Smackdown expansion. This item provides additional damage opportunities against opponents, helping to solidify our strategy.
Deck Composition:
- 2x Old Amber
- 2x Aerodactyl ex
- 2x Riolu
- 2x Lucario
- 2x Marshadow
- 2x Sabrina
- 2x Poke Ball
- 2x Professor’s Research
- 2x X Speed (or 1x X Speed and 1x Leaf)
- 2x Rocky Helmet
Aerodactyl ex serves as the primary attacker, dealing a robust 80 damage for only two Energy. Its Primeval Law ability is a game changer, preventing opponents from evolving any Pokémon currently in the Active Spot.
This can effectively shut down opposing strategies revolving around powerful evolutions such as Venusaur ex, Blastoise ex, and others, making it crucial to have Aerodactyl ex in the Active Spot as quickly as possible. To further enhance this tactic, we utilize Sabrina Supporter, which can force the opponent to switch their Active Pokémon, potentially stalling their evolution plans.
Another strategic option is to swap out Sabrina for Cyrus Supporter, allowing you to target a damaged Pokémon on the opponent’s Bench. However, this tactic may require some caution, especially if your deck lacks the ability to inflict damage to benched Pokémon. If you choose to include Hitmonlee, this could be a potent combination.
Although Aerodactyl ex does not have the highest damage output alone, that’s where Lucario shines. When Lucario is on the field, whether Active or Benched, it increases the damage of all your Fighting-type Pokémon’s attacks by an additional 20 damage.
By maximizing the number of Lucario on your Bench (up to two), your Fighting Pokémon can potentially unleash an additional 40 damage from their attacks. As a result, Aerodactyl ex can inflict an impressive 120 damage with just two Energy, and Lucario’s own attack can ramp up from 40 to 80 damage.
Even our backup Basic Pokémon, Marshadow, sees substantial benefits. Normally, Marshadow’s Revenge attack delivers 40 damage unless it follows a knockout from one of your Pokémon, jumping to 100 damage in that scenario. With Lucario’s boost, Marshadow can now deal 80 damage by default, potentially hitting up to 140 damage with the proper timing.
In cases where Sabrina forces a switch that places Lucario or Marshadow in the Active Spot, we are equipped to handle the transition. The X Speed Item cards will reduce their Retreat Costs, facilitating quick exits after they’ve made their moves. Given that Lucario has the highest Retreat Cost in our deck, X Speed’s ability to drop this cost by one Energy is invaluable.
Alternatively, you may consider the Leaf Supporter card, which can reduce Retreat Costs by two Energy, although that would limit your ability to play either Professor’s Research or Sabrina during the same turn.
Additionally, our deck incorporates the Poke Ball Item alongside Professor’s Research Supporter to streamline our card retrieval process, ensuring we have the right tools at the right moments.
Finally, we highlight the utility of the Rocky Helmet Tool, a powerful addition from the Space-Time Smackdown expansion. This tool allows us to inflict 20 damage back to any opponent that attacks the Pokémon it is attached to, giving all of our Fighting-type Pokémon enhanced durability and offensive pressure.
For further insights into the Pokémon TCG Pocket universe, consider exploring our comprehensive guide on the best decks and the full range of Secret Missions available to complete in-game.
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