Pokemon TCG Pocket’s Mythical Island mini-set has brought with it some real shakeups in the launch-era meta. TheCelebi ex/Serperior deckis arguably the greatest example, but there are several runners-up for noteworthy status, including one which combines the raw strength of Gyarados ex with the Energy-infusing ability of Mythical Island’s version of Vaporeon.
In this guide, we’ll tell you precisely how to build this latest in a growing line of terrifying Water-type decks, from the basic build and insight into its star cards to potential variations if you feel like shaking things up (or simply lack certain cards).
How To Build A Gyarados ex/Vaporeon Deck In Pokemon Pocket
There isn’t much sleuthing around to be done for the Gyarados ex/Vaporeon deck, asalmost every core card can be found either through Mythical Island’s sole booster pack or the shop’s standard Trainer card selection.
The one exception isArticuno ex, a staple of the Genetic Apex scene. Hopefully, you’ve already got it; if not,try saving up some Genetic Apex pack points or taking a detour and using another card(which we’ll drum up some suggestions for below).
Gyarados ex and Vaporeon Deck
Gyarados ex x2
Vaporeon x2
Articuno ex x2
Magikarp x2
Eevee x2
Misty x2
Leaf x2
Professor’s Research x2
How To Play The Gyarados ex/Vaporeon Deck In Pokemon TCG Pocket
The most pivotal cards for this deck are, naturally,Gyarados ex and the version of Vaporeon found in Mythical Island. It won’t work as intended if you tap into Genetic Apex’s Vaporeon instead, so keep that in mind!
We also recommendyou stick with Mythical Island’s versions of Eevee and Magikarpif possible. Genetic Apex’s will work in a pinch, to be sure, butMythical Island Magikarp can quickly jump out of harm’s way, and Mythical Island Eevee can deal surprising damage.
Gyarados ex
A powerhouse Pokemon with bulk in spades,Gyarados ex has 180 HP and one attack: Rampaging Whirlpool. Forthree Water Energy and one more Energy of any type, Rampaging Whirlpool deals140 damage.
It also causesa random Energy from either you or your opponent to be destroyed. That can be a drawback, obviously, butonce Gyarados ex is your active Pokemon, it’s highly unlikely that you will be relying upon anything else. And, if you’re lucky,this can really cripple your foe.
Gyarados ex’s bulk is enough toprevent Mewtwo ex from one-shotting it with Psydrive, even with a Giovanni attached. Its 140 damage comes without a personal Energy sacrifice, which already separates it boldly from several other destroyers, Mewtwo ex included.
Vaporeon
On the other hand, Gyarados ex’s one flaw is thatRampaging Whirlpool’s four-Energy costissubstantial. Without a luckyMistyflip, it would be hard-pressed to catch up to many speedier meta decks, especially as an evolution card.
This is whereMythical Island Vaporeoncomes in. Vaporeon’s stellarWash Outability allows you toremove Water Energy from your benched Pokemon and attach them to your active Pokemon as many times per turn as you’d like.
Did you give anEeveea single Energy so that itsContinuous Stepsattack, which deals20 damage for every heads you flip, for as long as you flip heads (!), could help out in the early game? Give it to Gyarados ex. Did you useArticuno ex’s Blizzard?Give its Energy to Gyarados ex.
Other Cards
First,Gyarados ex’s hefty retreat cost necessitates as many retreat support options as possible. As of this writing, with just Genetic Apex and Mythical Island on the market, that meanstwo X Speeds as well as two Leafs.
This same issue applies to Articuno ex as well, albeit to perhaps a lesser extent.If you start with Articuno ex, getting it to the bench for Gyarados exwithout sacrificing Energy is always a good thing.
It’s notgreatthat a full fifth of the Gyarados ex/Vaporeon deck is committed to getting out of harm’s way, but it is what it is - and it wouldn’t be a strong meta consideration if it wasn’t worth the effort.
Articuno ex has been a menace since launch, and that continues to be the case here. As always, this is thanks in large party toMisty. If you start with Articuno ex, and you either have Misty in your opening hand or immediately thereafter, lucky coin flips canwin you the gamefrom the get-go.
Gyarados ex/Vaporeon Substitution Ideas
You’ll find that there is a degree of flexibility inherent to the Gyarados ex/Vaporeon deck that isn’t necessarily seen in all of Pokemon TCG Pocket’s meta decks. Broadly speaking,treat these substitutions as replacements specifically for Articuno ex.
Druddigon
Druddigon’s a strange one. We’re notcompletelysold on its long-term viability, but it can still make its mark. If you favorgreater safety during earlier rounds, as you build up Gyarados ex,Druddigon’s 100 HP is less than Articuno ex’s 140, but losing it only costs you one point.
Of course, that alone wouldn’t mean much. Pivotally,Druddigon’s Rough Skin ability harms any Pokemon whose attack successfully lands to the tune of 20 damage each time.
This means there’s a solid chance that your opponent will be choiced betweenautomatically suffering 20 damage or not attacking at all,and either way, you benefit.
Starmie ex
A tad more frail than Articuno ex, but ruthless in itstwo Water Energy, 90 damage, attack, you can always rely onStarmie exto fit a deck. The trouble is that thisalso involves adding Staryu, sowe’d recommend only including one Staryu/Starmie ex setrather than two.
Chatot
This whimsical bird Pokemon has one “attack”:Chatot’sMimic doesn’t deal damage, but instead, you discard your hand and draw as many cards as your opponent presently has intheirhand.
This comes with the clear caveat that, well,your offensive output takes a major hit. On the flip side,plenty of players find themselves with quite a few cards in their hands, andif you can’t find Gyarados ex,this can go far toward helping you do so.
