As we kick off 2025, the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) continues to evolve, with new sets and strategies taking the competitive scene by storm. The release of the Mythical Island mini-set has had a significant impact on tournament results, with fresh and exciting decks breaking into the top ranks. In this article, we’ll break down the Top 5 Decks you should be watching out for in Pokémon TCG Pocket this January.
1. Aerodactyl EX & Fighting Decks
One deck that has been quietly climbing the ranks is the Aerodactyl EX in combination with a solid fighting-type lineup. At first, it seemed a bit underwhelming, but recent tournament results show that Aerodactyl EX, with its reliable attack and disruption ability, has become a serious contender.
Key Highlights:
- Aerodactyl EX: This stage-1 attacker does 80 damage for just two energy, and its ability to prevent opponents from evolving in the active spot adds a layer of strategic depth.
- Primeape and Marshadow: The new Primeape with Revenge Dealing 100 damage for just two energy is a game-changer. Paired with Marshadow, these fighting types can overwhelm opponents, especially Pikachu EX and other popular meta decks.
- Hitmonlee and Mankey: Hitmonlee’s Stretch Kick attack and Mankey’s coin-flip ability add the potential for early-game disruption, especially in taking down Magikarp before it evolves into Gyarados EX.
This fighting deck’s consistency and adaptability make it a strong choice in online tournaments.
2. Gyarados EX (Water + Dragon Combo)
The Gyarados EX deck has dominated recent competitive play, with its ability to dish out massive damage while staying tough to knock out. Paired with Dragon and Greninja, it’s one of the most popular strategies in the current metagame.
Key Highlights:
- Gyarados EX: With 180 HP and a devastating Rampaging Whirlpool attack, Gyarados can clean up the board, taking out opponents with ease. Its strength lies in the synergy with Greninja, which helps distribute damage counters efficiently.
- Greninja: The Water Shuriken ability allows players to place two damage counters anywhere on the board, setting up for Gyarados’s rampage.
- Dragon-type synergy: The Dragon Pokémon further enhance the deck’s ability to control the field and deal residual damage, making Gyarados even more lethal in the late game.
However, Magikarp’s frailty remains a weakness, which is why Hitmonlee and Zebstrika from other decks have gained popularity.
3. Pikachu EX + Zebstrika (Lightning Deck)
Pikachu EX may have had its moment of being overshadowed by newer releases like Gyarados EX and Celebi EX, but it continues to remain relevant thanks to its Zebstrika synergy.
Key Highlights:
- Pikachu EX: With its Thunder Spear attack, which does 30 damage anywhere on the opponent’s board for just one energy, Pikachu can eliminate weak Pokémon like Magikarp before they can evolve into Gyarados EX.
- Zebstrika: This Pokémon’s Thunder Spear adds another layer of consistency to the strategy, helping you deal with small threats while you set up your bigger attacks.
- Den (Thunder Shock): Pikachu decks also benefit from Den, a cute but powerful card that can inflict Paralysis on a coin flip, preventing your opponent from taking major actions.
Together, these elements make Pikachu EX a surprisingly solid choice in 2025, with a flexible mix of offense and disruption.
4. Mew EX + Gardevoir (Mythical Boost)
For those who love fast and powerful combos, Mew EX remains a juggernaut in Pokémon TCG Pocket. Combined with Gardevoir and some key supporting cards from Mythical Island, this deck is hard to beat.
Key Highlights:
- Mew EX: The Genome Hacking attack, which allows Mew EX to copy an opponent’s attack, offers immense versatility in any matchup.
- Gardevoir: Its ability to Retreat for Free with the Leaf card adds mobility, ensuring that your setup stays fluid throughout the game.
- Mythical Slab: This new card from Mythical Island enables you to quickly bring Gardevoir into play, making sure you can efficiently start building energy for devastating attacks with Mew EX.
This deck is one of the most popular tournament choices, with its mix of speed, versatility, and power ensuring that it stays at the top for the foreseeable future.
5. Exeggutor EX + Celebi EX + Serperior (Tank & Sweep)
Last but not least, Exeggutor EX has surprisingly surged in popularity, offering a tanky option that partners beautifully with Celebi EX and Serperior.
Key Highlights:
- Exeggutor EX: With 160 HP, this Pokémon provides much-needed durability, allowing you to pressure your opponent while you build your win condition. Its low-cost attack puts pressure on the opponent’s board early in the game.
- Celebi EX and Serperior: Together, these Pokémon set up devastating sweeps as they quickly charge up to finish games, especially with the additional tanking support from Exeggutor EX.
Although Fire decks have been falling off lately, Exeggutor EX’s partnership with Celebi EX and Serperior has proven to be a winning combination in recent online tournaments.
Honorable Mentions
- Golem Deck: While some players are still trying to make Golem EX work, its 45% win rate in online tournaments has been underwhelming. However, there’s still potential for improvement if the right adjustments are made.
- Fire Decks: Once a powerhouse in Pokémon TCG Pocket, Fire-type decks are currently struggling to find their place in the competitive scene, with many players pivoting to different strategies.
As the Pokémon TCG Pocket metagame evolves, these top 5 decks showcase the dynamic strategies that are shaping the competitive scene in January 2025. Whether you’re playing Aerodactyl EX for its disruptive abilities, Gyarados EX for its brute force, or Mew EX for its flexibility, there’s a deck for every type of player. Keep an eye on how these decks perform in tournaments and consider adjusting your own strategies accordingly.