Pokemon TCG Pocket: Best Golem deck guide

The Mythical Island expansion has brought exciting new possibilities to Pokemon TCG Pocket, reshaping the competitive meta. While flashy cards like Volcarona, Mew ex, and Celebi ex have drawn the spotlight, a surprising contender emerged victorious at a massive 1,500-player tournament this weekend — the new Golem.

This unassuming strategy proved its worth against a diverse field, demonstrating the power of well-timed plays and a rock-solid strategy. In this article, we will dive into the key cards and strategies to learn more about the deck and how to make it your own.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.

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Pokemon TCG Pocket Golem deck guide: Cards you need

To replicate this winning deck, you’ll need the following cards:

Cards	Quantity
Geodude	2
Graveler	2
Golem (Mythical Island)	2
Marshadow	1
Druddigon	2
Poke Ball	2
Potion	2
Professor's Research	2
Brock	2
Leaf	2
Giovanni	1

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Pokemon TCG Pocket Golem deck guide: Key cards and strategy

Golem's evolution line as seen in the game (Image via The Pokemon Company)

1) Golem (Mythical Island)

• HP: 160
• Move: Guard Press
• Damage: 120
• Effect: During your opponent's next turn, this Pokemon takes −30 damage from attacks.
• Energy Requirement: 3 Fighting + 1 Colorless
• Retreat Cost: 3 Colorless

This Golem is the centerpiece of your strategy. Its high HP and damage reduction from Guard Press make it a formidable tank. Once Golem is fully powered, it becomes difficult for most meta decks to deal with, especially Lightning and Psychic types.

2) Druddigon

• HP: 100
• Ability: Rough Skin - Deals 20 damage to the attacking Pokemon when Druddigon is in the Active Spot and takes damage.
• Move: Dragon Claw
• Damage: 90
• Energy Requirement: 1 Water, 1 Fire, 1 Colorless
• Retreat Cost: 2 Colorless

Druddigon isn’t a primary attacker but an effective wall. Its Rough Skin ability chips away at opponents while buying time to set up Golem.

3) Marshadow

• HP: 80
• Move: Revenge
• Base Damage: 40+
• Effect: Deals an extra 60 damage if one of your Pokemon was Knocked Out during the opponent’s last turn.
• Energy Requirement: 1 Fighting + 1 Colorless
• Retreat Cost: 1 Colorless

Marshadow acts as a clutch backup attacker. When Druddigon gets knocked out, Marshadow can jump in with Revenge for an easy 100 damage, creating opportunities to finish off weakened opponents or set up kills for Golem.

All key supporting cards for this deck (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Strategy

1. Set up with Druddigon: Start with Druddigon in the Active Spot to act as a damage-dealing wall. Its Rough Skin ability punishes attackers while you build up your bench.
2. Power up Golem: Use the time gained by Druddigon’s presence to attach Energy to Golem. Focus on fully energizing it before bringing it into the fray.
3. Unleash Golem’s potential: Once Golem is active, use Guard Press to deliver significant damage while reducing incoming damage by 30. Its resistance to Psychic Pokemon like Mewtwo and its advantage over Lightning types like Pikachu makes it a versatile attacker.
4. Backup with Marshadow: If Druddigon is Knocked Out, switch to Marshadow for a quick burst of 100 damage with Revenge. This can help maintain momentum while you prepare to bring Golem back into play.
5. Supporter cards' usage: Use Potion to heal Golem, Poke Ball to search for key Pokemon, Brock to keep Golem charged and Professor’s Research to keep your hand full. Timing your plays with Giovanni can give you the edge in tight situations.

The Golem deck thrives in the current meta due to its durability and adaptability. With 160 HP and damage reduction from Guard Press, Golem is hard to take down. Additionally, its synergy with Druddigon and Marshadow ensures a steady flow of pressure on opponents.

While not flashy, this deck’s resilience and straightforward strategy make it a reliable choice for both new and experienced players.

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If you’re looking to climb the Pokemon TCG Pocket ladder or dominate local tournaments, this Golem deck is a must-try. Its success at a massive tournament proves that sometimes, the most unassuming strategies can lead to victory. Assemble your cards, practice your timing, and prepare to rock the competition.