Pokemon TCG Pocketrecently released its eighth set overall with Eevee Grove, and it single-handedly reshaped the competitive meta dramatically thanks to a few powerful cards. Contrary to what one may have expected, there is anEeveelution deck inPokemon TCG Pocketthat features three different Eevee evolutions and a total of four Eevee cards, and oddly enough, it’s also one of the best in the game. However, a new deck is already moving the spotlight away from Eevee and its evolutions, and it features one of the five most loved Pokemon of all time, which is again sitting at the very top of the meta.

It’s not uncommon for somePokemon TCG Pocketcards to withstand the test of time, such as Giratina Ex being meta in some shape or form ever since it was introduced, or Solgaleo Ex being the fastest and most consistent deck in the format for three sets in a row. Still, it’s no secret thatPokemongames don’t always treat all the critters equally, andPokemon TCG Pocketis no exception. Shining Revelry introduced a second version of Charizard Ex, and it’s currently one of the single best cards in the entire game thanks to Eevee Grove’s Sylveon Ex.

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket Tag Page Cover Art

A 2020 fan poll organized by The Pokemon Company saw Charizard as the fourth most loved Pokemon of all time.

Pokemon TCG Pocket’s Charizard Ex and Sylveon Ex Meta Deck Explained

Pokemon TCG Pocket’s Sylveon Ex is OPbecause it not only acts as a regular Pokemon card in terms of HP, attack, and similar stats, but it also has an ability that is basically another copy of Professor’s Research, allowing players to draw two cards. This is incredibly strong, and several decks in the format run at least one copy of Sylveon Ex even if they don’t support Psychic Energy for it to attack, just to have another draw engine. That’s the same thing that is happening with a new Charizard Ex deck, which uses the Shining Revelry Stoke Charizard Ex alongside two copies of Sylveon Ex.

The deck has a few possible lists, but the most consistent one is usually the same. This includes:

Some lists don’t include the Flareon from Genetic Apex, but it’s an invaluable tool to battle opposingOricorio inPokemon TCG Pocket, as it keeps Charizard Ex in check by not taking damage from its attack. As such, without the Flareon, a matchup against an Oricorio deck can be an auto-loss. Sabrina is also used for switching out Oricorio in case Charizard Ex is ready to attack, and the opponent doesn’t have another copy of Oricorio on the bench.

The reason this deck is doing great in the current meta is that Charizard Ex’s Stoke was always a fantastic attack, allowing players to build up all Energy for Steam Artillery, which then can deal 150 damage per turn. Sylveon Ex allows players to have consistent draw engines, which the new Eevee helps with, thanks to Collect. The deck is very strong and consistent, explaining why it’s one of the most played inMaster Ball Rank inPokemon TCG Pocket.

Why Charizard Ex/Sylveon Ex is an OP deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket

Another reason why this deck is worth building and using is that it doesn’t have particularly unfavorable matchups in the current meta. The most problematic decks it can run into arePokemon TCG Pocket’s Sylveon Ex and Greninja deck, due to Greninja’s ability to deal damage on the bench and attacking for 20 more damage against Charmander and Charizard Ex, and the Silvally/Oricorio deck, which can deal quick, serious damage to Charizard Ex, and Oricorio can stall it. However, all other decks in the format are either neutral or favorable matchups for this deck, making it a solid choice to rank up on ladder.