How to Build the Aggressive Lightning Strike Deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket
Looking for a deck that strikes fast and hard? The Lightning Strike deck is built for speed, aggression, and tactical disruption. Featuring Pikachu ex and Zapdos as its heavy hitters and Galvantula for strategic bench targeting, this deck ensures you’re always one step ahead of your opponent. In this guide, we’ll break down the deck, explain the strategy, and provide tips to maximize its potential.
Lightning Strike Deck List
Pokémon (12 Cards)
| Pokémon | Set | Count | Why Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pikachu ex | Genetic Apex | 2 | High-damage attacker with Circle Circuit, scaling based on your bench setup for quick knockouts. |
| Pikachu | Mythical Island | 2 | Supports Pikachu ex with easy evolution. |
| Raichu | Mythical Island | 2 | Versatile mid-game attacker with consistent damage output. |
| Joltik | Mythical Island | 2 | Low-cost attacker for early-game pressure. |
| Galvantula | Mythical Island | 2 | Bench sniper that disrupts your opponent’s setup by targeting their support Pokémon. |
| Zapdos | Mythical Island | 2 | A standalone powerhouse capable of delivering quick, high-damage attacks. |
Trainers (8 Cards)
| Trainer Card | Set | Count | Why Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professor’s Research | Promo | 2 | Ensures consistent card draw to maintain tempo. |
| Blue | Mythical Island | 2 | Adds draw power and keeps your hand full for consistent plays. |
| Leaf | Mythical Island | 2 | Reduces retreat costs, improving mobility for aggressive strategies. |
| Escape Rope | Genetic Apex | 2 | Forces opponent switches, creating opportunities to knock out weaker Pokémon. |
Deck Strategy
Early Game: Setting the Stage
• Open with Joltik or Zapdos to apply immediate pressure.
• Use Poké Ball or Professor’s Research to search for Pikachu ex and Raichu, setting up your bench quickly.
• Fill your bench with Lightning Pokémon to prepare for Pikachu ex’s Circle Circuit attack.
Mid Game: Powering Up and Pressuring
• Transition to Pikachu ex as your primary attacker. Use Circle Circuit for maximum damage by keeping a full bench.
• Deploy Galvantula to snipe support Pokémon on your opponent’s bench, disrupting their strategy and weakening their setup.
• Use Blue to maintain a steady flow of cards, ensuring access to key attackers and Trainers.
Late Game: Finishing Strong
• Bring in Zapdos for heavy hits and crucial knockouts. Its standalone power can clear the path to victory.
• Keep applying bench pressure with Galvantula while Raichu cleans up weakened Pokémon for the final points.
Why This Deck Excels
1. Speed:
• With low-cost attackers like Joltik and quick evolutions for Pikachu ex, this deck applies pressure from turn one.
2. Bench Synergy:
• Pikachu ex’s Circle Circuit rewards a full bench, maximizing damage output and countering slower setups.
3. Disruption:
• Galvantula targets key support Pokémon, while Escape Rope forces your opponent into unfavorable board states.
4. Versatility:
• Zapdos serves as a late-game powerhouse, while Raichu provides consistent mid-game damage, giving you flexibility throughout the match.
Matchups: Why Lightning Beats Water
This deck shines against popular Water-based decks like Gyarados ex and Greninja:
• Faster Tempo: Lightning Pokémon like Joltik and Pikachu ex power up faster than Water Pokémon that rely on multiple evolutions.
• Disruption: Galvantula and Escape Rope dismantle strategies reliant on bench setups, giving you a significant advantage.
• Type Advantage: Lightning’s inherent strength against Water Pokémon ensures consistent knockouts.
The Lightning Strike deck is a fast-paced, aggressive option for players who love high-damage plays and tactical disruption. With Pikachu ex and Zapdos leading the charge, supported by Galvantula’s bench sniping and versatile Trainers like Escape Rope, this deck is built to dominate.
Try it in your next match and watch your opponents scramble to keep up!
